Pterodon Knight MTG Card


Flight ability enhances combat tactics, enabling advantageous battlefield exchanges and card efficiency. Efficient mana costs for flying creatures help optimize resource allocation within your deck. Surprise blocking potential adds a layer of strategic depth akin to instant speed capabilities.
Pterodon Knight - Ixalan
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Human Knight
Released2017-09-29
Set symbol
Set nameIxalan
Set codeXLN
Power 3
Toughness 3
Number28
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byAnthony Palumbo

Text of card

Pterodon Knight has flying as long as you control a Dinosaur.

"To rise like the sun—there is no greater feeling."


Cards like Pterodon Knight

Pterodon Knight is a unique creature within the MTG universe that soars above many others in terms of flavor and function. It can be compared with creatures like Territorial Hammerskull, as both invoke the feeling of commanding dinosaurs on the battlefield. Territorial Hammerskull, with its ability to tap target creature an opponent controls when it attacks, provides a different tactical advantage than our Pterodon Knight, known for its conditional flying capability.

Then there is Skyblade of the Legion, which offers consistency with its always-on flying ability for a similar mana cost but trades off the potential for a greater power when facing a dinosaur-heavy meta. Serra Angel is another comparable card, boasting vigilance and flying permanently, but its higher mana cost may not suit the aggressive tempo Pterodon Knight offers to a focused deck strategy.

Each card carries distinct benefits that can elevate a player’s game under various conditions. While Pterodon Knight shines in a dinosaur-dominated deck, leveraging its ascent over ground-based creatures, its counterparts may be better suited for decks with other synergies or those seeking reliable flying creatures at a comparable cost.

Territorial Hammerskull - MTG Card versions
Skyblade of the Legion - MTG Card versions
Serra Angel - MTG Card versions
Territorial Hammerskull - MTG Card versions
Skyblade of the Legion - MTG Card versions
Serra Angel - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Pterodon Knight by color, type and mana cost

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Northern Paladin - MTG Card versions
Moorish Cavalry - MTG Card versions
Witch Hunter - MTG Card versions
Carrier Pigeons - MTG Card versions
Tormented Angel - MTG Card versions
Seasoned Marshal - MTG Card versions
Coalition Honor Guard - MTG Card versions
Teroh's Vanguard - MTG Card versions
Mangara, the Diplomat - MTG Card versions
Akroma's Devoted - MTG Card versions
Leonin Abunas - MTG Card versions
Kami of Old Stone - MTG Card versions
Aven Cloudchaser - MTG Card versions
Blinking Spirit - MTG Card versions
Seht's Tiger - MTG Card versions
Valor - MTG Card versions
Veteran of the Depths - MTG Card versions
Guardian Seraph - MTG Card versions
Lightkeeper of Emeria - MTG Card versions
Cho-Manno, Revolutionary - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While the Pterodon Knight itself doesn’t draw cards directly, its ability to soar over blockers with flying can lead to favorable combat exchanges, effectively outmaneuvering opponent strategies and gaining indirect card advantage through battlefield presence.

Resource Acceleration: The Pterodon Knight may not provide a traditional form of resource acceleration like adding additional mana, but its relatively low casting cost for a creature with flying allows for an efficient use of mana resources, enabling you to deploy threats or hold up mana for other utility spells in your hand.

Instant Speed: Although Pterodon Knight is a creature and not an instant, its capability to be a surprise blocker with flying when conditions are met can be reminiscent of the advantageous timing play that instant speed spells offer, interrupting the ebb and flow of combat in your favor.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Pterodon Knight does not force a discard upon casting, but when assessing its cons, keep in mind that under certain gameplay scenarios, cards with discard mechanics may strain your hand.

Specific Mana Cost: Pterodon Knight comes with a color requirement that demands both white and generic mana, which could limit its addition to multicolored decks or those not aligned with its color identity.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that may be considered steep for its 3/3 stat line, Pterodon Knight can be overshadowed by other creatures in the same mana range offering greater impact or abilities upon hitting the battlefield.


Reasons to Include Pterodon Knight in Your Collection

Versatility: The Pterodon Knight is a flexible addition to decks looking for flying creatures. As it gains flying while you control a dinosaur, it fits well in any dino-themed deck or any strategy looking to take advantage of evasive units.

Combo Potential: With the dinosaur tribal synergy, this card can easily become part of powerful combos. Pairing it with other cards that benefit from or offer support to flying creatures or dinosaurs can create a formidable force on the board.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where creatures on the ground dominate, Pterodon Knight provides a crucial airborne threat. Its ability to potentially bypass ground defenses can offer a significant edge in certain matchups, making it a timely choice for your collection.


How to Beat Pterodon Knight

Pterodon Knight is a creature card that calls for a strategic approach to counteract its abilities in the game of Magic: The Gathering. This knight boasts an evasive ability, becoming more potent when you control a dinosaur, enabling it to soar over your defenses. Facing a Pterodon Knight, you need a game plan that involves spells or abilities that can deal with flying creatures or, better yet, remove them without having to engage in combat.

Consider using removal spells like Fatal Push or Cast Down, which can dispatch the knight before its flying ability becomes a nuisance. If the setup of dinosaurs is already on the battlefield supporting the knight, board wipes such as Wrath of God or Damnation can reset the playing field, eliminating all creatures regardless of any enhancements they’ve gained. Direct damage spells like Lightning Bolt or creature abilities that “ping” for damage can also be effective, especially if you can remove the creature before the opponent has the chance to escalate the threat level with additional dinosaurs. It’s essential to manage your resources and time your responses effectively to keep a Pterodon Knight at bay.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Pterodon Knight MTG card by a specific set like Ixalan, 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 Pterodon Knight and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Pterodon Knight has restrictions

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