Elite Vanguard MTG Card
2009-07-17 - Number 9
2010-07-16 - Number 13
2011-07-15 - Number 15
2016-06-10 - Number 8
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Soldier |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Cards like Elite Vanguard
Elite Vanguard is a notable creature in MTG that provides a significant early game advantage for white weenie or aggressive strategies. It stands as a model of efficiency, with its 2/1 body for just one white mana, delivering immediate pressure to your opponent. In terms of comparison, Savannah Lions is an older counterpart that shares the same stats and cost yet doesn’t carry the soldier subtype that can be relevant in tribal decks.
Examining another peer, Isamaru, Hound of Konda, although it brings the same power and toughness to the battlefield, this legendary creature may only be a singleton in your deck, which limits consistency compared to the non-legendary Elite Vanguard. Additionally, there is Mardu Woe-Reaper, another one-mana 2/1, which offers an additional utility in exiling cards from graveyards while gaining life—a utility that Elite Vanguard lacks but compensates for with its non-restrictive nature.
For players valuing purity of aggression and deck-building flexibility, Elite Vanguard emerges as a strong contender among one-drop creatures, adeptly balancing cost, power, and the potential for tribal synergy in MTG.
Cards similar to Elite Vanguard by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Elite Vanguard itself doesn’t directly offer card draw, its presence on the battlefield demands responses from opponents. If left unchecked, this can allow players to dictate the flow of the game and outmaneuver opposition, potentially leading to indirect card advantage.
Resource Acceleration: The Elite Vanguard shines in its efficiency. As a low-cost creature, it enables you to deploy threats early on, paving the way for more impactful plays in subsequent turns. Its one mana value accelerates your board presence without draining resources, maintaining pressure on your opponent from the get-go.
Instant Speed: Although Elite Vanguard operates at sorcery speed, its quick deployment can complement an instant-speed centric strategy. By establishing early pressure, you free up your mana in later stages of the game to capitalize on instant-speed interactions, thereby keeping opponents on their toes while you hold reactive plays.
Card Cons
Specific Mana Cost: Elite Vanguard requires a strictly white mana to cast, which can be restrictive in multi-color decks that may need a more flexible mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For a 2/1 creature, the solitary white mana might seem efficient, but in a format filled with powerful one-drops, Elite Vanguard faces steep competition from other cards that offer additional abilities or have higher toughness.
Limited Impact: Elite Vanguard, while quick to the battlefield, lacks any abilities beyond its basic stats. This can lead to it being outclassed by creatures with built-in evasion, lifelink, or other relevant mechanics, especially in the mid to late game.
Reasons to Include Elite Vanguard in Your Collection
Versatility: Elite Vanguard’s straightforward and efficient nature makes it a staple for White Weenie and Aggro decks. This 2/1 for one mana offers an aggressive strategy from the start of the game.
Combo Potential: Elite Vanguard synergizes well with equipment and aura cards, enhancing its power and toughness, or giving it additional abilities that can turn the tides of the battlefield in your favor.
Meta-Relevance: As metas shift toward faster, more efficient plays, having a one-cost creature like Elite Vanguard means you’re always ready to apply pressure or trade up against the opponent’s early threats.
How to beat Elite Vanguard
Elite Vanguard, with its efficient one mana cost for a solid 2/1 creature, can be quite potent in the early game of Magic: The Gathering. It’s known for its simplicity and for being a reliable card to put early pressure on opponents in aggressive white decks. Despite its strengths, there are strategies you can employ to ensure it doesn’t overrun you on the battlefield.
Removal spells are your first line of defense against Elite Vanguard. Cards like Fatal Push or Lightning Bolt are perfect answers as they can remove the Vanguard with minimal cost before it begins to chip away at your life total. If you’re in for a longer game, consider spells like Wrath of God or Damnation, which can clear multiple creatures off the board, including nimble ones like Elite Vanguard. It’s crucial to keep your mana open for these responses to maintain control over the game’s pace.
In summary, while Elite Vanguard can present a quick threat due to its cost-effective power and toughness, it’s relatively easy to manage with timely removal. By keeping removal in your hand and playing it at the right moment, you’ll dampen the impact of the Vanguard and preserve your standing in the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Elite Vanguard MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2010 and Magic 2011, 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 Elite Vanguard 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 Elite Vanguard Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2009-07-17 and 2016-06-10. Illustrated by Mark Tedin.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2009-07-17 | Magic 2010 | M10 | 9 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Mark Tedin | |
| 2 | 2010-07-16 | Magic 2011 | M11 | 13 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Mark Tedin | |
| 3 | 2011-07-15 | Magic 2012 | M12 | 15 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Mark Tedin | |
| 4 | 2016-06-10 | Eternal Masters | EMA | 8 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mark Tedin |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Elite Vanguard has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |