Gnarled Sage MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Treefolk Druid |
| Abilities | Reach |
| Released | 2020-07-03 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Core Set 2021 |
| Set code | M21 |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 4 |
| Number | 187 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Raoul Vitale |
Text of card
Reach (This creature can block creatures with flying.) As long as you've drawn two or more cards this turn, Gnarled Sage gets +0/+2 and has vigilance. (Attacking doesn't cause it to tap.)
Cards like Gnarled Sage
Delving into the realm of Druidic magic, Gnarled Sage holds a solid position within the creature-based strategy in Magic: The Gathering. It’s comparable to Llanowar Tribe, a trio of mana dorks in one body providing an ample boost of green mana but lacking in combat capabilities. Gnarled Sage, equipped with the renown mechanic, can transform into a formidable contender on the battleground upon dealing combat damage to a player.
Considering creature enhancements, cards like Barkhide Troll offer a similar mana value and power/toughness balance. However, the Troll features an innate resilience thanks to its ability to gain hexproof. Where Gnarled Sage gains power through renown, Barkhide Troll provides immediate defensive utility. Yet another parallel exists with Silverback Shaman, which provides a card draw upon dying, offering an end-game advantage that the Sage lacks.
Upon comparison, Gnarled Sage has the potential to be a game-changer in combat-oriented decks. While it may not offer the mana ramping prowess of Llanowar Tribe or the protective assets of Barkhide Troll, its capacity to evolve on the battlefield is an advantage that fosters aggressive playstyles in MTG.
Cards similar to Gnarled Sage by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Gnarled Sage has the ability to draw a card when morphed and turned face up, setting you up for a better hand as you progress through the match.
Resource Acceleration: While Gnarled Sage doesn’t directly produce mana or tokens, its four-power threshold lets you maintain a board presence and accelerate towards your win condition more expediently.
Instant Speed: The inherent flexibility of morph allows you to play Gnarled Sage as a face-down 2/2 creature at instant speed. Unmorphing it can also be done at instant speed, which adds an element of surprise and tactical advantage during your opponent’s turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Gnarled Sage’s ability can be a double-edged sword. To activate it, you’ll often need to discard another card, which can deplete your hand and reduce your in-game options, especially if you’re already running low on cards.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Gnarled Sage requires a commitment to green mana. This can hinder deck flexibility as it necessitates a heavy or pure green mana base, potentially limiting the card’s inclusion in multicolor decks or those looking to maintain a diverse mana pool.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana cost of Gnarled Sage to get it into play is on the higher side. When it comes to competitive play, there are cards at a similar or lower cost bracket that could offer more immediate impact or versatility on the battlefield.
Reasons to Include Gnarled Sage in Your Collection
Versatility: Gnarled Sage is a flexible addition to decks that capitalize on creature abilities. Its adaptability in switching between drawing cards and enhancing attack power makes it a practical choice for various gameplay strategies.
Combo Potential: This card can synergize with decks that activate draw-related abilities or those looking to bolster their offensive capabilities in the mid to late game. Its triggered ability can be a crucial component in executing combo plays that tilt the game in your favor.
Meta-Relevance: Considering a meta that values constant card flow and combat efficiency, Gnarled Sage can become an asset by providing both conditions under the right circumstances. Whether the game state calls for a stronger board presence or increased hand options, this card can meet the demands of an evolving battlefield.
How to beat
Gnarled Sage is a green creature that becomes a considerable threat on the battlefield of Magic: The Gathering when it’s equipped with its ability to draw cards. What sets this card apart is its inherent ability that it can become a formidable force by gaining the power to draw you a card upon tapping, provided you’ve reached the required threshold of having four or more cards in hand. The sage, in its essence, promotes a playstyle that encourages keeping a healthy hand size to maintain its advantage.
To effectively counter strategies revolving around Gnarled Sage, consider utilizing removal spells that can bypass its defenses before it becomes active or disrupt the opponent’s hand size, rendering the sage’s ability inactive. Cards that force your opponent to discard can be particularly effective. Alternatively, using instant speed removal allows you to respond to the activation of the sage’s ability before it can draw a card, thus negating the advantage it would provide. Board control spells that sweep the field clean also ensure that the Gnarled Sage doesn’t have the opportunity to become an ongoing concern during the match.
Understanding your opponent’s strategy and maintaining board control are crucial steps to ensure that Gnarled Sage doesn’t turn into an unmanaged source of card advantage that could ultimately lead to your defeat in a game of Magic: The Gathering. By anticipating and disrupting the combo, you can nullify the threat posed by this card and maintain an upper hand.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Gnarled Sage MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2021, 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 Sage 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Gnarled Sage has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Gnarled Sage card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2020-06-23 | Gnarled Sage gets +0/+2 just once, no matter how many cards you've drawn past the second. |
| 2020-06-23 | If Gnarled Sage gains vigilance after it has attacked, it won't become untapped. |
| 2020-06-23 | If a spell or ability causes you to put a card into your hand without specifically using the word “draw,” it's not a card drawn. |
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.