Affa Protector MTG Card
Text of card
"Through all the terrors we face, I hold on to the memory of the world before the Eldrazi came. I'd like to see that world again."
Cards like Affa Protector
The Affa Protector serves as a stalwart defender in Magic: The Gathering, carving its niche within a lineup of guardian creatures. Comparable to the Vigilance keyword, it remains untapped when attacking, preserving its defense capabilities. Its role is akin to the diligent Guardians of Meletis, a card known for its toughness. The Affa Protector holds an edge with its flying ability, enabling it to thwart aerial threats that would bypass the terrestrial Guardians.
Exploring further, the trusty Veteran Armorsmith also shares the battlefield with the Affa Protector. Though it lacks the ability to fly, the Armorsmith compensates by bolstering the defenses of other soldiers, an edge in a soldier-focused deck. Conversely, the Protector’s individual flying defense often proves crucial in staving off assaults from above. Another semblance is found with Serra Angel, an iconic figure famous for its Vigilance and flying. While Serra Angel boasts greater attack and toughness, the protector’s lower mana cost makes it a more accessible option in the earlier stages of a match.
Assessing this cohort of cards, Affa Protector holds its ground as a cost-effective defensive choice for MTG decks, particularly beneficial for its ability to safeguard against both grounded and aerial incursions.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Although Affa Protector itself does not directly offer card draw or card advantage, its Vigilance ability allows it to act as a flexible defensive option while you build up your board, effectively sustaining your card resources in play.
Resource Acceleration: Affa Protector isn’t a traditional resource acceleration card, but it can be considered in a broader sense for its ability to affect the board without additional mana investment, due to its defensive capabilities. This could potentially save mana for future turns, indirectly contributing to resource management.
Instant Speed: This creature offers the advantage of Instant Speed gameplay despite being a permanent. It can be summoned at the end of an opponent’s turn using flash mechanics provided by other cards. This surprise factor can yield significant strategic benefits, particularly in holding off attackers or ambushing an unwary opponent.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Affa Protector requires no discard when played, however, it’s worth noting that its presence in a deck could force a player to choose it over other cards when facing discard mechanics from an opponent, potentially losing more valuable cards in the process.
Specific Mana Cost: Affa Protector demands a precise mana cost of three, including one white mana. This can potentially hinder deck flexibility, especially in multicolored decks that may run tighter on white mana availability.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost of three for a mere 1/4 creature, Affa Protector’s defensive capabilities might not justify its expense, especially when other cards with similar or lower costs can provide greater power, toughness, or additional abilities.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Affa Protector is a card that can be slotted into a variety of decks. It’s particularly useful in defensive strategies or any deck looking to bolster its defense against early aggression due to its vigilant ability.
Combo Potential: Offering both a defender and a creature with vigilance, this card can be paired with equipment or auras that benefit vigilance mechanics. It works well as part of a defensive combo, maintaining a solid, ready-to-block presence on the board.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where aggressive decks are prevalent, having reliable defenders like Affa Protector can help stabilize the board during the early and mid-game, ensuring your survival into the late game where your more powerful spells can take over.
How to beat
Affa Protector is a creature card that stands as a sentinel against aggressive decks in MTG. A key feature of this Ally creature is vigilance, which can serve as a reliable defender round after round. Its presence on the battlefield provides a level of solidity especially when you are in need of a steadfast blocker. Facing this card requires a strategic approach.
To effectively overcome the Affa Protector, removal spells are particularly efficient. Utilizing cards like Murder or Doom Blade, which can bypass the creature’s vigilance by directly destroying it, proves to be a simple solution. Beyond single target removals, board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation ensure Affa Protector won’t be an ongoing hindrance. As an aerial threat, it can also be mitigated by reach or flying creatures, which unfairly contest its defensive utility, diminishing its effectiveness in combat. In essence, while Affa Protector offers a stable defense, it remains susceptible to standard removal tactics and aerial challenges that are prevalent in MTG gameplay dynamics.
Ultimately, while the Affa Protector poses a roadblock for ground assaults, employing these strategies can assure it doesn’t become a persistent barrier in reaching your victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Affa Protector MTG card by a specific set like Oath of the Gatewatch and Mystery Booster, 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 Affa Protector and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Printings
The Affa Protector Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2016-01-22 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Izzy.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2016-01-22 | Oath of the Gatewatch | OGW | 14 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Izzy | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 12 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Izzy | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | OGW-14 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Izzy |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Affa Protector has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Guide to Vigilance card ability
In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.