Gargoyle MTG Card
2009-07-17 - Number 8
2014-11-07 - Number 27
2017-06-09 - Number 19
2019-08-23 - Number 22
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Type | Token Artifact Creature — Gargoyle |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
Flying
Cards like Gargoyle
Gargoyle cards hold a unique place in the vast universe of MTG, known for their defensive capabilities and sometimes surprising offensive potential. They can be likened to other defender creatures such as Wall of Omens, which provides added value by drawing a card upon entering the battlefield – offering both a sturdy blocker and immediate card advantage. Gargoyles, while not always drawing cards, often carry additional benefits such as flying or cost-effective damage output.
Examining Sentry Gargoyle in particular, we can draw parallels with the likes of Fog Bank. Both are affordable defenders, but Fog Bank offers full damage negation by preventing all combat damage that would be dealt to and dealt by it. The MTG Gargoyle typically doesn’t have this feature, focusing more on aggressive traits like higher attack values for occasional counterstrikes. Guardian of the Ages is another interesting comparison. While it transforms from a defender into an aggressive force once triggered, MTG Gargoyles usually maintain a balance between offense and defense.
Ultimately, Gargoyle cards establish their own niche in MTG, delivering a blend of tenacity and versatility that is both distinct and valued among the various creatures that populate the game’s defensive archetype.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Gargoyle cards often provide a durable presence on the battlefield, potentially allowing you to block multiple attacks over time. This can translate into a form of card advantage by preserving the rest of your hand and field from harm, as well as some gargoyle cards which may offer you the ability to draw additional cards depending on the situation.
Resource Acceleration: Some gargoyles offer an avenue for resource acceleration by allowing you to untap lands or even produce additional mana, giving you a strategic edge to cast more powerful spells earlier than usual or to respond more effectively during your opponent’s turn. Their presence can be a catalyst for ramping up your playing field.
Instant Speed: If a gargoyle card has flash or an activated ability that can be used at instant speed, this grants flexibility and surprise, letting you adapt to the board state reactively. Playing gargoyles or utilizing their abilities at instant speed can disrupt opponent strategies and maintain the momentum on your side, all while keeping your options open until the most opportune moment.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Utmost vigilance is required for the effective play of Gargoyle cards. One notable peculiarity is their potential discard requirement which could propel players into a compromising position, especially when their hand is scant with options or pivotal cards essential for their strategic blueprint. Squandering an asset can sometimes mean the difference between victory and defeat, particularly when each card in hand carries significant value.
Specific Mana Cost: Gargoyles, with their enigmatic allure, often demand a mana cost of high specificity. This can tether the formidable creatures to certain color-restricted strategies, thereby curtailing their universal application. Players who seek to weave these stony sentinels into their deck must thoughtfully navigate the color constraints to ensure harmonious synergy, lest they find themselves manacled by their formidable but inflexible mana demands.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The summoning of Gargoyles onto the battlefield, while an imposing spectacle, comes at a cost oft viewed as exorbitant when pitted against other denizens of the realm. With a mana cost that looms large, players must weigh the benefits of such stony goliaths against other entities or spells that could, for an equivalent expenditure, offer more tantalizing advantages or versatile applications in the heat of skirmish.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Gargoyle cards in MTG offer a durable presence on the battlefield, being a fit for archetypes that seek defensive stability as well as aggressive tactics. The flying ability most Gargoyles possess makes them a resilient choice against ground-based threats.
Combo Potential: Many Gargoyles synergize with artifact strategies and graveyard mechanics, opening a realm of combo possibilities. Their often unique abilities can be exploited to enhance various deck themes or disrupt opponents’ plays.
Meta-Relevance: In a game format where fliers and resilient creatures hold sway, Gargoyle cards can be a strategic counter, offering both offense and defense. As the meta shifts, their ability to adapt and counter various strategies can prove invaluable to a well-rounded collection.
How to Beat
Gargoyles in Magic: The Gathering often come with a hefty defense stat making them formidable blockers in the sky. These winged statues typically require a specific strategy to overcome, especially if you’re facing one with a notable ability or tough stats. To effectively navigate their defenses, you might consider using spells that can bypass the combat phase like direct removal or board wipes, which cleanly deal with these stony protectors regardless of their size.
An effective card to mention is Path to Exile, a one-mana white spell that can exile any creature, regardless of its strength. On the other hand, Wrath of God or Damnation can clear the board of all creatures, including pesky gargoyles. If you’re playing a red deck harnessing burn spells, Inferno or even Lightning Bolt can be used to take down those with lower toughness. In a match where your opponent’s gargoyle is boosting their defense, keep spells that can destroy or exile artifacts or enchantments in your sideboard to neutralize these enhancements, effectively grounding the gargoyle and making it easier to handle.
Remember, staying adaptable and having a range of answers is key to victory. Considering these strategies, you can turn the tide against Gargoyle cards and maintain control of the skies in your matches.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Gargoyle MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2010 and Commander 2014, 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 Gargoyle 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 Gargoyle Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2009-07-17 and 2019-08-23. Illustrated by Paul Bonner.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2009-07-17 | Magic 2010 | M10 | 8 | 2003 | Token | Black | Paul Bonner | |
| 2 | 2014-11-07 | Commander 2014 | C14 | 27 | 2015 | Token | Black | Paul Bonner | |
| 3 | 2017-06-09 | Commander Anthology | CMA | 19 | 2015 | Token | Black | Paul Bonner | |
| 4 | 2019-08-23 | Commander 2019 | C19 | 22 | 2015 | Token | Black | Paul Bonner |