Frostbridge Guard MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Elemental Soldier |
| Released | 2023-09-08 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Wilds of Eldraine |
| Set code | WOE |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 14 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Paul Scott Canavan |
Text of card
, : Tap target creature.
The sentry watched impassively, its spear unmoving. One by one, the would-be adventurers stumbled and fell, frostbitten, to the ground.
Cards like Frostbridge Guard
Frostbridge Guard is an intriguing creature card that finds its place in the pantheon of defensive Magic: The Gathering cards. It closely mirrors other low-cost creatures like Wall of Runes, which also provides an early-game defense mechanism. However, Frostbridge Guard adds a strategic layer by offering a mana ability when it blocks. This key feature not only deters attacks but also ramps up your mana, diversifying your defensive and resource strategies.
Examining other comparative cards, we encounter Thraben Inspector. While Thraben Inspector doesn’t provide a mana boost, it offers a Clue token upon entering the battlefield, allowing for card draw later in the game. This clue generation can pivotally replenish your hand in the long run. Additionally, the long-established Llanowar Elves share the feature of mana generation with Frostbridge Guard but forgo the guarding utility, focusing entirely on ramping capabilities to help you cast powerful spells earlier.
Ultimately, Frostbridge Guard seems to offer a balance between maintaining board presence and incremental mana advancement, which could prove vital in matches that demand both resources and stalwart defenses from the same card.
Cards similar to Frostbridge Guard by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Frostbridge Guard can offer card advantage by potentially drawing you a card each turn if paired with consistent creature entering the battlefield under your control. This incremental advantage can be significant in the long run, helping to ensure you don’t run out of options.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly increasing your mana pool, Frostbridge Guard can effectively decrease the cost of creature spells you cast, thus acting as a form of resource acceleration. This makes it easier to deploy multiple threats in a turn and can lead to overwhelming your opponent more quickly.
Instant Speed: Frostbridge Guard’s ability to tap another untapped creature you control to grant it indestructible until end of turn can be activated at instant speed. This not only protects key pieces on your board but also allows for strategic combat decisions during your opponent’s turn, potentially outmaneuvering your opponent when they least expect it.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Frostbridge Guard demands that players discard a card to trigger its untap ability. While this can be a strategic advantage in the right context, it is often a drawback when you are trying to maintain card advantage or have valuable cards in hand that you don’t want to lose.
Specific Mana Cost: This creature comes with a mana cost that includes snow mana, which can be restrictive since it demands a dedicated snow-based deck. Not all MTG decks are equipped to support this mana type, potentially limiting where Frostbridge Guard can be effectively played.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The total cost to cast Frostbridge Guard and immediately activate its untap ability could be seen as steep, especially when you consider other creatures at the same mana cost that provide immediate impact without additional investments.
Reasons to Include Frostbridge Guard in Your Collection
Versatility: Frostbridge Guard is a highly adaptable creature card that can be slotted into various deck types. With its snow mana mechanic, it’s not just a solid defender but also a capable enabler for snow-based strategies or decks focusing on mana-fixing.
Combo Potential: This card offers substantial synergy opportunities with decks that exploit the tap and untap mechanics. Additionally, its ability to become a mana source under specific circumstances allows for creative plays and can energize combos that need an extra mana boost at critical moments.
Meta-Relevance: Given its capacity to act both defensively and as a mana accelerator in snow-focused decks, Frostbridge Guard remains relevant in metas where those archetypes are prevalent. Its inclusion in a collection ensures preparedness for shifts in the competitive scene that favor its unique skill set.
How to beat
Frostbridge Guard brings a defensive edge to the battlefield in MTG. Its ice-cold presence is an obstacle for many, with its boast of being able to create an obedient 1/1 green and blue Bird Illusion creature token with flying whenever an opponent draws their second card each turn. The efficiency of this card is inherently reliant on your opponent’s actions, giving it a quirky yet potent standby capability.
To effectively neutralize the Frostbridge Guard, aim to minimize card draw or regulate the number of cards you draw each turn. This includes being cautious with card draw spells or abilities that might trigger the guard’s ability inadvertently. Handlers of the Guard may also want to consider the timing of their plays, as interrupting or removing this vigilant creature before they can create an aerial blockade could prove crucial. Utilizing instant-speed removal when the Guard is tapped out, or leveraging board wipes to reset the field can also diminish its utility. By strategizing around its token generation, you can maintain control and keep Frostbridge Guard from turning into a recurring hindrance.
In summation, while Frostbridge Guard provides a novel form of board presence, its strength can be mitigated through controlled card draw, timely removal strategies, and disrupting its token-producing capabilities. Understanding these aspects can make the difference between being stymied by its icy stand or breaking through with a well-timed play.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Frostbridge Guard MTG card by a specific set like Wilds of Eldraine, 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 Frostbridge Guard 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Frostbridge Guard has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |