Markov Warlord MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Vampire Warrior
Abilities Haste
Power 4
Toughness 4

Key Takeaways

  1. Markov Warlord excels in token strategies, enhancing board presence and mana acceleration.
  2. It demands card sacrifices and specific mana, potentially restricting its play.
  3. The card’s immediate impact and versatility make it formidable in play.

Text of card

Haste When Markov Warlord enters the battlefield, up to two target creatures can't block this turn.

"What use is a stake or holy symbol in the hands of a coward?"


Card Pros

Card Advantage: The power to bring multiple creatures under your control rapidly bolsters your on-field presence and puts you at a distinctive upper hand.

Resource Acceleration: This formidable warlord synergizes with token generation strategies, which can effectively act as a catalyst for ramping up your mana resources faster than usual.

Instant Speed: The ability to cast spells or activate abilities at instant speed gives you the tactical advantage of disrupting opponent’s strategies and making pivotal moves in response to their actions.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Markov Warlord demands a sacrifice of another card from your hand to unleash its power, which could deplete your hand and leave you at a disadvantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Casting this vampire lord requires a precise blend of mana, red and black, which can be a hurdle for decks that cannot consistently produce both colors.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Weighing in at six mana, this creature card might lag behind in the race against decks that thrive on efficiency, as there are alternatives that can impact the board sooner or with less investment.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Markov Warlord is a strong addition to a variety of MTG decks, meshing well with aggressive strategies as well as those focusing on vampire synergy. Its ability to dominate the battlefield makes it a powerful choice for multiple game formats.

Combo Potential: This card’s haste and tap-down abilities enable several combos, particularly in decks that exploit tapped or attacking creatures. Integrating Markov Warlord can significantly enhance such build synergies, paving the way for game-winning plays.

Meta-Relevance: Given the continuous presence of creature-based strategies within the competitive scene, Markov Warlord can be a game-changer. Its role in combat and ability to suppress potential blockers makes it a relevant choice to combat various meta decks.


How to Beat Markov Warlord

Confronting a Markov Warlord on the battlefield can challenge even seasoned players, with its intimidating presence and ability to swiftly turn the tides of the game. This powerful card can overwhelm adversaries with its haste, attacking the very turn it comes into play. Despite its strength, defeating the Warlord is not insurmountable. Prioritizing removal spells that can target the Warlord before it unleashes havoc is pivotal. Cards such as Murder, which can destroy any creature for three mana, or the two-mana Cast Down, are effective tactics for swiftly removing the threat from the field.

Additionally, employing creatures with deathtouch can serve as a robust defensive line, deterring the Warlord’s assault, while utilizing counterspells like Counterspell or Negate can prevent the Warlord from entering play in the first place. When Markov Warlord’s high mana cost is considered, players can also gain an edge by pressuring opponents early in the game, reducing their ability to cast such a costly spell. With strategic planning and resourceful card choices, players can defend against and ultimately triumph over the fearsome Markov Warlord.


Cards like Markov Warlord

In the realm of MTG, Markov Warlord stands out as a noteworthy creature within vampire deck builds. Its attributes are quite impressive, falling in line with cards like Rakish Heir and Stromkirk Captain. Both share a vampiric trait and are known for their ability to empower other vampires. Markov Warlord’s distinct advantage lies in its impactful entrance, bringing with it immediate board presence by tapping two target creatures. This ability closely mirrors that of the formidable Afflicted Deserter. However, while Afflicted Deserter requires a transformation to become Werewolf Ransacker to unleash its full potential, Markov Warlord offers an immediate and reliable effect upon casting.

Another comparative example is Ankle Shanker, which, upon attacking, grants your creatures deathtouch and first strike, potentially altering combat outcomes significantly. Unlike Ankle Shanker’s combat phase trigger, Markov Warlord’s ability is a one-time impact, creating an immediate hurdle for your opponent without the need for combat initiation.

Considering the synergetic dominance within vampire-themed decks, Markov Warlord’s sheer power and control make it a substantial option for players looking to reinforce their creature-based strategies in MTG.

Rakish Heir - MTG Card versions
Stromkirk Captain - MTG Card versions
Ankle Shanker - MTG Card versions
Rakish Heir - Innistrad (ISD)
Stromkirk Captain - Dark Ascension (DKA)
Ankle Shanker - Khans of Tarkir (KTK)

Cards similar to Markov Warlord by color, type and mana cost

Shivan Dragon - MTG Card versions
Firestorm Phoenix - MTG Card versions
Crater Hellion - MTG Card versions
Callous Giant - MTG Card versions
Halam Djinn - MTG Card versions
Bloodshot Cyclops - MTG Card versions
Worldgorger Dragon - MTG Card versions
Two-Headed Dragon - MTG Card versions
Ryusei, the Falling Star - MTG Card versions
Ronin Cavekeeper - MTG Card versions
Oni of Wild Places - MTG Card versions
Thundermare - MTG Card versions
Pardic Dragon - MTG Card versions
Tectonic Fiend - MTG Card versions
Etali, Primal Storm - MTG Card versions
Kamahl, Pit Fighter - MTG Card versions
Sunrise Sovereign - MTG Card versions
Lu Bu, Master-at-Arms - MTG Card versions
Inferno Titan - MTG Card versions
Bogardan Rager - MTG Card versions
Shivan Dragon - Dominaria Remastered (DMR)
Firestorm Phoenix - Legends (LEG)
Crater Hellion - Eternal Masters (EMA)
Callous Giant - Invasion (INV)
Halam Djinn - Invasion (INV)
Bloodshot Cyclops - Eighth Edition (8ED)
Worldgorger Dragon - Dominaria Remastered (DMR)
Two-Headed Dragon - From the Vault: Dragons (DRB)
Ryusei, the Falling Star - Iconic Masters (IMA)
Ronin Cavekeeper - Saviors of Kamigawa (SOK)
Oni of Wild Places - Commander 2011 (CMD)
Thundermare - Salvat 2005 (PSAL)
Pardic Dragon - Time Spiral (TSP)
Tectonic Fiend - Time Spiral (TSP)
Etali, Primal Storm - Dominaria United Commander (DMC)
Kamahl, Pit Fighter - Duels of the Planeswalkers (DPA)
Sunrise Sovereign - Lorwyn (LRW)
Lu Bu, Master-at-Arms - Masters Edition III (ME3)
Inferno Titan - Commander Masters (CMM)
Bogardan Rager - Duel Decks: Knights vs. Dragons (DDG)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Markov Warlord MTG card by a specific set like Dark Ascension and Jumpstart 2022, 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 Markov Warlord and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Markov Warlord Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2012-02-03 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Cynthia Sheppard.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12012-02-03Dark AscensionDKA 972003normalblackCynthia Sheppard
22022-12-02Jumpstart 2022J22 5732015normalblackCynthia Sheppard

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Markov Warlord has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Markov Warlord card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

DateText
2011-01-22 The creatures can’t block any creatures that turn, not just Markov Warlord.
2011-01-22 You may target zero, one, or two creatures with Markov Warlord’s enters-the-battlefield triggered ability.

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