Angelic Arbiter MTG Card
2010-07-16 - Number 4
2011-06-17 - Number 5
2017-06-09 - Number 4
2020-07-17 - Number 86
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 7 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Angel |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 5 |
| Toughness | 6 |
Text of card
Flying Each opponent who cast a spell this turn can't attack with creatures. Each opponent who attacked with a creature this turn can't cast spells.
Cards like Angelic Arbiter
Angelic Arbiter is a unique force in the MTG arena, with its distinct ability to restrict opponents’ options each turn. When compared to other cards, Guardian of the Gateless offers similar protective qualities. Though it lacks the arbiter’s command over opposing turns, it excels at defense with its capacity to block any number of creatures and gain additional power and toughness for each one it blocks.
Linvala, Keeper of Silence, shares the theme of impeding opponent strategies by preventing activated abilities of creatures they control. Although Linvala doesn’t influence the casting of spells or attacking like Angelic Arbiter, the shutdown of abilities can be just as crippling. Then there’s Iona, Shield of Emeria, establishing a more severe lockdown by completely barring a chosen color of spells, directly impacting deck strategies reliant on specific colors.
Analyzing their abilities and constraints, Angelic Arbiter stands out with its dual-function to hamper opponents by combining an elegant offensive and defensive presence. This makes it a card that can mold the flow of the game in its controller’s favor. It’s this blend of impact and versatility that solidifies Angelic Arbiter’s place in MTG as a notable and strategic choice.
Cards similar to Angelic Arbiter by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Angelic Arbiter enhances your battlefield presence by providing powerful, dual utility. Its ability limits opponents to either casting spells or attacking, not both, potentially giving you the edge each turn as you outmaneuver and outplay.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly impacting mana, its impact can be indirectly resource-accelerating by reducing the resources your opponent can utilize effectively, thereby tipping the scales in your favor faster.
Instant Speed: Even though Angelic Arbiter doesn’t operate at instant speed, its continuous control effect is akin to having an invisible shield ready at all times, protecting you from sudden assaults and restrictive spell casting by your adversaries.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Carrying no such stipulation itself, Angelic Arbiter might compel deck builders to include supplementary discard outlets, which can mismatch the strategy of controlling the board with substantial creatures.
Specific Mana Cost: This winged enforcer demands a mix of both white and colorless mana, potentially constricting its place to more focused two-color or mono-white decks that can reliably meet its cost.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a substantial seven mana to take flight from hand to battlefield, Angelic Arbiter weighs heavily against your mana efficiency, especially when pitted against lower-cost creatures that start impacting the game much earlier.
Reasons to Include Angelic Arbiter in Your Collection
Versatility: Angelic Arbiter fits seamlessly into a variety of deck archetypes that require a sturdy defensive strategy while simultaneously posing an offensive threat. Its ability to limit opponents’ choices each turn makes it a formidable addition to control decks, ensuring that the pace of the game stays in your favor.
Combo Potential: This celestial being presents intriguing combo potential, particularly in decks that untap creatures or manipulate summoning sickness. Imagine pairing it with cards that allow for multiple attack phases or additional spell casting in a single turn, effectively bypassing its restrictive ability and making it a key piece in your game-winning combo.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where players are heavily invested in either casting numerous spells or attacking with a barrage of creatures, Angelic Arbiter shines by compelling opponents to make difficult decisions. Its prevalence in your collection can deter fast-paced combo decks and aggressive strategies, maintaining a balance that biases the battlefield to your advantage.
How to beat
The Angelic Arbiter, a powerful creature card in Magic the Gathering, presents a unique challenge on the battlefield. It combines the ability to swing the tempo in your favor while restricting opponents from casting spells or attacking if they’ve taken certain actions on the same turn. To navigate around the Arbiter’s restrictions, the most straightforward strategy is to eliminate it from the battlefield before it can lock down your game plan.
Removal spells that don’t target, such as board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation, can efficiently sweep the Arbiter aside while circumventing any protection it may have. Alternatively, countering the Arbiter before it enters play through counterspells ensures that its abilities never take effect. For a more direct attack, using cards with instant speed can remove or neutralize it before the control abilities become a concern. Utilizing these strategies will help maintain the flow of your game and contain the Angelic Arbiter’s influence.
Despite the challenge posed by the Angelic Arbiter, clever maneuvering and strategic planning can turn the tides. By integrating effective removal, counterplay, and timing, you can overcome the Arbiter’s daunting presence and continue to press your advantage on the battlefield.
BurnMana Recommendations
Understanding the interplay between your cards and your opponent’s strategy is key in MTG. With Angelic Arbiter, you gain a tactical advantage that can dominate the game’s tempo. Its unique ability to apply pressure on your opponent’s turn choices makes it a cornerstone in control-oriented decks, where every decision can lead to victory. If you’re looking to enhance your collection with a card that dictates the pace of play and offers versatility in both offense and defense, consider Angelic Arbiter. Want to delve deeper into optimizing your deck’s performance with this card? Explore with us and discover strategies to ensure your deck not only survives but thrives in the competitive MTG landscape.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Angelic Arbiter MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2011 and Commander 2011, 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 Angelic Arbiter and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
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- Card Market
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- MTG Mint Card
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Printings
The Angelic Arbiter Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2010-07-16 and 2020-07-17. Illustrated by Steve Argyle.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2010-07-16 | Magic 2011 | M11 | 4 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Steve Argyle | |
| 2 | 2011-06-17 | Commander 2011 | CMD | 5 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Steve Argyle | |
| 3 | 2017-06-09 | Commander Anthology | CMA | 4 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steve Argyle | |
| 4 | 2020-07-17 | Jumpstart | JMP | 86 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steve Argyle |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Angelic Arbiter has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Angelic Arbiter card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2010-08-15 | Angelic Arbiter’s last ability applies if an opponent attacked with at least one creature during the current turn. |
| 2010-08-15 | During an opponent’s turn, that opponent may either cast spells or attack with creatures, but not both (assuming that Angelic Arbiter is on the battlefield for the entirety of that turn). The player may perform other actions, such as activating abilities and playing lands. |
| 2010-08-15 | During your turn, Angelic Arbiter’s abilities have no effect on the game. |
| 2010-08-15 | If Angelic Arbiter enters the battlefield during an opponent’s turn, its abilities take actions that player performed earlier in the turn into account, even though it wasn’t on the battlefield at the time. For example, if an opponent casts a spell, then you use Leyline of Anticipation’s ability to cast Angelic Arbiter as though it had flash, that player won’t be able to attack with creatures that turn. |
| 2010-08-15 | If Angelic Arbiter leaves the battlefield during an opponent’s turn, its abilities cease to affect the game. For example, if an opponent casts Doom Blade to destroy Angelic Arbiter, that player may then attack with creatures. |