Monk MTG Card
2015-01-01 - Number 1
2015-01-23 - Number 1
2022-07-08 - Number 6
2022-09-09 - Number 14
2023-04-21 - Number 1
2023-04-21 - Number 1
| Card sets | Released in 6 setsSee all |
| Type | Token Creature — Monk |
| Abilities | Prowess |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Prowess
Cards like Monk
The Monk archetype in MTG introduces a suite of cards that balance combat prowess with clever ability triggers. One iconic card from this category, Monastery Mentor, stands out for its prowess mechanic which allows it to become stronger for each noncreature spell played. Similarly, cards like Seeker of the Way also gain temporary power boosts while providing lifelink—a boon for any health-conscious strategy.
Exploring more in the realm of spell-synergy, Geist of the Monastery shares a kinship with this thematic group through its ability to flicker another target creature whenever you cast a spell. While it lacks the direct combat enhancements of Monastery Mentor or Seeker of the Way, its capacity to protect and reuse creatures has its own strategic value.
Virtuous Ascendant is another Monk card worth comparing. It taps into the power of flying and, similar to prowess, it grows stronger with every instant and sorcery spell cast. However, unlike Monastery Mentor, it does not create additional creature tokens which can be a pivotal difference in board presence.
In the end, Monk cards have a unique way of enhancing play strategies in MTG, each offering a distinctive twist that can shape the flow of a match in various, nuanced ways.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Many Monk cards in MTG feature abilities that trigger upon casting noncreature spells, which can offer card draw or look at the top cards of your library, effectively guaranteeing you keep your hand replenished for continued plays.
Resource Acceleration: Some Monks have the prowess ability or similar effects that temporarily boost their power and/or toughness, and others might untap lands or generate mana, providing you with extra resources to play additional spells within a single turn.
Instant Speed: The Monk creature class frequently has synergies with instant speed spells, giving you the flexibility to act on your opponent’s turn. This can lead to advantageous combat tricks or disruptions, all the while potentially strengthening your Monks with various triggered abilities.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Some Monk cards may demand players to discard other cards as part of their casting or ability costs. This can hinder your game plan if your hand is already depleted, making it challenging to maintain card advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: Monks often have a color commitment to white, which means their mana cost can be restrictive in multicolored decks. This limits their flexibility and can strain your mana base, especially in the early stages of the game when resource allocation is critical.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Certain Monk cards come with a high mana cost for their abilities or stats. This can make them less appealing compared to other creatures or spells which might offer more impact or value for the same, or even less, mana investment, thereby reducing their overall effectiveness in fast-paced matches.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Monk cards often provide a wide array of abilities that can seamlessly integrate into various deck archetypes. Their abilities, ranging from prowess to life gain, make them a valuable asset in adaptive strategies.
Combo Potential: Monks synergize well with spells that can trigger their abilities multiple times, enabling powerful combinations that can turn the tide of the game. Their intrinsic synergy with noncreature spells accentuates their combo potential.
Meta-Relevance: Monks can hold their ground in a variety of meta environments. Whether it’s a spell-heavy or creature-centric game, the adaptability and inherent mechanics of Monk cards can provide the edge needed to outmaneuver opponents.
How to beat
Monk cards in Magic: The Gathering are renowned for their prowess on the battlefield, often leveraging abilities that trigger when casting noncreature spells. To gain the upper hand against Monk cards, the key strategy involves disrupting the synergy that Monks thrive on. Control decks can be particularly effective, as they offer a variety of counter spells and removals that can stifle the Monks’ momentum.
Board wipes can clear multiple Monks at once, negating the build-up of their cumulative buffs, and spot removal should be timed to target the most pivotal Monk cards before they can trigger impactful abilities. Additionally, consider employing graveyard hate cards to prevent any form of Monk recursion, locking down the battlefield in your favor. Utilizing these strategies, you can tilt the scales against Monk decks, containing their potential and pacing the game to your strategic benefit.
Ultimately, being proactive and anticipating key plays allows for disruptive interactions and ensures that Monk cards don’t overrun your defenses. Thoughtful planning and understanding the mechanics at play are essential for claiming victory against the adaptable and often surprising Monk strategies in Magic: The Gathering.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Monk MTG card by a specific set like League Tokens 2015 and Fate Reforged, 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 Monk 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Monk Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 2015-01-01 and 2023-04-21. Illustrated by 5 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2015-01-01 | League Tokens 2015 | L15 | 1 | 2015 | Token | Black | Magali Villeneuve | |
| 2 | 2015-01-23 | Fate Reforged | FRF | 1 | 2015 | Token | Black | Steven Belledin | |
| 3 | 2022-07-08 | Double Masters 2022 | 2X2 | 6 | 2015 | Token | Black | Steven Belledin | |
| 4 | 2022-09-09 | Dominaria United | DMU | 14 | 2015 | Token | Black | Irina Nordsol | |
| 5 | 2023-04-21 | March of the Machine | MOM | 1 | 2015 | Token | Black | Aaron J. Riley | |
| 6 | 2023-04-21 | March of the Machine Japanese Promo Tokens | WMOM | 1 | 2015 | Token | Borderless | Rorubei |