# 2019 Magic: The Gathering Core Set #38

> The details of Squad Captain, card #38 from the 2019 Magic: The Gathering Core Set, a key White mana creature for collectors and builders.

Canonical URL: https://supercatch.com/product/magic-the-gathering-core-set-squad-captain-38

## Identity

- **Year**: 2019
- **Manufacturer brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set / series**: Core Set
- **Card number**: #38
- **Product type**: TCG_CARD

## Description

Squad Captain stands as a notable inclusion in the 2019 Magic: The Gathering Core Set, identified by the set code M20 and card number 38. Illustrated by Cristi Balanescu, this Common rarity card introduces a Human Soldier creature that players can integrate into their decks for strategic depth. The card costs five mana to cast, requiring four generic mana and one white mana, making it a mid-game threat in White-aligned strategies.

Designed with the Vigilance keyword, Squad Captain allows players to attack without sacrificing its defensive capabilities, a valuable trait for maintaining board presence. Its most distinctive feature is its ability to enter the battlefield with a +1/+1 counter for each other creature already under your control. This scaling mechanic makes the card particularly appealing for collectors who appreciate cards with dynamic gameplay potential and synergistic design. As a foundational piece of the M20 set, it remains a reference point for understanding the core mechanics of that era. For enthusiasts of Magic: The Gathering trading card game cards, this release offers a tangible connection to the strategic evolution of the game's most iconic fantasy setting.

## FAQ

### What is the mana cost of Squad Captain in Magic: The Gathering?

Squad Captain costs five mana to cast, specifically requiring four generic mana and one white mana. This places it as a mid-range creature in the early to mid-game phases.

### What are the stats and abilities of the M20 Squad Captain card?

The card is a Human Soldier with a power and toughness of 2/2. It possesses the Vigilance keyword and enters the battlefield with a +1/+1 counter for each other creature you control.

### Who illustrated the 2019 Core Set version of Squad Captain?

The artwork for this print of Squad Captain was created by artist Cristi Balanescu, whose style is featured in the M20 set.

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Last verified: 2025-11-29.