Dovin, Architect of Law MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Mythic |
| Type | Legendary Planeswalker — Dovin |
| Released | 2019-01-25 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Ravnica Allegiance |
| Set code | RNA |
| Loyalty | 5 |
| Number | 265 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Kieran Yanner |
Text of card
+1: You gain 2 life and draw a card. −1: Tap target creature. It doesn't untap during its controller's next untap step. −9: Tap all permanents target opponent controls. That player skips their next untap step.
Cards like Dovin, Architect of Law
Dovin, Architect of Law shines as an exceptional planeswalker in the intricate world of Magic: The Gathering. Entering the playing field, Dovin shares common abilities with some other prominent figures, such as presenting card advantage and controlling the battlefield. Akin to Dovin is the famed Jace, Architect of Thought. Jace also plays a pivotal role in tilting the card equilibrium in your favor, albeit without Dovin’s ability to gain you life, which can be a crucial factor during tight matches.
Likewise, Teferi, Time Raveler serves as a close comparison with his capability to disrupt your opponent’s strategies. While Teferi leans more towards controlling opponents’ timing, Dovin provides an additional layer of combat defense with his -1 ability, which can be decisive in warding off enemy attacks. Nonetheless, Teferi’s passive effect to play sorcery speed spells as though they had flash arguably offers a broader strategic advantage in certain decks.
As we delve into these comparisons, it’s clear that Dovin, Architect of Law has a unique mixture of sustain, control, and tempo advantages that can steer a game in your favor. This blend of traits makes him a robust choice for players looking to add an element of control in their MTG arsenal.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Dovin, Architect of Law provides consistent card draw with his +1 loyalty ability, ensuring you have access to more options and can outpace your opponent with a steady stream of resources.
Resource Acceleration: His -1 loyalty ability’s ability to neutralize a threat and potentially produce an artifact token is key in ramping up your resources, allowing for more impactful plays in subsequent turns.
Instant Speed: Although Dovin himself does not function at instant speed, his ultimate ability grants you a powerful emblem that can cast spells at any time, bringing unparalleled flexibility to your strategy and keeping opponents on their toes.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Dovin, Architect of Law doesn’t ask for a card to be discarded, certain abilities he negates may cause you to miss out on hand resources. Ensuring you have a balanced approach when activating loyalty abilities that impact hand size is crucial.
Specific Mana Cost: Dovin’s specific mana needs tie you to a blue and white mana base, which can limit deck-building diversity. This requirement compels players to strategize around Azorius colors, potentially excluding them from exploring other color synergies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of six mana, Dovin stands on the pricier side when compared to other options. Players might opt for lower-casting-cost planeswalkers or spells that offer similar utility and pose less of a hurdle to deploy during a match.
Reasons to Include Dovin, Architect of Law in Your Collection
Versatility: Dovin, Architect of Law brings a dynamic element to control-based decks. His ability to neutralize threats with his -1 ability and provide a steady stream of life and card advantage with his +1 makes him a flexible addition capable of adapting to various game states.
Combo Potential: Dovin’s ultimate can set up winning conditions by searching for key pieces. He pairs well with proliferate strategies, accelerating the attainment of his ultimate and maximizing his impact on the game.
Meta-Relevance: In a landscape where planeswalker presence and control decks are prominent, Dovin’s ability to protect itself while stifling opponents’ plays makes him a strategic pick that can tip the scales in matchups where every card counts.
How to beat
Dovin, Architect of Law is a versatile Planeswalker card that can bolster your opponent’s defenses while disrupting your strategy. A key approach to overcoming this card involves applying pressure early in the game. Aggressive decks, especially those with capabilities for direct damage, can challenge Dovin before he begins to impact the board significantly. Creature haste and efficient removal spells are vital as they can target Dovin directly or clear the path of blockers.
Another effective strategy is baiting out Dovin’s minus ability, wherein he returns a target creature to its owner’s hand. Timing your plays so that the least impactful creature is returned can minimize the tempo loss. Additionally, employing cards that benefit from entering the battlefield can turn Dovin’s ability into an advantage for you. Finally, keep in mind that Dovin’s ultimate provides a sturdy barrier of protection. Disallowing him from accumulating enough loyalty counters to activate this powerful effect is crucial for maintaining control of the match.
Remember, each game is different and so is each deck. Adjusting your approach dynamically to the changing battlefield will greatly enhance your chances of outwitting Dovin, Architect of Law, and claiming victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Dovin, Architect of Law MTG card by a specific set like Ravnica Allegiance, 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 Dovin, Architect of Law 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
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Dovin, Architect of Law has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Dovin, Architect of Law card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2019-01-25 | Dovin’s second ability can target a creature that’s already tapped. That creature won’t untap during its controller’s next untap step. |
| 2019-01-25 | In a Two-Headed Giant game, if a player is instructed to skip their next untap step, the entire team skips that step. |