You See a Guard Approach MTG Card


You See a Guard Approach - Adventures in the Forgotten Realms
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeInstant
Released2021-07-23
Set symbol
Set nameAdventures in the Forgotten Realms
Set codeAFR
Number85
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byMila Pesic

Key Takeaways

  1. Provides flexible choices for card advantage or strategic interaction at instant speed, suited for various situations.
  2. Demands specific mana and can be a liability if card resources are limited or in diverse mana decks.
  3. Its versatility and combo potential make it a valuable card for adapting to an ever-changing MTG meta.

Text of card

Choose one — • Distract the Guard — Tap target creature. • Hide — Target creature you control gains hexproof until end of turn. (It can't be the target of spells or abilities your opponents control.)

"Looks like we've got company."


Card Pros

Card Advantage: “You See a Guard Approach” delivers a unique twist on card advantage by providing the choice to either draw a card or play a mini-game of sorts with your opponent for potentially higher payoffs. This flexibility can help you keep up with opponents in attrition wars or outpace them with more economic plays.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly ramping like traditional mana artifacts, this card subtly contributes to resource acceleration. It encourages efficient use of mana by offering options that adapt to your current board state and mana availability, ensuring you’re always progressing your game plan.

Instant Speed: The ability to act at instant speed grants you the upper hand in the game’s reactive landscapes. Whether to bluff counterspells, surprise opponents with your decisions, or simply optimize your turns, this card slots effortlessly into the rhythm of any match where timing plays a critical role.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: You See a Guard Approach requires discarding a card to activate its ability. This can be a setback, especially when you’re already struggling to keep a full hand or need every card you get to achieve your strategic goals.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s mana cost asks for one white and two generic mana, which may not fit seamlessly into multicolored decks, particularly those that are mana-intensive or don’t prioritize white. It requires you to have a specific mana source available, which can restrict your deck-building options and could potentially slow down your game plan.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a total casting cost of three mana for an effect that may not always alter the game significantly, its efficiency is debatable. Players might find that the cost is on the higher side when compared to other options that can provide similar utility or greater impact on the battlefield for the same or lesser investment.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: You See a Guard Approach is a flexible card that can slide into numerous deck archetypes. With its ability to shape the game’s narrative to your advantage, it finds a place in both aggressive and more control-oriented decks, adapting to your current needs.

Combo Potential: The card excels at setting up future plays, as it offers choices that can synergize with different strategies, whether that’s retrieving key pieces from your library or disrupting the opponent’s plans. It’s this potential to become a combo enabler that makes it an intriguing addition.

Meta-Relevance: Given the card’s adaptability, it remains relevant in an ever-shifting meta. It can adjust its role on the fly, making it a smart pickup for players who aim to stay competitive and responsive to the trends in game strategies.


How to beat

When facing off against the ‘You See a Guard Approach’ card in Magic: The Gathering, players are presented with a unique challenge. This card operates fundamentally as a tool for information and manipulation, allowing players to gain insight into an opponent’s tactics or potentially disrupt their strategy. Similar to the tactics employed by the famed ‘Duress’ card but with some distinct variations, ‘You See a Guard Approach’ can force an opponent to choose and reveal a nonland card from their hand, giving you the option to discard that card unless they bribe you by paying 2 life.

This creates a subtle yet powerful shift in the game’s balance, demanding astute judgement and strategic adjustments. The key to countering this card lies in the realm of strategic hand management, ensuring you maintain a hand that can withstand such probing without conceding a significant advantage. Moreover, by capitalizing on the moments when your opponent is low on life, you can pressure them into hard decisions where paying the life cost might not be viable. Ultimately, cleverly navigating these interactions and forcing tough choices upon your adversary is your best route in thwarting the deceptive prowess of ‘You See a Guard Approach’.


BurnMana Recommendations

Strategy and adaptation are at the heart of MTG, and “You See a Guard Approach” epitomizes both. Whether adjusting to your opponent’s tactics or optimally utilizing your resources, this card holds value in its versatility. It serves a dual role in game manipulation and potential card advantage, making it a noteworthy contender for a spot in your deck. If you’re looking to enhance your MTG deck with a card that offers flexibility and strategic depth, consider the attributes of “You See a Guard Approach.” Are you prepared to optimize your deck’s potential? Explore further insights and strategies with us, paving your path toward MTG victory.


Cards like You See a Guard Approach

The card You See a Guard Approach is an intriguing option for players looking to control the pace of the game. It’s akin to other instant spells that manipulate opponent strategies, such as Thoughtseize. Although Thoughtseize allows players to specifically disrupt hand content by making the opponent discard a card of choice, it comes at the life point cost. You See a Guard Approach, alternatively, presents a choice mechanic, offering a potential draw along with creature interruption, all without the direct health trade-off.

Another comparable card would be Duress, which is also cost-effective and targets noncreature, nonland cards in an opponent’s hand. However, Duress limits the selection to certain card types, while You See a Guard Approach provides broader options with its choice mechanic. Then there’s Distress, which offers the ability to choose and discard any card but, as a sorcery, lacks the flexibility of being played at instant speed.

Considering the different aspects of these cards, You See a Guard Approach holds a unique position with its diversified options of handling opponents’ threats and drawing players into better positions without having to sacrifice other resources. This places the card in a versatile role within MTG’s wide array of disruption spells.

Thoughtseize - MTG Card versions
Duress - MTG Card versions
Distress - MTG Card versions
Thoughtseize - MTG Card versions
Duress - MTG Card versions
Distress - MTG Card versions

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Sleight of Mind - MTG Card versions
Unsummon - MTG Card versions
Siren's Call - MTG Card versions
Power Sink - MTG Card versions
Blue Elemental Blast - MTG Card versions
Magical Hack - MTG Card versions
Twiddle - MTG Card versions
Riptide - MTG Card versions
Mind Bend - MTG Card versions
Spell Blast - MTG Card versions
Denied! - MTG Card versions
Hydroblast - MTG Card versions
Whispers of the Muse - MTG Card versions
Ertai's Trickery - MTG Card versions
Force Spike - MTG Card versions
Opt - MTG Card versions
Envelop - MTG Card versions
Brainstorm - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase You See a Guard Approach MTG card by a specific set like Adventures in the Forgotten Realms, 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 You See a Guard Approach and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where You See a Guard Approach has restrictions

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

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