Bolster

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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]
Statistics
25 cards
{C} 4% {W} 52% {G} 32% {G/W} 4% {M} 8%
Scryfall Search
keyword:"Bolster"

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 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 (June 7, 2024—Modern Horizons 3)

Bolster
A keyword action that puts +1/+1 counters on the weakest creature a player controls. See rule 701.33, “Bolster.”

From the Comprehensive Rules (June 7, 2024—Modern Horizons 3)

  • 701.33. Bolster
    • 701.33a “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

  • 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 {2}{W}
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

  1. Mark Rosewater (February 29, 2016). "Storm Scale: Khans of Tarkir Block". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  2. Matt Tabak (December 29, 2014). "Mechanics of Fate Reforged". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  3. Wizards of the Coast (January 14, 2015). "Fate Reforged Release Notes". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  4. Matt Tabak (March 2, 2015). "Mechanics of Dragons of Tarkir". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.
  5. Mark Rosewater (February 29, 2016). "Storm Scale: Khans of Tarkir Block". magicthegathering.com. Wizards of the Coast.