Alabaster Wall MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Wall |
| Abilities | Defender |
| Released | 1999-10-04 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Mercadian Masques |
| Set code | MMQ |
| Power | 0 |
| Toughness | 4 |
| Number | 2 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Randy Gallegos |
Text of card
(Walls can't attack.) oc T: Prevent the next 1 damage that would be dealt to target creature or player this turn.
Its mortar is mixed with waters straight from the Fountain of Cho.
Cards like Alabaster Wall
The Alabaster Wall card holds its ground in Magic: The Gathering as a defensive staple. In comparison, creatures like Wall of Omens also share the wall subtype, offering a solid defensive barrier. What makes Alabaster Wall distinct though is its ability to prevent all damage that would be dealt to it for one turn, an ability not seen in Wall of Omens. Despite this, Wall of Omens has an advantage in card advantage, as it allows you to draw a card upon entering the battlefield.
Looking at Fog Bank, it presents itself as another formidable blocker. It not only has the capability to block creatures without taking damage, similar to the protective feature of the Alabaster Wall, but also adds flying defense to your arsenal. Even though Fog Bank lacks the ability to prevent specifically allocated damage, it compensates with its inherent invulnerability to combat damage.
Overall, while the Alabaster Wall might seem overshadowed by these similar cards in terms of functionality, its damage prevention ability should not be underestimated. It can become a crucial part of a defense strategy in the right Magic: The Gathering deck setup.
Cards similar to Alabaster Wall by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Alabaster Wall itself might not directly provide card draw, its defensive presence can be leveraged to maintain hand resources. Functioning as an efficient roadblock, it discourages attacks, allowing you to conserve the spells in your hand for more critical moments.
Resource Acceleration: Though Alabaster Wall doesn’t directly accelerate resources, it conserves life points which is essentially resource protection. It can stand as a stalwart defender, buying you the precious turns needed to reach your mana-heavy game-changers.
Instant Speed: As a creature, Alabaster Wall doesn’t have the instant speed trait, but it pairs excellently with cards that do. It defends your life points while you keep mana untapped for actual instant-speed interactions, aligning well with control strategies that prefer casting spells on the opponent’s turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While not applicable to Alabaster Wall, some defenders require card discarding, which can deplete your hand.
Specific Mana Cost: Alabaster Wall requires white mana, limiting its inclusion to decks that can generate or adapt to white mana sources efficiently.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana for a 0/4 defender, players may find the Alabaster Wall less efficient compared to other creatures or walls with additional abilities or higher toughness.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Alabaster Wall offers a robust defense for any deck that aims to hold the line against aggressive strategies. Its potential to block multiple attackers can be a game-changer in both limited and constructed formats.
Combo Potential: As a defender card, Alabaster Wall can be pivotal in decks built around cards like High Alert or Assault Formation, where its defensive stats could turn into a surprising amount of offensive pressure.
Meta-Relevance: In a metagame where aggressive red and green creatures often dominate, Alabaster Wall serves as an inexpensive way to ensure your life total is protected, which is crucial for control or combo decks looking to stabilize the board and set up for their win conditions.
How to Beat Alabaster Wall
Alabaster Wall, a stalwart defender in Magic: The Gathering, offers a protective barrier for players with its ability to block most early-game creatures. However, overcoming this wall is not a Herculean task. Direct damage spells like Lightning Bolt or Shock can quickly dispatch it, as they deal damage enough to surpass the wall’s modest toughness. Considering Lightning Bolt delivers three damage for a single red mana, it’s an efficient and widely used method to clear the way.
Enchantment-based removals also offer a solution. Cards like Pacifism can effectively neutralize Alabaster Wall, rendering it a non-threatening presence. This way, the wall remains on the battlefield, yet it loses its defensive capabilities. Another strategy involves the use of fight mechanics, pitting a stronger creature against the wall to ensure its destruction. With the right amount of power, your creature will survive the confrontation.
Tackling Alabaster Wall requires a basic understanding of its defensive strengths and how to exploit its vulnerabilities. Your arsenal of spells and creatures should consider these weaknesses to maintain the pace of your strategy and ensure the wall’s fortifications crumble before your advancing forces.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Alabaster Wall MTG card by a specific set like Mercadian Masques, 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 Alabaster Wall 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Alabaster Wall has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |