Lead by Example
Instant
Support 2. (Put a +1/+1 counter on each of up to two target creatures.)
- CMC
- 2
- Mana cost
- Color identity
- G
- Rarity
- common
- Set
- Oath of the Gatewatch
- Price
- $0.07
- EDHREC rank
- #23354
Lead by Example puts two +1/+1 counters split across two creatures at instant speed for two mana — efficient, flexible, and live at any point in a combat step. It's a niche role-player in counter-synergy decks, not a format staple, but it earns its slot where doubling counters or proliferate effects multiply its output.
Format Analysis
Where it lives, where it can’t
| Format | Verdict |
|---|---|
| commander | legal |
| legacy | legal |
| modern | legal |
| pioneer | legal |
| standard | not legal |
| vintage | legal |
| pauper | legal |
| oathbreaker | legal |
In Commander, Lead by Example finds its best home in Simic or Abzan counter-matters builds where every counter placed triggers additional payoffs — think Vorel of the Hull Clade or Hamza, Guardian of Arashin shells that want cheap instant-speed fuel. Outside Commander, it's legal in Legacy, Modern, Pioneer, Vintage, and Pauper, but those formats have no interest: two mana for two counters across two creatures doesn't move the needle in any competitive context. Pauper counter strategies exist but have cleaner options at the same cost. This is a Commander-only pickup.
Key Combos
Combo lines featuring this card
Price Context
Current price
$0.07 bulk tier
At $0.07, Lead by Example is deep bulk — pick up a playset for the price of a gumball. Bulk commons rarely climb unless a new commander pushes a specific mechanic into the spotlight, so treat it as a throw-in, not a spec.
Explore
Sources
Mentioned
Updated . Data from Scryfall, EDHREC, and Commander Spellbook.