Orzhov Pontiff MTG Card
2006-02-03 - Number 124
2019-02-15 - Number 43
2022-07-08 - Number 261
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Human Cleric |
| Abilities | Haunt |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Key Takeaways
- Orzhov Pontiff facilitates game-changing board swings, amplifying control with its haunt ability’s versatility.
- Its ability to alter battlefield dynamics without direct mana acceleration positions it as a subtle force.
- Triggering haunt at pseudo-instant speed, Orzhov Pontiff disrupts opponent strategies with surprise plays.
Text of card
Haunt (When this card is put into a graveyard from play, remove it from the game haunting target creature.) When Orzhov Pontiff comes into play or the creature it haunts is put into a graveyard, choose one creatures you control get +1/+1 until end of turn; or creatures you don't control get -1/-1 until end of turn.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Orzhov Pontiff shines in the card advantage department by offering versatile control options. Its haunt ability, when paired with its creature entering or leaving the battlefield, can lead to a significant swing in board presence, helping to retain or regain control of the game.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing mana, Orzhov Pontiff can help accelerate your resources by effectively dealing with opponents’ threats. Removing blockers or potential threats allows for more direct attacks, potentially leading to faster victory conditions and better use of your existing mana and resources.
Instant Speed: Although Orzhov Pontiff itself does not operate at instant speed, its haunt ability can trigger during either player’s turn upon the death of the haunted creature. This offers a pseudo-instant speed advantage since it can disrupt your opponent’s strategy on their turn, similar to playing an instant while giving you more flexibility and surprise factor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Orzhov Pontiff card can be a tricky inclusion in your MTG deck due to the potential necessity to discard cards for maximizing its Haunt ability, which can leave players at a disadvantage when working with a tight hand.
Specific Mana Cost: Orzhov Pontiff comes with a mana cost that requires both white and black mana. This specificity can sometimes complicate the card’s inclusion in a diverse deck, as it necessitates a dedicated mana base to reliably cast.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While its ability to affect the board is significant, Orzhov Pontiff’s mana cost is considerable. There are other options in the same mana range that might offer more immediate or impactful presence on the battlefield without the additional setup.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Orzhov Pontiff serves as a multi-functional piece in decks, adept at both buffing your creatures and weakening opponents’. Its haunt mechanic ensures it can persist and influence the battlefield even after leaving play.
Combo Potential: With its ability to interact with the number of creatures on the battlefield, Orzhov Pontiff can be a key component in strategies designed to manipulate creature counts for beneficial effects.
Meta-Relevance: As the game evolves, control elements remain crucial. Orzhov Pontiff’s power to sway the tide by adjusting creature strength makes it a useful card against creature-heavy decks that dominate the scene.
How to beat Orzhov Pontiff
The Orzhov Pontiff card commands respect in MTG due to its Haunt ability and the versatility it offers in controlling the board. When aiming to outplay someone using the Orzhov Pontiff, consider employing strategies that minimize its impact. One approach is to maintain a board state with creatures that have toughness greater than 1, mitigating the effect of the Pontiff’s ability to give -1/-1 to all creatures upon entry and Haunt trigger.
Another method is to utilize instant-speed removal spells to dispatch the Pontiff before its Haunt ability can be used on a potential target. Also playing around the Pontiff’s timing can be critical; by committing creatures to the board after it’s been played, you reduce the immediate threat it poses. Additionally, leveraging graveyard disruption can prevent the Pontiff from haunting after it goes to the graveyard, completely nullifying one of its two potential impacts on the game.
In essence, when faced with the Orzhov Pontiff, a careful strategy of creature management, precise removal, and opportunistic play can ensure that this influential card does not dictate the flow of the game.
Cards like Orzhov Pontiff
Orzhov Pontiff has earned its place among influential creatures that can affect both the board state and battlefield dynamics in Magic: The Gathering. Like other cards such as Zealous Persecution, Orzhov Pontiff can be pivotal in swinging the power balance. While Zealous Persecution gives a simultaneous boost to your creatures and weakens your opponent’s for a swift play, the Pontiff’s ability hinges on the haunt mechanic, allowing for a delayed second activation which requires strategic planning.
Comparably, Teysa, Orzhov Scion exhibits synergy with tokens and sacrifice themes but differs with a build around an engine as opposed to the one-time utility play of Orzhov Pontiff. Then comes Cartel Aristocrat, which stands out for its sacrifice ability to gain protection. It doesn’t offer the mass buff or debuff effects, but its capacity to dodge targeted removal is something the Pontiff doesn’t address directly.
When stacked against its peers, Orzhov Pontiff matches well within the scope of creatures providing utility and tactical advantages in Magic: The Gathering. Its distinctive haunt mechanic allows for flexibility and the potential for significant impact across multiple turns, which is a valuable trait in the world of MTG.
Cards similar to Orzhov Pontiff by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Orzhov Pontiff MTG card by a specific set like Guildpact and RNA Guild Kit, 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 Orzhov Pontiff and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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
Printings
The Orzhov Pontiff Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2006-02-03 and 2022-07-08. Illustrated by Adam Rex.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2006-02-03 | Guildpact | GPT | 124 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Adam Rex | |
| 2 | 2019-02-15 | RNA Guild Kit | GK2 | 43 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Adam Rex | |
| 3 | 2022-07-08 | Double Masters 2022 | 2X2 | 261 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Adam Rex |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Orzhov Pontiff has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Orzhov Pontiff card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2006-02-01 | The mode chosen when this creature enters the battlefield may be different than the mode chosen when the creature it haunts is put into a graveyard. |
