Korozda Gorgon MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	5
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Gorgon
Abilities	Deathtouch
Released	2013-05-03
Set symbol
Set name	Dragon's Maze
Set code	DGM
Power	2
Toughness	5
Number	78
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Volkan Baǵa

Key Takeaways

Korozda Gorgon transforms +1/+1 counters into controlling power, offering a distinctive edge in MTG.
It thrives within specific synergies, emphasizing the importance of strategic deck construction.
Versatility in different game scenarios ensures Korozda Gorgon’s persistent utility.

Text of card

Deathtouch , Remove a +1/+1 counter from a creature you control: Target creature gets -1/-1 until end of turn.

"Welcome to my collection."

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Korozda Gorgon enables consistent board presence by offering the potential to neutralize threats. Each +1/+1 counter used effectively removes an opposing creature, which can turn the tide in terms of both board state and hand resources.

Resource Acceleration: By leveraging the counters from other creatures, you expedite your strategy without expending additional cards from your hand. This can lead to a rapid advancement in your board position while conserving crucial mana and spells for critical moments in the gameplay.

Instant Speed: The ability to use Korozda Gorgon’s deathtouch ability at instant speed gives you significant flexibility. You can decisively alter combat outcomes or disrupt enemy plays during their turn, which can be a powerful tool for maintaining control of the game.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Korozda Gorgon requires you to have +1/+1 counters on your creatures to activate its ability. This can be restrictive as it relies on having other card mechanics or resources in play to utilize its full potential, leaving it dependent on specific deck synergies or scenarios.

Specific Mana Cost: Korozda Gorgon comes with a precise mana cost that includes both black and green. This cost structure could limit deck building to Golgari-focused decks and might not be easily splashed into multi-colored decks that lack a strong mana base for these two colors.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At a total of five mana to cast, including two of which are colored, Korozda Gorgon may be considered slow compared to other creatures or removal options available at lower mana costs. This can be a disadvantage, especially in faster-paced games where tempo and efficiency are key.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Korozda Gorgon offers adaptability in decks that leverage +1/+1 counters, fitting well into both aggressive and control-oriented strategies. Its deathtouch ability makes it a robust defender as well as a credible threat.

Combo Potential: The Gorgon’s second ability—a mechanism to exploit +1/+1 counters for creature removal—can synchronize with numerous counter-centric cards, opening avenues for powerful interactions and synergies within your deck.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-based strategies dominate, having versatile removal options is paramount. Korozda Gorgon serves as both a deterrent and an answer to potential threats, maintaining its relevance in various meta scenarios.

How to beat

Korozda Gorgon presents a unique challenge on the battlefield with its ability to control the board through the manipulation of +1/+1 counters. It requires a strategic approach to counteract its deathtouch feature and its capability to weaken your creatures by removing counters.

To get the upper hand, prioritize spells or abilities that can neutralize the Gorgon without triggering its deathtouch. This could include using enchantments like Pacifism to prevent it from attacking or blocking, or relying on exile effects that remove it from combat altogether. Targeted removal spells, such as Path to Exile, are particularly useful as they bypass the deathtouch mechanic.

Additionally, adapt your gameplay to limit the number of +1/+1 counters on your creatures, thus minimizing the impact of the Gorgon’s ability. Another effective strategy is to increase the tempo of your offense, outpacing the Gorgon’s controlling nature. By addressing Korozda Gorgon’s strengths head-on with these tactics, you can tilt the scales of the match in your favor.

Cards like Korozda Gorgon

Korozda Gorgon stands out in the realm of deathtouch creatures within Magic: The Gathering. A compelling factor that makes this Gorgon unique is her ability to manipulate +1/+1 counters to disable opposing creatures. Comparatively, cards like Vampire Nighthawk offer deathtouch as a passive trait without the interactive aspect of counters. Meanwhile, cards such as Ruthless Ripper come with deathtouch and provide a bonus effect of revealing a card to deal damage to an opponent, which does not interact with counters either.

Delving further into similar cards, we come across Glissa, the Traitor. Glissa also features deathtouch and brings an additional layer of utility by allowing you to return an artifact from your graveyard to your hand whenever a creature an opponent controls dies. This provides a recurring value that Korozda Gorgon doesn’t directly provide, but the Gorgon’s ability to weaken creatures is a strategic advantage in combat scenarios, emphasizing board control rather than resource recursion.

Considering the functionalities and tactical advantages, Korozda Gorgon offers a unique blend of control through +1/+1 counter manipulation combined with the ever-threatening deathtouch, setting itself a notch above mere static-deathtouch creatures in the game.

Cards similar to Korozda Gorgon by color, type and mana cost

Deathbloom Ritualist - MTG Card versions

Ikra Shidiqi, the Usurper - MTG Card versions

Nath of the Gilt-Leaf - MTG Card versions

Mazirek, Kraul Death Priest - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Korozda Gorgon MTG card by a specific set like Dragon's Maze, 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 Korozda Gorgon and other MTG cards: