Alpine Watchdog MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Dog |
| Abilities | Vigilance |
| Released | 2020-07-03 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Core Set 2021 |
| Set code | M21 |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 2 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | normal |
| Border | black |
| Illustred by | Forrest Imel |
Key Takeaways
- Vigilance grants Alpine Watchdog defensive and offensive flexibility without committing more cards.
- Low cost and vigilant nature leave room for strategic play with instant speed spells.
- Lack of discard requirement and specific mana needs mark its subtle deck advantages.
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.
Text of card
Vigilance (Attacking doesn't cause this creature to tap.)
"On the eighth day, a blizzard hit. Supplies were lost, and morale plummeted. On the ninth day, Dover found us." —*To the Summit: A Tale of Survival*
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Alpine Watchdog may not directly offer card draw, but its vigilance allows it to be both an offensive and defensive asset without the need to commit additional cards to maintain a board presence.
Resource Acceleration: Although Alpine Watchdog doesn’t provide traditional mana acceleration, its low cost makes it an efficient play, leaving resources available for other spells earlier in the game.
Instant Speed: While Alpine Watchdog is a creature and not an instant, its vigilance affords a similar strategic flexibility, giving the player the capacity to react with other instant speed spells while it’s on the battlefield without having to tap.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While not applicable to Alpine Watchdog, cards requiring you to discard as additional cost can impair your hand, so the absence of this requirement can be a subtle benefit worth noting.
Specific Mana Cost: Alpine Watchdog necessitates a white mana to cast, which might not fit into multicolor decks that are not focused on or can’t consistently provide white mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Priced at two mana, Alpine Watchdog’s stats do not compete favorably against other creatures in the same range, potentially reducing its playability in formats where efficiency is key.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Alpine Watchdog is a solid addition to any deck requiring a reliable blocker. Its Vigilance ability allows it to remain active on both offense and defense, making it a flexible choice for various playstyles.
Combo Potential: This faithful hound shines in decks focused on the “Dog” subtype or where buffs to white creatures are prevalent. Alpine Watchdog aptly supports strategies that reward you for having creatures with Vigilance or that operate around synergistic “Dog” themes.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where aggressive strategies prevail, having cost-efficient creatures like Alpine Watchdog can be crucial. Its robust defensive presence for only two mana can slow down opponents, giving you the time needed to set up your board and stabilize.
How to beat
Alpine Watchdog is a loyal creature in the world of Magic: The Gathering, bringing steadfast defense to a player’s battlefield. A sturdy staple, especially in limited formats, this canine companion provides vigilant guard over your life total. But how does one navigate around this watchful protector?
To outmaneuver an Alpine Watchdog, removal spells are your best friend. Anything that can efficiently deal with a 2/2 creature without exhaustively tapping your mana or resources will do the trick. Cards that offer unconditional removal or those that bypass the Watchdog’s vigilance by forcing it to be sacrificed become key. Board wipes also clear the path, nullifying its defensive posture entirely.
Additionally, evasive creatures prove to be effective as well. Flyers and creatures with unblockable or other tricky mechanics can bypass the Watchdog’s staunch defense. In essence, while Alpine Watchdog can be a speed bump, a strategic mix of removal, evasion, and board control can ensure it won’t hold you back for long.
Cards like Alpine Watchdog
Alpine Watchdog shines as a reliable creature card in Magic: The Gathering’s vast arsenal of four-legged defenders. When eyeing cards of a similar nature, the comparison with Loyal Sentry comes to mind. Both cards exhibit steadfast loyalty with the Watchdog offering a vigilant companion on board, ready to defend at a moment’s notice. While the Sentry brings with it the capability to destroy any attacker it blocks, the Watchdog boasts a higher toughness, ensuring it can endure more on the battlefield.
Glory-Bound Initiate is another comparable card, both in cost and function. Though the Initiate can adapt and transform into a formidable attacker, Alpine Watchdog offers a more consistent defense with its vigilance trait. This trait keeps the canine alert, allowing for an unyielding protective presence during each turn. This is an advantageous trait for players seeking a steady defense that doesn’t compromise the potential for counterattacks.
While each card has its strengths, Alpine Watchdog remains a straightforward choice for players looking to fortify their ranks with an unwavering guardian. Its simplicity and vigilance give it a niche role in decks that benefit from persistent defensive capabilities.
Cards similar to Alpine Watchdog by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Alpine Watchdog MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2021, 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 Alpine Watchdog and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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 Magic products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Alpine Watchdog has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
