Gnarled Mass MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Spirit |
| Released | 2005-02-04 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Betrayers of Kamigawa |
| Set code | BOK |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 127 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Tony Szczudlo |
Cards like Gnarled Mass
Gnarled Mass, a creature card from the Magic: The Gathering set Betrayers of Kamigawa, finds its roots in the category of efficient early-game beaters. With its consistent stats of 3/3 for three mana, it’s a solid inclusion in decks aiming for an aggressive strategy. Looking across MTGs sets, it bears resemblance to Yavimaya Wurm in terms of being a straightforward powerhouse with no frills attached.
Yet, another analog comes to mind – Leatherback Baloth. This creature boasts impressive power and toughness of 4/5 for the same casting cost but does require a more color-intensive green mana base. This ultimately makes Gnarled Mass a more flexible option in decks with multiple colors. Running parallel in terms of simplicity and cost-effectiveness, Kalonian Tusker also competes with Gnarled Mass, providing a powerful 3/3 body for just two mana, introducing strategic speed into creature deployment.
When evaluating these options, Gnarled Mass strikes as a creature card that provides a strong presence in the early turns and holds its own in the assembly of cost-effective creatures. Its straightforward nature allows MTG players to establish early board dominance without wading into complex mana arrangements.
Cards similar to Gnarled Mass by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Gnarled Mass might not draw you extra cards outright, its resilience on the board could indirectly lead to card advantage. As a robust creature, it can survive situations where other creatures might not, effectively saving the cards in hand you might otherwise use for replacement creatures.
Resource Acceleration: Gnarled Mass itself does not provide direct resource acceleration, but in decks built around the ‘Spirits’ or ‘Arcane’ synergy, it could enable other cards that trigger effects or buffs when a Spirit or an Arcane spell is played, thus accelerating your overall game plan.
Instant Speed: While this card operates at sorcery speed, its inherent value lies in its solid stats as a 3/3 Spirit for three mana. This enables a solid defensive or offensive presence early in the game. However, in decks that have instant speed buffs or interactive plays, it can become a formidable threat, especially when the opponent is trying to calculate if they can safely attack or block.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Gnarled Mass may not necessitate discarding directly, its presence in a deck can influence your decision on card retention and hand management, sometimes forcing you to discard other cards to make room for better defense or offense options.
Specific Mana Cost: Gnarled Mass requires a very specific mana alignment of three green mana. This cost restricts its integration mainly to mono-green decks or those with a heavy green presence, potentially limiting its versatility across various deck builds.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At three green mana for a 3/3 creature without additional abilities, Gnarled Mass can be less mana-efficient compared to other creatures within the same cost range that may offer additional effects or abilities, enhancing both their strategic value and return on mana investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Gnarled Mass presents as a solid creature in any green deck that values a straightforward mana-to-power ratio. This makes it both a reliable and simple choice for players looking to strengthen their offensive line early in the game.
Combo Potential: As a Spirit, it can easily find a home in spirit tribal decks or those that capitalize on soulshift and other abilities that highlight creature types. It’s not just about power; it’s about the synergy with other spirits and graveyard strategies.
Meta-Relevance: Its effectiveness can be amplified in a meta where early board presence is crucial. As a 3/3 for three mana, Gnarled Mass provides a robust body that can be a hurdle for opponents relying on early-game tempo to establish control.
How to Beat
The Gnarled Mass presents a unique challenge in MTG with its straightforward yet robust stats as a 3/3 creature for only three mana. Its simplicity as a vanilla creature – devoid of any abilities – can be deceptive, often appearing as a formidable opponent in the early game. This card’s efficiency lies in its cost-to-power ratio, making it a solid blocker and a respectable threat on the board.
To counter the Gnarled Mass, it’s wise to employ removal spells that cost less than the creature’s own casting cost. Cards like Shock or Fatal Push offer efficient solutions by handling the Mass before it can assert pressure on the battlefield. Another strategy involves overpowering it with stronger creatures or employing evasion tactics such as flying or unblockable abilities to bypass it entirely. Inclusive combat tricks or buff spells can also pivot the board state to your favor during interactions with the Gnarled Mass.
In essence, overcoming the Gnarled Mass in MTG hinges on strategic play and resource management. Utilizing your removal spells economically or presenting threats the Mass cannot answer are pathways to maintaining control and ultimately turning the tide in your favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Gnarled Mass MTG card by a specific set like Betrayers of Kamigawa, 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 Gnarled Mass 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 Gnarled Mass has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |