Avacynian Priest MTG Card

Avacynian Priest offers situational board control without sacrificing card advantage. Efficient mana cost aids early game plays, complementing diverse strategies. Activation resembling instant-speed can strategically undermine opponent turns.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Human Cleric
Released	2011-09-30
Set symbol
Set name	Innistrad
Set code	ISD
Power	1
Toughness	2
Number	4
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Greg Staples

Text of card

, : Tap target non-Human creature.

Moorlanders speak in awe of the priests' talent for arriving just in time to drive off the wicked things that prowl the ravished parish.

Cards like Avacynian Priest

Exploring the vast array of cards within Magic: The Gathering reveals Avacynian Priest as a unique creature with an ability to control the battlefield. This card is akin to other creatures that tap to incapacitate opposing forces, such as Gideon’s Lawkeeper. The Lawkeeper can tap an opposing creature for one white mana, similar to the Priest but lacks the diverse trait targeting that the Priest brings to the table.

Another similar card is Tapper, which serves a similar function. While Tapper offers a tap ability without any cost, it’s not as restricted in its targeting as Avacynian Priest, which specifically targets non-Human creatures. This specificity allows for a more targeted strategy in decks focusing on Human synergy.

Lastly, Blinding Mage falls into this category as well. The Mage can tap any creature for one white mana and one other mana, representing a higher cost than Avacynian Priest and Gideon’s Lawkeeper, but without the targeting restrictions. This makes Blinding Mage a more versatile choice in certain decks.

In evaluating Avacynian Priest against these counterparts, it stands out in strategies where targeting non-Human creatures provides a tactical advantage, demonstrating its niche yet significant role within the creature control mechanics of Magic: The Gathering.

Cards similar to Avacynian Priest by color, type and mana cost

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Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Avacynian Priest’s ability to tap potential threats creates a defensive card advantage. By controlling the board and limiting opponent’s options, it effectively grants you an edge without sacrificing card resources.

Resource Acceleration: This card doesn’t directly accelerate resources, but its low casting cost allows you to utilize mana efficiently in the early game. It opens up the opportunity to deploy other strategies simultaneously, thereby indirectly contributing to a swift resource development on the battlefield.

Instant Speed: Although Avacynian Priest doesn’t operate at instant speed, its tapping ability can be used at the end of your opponent’s turn, which simulates an instant-speed interaction by disrupting their plans right before your turn begins. This strategic temporization can swing the momentum in your favor.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: In decks that aim to maintain card advantage, Avacynian Priest’s tap ability can seem less appealing because it essentially asks you to forego using another card in your hand for a turn. This can be particularly taxing in matches where every card in hand counts.

Specific Mana Cost: Avacynian Priest’s mana cost requires white mana, which can limit flexibility in multi-colored decks. For players running a mixed mana base, including this priest might narrow deck-building strategies and make the mana curve less stable.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the cost to play Avacynian Priest itself isn’t exorbitant, when considering its ability to tap a single creature, other cards may offer a more cost-effective way to control the board. In fast-paced games, the mana used to activate this priest’s ability could potentially be invested in more impactful plays.

Reasons to Include Avacynian Priest in Your Collection

Versatility: Avacynian Priest offers strategic flexibility in your deck. With its ability to tap down potential threats, it serves as a control element in a wide array of deck builds, particularly ones that can benefit from consistently incapacitating opposing creatures.

Combo Potential: Its tapping ability synergizes well with various cards and mechanics. By combining it with cards that react to creatures being tapped or untapped, you can create powerful and unexpected interactions, potentially turning the tide of the game in your favor.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where creature-based strategies are prevalent, having Avacynian Priest as part of your arsenal is immensely valuable. It can neutralize key creatures your opponents rely on, maintaining board control and giving you the upper hand throughout the game.

How to Beat

When facing the Avacynian Priest in Magic: The Gathering, the game’s strategy shifts slightly due to her ability to tap potential threats. This human cleric can manipulate the battlefield, locking down creatures and stalling your attempts to advance. It’s critical to understand that her power hinges on being untapped, making her susceptible to instant-speed removal spells. Keeping removal spells like Doom Blade or Abrupt Decay handy ensures you can respond to her activations and clear the path for your creatures.

Moreover, she can only target non-Human creatures, which is an invitation to build your deck with formidable Human creatures. These would remain unaffected by her ability and maintain your offensive pressure. Alternatively, enchantments like Pacifism or artifacts that prevent activated abilities, like Cursed Totem, help neutralize the Priest without requiring creature removal. Such versatile solutions can assist you in outmaneuvering your opponent’s Avacynian Priest and swinging the game balance in your favor.

Effectively, cards that limit her ability to tap or enhance your creatures’ resilience can diminish her impact on the game. The Avacynian Priest is but one piece in your opponent’s plan, and by employing prompt and tactical responses, you can safeguard your game position and take control.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Avacynian Priest MTG card by a specific set like Innistrad, 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 Avacynian Priest and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Avacynian Priest has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Penny	Legal