Presence of Gond MTG Card


Creates numerous Elf tokens providing a quick rebound from board wipes and increasing card advantage. Tokens assist in resource acceleration, pivotal for casting spells faster using the convoke mechanic. Generates tokens at instant speed, giving players flexibility and the element of surprise.
Card setsReleased in 6 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeEnchantment — Aura
Abilities Enchant

Text of card

Enchant creature Enchanted creature has ": Put a 1/1 green Elf Warrior creature token into play."

"Here lies Gond, hero of Safehold Taldwen. May he ever guide our quest."


Cards like Presence of Gond

The Presence of Gond stands unique in the enchantment crowd of Magic: The Gathering, offering a potentially endless stream of tokens. It is akin to cards like Sprout Swarm, which also allows players to create creature tokens. However, Presence of Gond is an aura that requires a creature to latch onto, making its synergy with creatures like Midnight Guard particularly strong as it generates an infinite number of Elf tokens. Sprout Swarm, while not requiring a creature to attach to, lacks this infinite combo potential.

Another related card is Jade Mage, which grants the repeatable ability to create Saproling tokens. While Jade Mage provides a steady token generation source, its mana cost for making a single token is higher compared to the one-token-per-activation potential of Presence of Gond. Furthermore, markers of efficiency in token generation cards push Luminarch Ascension into the conversation. It is cost-effective too, but its prerequisite of maintaining a defense to earn quest counters veers off from Presence of Gond’s straightforward approach.

Therefore, assessing Presence of Gond amidst its peers in Magic: The Gathering, it emerges as a distinct tool for token strategy enthusiasts, credited to its unique combo possibilities and cost-efficient token creation.

Sprout Swarm - MTG Card versions
Midnight Guard - MTG Card versions
Jade Mage - MTG Card versions
Luminarch Ascension - MTG Card versions
Sprout Swarm - MTG Card versions
Midnight Guard - MTG Card versions
Jade Mage - MTG Card versions
Luminarch Ascension - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Presence of Gond by color, type and mana cost

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Kudzu - MTG Card versions
Wanderlust - MTG Card versions
Maddening Wind - MTG Card versions
Cycle of Life - MTG Card versions
Hall of Gemstone - MTG Card versions
Dense Foliage - MTG Card versions
Momentum - MTG Card versions
Ancestral Mask - MTG Card versions
Broken Fall - MTG Card versions
Lure - MTG Card versions
Food Chain - MTG Card versions
Howling Moon - MTG Card versions
The Dragon-Kami Reborn // Dragon-Kami's Egg - MTG Card versions
Squirrel Nest - MTG Card versions
Alpha Status - MTG Card versions
Lifegift - MTG Card versions
Blanchwood Armor - MTG Card versions
Rites of Flourishing - MTG Card versions
Raking Canopy - MTG Card versions
Fyndhorn Pollen - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Presence of Gond. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Bant TokensBant Tokens ModernBLUE - SAT - 3PM - Chicago Modern Cup
Naya ComboNaya Combo PauperBoros BullyBLUE - SAT - 1PM - Chicago Pauper Cup
WGWG PauperPauper Challenge 32 2024-01-07

Card Pros

Card Advantage: When paired with creatures like “Midnight Guard,” Presence of Gond can create an inexhaustible army of Elf tokens, effectively turning one card into countless potential threats. This synergy not only threatens sheer numbers but also offers resilience against board wipes, as you can rebuild quickly.

Resource Acceleration: The Elf tokens generated provide additional bodies ideal for various convoke spells or abilities, reducing costs and effectively accelerating your resources. With each token acting as a potential mana, your ability to deploy larger threats or critical spells ahead of schedule can be game-changing.

