Alaborn Grenadier MTG Card

Alaborn Grenadier indirectly creates card advantage by effectively handling enemy creatures on the board. Its low cost and first strike ability offer tempo and combat edge, vital for early game board development. This card holds value in soldier-themed decks and against flying threats, providing both offense and defense.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Human Soldier
Abilities	Vigilance
Released	1998-06-24
Set symbol
Set name	Portal Second Age
Set code	P02
Power	2
Toughness	2
Number	2
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	David A. Cherry

Text of card

Attacking doesn't cause Alaborn Grenadier to tap.

"Ever proud, ever vigilant." —Grenadier motto

Cards like Alaborn Grenadier

Alaborn Grenadier represents a particular niche in Magic: The Gathering as a low-cost creature card that can deal damage to attacking or blocking creatures. Like Alaborn Grenadier, the card Master Decoy offers a similar utility in the form of tapping an opponent’s creatures, arguably a preventive measure rather than a reactionary one as seen in the grenadier’s ability.

Contrasting with this is Benalish Hero, a card renowned for its banding ability which provides strategic depth in combat by allowing a different distribution of combat damage. Although banding is a more complex ability and out of favor in modern MTG sets, it offers a degree of control over combat quite distinct from the Alaborn Grenadier’s automatic damage. Additionally, the standard bearer from the Armageddon set also operates in the two-mana slot but wields first strike, giving it an edge in combat through instant damage delivery.

While comparing features and evaluating play options, Alaborn Grenadier proves to have its place in a deck builder’s arsenal in Magic: The Gathering. Its straightforward damage ability can certainly shape the dynamics of combat in play, making it a useful, if niche, asset to consider for control-style decks.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Although Alaborn Grenadier doesn’t directly allow you to draw cards, its potential to handle opposing creatures can indirectly lead to card advantage. Removing a key threat the opponent controls means they lose a resource while you maintain your board presence.

Resource Acceleration: Alaborn Grenadier doesn’t directly contribute to resource acceleration in terms of providing additional mana or resources. However, it does so by being a low-cost creature, which allows for more efficient mana usage early in the game. Being able to develop your board while still having mana available for other spells can be crucial for maintaining tempo.

Instant Speed: One of Alaborn Grenadier’s strengths is not its speed since it is a creature that must be played during your main phases. However, its first strike ability gives it an upper hand during combat, acting similarly to having an ‘instant’ effect by potentially taking out creatures before they can deal damage in return.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Alaborn Grenadier doesn’t have a discard requirement, but it’s important to consider this aspect as a potential downside in the context of similar cards in your deck.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting cost requires two specific mana symbols, which could be a challenge in multi-color decks that rely on a balanced mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana cost being slightly above average for its power and toughness, there are more mana-efficient options available for players looking to optimize their battlefield presence.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Alaborn Grenadier brings utility to any MTG player’s arsenal with its ability to fit seamlessly into soldier-themed decks or any build looking for a cost-effective creature. As it can block flying creatures, it acts as a strategic defensive option against airborne threats.

Combo Potential: This card offers synergy with decks that capitalize on tapping and untapping creatures, turning the Alaborn Grenadier into a tactical piece that can work with other cards to control the battlefield effectively.

Meta-Relevance: Given the right deck context, Alaborn Grenadier can be particularly effective in a meta that favors aggressive flying creatures. Its presence can deter opponents from attacking with smaller flyers and give you the edge in maintaining board control.

How to beat

Alaborn Grenadier poses an interesting challenge on the battlefield of Magic: The Gathering. The card features first strike, allowing it to deal combat damage before creatures without this ability, thereby often disposing of foes before they can retaliate. To effectively combat this, consider using creatures with higher toughness, capable of withstanding the initial strike, or those with enough power to overwhelm the Grenadier in a single blow.

Removal spells are also a key strategy. An Alaborn Grenadier can quickly be rendered ineffective by spells that can bypass its first strike ability altogether, such as direct damage spells, or those that force a sacrifice regardless of a creature’s abilities. Spot removals like Lightning Bolt or Doom Blade immediately deal with the Grenadier without allowing it to leverage its combat advantage.

Lastly, evasion tactics can prove effective. Utilizing flying creatures or those with unblockable abilities can navigate around the obstacle posed by the Grenadier. By focusing on striking directly and avoiding the confrontation on the ground, you sustain your offensive momentum and mitigate the first strike threat the Alaborn Grenadier presents.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Alaborn Grenadier MTG card by a specific set like Portal Second Age, 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 Alaborn Grenadier and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Alaborn Grenadier has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	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.