Ajani, Valiant Protector MTG Card

Ajani, Valiant Protector - Aether Revolt

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	6
Rarity	Mythic
Type	Legendary Planeswalker — Ajani
Released	2017-01-20
Set symbol
Set name	Aether Revolt
Set code	AER
Loyalty	4
Number	185
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Anna Steinbauer

Key Takeaways

Ajani’s +2 ability enables card advantage, essential for maintaining resource flow in gameplay.
Ability synergies with instant speed interactions create potent offensive and defensive tactics.
Despite the high mana cost, Ajani’s versatility makes him a formidable force in various strategies.

Text of card

+2: Put two +1/+1 counters on up to one target creature. +1: Reveal cards from the top of your library until you reveal a creature card. Put that card into your hand and the rest on the bottom of your library in a random order. −11: Put X +1/+1 counters on target creature, where X is your life total. That creature gains trample until end of turn.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Ajani, Valiant Protector equips you with a dynamic toolkit for building a solid hand. By incrementally ticking up Ajani’s loyalty with his +2 ability, you gain the upper hand by drawing additional cards, thus keeping a steady flow of resources into your grip.

Resource Acceleration: Ajani’s presence on the field accelerates your resources significantly. His +1 ability not only buffs one of your creatures but also amplifies the pace at which you can play creatures and spells, giving you the means to outpace your opponent’s development with ease.

Instant Speed: While Ajani himself does not operate at instant speed, he synergizes well with cards that do. His ultimate ability, for instance, can put a wealth of creatures onto the battlefield at once, providing a sudden and overwhelming force that can be complemented by instant speed interactions to secure your position in the game.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Demands you to discard a card when playing certain abilities, potentially putting you at a disadvantage when your hand is nearly empty.

Specific Mana Cost: Ajani, Valiant Protector requires a precise combination of mana types which may not be easily fulfilled in a multi-colored deck, potentially delaying his deployment.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The six mana required to cast this card can be steep, particularly since it may not immediately impact the board state as powerfully as other creatures or planeswalkers at a similar cost threshold.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Ajani, Valiant Protector offers a dynamic range of abilities suited for different game strategies. His ability to strengthen creatures with +1/+1 counters makes him a valuable addition to any deck looking to enhance its offensive capabilities.

Combo Potential: This card works well with strategies that capitalize on counters and creature abilities. Combining Ajani with cards that proliferate or double counters can quickly turn the tide of a game in your favor.

Meta-Relevance: With the shifting landscape of competitive play, Ajani, Valiant Protector has the adaptability to contend with various popular deck types, making him a prudent choice in a diverse meta. His capacity to bolster your creatures and provide a steady stream of life gain can be crucial for lasting through longer, more grueling matches.

How to Beat Ajani, Valiant Protector

Ajani, Valiant Protector is a unique planeswalker with the capability to bolster your creatures’ power, reel off additional cards, and generate a battlefield presence. Overcoming this card requires strategic planning and the right counters. Keeping creatures with flying at the ready can be a crucial tactic. Since Ajani lacks direct creature removal, flyers can press an attack on him without much interference, potentially taking him out of the equation before his formidable ultimate ability is unleashed.

Direct damage spells are also effective; a well-timed Lightning Strike or Shock can take Ajani out before he establishes a stronghold. Counter spells hold their own in this scenario as well. Countering Ajani upon his casting means your opponent has lost momentum, giving you the upper hand. Discard effects, meanwhile, could force your opponent to discard Ajani, preventing him from even hitting the field. It’s all about anticipation and responding appropriately to keep Ajani, Valiant Protector from tipping the scales in your opponent’s favor.

Lastly, it’s worth noting that Ajani is at his weakest when you maintain pressure on the board. Without time to build up loyalty, his impact remains minimal. A combination of threats, removal, and counters can effectively neutralize Ajani’s role in your opponent’s strategy.

Cards like Ajani, Valiant Protector

Ajani, Valiant Protector is a unique planeswalker card in the realm of Magic the Gathering, bolstering your creatures’ strength and resilience. In comparison, Ajani Steadfast offers similar support by providing a static boost to your creatures and also increasing your loyalty counters when using other planeswalkers. While both cards focus on strengthening your board, the Valiant Protector specifically enhances your creature’s power and toughness and gears towards a more aggressive strategy.

Examining another peer, Ajani, Mentor of Heroes delves into bolstering your creatures and gaining life. However, Mentor of Heroes stands out with its ability to dig through the top cards of your library to find additional creatures or planeswalkers, giving you an even greater advantage as the game progresses.

When evaluating Ajani, Valiant Protector against its counterparts, it becomes clear that the card is tailored for players wanting to make their creatures more formidable with each turn. The focus on cooperation with other creatures, along with the potential to summon a significant threat with its ultimate ability, makes it a noteworthy choice for anyone looking to apply relentless pressure to their opponents.

Ajani, Mentor of Heroes - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Ajani, Valiant Protector by color, type and mana cost

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ajani, Valiant Protector MTG card by a specific set like Aether Revolt, 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 Ajani, Valiant Protector and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Ajani, Valiant Protector has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Pioneer	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2017-02-09	If you don’t have a creature card in your library while resolving Ajani’s second ability, you’ll reveal your library and then randomize it.
2017-02-09	The value of X for Ajani’s third ability is determined only as it resolves. The number of +1/+1 counters on the creature won’t change later if your life total changes.