Instant Speed: While the enchantment itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, the creation of tokens is activated at instant speed. This means you can end your opponent’s turn by creating an Elf token, keeping your strategy flexible and responsive without committing to every course of action within your main phases. The ability to populate your board right before your turn unfolds allows for sudden shift in board state, catching opponents off guard.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Presence of Gond necessitates a certain board state to be truly effective, requiring creatures on the field to maximize its enchantment ability. This dependency can be a downside in situations where the board is clear, or your creatures are frequently removed.

Specific Mana Cost: Tailored for green and white decks due to its hybrid mana cost, Presence of Gond may not seamlessly integrate into multi-colored or colorless strategies, potentially limiting its versatility across various deck builds.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a combined mana cost that may be deemed steep for its ability to create just one token per turn, players might find Presence of Gond’s investment-to-output ratio less favorable compared to other low-cost token generators available in the MTG universe.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Presence of Gond is a card with flexibility at its core, slotting into various decks that thrive on creating creature tokens. Whether you’re piloting an elf tribal, a tokens strategy, or any green-based deck looking for incremental advantage, this enchantment can serve multiple roles effectively.

Combo Potential: For those who love crafting infinite combos, Presence of Gond pairs exceptionally well with creatures like Midnight Guard. This allows for the creation of unlimited elf tokens, providing a path to victory that can catch opponents off guard and turn the tide of a game in an instant.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state that rewards creature presence and board development, Presence of Gond maintains relevance. As more players lean towards strategies that can overwhelm with numbers or benefit from wide boards, this enchantment can be a quiet powerhouse, offering the means to muster a formidable token army within a few turns.


How to beat

Presence of Gond is a unique aura in the MTG universe, capable of creating an unlimited number of tokens if paired with the right combo pieces like Midnight Guard. Addressing the potential threat of a duo that generates endless creatures is crucial to maintaining control of the game. A well-timed removal spell or enchantment disruption can dismantle the combo, making cards like Disenchant or Naturalize essential tools. Mass removal spells, such as Wrath of God, are also an effective countermeasure, wiping out the generated tokens en masse and potentially resetting the board.

It is equally important to apply pressure and reduce your opponent’s life total before they assemble their combo. Aggressive strategies can outpace the Presence of Gond synergy, forcing the opponent to play defensively. However, if they do manage to get the combo online, having an instant-speed interaction in hand can break the cycle, preventing an overwhelming tide of tokens from overtaking the game.

Ultimately, understanding when to take action and managing resources effectively will be your key strategies against Presence of Gond. This approach ensures you are not caught off guard by its potentially game-ending power when used in conjunction with other cards to create an unstoppable force.


BurnMana Recommendations

Presence of Gond showcases the dynamic synergy within MTG, amplifying the thrill of uncovering powerful card interactions. Whether you’re looking to experiment with infinite combos, enhance your token generation strategies, or explore new tactical dimensions, this card offers a canvas for creativity and innovation. We’ve delved into its virtues and vulnerabilities, helping you foresee the impact it could have on your game plan. Ready to tap into the full potential of Presence of Gond and broaden your horizons in the ever-evolving MTG landscape? Embrace the challenge and join us to discover more strategic insights and detailed card assessments.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Presence of Gond MTG card by a specific set like Shadowmoor and Commander 2013, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Presence of Gond and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Presence of Gond Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 2008-05-02 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Brandon Kitkouski.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12008-05-02ShadowmoorSHM 1252003NormalBlackBrandon Kitkouski
22013-11-01Commander 2013C13 1612003NormalBlackBrandon Kitkouski
32017-06-09Commander AnthologyCMA 1352015NormalBlackBrandon Kitkouski
42018-03-16Masters 25A25 1842015NormalBlackBrandon Kitkouski
52020-07-17JumpstartJMP 4202015NormalBlackBrandon Kitkouski
62022-12-02Jumpstart 2022J22 7092015NormalBlackBrandon Kitkouski

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Presence of Gond has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Presence of Gond card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2008-05-01 The creature’s controller, not Presence of Gond’s controller, is the one who can activate the ability, so that’s the player who will get the token.