Gandalf, White Rider MTG Card
2023-06-23 - Number 389
2023-06-23 - Number 290
Text of card
Vigilance Whenever you cast a spell, creatures you control get +1/+0 until end of turn. Scry 1. When Gandalf, White Rider dies, you may put it into its owner's library fifth from the top.
He has passed through the fire and the abyss, and the enemy shall fear him.
Cards like Gandalf, White Rider
Gandalf, White Rider is an intriguing entrant in MTG’s pantheon of formidable planeswalker cards. A congruous comparison might be made with Ajani, Adversary of Tyrants, given that both boost the battlefield presence through creature strengthening. Gandalf, with his unique ability to reinforce your creatures, echoes the bolstering capabilities of Ajani. However, Gandalf distinguishes himself with a focus on direct support of a wider array of creatures rather than Ajani’s selective buffing.
Looking to other similar cards, we encounter Elspeth, Sun’s Champion, who shares with Gandalf the trait of generating creature tokens, thus rapidly expanding a player’s forces. Elspeth’s strength lies in her versatile ultimate ability, but Gandalf provides consistent creature reinforcement while also being an elusive target for opponents.
In the landscape of MTG, Gandalf, White Rider shines with a balance of creature enhancement and protective abilities, making him an asset in strategies aiming to amass a dominant board presence. Especially within decks focusing on synergy between creatures and planeswalkers, Gandalf could very well tip the scales in favor of the strategic player.
Cards similar to Gandalf, White Rider by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Gandalf, White Rider adds a unique layer of card advantage to your deck. Drawing a card each time it attacks not only provides ongoing value but also pressures your opponent by refilling your hand with more options and strategies as the game progresses.
Resource Acceleration: The White Rider accelerates your resources by granting additional mana. This mana can be used wisely to deploy threats ahead of schedule, or to activate abilities, ultimately tipping the balance of the game in your favor as you outpace the competition.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Gandalf at instant speed offers flexibility and surprise, allowing you to adapt to the state of play more effectively. You can make pivotal decisions to maximize impact or minimize threats based on the evolving game, maintaining the element of surprise over your adversary.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing Gandalf, White Rider may necessitate discarding another card. In the late game, when your hand is already stretched for options, this can put you at a disadvantage and diminish your ability to respond to an opponent’s threats.
Specific Mana Cost: Gandalf’s casting cost is demanding, requiring a specific commitment to white mana. This can be a hurdle in multicolored decks where mana flexibility is crucial, potentially making him a less favorable option when building a varied mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a higher mana cost than some of the other options available for similar roles in your deck, Gandalf, White Rider may not be as efficient. Other creatures or spells at a lower cost can provide comparable or even superior board impact, making the investment in Gandalf a careful consideration for deck builders.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Gandalf, White Rider can seamlessly adapt to a variety of deck builds, offering strategic depth and flexibility. This card’s ability to impact the board state makes it a suitable inclusion for decks looking to establish and maintain control.
Combo Potential: With its potential to synergize with other cards, Gandalf, White Rider complements strategies that revolve around spell casting or protection mechanics, paving the way for intricate combos that can turn the tide of the game.
Meta-Relevance: Given its capacity to influence matches, especially in environments where control decks are prevalent, Gandalf, White Rider holds its ground as a relevant choice. Its inclusion can provide an edge against the shifting landscapes of competitive play.
How to beat
Gandalf, White Rider is a powerful force in the lore of MTG, bringing with it a sense of might and wisdom on the battlefield. To gain the upper hand against this celebrated card, understanding its capabilities is key. Gandalf, White Rider shines with its ability to provide card advantage and control the flow of the game. However, like all cards, it has its vulnerabilities.
Consider employing strategies that reduce the effectiveness of Gandalf’s abilities. Utilizing removal spells can be effective, especially those that can bypass any protections he might have. Moreover, countering Gandalf as he enters the battlefield can inhibit your opponent’s plans significantly. Strategies that focus on speed and early pressure are also beneficial. By applying constant pressure and forcing your opponent to defend rather than establish their game plan, Gandalf, White Rider’s impact can be mitigated. Deck construction with these considerations in mind will ensure that you are prepared for when Gandalf rides into play.
In devising a plan against Gandalf, White Rider, assess your available tactics and adapt your gameplay style to counteract their strategic advantages. Your success truly depends on a blend of foresight, adaptability, and a touch of cunning to triumph against such a formidable card in the world of MTG.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Gandalf, White Rider MTG card by a specific set like The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth and The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth, 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 Gandalf, White Rider 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 Gandalf, White Rider Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-06-23 and 2023-06-23. Illustrated by Ekaterina Burmak.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2023-06-23 | The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth | LTR | 389 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Ekaterina Burmak | |
| 2 | 2023-06-23 | The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth | LTR | 290 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Ekaterina Burmak |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Gandalf, White Rider has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Gandalf, White Rider card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2023-06-16 | If Gandalf, White Rider's owner has three or fewer cards left in their library when the last ability resolves, you may have it become the bottom card of their library. |
Guide to Vigilance card ability
In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.