Diregraf Ghoul MTG Card
2011-09-24 - Number 97
2011-09-30 - Number 97
2016-02-26 - Number 54
2018-07-13 - Number 92
2002-06-24 - Number 42882
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Zombie |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Diregraf Ghoul enters the battlefield tapped.
Cards like Diregraf Ghoul
Diregraf Ghoul strikes a compelling pose in the realm of one-mana creatures, standing shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Gravecrawler. Both are zombies, pivotal in tribal decks, but Diregraf Ghoul has a simpler entry onto the battlefield with just a single tap on the next upkeep. Though not as resilient as Gravecrawler, which can be recast from the graveyard, Diregraf Ghoul’s immediate board presence gives players an early advantage.
Zombie aficionados might also compare it to Sarcomancy. While this enchantment also delivers a one-mana zombie, it comes with a downside if the zombie token is ever absent. Binding players to maintain a zombie or suffer damage, it can be both a blessing and a curse. Conversely, Diregraf Ghoul is a no-strings-attached play with a clear-cut mechanic.
In evaluating one-drop creatures within MTG’s extensive library, the Diregraf Ghoul maintains a solid standing. Its strength lies in its sheer simplicity, allowing undead strategists to apply pressure from the get-go without the immediate drawbacks some similar cards carry.
Cards similar to Diregraf Ghoul by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Diregraf Ghoul. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Mono-Black Aggro | Gladiator | Gladiator Team Unified League | |
 | Mono-Black Zombies | Modern | Zombies | Pachanga Trial ACUP Domingo |
 | Decklist | Free form | Canadian Highlander for Duals - Underground Sea Guaranteed - Proxies Allowed |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Diregraf Ghoul may not directly contribute to traditional card draw effects, its low casting cost makes it a highly efficient creature card enabling a player to maintain the pressure on opponents without sacrificing the hand size.
Resource Acceleration: Diregraf Ghoul is a one-mana 2/2 creature, which represents a significant acceleration of board presence. This early game advantage can be key in aggressive strategies that seek to overwhelm opponents quickly.
Instant Speed: Although Diregraf Ghoul does not operate at instant speed, its immediate impact as a powerful one-drop in the first turn of the game compensates by affecting the board state exceptionally early. This can force opponents to react sooner than they would prefer.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Diregraf Ghoul is an efficient creature, it doesn’t come without its drawbacks. One notable downside is that the card requires you to discard another card or make a certain gameplay sacrifice. This can deplete your hand and reduce your options later in the game, which can be especially detrimental if Diregraf Ghoul is removed from the battlefield.
Specific Mana Cost: Diregraf Ghoul has a mana cost that requires a black mana, which ties it strictly to decks that can produce this color. This can limit the card’s flexibility and utility, particularly in multicolored decks where black mana might not always be readily available.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although Diregraf Ghoul has a low casting cost of just one black mana, when considering other cards with a similar cost, it could be argued that its power and toughness might not justify the slot in a deck. Players may find other one-mana creatures with additional abilities more appealing and thus might opt for those instead, depending on the deck strategy and format.
Reasons to Include Diregraf Ghoul in Your Collection
Versatility: Diregraf Ghoul is a solid inclusion in any deck focusing on the zombie archetype, due to its one-mana cost. It’s a great opener that can put pressure on opponents early in the game and can be used effectively in both aggressive and midrange strategies.
Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with other zombie-themed cards and mechanics such as graveyard recursion and sacrifice effects. It can act as an early combo piece with cards that benefit from having zombies on the field or creatures entering the graveyard.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where fast starts are crucial, Diregraf Ghoul gives zombie decks that early game presence. Against slower, control-type builds, having an efficient one-drop can make all the difference in maintaining board pressure and outpacing opponents.
How to Beat
Diregraf Ghoul is a solid card in MTG, often featuring in aggressive Zombie decks with its one-mana cost for a 2/2 creature, making for quite the advantageous opening play. However, this card does come with a downside – it enters the battlefield tapped, delaying its impact until your next turn.
To counter Diregraf Ghoul effectively, speed and response are key. Removal spells that can target creatures, even those with just one mana, such as Shock or Fatal Push, are incredibly efficient ways to remove the Ghoul before it becomes a threat. Additionally, since the Ghoul enters the battlefield tapped, it leaves a window of opportunity to deal with it using sorcery-speed removal spells or setting up defences before it starts attacking.
Moreover, cards with the Defensive ability or those that can generate tokens quickly can block the Ghoul effectively, negating the advantage it offers in the early game. It is essential to balance your removal resources and know when to take care of the Ghoul, especially in formats where Zombies are prevalent. Anticipating your opponent’s plays and keeping their graveyard in check—since Zombies utilize it heavily—can often mitigate the threats posed by Diregraf Ghoul and its synergistic horror.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Diregraf Ghoul MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Innistrad Promos, 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 Diregraf Ghoul 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 Diregraf Ghoul Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2011-09-24 and 2018-07-13. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 42882 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Austin Hsu | ||
| 2 | 2011-09-24 | Innistrad Promos | PISD | 97 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Austin Hsu | |
| 3 | 2011-09-30 | Innistrad | ISD | 97 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Dave Kendall | |
| 4 | 2016-02-26 | Duel Decks: Blessed vs. Cursed | DDQ | 54 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Dave Kendall | |
| 5 | 2018-07-13 | Core Set 2019 | M19 | 92 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Dave Kendall |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Diregraf Ghoul 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 |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |