Gwyllion Hedge-Mage MTG Card
2008-07-25 - Number 89
2011-06-17 - Number 202
2017-06-09 - Number 201
2019-11-07 - Number 1525
2020-09-26 - Number CMA-201
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Hag Wizard |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
When Gwyllion Hedge-Mage comes into play, if you control two or more Plains, you may put a 1/1 white Kithkin Soldier creature token into play. When Gwyllion Hedge-Mage comes into play, if you control two or more Swamps, you may put a -1/-1 counter on target creature.
Cards like Gwyllion Hedge-Mage
Gwyllion Hedge-Mage enters the rich tapestry of MTG utility creatures with a unique mix of utility and power. This card has the ability to create a multi-faceted impact similar to the likes of Skinrender. Skinrender shares the creature control aspect by granting -3/-3 to a target creature upon entering the battlefield, but lacks the versatility of Gwyllion Hedge-Mage which can also give its controller life cushioning through its life gain ability.
Unsummon is another card that one could draw parallels with. It offers the immediate tempo swing by returning a creature to its owner’s hand, but unlike Gwyllion Hedge-Mage, Unsummon does not offer the potential for direct removal or life gain. Falkenrath Noble is yet another comparable card that impacts life totals on entering or leaving the battlefield, but it gravitates more towards an attrition strategy rather than the immediate board influence that Gwyllion Hedge-Mage provides.
Connecting the dots between these various options, Gwyllion Hedge-Mage carves out a niche where it mixes immediate board control with a splash of life advantage. It strikes a balance that can be quite potent in games where both creature management and life total are crucial factors.
Cards similar to Gwyllion Hedge-Mage by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Gwyllion Hedge-Mage when entering the battlefield with two or more Plains, lets you place a -1/-1 counter on target creature. Moreover, with two or more Swamps, you create a 1/1 black and green Elf Warrior creature token. This dual utility ensures maintaining or even tipping the balance of card advantage in your favor throughout the game.
Resource Acceleration: The token generation capability of Gwyllion Hedge-Mage can be seen as a form of resource acceleration. By creating additional creature tokens, you’re effectively expanding your board presence without spending additional cards from your hand. This allows for a more efficient deployment of your available resources.
Instant Speed: Although Gwyllion Hedge-Mage itself does not have instant speed, it interacts well with cards that operate at instant speed. Flash enablers allow you to cast it unexpectedly during your opponent’s turn, ideally after they have committed to an unfavorable attack or in response to an action that changes the board state, catching them off guard and potentially disrupting their strategy.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Hedge-Mage necessitates that you control a Plains to get one effect and a Swamp for the other. Not having one of each might mean missing out on valuable abilities, impacting strategic flexibility especially in multicolored decks.
Specific Mana Cost: Gwyllion Hedge-Mage’s mana cost requires both white and black mana. This can potentially limit the card’s playability to only certain types of dual-colored decks, which can impact deck building strategies and overall mana base construction.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a combined mana value of three, and considering you need both colored mana, the Hedge-Mage’s cost can be seen as high for its abilities. Players may find more streamlined or versatile creatures or spells for a similar cost, making Gwyllion Hedge-Mage a less attractive option for competitive play.
Reasons to Include Gwyllion Hedge-Mage in Your Collection
Versatility: Gwyllion Hedge-Mage excels in a variety of deck builds. Its ability to create both creature and enchantment interactions allows it to fit seamlessly into multiple strategies, particularly those revolving around creature presence and enter-the-battlefield effects.
Combo Potential: With the right board state, this card can become a pivotal combo piece. It can synergize with cards that benefit from creatures entering or leaving play, and it can also exploit enchantment synergies, offering numerous avenues for creative deck builders to explore.
Meta-Relevance: In formats where creature and enchantment interactions are prevalent, Gwyllion Hedge-Mage’s triggered abilities can provide an edge. It serves as an efficient tool against certain matchups, potentially disrupting opponent’s board presence or bolstering your own with the two distinct modes of play it offers.
How to Beat Gwyllion Hedge-Mage
The Gwyllion Hedge-Mage is a unique multicolored creature that makes a splash on the battlefield in MTG. Known for its ability to disrupt opponents by simultaneously providing a creature and a removal effect when the right conditions are met, it’s a card that can swing the board state significantly. Beating this card often hinges on preventing the mage from achieving its enter-the-battlefield conditions or having an immediate answer to neutralize its impact.
One effective strategy is to limit the number of lands you control that are Plains or Swamps, as the Hedge-Mage’s abilities are linked to the number of these lands in play. Counter spells are also highly effective as they can prevent Gwyllion Hedge-Mage from hitting the field in the first place. Should the mage resolve, having instant speed removal at the ready allows you to eliminate it before it becomes a nuisance, preserving your board state.
Lastly, cards that grant hexproof to your creatures can be a safeguard against the targeted removal power of the Gwyllion Hedge-Mage. By ensuring your key creatures are protected, you can maintain an advantageous position and negate one of the mage’s primary strengths. With these tactics, you can effectively neutralize the Hedge-Mage’s impact on your game strategy.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Gwyllion Hedge-Mage MTG card by a specific set like Eventide and Commander 2011, 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 Gwyllion Hedge-Mage and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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
Printings
The Gwyllion Hedge-Mage Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2008-07-25 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Todd Lockwood.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2008-07-25 | Eventide | EVE | 89 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Todd Lockwood | |
| 2 | 2011-06-17 | Commander 2011 | CMD | 202 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Todd Lockwood | |
| 3 | 2017-06-09 | Commander Anthology | CMA | 201 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Todd Lockwood | |
| 4 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1525 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Todd Lockwood | |
| 5 | The List | PLST | CMA-201 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Todd Lockwood |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Gwyllion Hedge-Mage has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Gwyllion Hedge-Mage card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2008-08-01 | Both abilities are optional; you choose whether to use them when they resolve. If an ability has a target, you must choose a target even if you don’t plan to use the ability. |
| 2008-08-01 | Both abilities trigger at the same time. You can put them on the stack in any order. |
| 2008-08-01 | Each of the triggered abilities has an “intervening ‘if’ clause.” That means (1) the ability won’t trigger at all unless you control two or more lands of the appropriate land type when the Hedge-Mage enters the battlefield, and (2) the ability will do nothing if you don’t control two or more lands of the appropriate land type by the time it resolves. |
| 2008-08-01 | Each of the triggered abilities look at your lands individually. This means that if you only control two dual-lands of the appropriate types, both of the abilities will trigger. |