Bolster
| Bolster | |
|---|---|
| Keyword Action | |
| Introduced | Fate Reforged |
| Last used | March of the Machine Commander |
| Reminder Text | Bolster N (Choose a creature you control with the least toughness or tied for the least toughness among creatures you control. Put N +1/+1 counters on that creature.) |
| Storm Scale | 5[1] |
| Scryfall Statistics | |
Bolster is a keyword action introduced in Fate Reforged where it replaced Outlast from Khans of Tarkir as the mechanic associated with the Abzan Houses.[2][3] Bolster is also featured in Dragons of Tarkir, associated with Clan Dromoka.[4]
Bolster was one of the non-evergreen, non-deciduous keywords included in the Unfinity sticker sheets.
Description
When Bolster N, you choose a creature with the least toughness or tied with the least toughness among creatures you control and put N +1/+1 counters on it.
Bolster was considered middling in popularity and could be utilized as a rider on a variety of spells with a low chance of being overpowering.[5] Despite the acceptably middling Storm Scale, Bolster has yet to return, contrasting with Support, a similar mechanic with a worse Storm Scale value, which debuted in Oath of the Gatewatch had a return in Battlebond.
Rules
From the glossary of the Comprehensive Rules (November 14, 2025—Avatar: The Last Airbender)
- Bolster
- A keyword action that puts +1/+1 counters on the weakest creature a player controls. See rule 701.39, “Bolster.”
From the Comprehensive Rules (November 14, 2025—Avatar: The Last Airbender)
- 701.39. Bolster
- 701.39a “Bolster N” means “Choose a creature you control with the least toughness or tied for least toughness among creatures you control. Put N +1/+1 counters on that creature.”
Rulings
From the Release Notes for Fate Reforged (November 24, 2014)[3]
- Bolster itself doesn’t target any creature, though some spells and abilities that bolster may have other effects that target creatures. For example, you could put counters on a creature with protection from white with Abzan Skycaptain's bolster ability.
- You determine which creature to put counters on as the spell or ability that instructs you to bolster resolves.
Examples
Example
Honor's Reward 
Instant
You gain 4 life. Bolster 2. (Choose a creature with the least toughness or tied with the least toughness among creatures you control and put two +1/+1 counters on it.)
References
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (February 29, 2016). "Storm Scale: Khans of Tarkir Block". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Matt Tabak (December 29, 2014). "Mechanics of Fate Reforged". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ a b Wizards of the Coast (January 14, 2015). "Fate Reforged Release Notes". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast. Archived from the original on 2020-05-31.
- ↑ Matt Tabak (March 2, 2015). "Mechanics of Dragons of Tarkir". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
- ↑ Mark Rosewater (February 29, 2016). "Storm Scale: Khans of Tarkir Block". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
