Gaze of the Gorgon MTG Card

Gaze of the Gorgon offers the dual benefit of removal and creature protection, making it a versatile card. Despite being restrictive because of color-specific mana, it’s a potential game-changer in the right deck. With strategic play, the card’s impact ranges from shaping the battlefield to enhancing combo potential.

Gaze of the Gorgon - Ravnica: City of Guilds

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Common
Type	Instant
Released	2005-10-07
Set symbol
Set name	Ravnica: City of Guilds
Set code	RAV
Number	246
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Stephen Tappin

Text of card

({BG} can be paid with either or .) Regenerate target creature. At end of combat, destroy all creatures that blocked or were blocked by that creature this turn.

Even the dead give way to the mineral gaze of the gorgon.

Cards like Gaze of the Gorgon

Gaze of the Gorgon holds a unique place in the realm of combat tricks and creature protection spells within Magic: The Gathering. It can be juxtaposed with cards like Golgari Charm, which also offers versatility in event responses but with a different set of abilities. While Gaze of the Gorgon destroys the attacker or blocker if a creature dies, Golgari Charm gives you the option to regenerate your own creature, effectively preventing its destruction.

Looking at another related card, Save the Moment is somewhat similar in its capability to alter the state of a creature on the battlefield. It grants a creature protection from everything for a turn, circumventing the potential for combat damage or targeted abilities. However, Gaze of the Gorgon directly impacts the board by not only saving your creature but also clearing the opponent’s threat. This twist provides a subtle, yet significant difference in gameplay strategy and outcomes.

Ultimately, in comparing Gaze of the Gorgon to its contemporaries, it excels in its dual role of defense and offense. Its ability to deter attacks and remove key threats grants it a respected spot among MTG’s vast array of dramatic and game-shifting cards.

Cards similar to Gaze of the Gorgon by color, type and mana cost

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Gaze of the Gorgon can be a game-changer by potentially removing two creatures from the battlefield – the targeted creature and the blocker it destroys. As creatures are crucial resources, this translates into card advantage, keeping you ahead in the arms race.

Resource Acceleration: While Gaze of the Gorgon itself doesn’t directly provide resource acceleration, its efficient use of mana can indirectly affect resource management. By requiring only four mana, it allows for more flexibility in using your mana pool and can discourage opponents from playing their more powerful creatures too soon.

Instant Speed: The instant speed nature of Gaze of the Gorgon is its tactical ace. It gives you the ability to respond swiftly to your opponent’s actions during the combat phase, potentially swinging the momentum in your favor. The versatility of casting it during the enemy’s turn adds a layer of surprise and strategic depth to gameplay.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: When activating Gaze of the Gorgon’s ability, players must be willing to part with a card. This presents a challenge, especially in tight situations where each card in hand is vital for maintaining strategic flexibility and momentum.

Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a mix of black and green mana, making it somewhat restrictive. Decks not dedicated to these colors may find it challenging to accommodate the specific mana requirements, thereby limiting the card’s universal applicability.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Consuming four mana, Gaze of the Gorgon could be considered a costly endeavor. With a variety of other cards available at a lower cost, players often weigh their options for more mana-efficient removal or protection spells that could fit into the same slot with potentially greater impact.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Gaze of the Gorgon offers utility across various deck builds. Its ability to grant a creature deathtouch until end of turn before destroying it makes it a flexible removal option, fitting into strategies that value creature control.

Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with decks that capitalize on death triggers or graveyard mechanics. When paired with cards that benefit from creatures dying, Gaze of the Gorgon can become a tactical tool for setting off chain reactions.

Meta-Relevance: Considering the prevalence of creature-centric decks in many metagames, having an instant-speed response like Gaze of the Gorgon can be crucial. It can disrupt opponent’s combat strategies and maintain board presence, making it a relevant inclusion against various popular deck types.

How to beat

Gaze of the Gorgon is an intriguing instant in Magic: The Gathering that brings a unique dynamic to the battlefield. This card can be a real challenge to overcome due to its ability to destroy attacking creatures when combined with a creature that has the regenerate keyword. The secret to outmaneuvering this petrifying spell lies in timing your removal spells carefully or employing counter magic before it can take effect.

Having instant-speed spells that can counteract Gaze of the Gorgon’s effect is crucial. Cards like Negate or Dispel are excellent tools to keep in your arsenal, as they can directly target and nullify Gaze of the Gorgon’s ability to protect and destroy creatures. Alternatively, managing your attacks to bait out the spell without committing key creatures can mitigate its impact, allowing you to retain crucial board presence. Being vigilant and strategic in your playstyle can turn Gaze of the Gorgon from a formidable obstacle into a manageable aspect of the game.

In essence, defeating Gaze of the Gorgon hinges on foresight and the efficient utilization of disruption or countering spells. With the right preparation and tactics, you can navigate past this threat and keep your creatures safe from its stony grasp.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Gaze of the Gorgon MTG card by a specific set like Ravnica: City of Guilds, 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 Gaze of the Gorgon and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Gaze of the Gorgon has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Gaze of the Gorgon card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date	Text
2005-10-01	At the next end of combat step in the turn, all creatures that had blocked the targeted creature at any point during the turn will be destroyed. This includes creatures that blocked it before Gaze of the Gorgon was cast. It doesn’t matter whether the targeted creature is still on the battlefield at that point.