Gustcloak Cavalier MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Knight |
| Abilities | Flanking |
| Released | 2006-10-06 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Time Spiral |
| Set code | TSP |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 22 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Stuart Griffin |
Text of card
Flanking (Whenever a creature without flanking blocks this creature, the blocking creature gets -1/-1 until end of turn.) Whenever Gustcloak Cavalier attacks, you may tap target creature. Whenever Gustcloak Cavalier becomes blocked, you may untap Gustcloak Cavalier and remove it from combat.
Cards like Gustcloak Cavalier
Gustcloak Cavalier enters the landscape of creature cards in MTG with unique features that set it apart. Nestled within the same family as Gustcloak Savior, the Cavalier shares the ability to untap whenever it becomes blocked. This ability ensures a resilient presence on the battlefield, much like its Savior counterpart. Nevertheless, the Cavalier distinguishes itself with its tap ability to prevent all combat damage that would be dealt to and dealt by it for the turn, enabling tactical plays that the Savior does not offer.
Looking across other cards, Gustcloak Skirmisher also offers an untapping boon similar to the Cavalier, maintaining an unfaltering offense and defense. However, Skirmisher lacks the damage prevention, rendering it less versatile in combat situations. Additionally, Reconnaissance, an enchantment with a similar effect, allows you to untap a creature before the combat damage step. While not a creature itself, it does offer a comparable tactical advantage but without contributing to board presence like the Cavalier.
The Gustcloak Cavalier thus finds its niche among MTG creatures, balancing a decent power and toughness with strategic abilities that can swing battles in your favor. Its medley of evasion and protectiveness offers a solid choice for players crafting defensive strategies.
Cards similar to Gustcloak Cavalier by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Gustcloak Cavalier shines by offering two key abilities that enable strategic maneuvering during combat, leading to potential card advantage. When it attacks, you can untap a creature, which not only removes it from harm’s way but also sets up favorable blocks or double-duty if it has a tap ability.
Resource Acceleration: While not a direct source of mana, Gustcloak Cavalier can help maintain momentum by protecting your valuable creatures from unfavorable trades. By carefully choosing which creatures to untap, you ensure that your board presence is preserved, effectively accelerating your resources by avoiding loss.
Instant Speed: Though the Cavalier operates at sorcery speed, its ability to indirectly influence instant-speed interactions should not be overlooked. The mere knowledge that it can untap a creature may deter opponents from attempting instant-speed removal, or force them to play around your apparent open mana and possible tricks, giving you a psychological edge.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Gustcloak Cavalier doesn’t explicitly require discarding, but it’s worth considering the card disadvantage when using effects that bounce it back to your hand, effectively causing you to lose ground in terms of card economy.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring a combination of white mana, Gustcloak Cavalier can be a challenging fit in multi-color decks that might not always have the necessary mana types, potentially hindering its playability in diverse deck structures.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that includes three white mana symbols, Gustcloak Cavalier sits at a higher mana spectrum for its stat line and abilities. This may be seen as inefficient compared to other creatures in the same cost bracket that offer immediate impact or more resilient bodies on the battlefield.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Gustcloak Cavalier is a unique addition to decks that focus on combat manipulation. Its ability to untap and remove itself from combat makes it useful in a variety of situations, allowing for strategic blocking and attacking decisions.
Combo Potential: This card pairs well with effects that trigger upon creatures becoming tapped or untapping, enabling numerous synergies within your deck. It can also be used as a reliable way to reset vigilance creatures or to avoid detrimental effects when declared as a blocker.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where board presence and creature-based strategies are prominent, Gustcloak Cavalier can give you the upper hand by surviving combat encounters that would normally be unfavorable, helping to maintain a strong battlefield position.
How to beat
Gustcloak Cavalier presents a unique challenge when faced across the battlefield. This card can create a significant impact in games, especially when used in decks built around its untapping ability. To effectively counter this card, one strategy is to limit its opportunities to untap. This can be done by avoiding attacks that the Cavalier can block unless you’re sure you can remove it in combat. Players may also consider using spells that restrict their opponent’s ability to untap creatures or control combat phases.
Another tactic is to use removal spells that don’t rely on dealing damage but rather exile or force the player to sacrifice the creature. Spells that can tap Gustcloak Cavalier without it being declared as an attacker or blocker are invaluable, as they prevent it from becoming untapped through its own ability. Moreover, effects that prevent the creature from being targeted can nullify the Gustcloak Cavalier’s defensive untapping ability, making it easier to manage during combat scenarios.
Subsequently, Gustcloak Cavalier’s dependency on being declared as a blocker or attacker to untap highlights a critical strategy. By controlling the flow of combat or using creature abilities and spells that bypass the need to engage with Gustcloak Cavalier directly, you can minimize its influence on the game and maintain the upper hand.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Gustcloak Cavalier MTG card by a specific set like Time Spiral, 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 Gustcloak Cavalier 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 Gustcloak Cavalier has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |