Defiant Greatmaw MTG Card
2017-04-28 - Number 163
2020-08-13 - Number 188
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Hippo |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 5 |
Text of card
When Defiant Greatmaw enters the battlefield, put two -1/-1 counters on target creature you control. Whenever you put one or more -1/-1 counters on Defiant Greatmaw, remove a -1/-1 counter from another target creature you control.
Cards like Defiant Greatmaw
Defiant Greatmaw stands out in the world of Magic: The Gathering as a powerful creature card that offers a unique playstyle twist. It can be compared to Exemplar of Strength, which also revolves around the -1/-1 counter mechanic. Both creatures function not just as formidable presences on the battlefield but as strategic tools to manipulate counters for added benefits. Defiant Greatmaw, however, tips the scales with its ability to distribute these counters among multiple creatures, an aspect that Exemplar of Strength doesn’t share.
Another relative in this niche is Channeler Initiate, a card that similarly deals with -1/-1 counters, yet serves a dual purpose. Besides being a creature, it acts as a mana accelerator once the counters are removed. Defiant Greatmaw doesn’t provide the ramp capabilities but compensates with a generally larger creature stat line. Moreover, the synergy found within Defiant Greatmaw is noteworthy, finding its place in decks focused around counter interactions, surpassing the more singular uses of Channeler Initiate.
Evaluating Defiant Greatmaw’s significance in MTG, it corroborates its position as a versatile and potential game-changer by enabling complex strategic plays through its counter mechanics, particularly in decks specialized towards leveraging these interactions for maximum effectiveness.
Cards similar to Defiant Greatmaw by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Defiant Greatmaw’s ability to place two -1/-1 counters on a creature you control can interact favorably with creatures that benefit from having counters placed on them, effectively turning a disadvantage into a gain in both board presence and potential card interactions.
Resource Acceleration: With the Defiant Greatmaw, you get a substantial 4/5 creature for just three mana, representing an efficient use of resources. Additionally, by moving counters onto creatures with persist or undying abilities, you potentially accelerate your resource development by getting additional uses out of your creatures.
Instant Speed: While the Defiant Greatmaw itself is not an instant-speed spell, its -1/-1 counter placement can be used in conjunction with instant-speed support spells to create unexpected combat math, surprise buffs via counter removal, or creature revival if timed correctly with other instant-speed abilities. This interaction adds a layer of tactical flexibility in matches, making it a resourceful tool in a savvy player’s arsenal.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One of the challenges with Defiant Greatmaw is the potential for it to force a discard that can strain your hand if you’re playing a resource-tight game. This can lead to difficult decisions, especially if you’re holding onto key cards for your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: Defiant Greatmaw demands a dedicated green mana investment within its mana cost, which might not blend seamlessly into multicolored decks. This can restrict its utility to green-centric or two-color decks that heavily focus on green mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the card does offer a reasonable body and comes with some degree of utility, its mana cost is on the higher side when compared to other creatures with similar stats or abilities. This can affect your tempo, particularly in faster-paced matches where every mana point counts.
Reasons to Include Defiant Greatmaw in Your Collection
Versatility: Defiant Greatmaw is a creautre that finds a place in green decks focusing on +1/+1 counter strategies. Its ability to rapidly increase the strength of your creatures makes it a seamless fit for many growth-centric decks.
Combo Potential: With its capability to move counters from itself to other creatures, this card pairs excellently with several synergistic abilities in the game, enhancing combos centered around counter manipulation.
Meta-Relevance: As the game environment leans into utilizing creatures with modular enhancements, Defiant Greatmaw maintains relevance, countering strategies that rely on weakening opponent’s creatures, thus securing its spot in certain competitive formats.
How to approach Defiant Greatmaw
Defiant Greatmaw is a unique creature card that players might encounter in the battlefield of Magic: The Gathering. This creature, known for its ability to manipulate -1/-1 counters, presents a challenge and an opportunity on the tabletop. When Defiant Greatmaw enters the battlefield, it may place two -1/-1 counters on itself, or you can strategize to place them on another creature with a weakness to such counters. This creates a dynamic play environment where knowing when and where to assign these counters becomes a chess-like aspect of your game strategy.
Confronting Defiant Greatmaw head-on demands a flexible approach. Consider cards that can either remove counters or that can take advantage of increased power when -1/-1 counters are placed. Using spells or creatures that can exile Defiant Greatmaw can bypass its counter-related abilities entirely, avoiding potential long-term issues it may cause on the board. It’s also beneficial to hold instant-speed removal in case the opponent tries to capitalize on the placed counters to grow their creatures or trigger abilities. Reacting decisively to counter their plans will shift the balance of power in your favor.
Ultimately, countering Defiant Greatmaw involves a mix of anticipation and tactical removal, ensuring that its presence doesn’t tilt the battlefield to your opponent’s advantage.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Defiant Greatmaw MTG card by a specific set like Amonkhet and Amonkhet Remastered, 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 Defiant Greatmaw and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- 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
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Printings
The Defiant Greatmaw Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2017-04-28 and 2020-08-13. Illustrated by Deruchenko Alexander.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2017-04-28 | Amonkhet | AKH | 163 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Deruchenko Alexander | |
| 2 | 2020-08-13 | Amonkhet Remastered | AKR | 188 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Deruchenko Alexander |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Defiant Greatmaw has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Defiant Greatmaw card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2017-04-18 | If a creature with wither or infect deals damage to a creature, the controller of the creature with wither or infect puts that many -1/-1 counters on the second creature. |
| 2017-04-18 | If you put enough -1/-1 counters on Defiant Greatmaw so that its toughness is 0 or less, its last ability triggers. |