Gate of the Black Dragon MTG Card
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Land — Swamp Gate |
| Abilities | Seek |
| Released | 2022-07-07 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate |
| Set code | HBG |
| Number | 77 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Sergey Glushakov |
Text of card
Gate of the Black Dragon enters the battlefield tapped. , : Seek a nonland card. Activate only once. : Add .
Cards like Gate of the Black Dragon
Gate of the Black Dragon is an intriguing asset for MTG enthusiasts, offering a unique set of abilities that draw comparisons with other versatile cards in the game. Similar to cards like Temple of the False God, this land offers the potential for mana acceleration, a coveted ability for players looking to speed up their game. While Temple of the False God requires you to have a certain number of lands before activation, Gate of the Black Dragon requires no such condition, allowing for immediate impact regardless of your land count.
Another card that shares some similarities is Haven of the Spirit Dragon. Both cards specialize in dragon-related gameplay, providing mana that can be used to summon these powerful creatures. However, whereas Haven of the Spirit Dragon can be tapped for any color of mana specifically to cast a Dragon creature spell, Gate of the Black Dragon provides colorless mana but with the added benefit of a filtering ability, offering greater flexibility in mana utilization for any spell or ability.
Assessing Gate of the Black Dragon amongst its counterparts, one appreciates its value in decks that require mana filtering or seek advantages without stringent land count prerequisites. It’s a strong option for players aiming to optimize their mana base and accelerate their play, especially in dragon-centric decks.
Cards similar to Gate of the Black Dragon by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Gate of the Black Dragon. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Mono-Black Midrange | Gladiator | Gladiator Team Unified League | |
 | Orzhov Midrange | Gladiator | Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 08 2024 | |
 | Jund Midrange | Gladiator | Sword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 06 2024 | |
 | Orzhov Planeswalkers | Gladiator | Sword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 08 2024 | |
 | Mono-Black Ramp | Gladiator | Gladiator Games: We're Back | |
 | Decklist | Free form | Holiday Night Magic | |
 | The Rock | Gladiator | Gladiator Team Unified League | |
 | Jund Lands | Gladiator | Gladiator Team Unified League | |
 | Mono-Black Control | Gladiator | Gladiator Team Unified League | |
| Rakdos Midrange | Gladiator | Gladiator Team Unified League |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Exploring the depth of deck strategy, Gate of the Black Dragon enriches your hand by offering card draw. This is integral for outmaneuvering opponents by having more options each turn.
Resource Acceleration: With the ability to deepen your mana pool, this card helps you leverage additional resources. It’s fantastic for pushing the pace of your game plan and enabling larger plays ahead of schedule.
Instant Speed: The versatility of instant speed play cannot be overstated. Gate of the Black Dragon can be utilized at the end of an opponent’s turn or in response to actions, keeping you adaptable and responsive in the thick of the action.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Gate of the Black Dragon demands a player to discard a card, presenting a potential setback by forcing players to choose between current board position and future plays. This cost could lead to resource scarcity when players need to maintain as many options as possible.
Specific Mana Cost: With a requirement for black mana, this card slots specifically into decks that run Swamps or have access to black mana sources. Decks not aligned with black mana may have to restructure considerably or forego the advantages this card could offer.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Necessitating four mana can be steep, particularly because this is not just any four mana, but includes two black mana symbols. When evaluating other cards within the same mana range, it’s possible to find alternatives that either offer more flexibility or a stronger impact on the game without such stringent color requirements.
Reasons to Include Gate of the Black Dragon in Your Collection
Versatility: The Gate of the Black Dragon card is a versatile addition that can enhance a diverse range of decks. Its inherent adaptability allows it to serve multiple roles within any given strategy, adjusting to the needs of the game as it unfolds.
Combo Potential: This card’s unique abilities can synergize with various deck components to create powerful combos. Its interaction with specific mechanics can unlock new levels of gameplay and strategic depth, making it a tantalizing option for players seeking to innovate.
Meta-Relevance: Given the ever-shifting landscape of the game meta, having the Gate of the Black Dragon in your arsenal means you’re prepared to tackle prevalent archetypes with confidence. Its capabilities can be particularly useful when navigating the current competitive scene, matching well against common threats and strategies.
How to beat
Confronting the Gate of the Black Dragon on the battlefield can be a daunting task for many MTG players. This powerful card, known for increasing the endurance of your opponent’s defenses, requires a strategic approach to overcome. To successfully navigate past its formidable presence, players should consider ramping up their removal spells. Effective removal can neutralize the advantage granted by Gate of the Black Dragon, rendering its impact less intimidating.
Tapping into the power of exile effects can also turn the tide of battle against this card. Exiling the Gate of the Black Dragon directly counters its resilience, ensuring it won’t have the opportunity to fortify your opponent’s position further. Moreover, incorporating board wipes into your deck offers a sweeping solution, clearing the way by removing multiple threats, including the formidable Gate, all at once.
In essence, when faced with the Gate of the Black Dragon, the key lies in preemptively crafting your deck with tools designed to dismantle such obstacles. By prioritizing removal, exile, and board wipe strategies, you stand a solid chance of diminishing the Gate’s influence, taking one step closer to victory in your MTG encounters.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Gate of the Black Dragon MTG card by a specific set like Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate, 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 Gate of the Black Dragon 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 Gate of the Black Dragon has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |