Greenwood Sentinel MTG Card
2018-07-13 - Number 187
2019-07-12 - Number 174
2019-11-07 - Number 1229
2020-08-13 - Number 97
2020-09-26 - Number M19-187
Text of card
Vigilance (Attacking doesn't cause this creature to tap.)
Within a mile of the woodland, you will feel her eyes upon you. Within its borders, you will feel her blade.
Cards like Greenwood Sentinel
Greenwood Sentinel stands as a baseline creature within the broad scope of Magic: The Gathering. Noteworthy for its vigilance ability, the Sentinel shares this characteristic with other creatures like the steadfast Prowling Caracal. What distinguishes the Greenwood Sentinel, however, is its elf subtype, conferring potential synergy in elf-themed decks which the Caracal cannot offer. Unlike some of its kin, this Sentinel doesn’t boast any other tribal advantages or spells to enhance its utility.
Examining the vigilant roster further, we come across the Serra Angel. A classic favorite, the Angel not only flies high with vigilance but also brings a more dominant presence to the battlefield with its substantial power and toughness. The Greenwood Sentinel pales in comparison to such might, yet it compensates with a lower casting cost, allowing for earlier gameplay deployment. Then there’s the keen Seht’s Tiger, a creature that brings a dose of protection in addition to vigilance, making it a formidably versatile choice, albeit at a higher mana investment.
In weighing the Greenwood Sentinel against its peers, its appeal lies in its simplicity and cost-efficiency, making it an accessible option for players crafting a vigilance-themed deck on a budget or seeking an early-game defensive play in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Greenwood Sentinel by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Greenwood Sentinel may not draw cards directly, its vigilance ability allows it to serve as an attacker while remaining ready to block, thus maintaining board presence and potentially deterring opponent’s attacks. This dual function can lead to indirect card advantage by preserving your other creatures and resources.
Resource Acceleration: Greenwood Sentinel, a two-cost creature, fits well into ramp strategies. Though it doesn’t provide mana, its low cost allows you to deploy other spells sooner. In a game where tempo is crucial, having a vigilant creature available from early on can accelerate your board development significantly.
Instant Speed: The Sentinel isn’t an instant but benefits from the universal attribute of being playable at speeds your opponent may not expect, especially in decks utilizing flash mechanics. This forest guardian can surprise opponents by appearing as a blocker or an attacker when they least expect it, due to other spells that allow creatures to be played at instant speed.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Greenwood Sentinel does not impose any discard demands on the player, allowing for better resource retention during gameplay.
Specific Mana Cost: As a card that requires green mana, Greenwood Sentinel’s inclusion may be restricted to decks that run green or have a mana base that can accommodate it, potentially limiting its versatility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Greenwood Sentinel’s mana cost is not exceptionally high, some players may find it a less attractive option compared to other two-cost creatures that offer additional abilities or more impactful board presence.
Reasons to Include Greenwood Sentinel in Your Collection
Versatility: Greenwood Sentinel is flexible enough to slot into various green-themed decks. Its vigilance ability allows it to be a constant threat in combat while still being able to defend during your opponent’s turn, supporting both offensive and defensive strategies.
Combo Potential: With vigilance as an intrinsic ability, this card works well with equipment and aura cards that leverage untapped creatures. It can prove to be a key piece in decks aiming to exploit such synergies.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment that favors quick, aggressive tactics, Greenwood Sentinel can serve to hold the line against an onslaught of early creatures. It fits neatly into the curve of green-based aggro decks, maintaining pressure on your opponent while leaving you defended.
How to beat
The Greenwood Sentinel presents a swift obstacle with its vigilance trait, allowing it to attack without sacrificing its defensive posture. However, conquering this card on the battlefield is far from an insurmountable task. When facing the Greenwood Sentinel, consider the fact that it’s a 2/2 creature, which makes it vulnerable to a variety of common removal spells. Cards such as Shock or Lightning Strike can easily dispatch it without blowing a significant hole in your mana reserves.
Moreover, the Greenwood Sentinel’s lack of any built-in protection opens the door for multiple combat tricks and bounce spells that can effectively neutralize its vigilance advantage. Spells like Unsummon not only clear the path for your attack but also set your opponent back by forcing them to replay the creature. Additionally, blocking it with a stronger creature is an efficient way to take it out. After all, vigilance alone doesn’t stack up against superior power and toughness.
Taking these strategies into account, the Greenwood Sentinel becomes less of a threat and more of a stepping stone to asserting dominance on the playing field. By playing smart and using the right spells or creatures, outmaneuvering this vigilant sentinel is well within any skilled player’s grasp.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Greenwood Sentinel MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2019 and Core Set 2020, 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 Greenwood Sentinel 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 Greenwood Sentinel Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2018-07-13 and 2020-08-13. Illustrated by Johann Bodin.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2018-07-13 | Core Set 2019 | M19 | 187 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Johann Bodin | |
| 2 | 2019-07-12 | Core Set 2020 | M20 | 174 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Johann Bodin | |
| 3 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1229 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Johann Bodin | |
| 4 | 2020-08-13 | Arena Beginner Set | ANB | 97 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Johann Bodin | |
| 5 | The List | PLST | M19-187 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Johann Bodin |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Greenwood Sentinel has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
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.