Abdel Adrian, Gorion's Ward MTG Card


Provides card advantage when targeted, prompting opponents to carefully consider their moves. Simulates resource acceleration allowing for an additional land play each turn, boosting mana base. Instant speed trigger gives psychological edge by offering tactical in-game versatility.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityUncommon
TypeLegendary Creature — Human Warrior
Abilities Choose a background
Power 4
Toughness 4

Text of card

When Abdel Adrian, Gorion's Ward enters the battlefield, exile any number of other nonland permanents you control until Abdel Adrian leaves the battlefield. Create a 1/1 white Soldier creature token for each permanent exiled this way. Choose a Background (You can have a Background as a second commander.)


Cards like Abdel Adrian, Gorion's Ward

Abdel Adrian Gorion’s Ward introduces a nuanced strategy for players protecting their precious permanents in Magic: The Gathering. It anchors in the realm of defensive enchantments, bearing resemblance to cards like Shield of Duty and Reason. Both offer a way to safeguard creatures from specific threats. Abdel Adrian, however, offers broader protection, extending its shield to planeswalkers as well, a feature not found in Shield of Duty and Reason.

Another comparative highlight is Indomitable Will. While also a low-cost enchantment designed to boost a creature’s attributes, it fails to match the multi-target defensive capability of Abdel Adrian Gorion’s Ward, which guards against a wider spectrum of spells and abilities. Then there’s Brave the Elements, offering a blanket protection for a single turn, which contrasts Abdel Adrian’s enduring protective ward. This lasting defense is key in games where long-term strategy trumps the immediacy offered by the likes of Brave the Elements.

It’s evident that while there are alternatives, Abdel Adrian Gorion’s Ward stands out in its versatile and robust protection in the diverse tapestry of MTG defense cards. Its unique ability to shield both creatures and planeswalkers cements its place in decks that value resilience against a range of threats.

Shield of Duty and Reason - MTG Card versions
Indomitable Will - MTG Card versions
Brave the Elements - MTG Card versions
Shield of Duty and Reason - MTG Card versions
Indomitable Will - MTG Card versions
Brave the Elements - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Abdel Adrian, Gorion's Ward by color, type and mana cost

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Veteran Bodyguard - MTG Card versions
Rashida Scalebane - MTG Card versions
Avenging Angel - MTG Card versions
Lancers en-Kor - MTG Card versions
Radiant, Archangel - MTG Card versions
Karmic Guide - MTG Card versions
Master Healer - MTG Card versions
Angel of Mercy - MTG Card versions
Serra Angel - MTG Card versions
Border Patrol - MTG Card versions
Enduring Angel // Angelic Enforcer - MTG Card versions
Sigardian Savior - MTG Card versions
Glory - MTG Card versions
Celestial Gatekeeper - MTG Card versions
Collector Protector - MTG Card versions
Kiyomaro, First to Stand - MTG Card versions
Belfry Spirit - MTG Card versions
Petra Sphinx - MTG Card versions
Barrenton Medic - MTG Card versions
Ivory Gargoyle - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Abdel Adrian, Gorion's Ward. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
WUBWUB LegacyLegacy League 2024-02-18
ReanimatorReanimator LegacyReanimatorEternal Weekend Europe 2023 Legacy Mainevent
Worldgorger Dragon ComboWorldgorger Dragon Combo LegacyWorldgorger Dragon ComboLegacy League 2024-02-15
Four-color ReanimatorFour-color Reanimator LegacyNic FitCharlotte Legacy League Season 1 Week 6
Esper ComboEsper Combo LegacyWorldgorger Dragon ComboCharlotte Legacy League Season 1 Week 3
Dimir ReanimatorDimir Reanimator LegacyReanimator2023 Asia Legacy Championship

Card Pros

Card Advantage: When you cast Abdel Adrian, Gorion’s Ward, you consistently position yourself to benefit from card advantage each time it becomes the target of a spell. This mechanic forces your opponents to consider the additional cost of providing you with extra card draw, making it more cumbersome for them to deal with your threats.

Resource Acceleration: The card’s second ability simulates resource acceleration by allowing you to play an additional land on each of your turns. This aspect can advance your game state quickly by building up your mana base and enabling you to deploy more significant threats or multiple spells in a single turn.

Instant Speed: Using abilities at instant speed provides tactical versatility during gameplay. Although Abdel Adrian, Gorion’s Ward itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, its trigger can occur during any turn whenever targeted, keeping opponents guessing whether to play into your strategy or hold back, thus providing a form of psychological advantage.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the notable downsides of Abdel Adrian, Gorion’s Ward is the necessity to discard a card to activate its key ability. For players who are already stretching their hand thin, this cost can prove to be detrimental and limit the card’s strategic use during pivotal moments in gameplay.

Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost for Abdel Adrian is fairly demanding, especially in terms of color commitment. Requiring one white and two black mana, this card isn’t as easily splashed into a multicolored deck compared to more flexible cards. This can restrict deck building options and may not align with all strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When assessing the mana economy, Abdel Adrian comes in with a relatively steep cost. The combined three mana for a 3/3 creature may not provide the immediate board impact that players seek, especially when considering other options at a similar mana tier that may offer additional benefits or lower costs for equivalent or stronger effects.


Reasons to Include Abdel Adrian Gorion’s Ward in Your Collection

Versatility: Abdel Adrian, Gorion’s Ward, offers a wide range of deck incorporation possibilities. His protective abilities can be critical in preserving your board’s stability, and he easily integrates with decks focusing on creature defense and synergistic human-centered strategies.

Combo Potential: As a human cleric, this card can work harmoniously with other human-focused or cleric-centered cards to create powerful synergies. The combo potential stems from its ability to safeguard key creatures within these tribal or themed decks, making it a smart addition for players looking to exploit these interactions.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature strategies are prevalent, having a robust defensive option like Abdel Adrian in your arsenal can be crucial. Its presence on the board can deter opponents from targeting your most valued creatures and shift the tide of the game, making it an asset in current MTG playing fields dominated by aggressive or target-heavy tactics.


How to Beat Abdel Adrian, Gorion’s Ward

Abdel Adrian, Gorion’s Ward is a formidable presence on the battlefield, offering versatility and protection in Magic: The Gathering. This unique creature card can pose a challenge for opponents, but strategic gameplay can turn the tide. To overpower Abdel Adrian, focusing on removal spells that do not target is key. Consider utilizing board clears like Doomskar or Shatter the Sky, which circumvent his protective ability.

Another effective strategy involves using cards that force a player to sacrifice creatures, such as Crackling Doom. This way, Abdel Adrian’s ward ability is rendered useless. Moreover, don’t underestimate the power of combat tricks and effects that reduce a creature’s toughness to zero, like Dead Weight or Mire’s Grasp, which can eliminate him without triggering his ward.

Managing Abdel Adrian, Gorion’s Ward requires a blend of cunning play and selective card choice. Understanding his strengths and weaknesses will guide your deck building and in-game decisions, arming you with the tools to dismantle his defenses and secure your victory in the vast world of MTG.


BurnMana Recommendations

Abdel Adrian, Gorion’s Ward is more than a mere card to be slotted into your deck—the benefits it brings can subtly tip the scales in your favor. From accumulating card advantage to expanding your mana base, mastering this card’s dynamics can yield significant rewards. It prompts a strategic rethink by opponents and stands firm against targeted threats. Its potential extends beyond momentary gains, aligning with long-term, game-winning strategies. Enhance your collection and embrace its protective prowess. Curious about maximizing Abdel Adrian’s strategic edge? Delve deeper into our insights and fortify your position in the MTG arena.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Abdel Adrian, Gorion's Ward MTG card by a specific set like Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate and Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate, 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 Abdel Adrian, Gorion's Ward and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Abdel Adrian, Gorion's Ward Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2022-06-10 and 2022-06-10. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 4712015NormalBlackKarl Kopinski
22022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 3752015NormalBlackPhil Stone
32022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 22015NormalBlackKarl Kopinski

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Abdel Adrian, Gorion's Ward has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Abdel Adrian, Gorion's Ward card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2022-06-10 An effect that checks whether you control your commander is satisfied if you control one or both of your two commanders.
2022-06-10 Both commanders start in the command zone, and the remaining 98 cards (or 58 cards in a Commander Draft game) of your deck are shuffled to become your library.
2022-06-10 Choose a Background is a variant of the partner ability. You may have two commanders if one of them is a legendary creature with the choose a background ability and the other is a legendary Background enchantment. Backgrounds and cards with choose a Background do not interact with cards which have any other partner ability.
2022-06-10 If a card refers to a commander creature you own, a Background won't usually be counted or included for that effect. If another spell or ability causes your Background to become a creature, however, it will be included. Any effect that refers to your commander or a commander you own or control without specifying creature will apply to a Background that is your commander, as appropriate.
2022-06-10 If something refers to your commander while you have two commanders, it refers to one of them of your choice. If you are instructed to perform an action on your commander (e.g. put it from the command zone into your hand due to Command Beacon), you choose one of your commanders at the time the effect happens.
2022-06-10 If you control a Background that grants an ability to commander creatures you own, and you own more than one commander creature, each of them will have that ability.
2022-06-10 If your Commander deck has two commanders, you can include only cards whose own color identities are also found in your commanders' combined color identities.
2022-06-10 If your commander loses the choose a Background ability or stops being a Background during the game, as appropriate, it is still your commander.
2022-06-10 Once the game begins, your two commanders are tracked separately. If you cast one, you won't have to pay an additional the first time you cast the other. A player loses the game after having been dealt 21 combat damage from any one of them, not from both of them combined (although your Background won't usually be a creature anyway).
2022-06-10 You can choose two commanders that are the same color or colors.