Galina's Knight MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Merfolk Knight
Abilities	Protection
Released	2000-10-02
Set symbol
Set name	Invasion
Set code	INV
Power	2
Toughness	2
Number	248
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	David Martin

Key Takeaways

Its ability to generate indirect card advantage can shift the resource balance in your favor.
Protective traits and instant-speed synergies make it a versatile tactical asset.
Despite mana and tempo considerations, its board presence can be highly impactful.

Text of card

Protection from red

"Are they on our side?" asked Sisay. "If they kill Phyrexians they are," replied Gerrard.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Galina’s Knight may not directly let you draw cards, but its presence can lead to indirect card advantage. By offering protection or challenges in combat, it forces your opponent to possibly expend more resources to handle it.

Resource Acceleration: While not a typical ramp card, Galina’s Knight can contribute to resource acceleration by helping maintain board presence. A well-established board often translates into being able to commit more mana to pivotal late-game turns.

Instant Speed: Although Galina’s Knight itself is a creature card that doesn’t operate at instant speed, its potential synergy with other instant speed cards in your arsenal can keep opponents guessing and provide tactical advantages during combat or at the end of their turn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Galina’s Knight necessitates discarding another card which can deplete your hand, leaving you at a disadvantage for subsequent turns and potential plays.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s mana cost is dependent on blue mana, which can be restrictive if your deck is not geared towards heavy blue mana availability, potentially limiting the decks it can be optimally played in.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For the abilities it provides, Galina’s Knight has a mana cost that is on the higher end, which might not align with the tempo of faster, more agile decks that look to maximize efficiency with lower-cost creatures.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Galina’s Knight boasts a dual nature that serves well in both aggressive blue-white builds and as a robust defender in control-oriented decks thanks to its protection from red.

Combo Potential: With its specific protection attribute, Galina’s Knight pairs seamlessly with blue spells that manipulate or counter opponents’ strategies while sustaining board presence against red spells and creatures.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta prevalent with red aggro decks, Galina’s Knight can be a solid roadblock, deterring common threats and maintaining stability as you set up your win conditions.

How to beat

Galina’s Knight is a noteworthy contender in the world of creature cards, offering a blend of power and protection within Magic: The Gathering. This card brings an aura of assurance, especially against blue spells, making it a robust defense in many player’s arsenals. However, even the most formidable knight has its weaknesses, and with the right strategy, overcoming Galina’s Knight is possible.

To prevail against this gallant warrior, consider employing cards that don’t target it directly, circumventing its protection ability. Board wipes such as Wrath of God or Damnation can sweep it off without a hitch. Cards that affect all creatures, like those imposing -1/-1 counters across the battlefield, can also be effective. Another angle is to use red spells which traditionally excel in delivering direct damage, as Galina’s Knight’s specific protection is against blue spells, not red ones.

Navigating past the defenses of powerful cards such as Galina’s Knight requires a strategic approach. Recognizing and utilizing the right spells and abilities can turn the tide of battle. By thoughtfully assembling your deck with answers to protection abilities, you can confidently face and overcome challenges posed by formidable creatures.

Cards like Galina's Knight

Galina’s Knight is a unique piece in the arsenal of creature cards in Magic: The Gathering. With its synergy towards the Merfolk tribe, it stands out among creatures of similar casting cost. When compared to other two-drop creatures like Silvergill Adept, it offers sturdiness with a considerable boost in toughness provided you control a Merfolk or Island. Silvergill Adept might draw you a card but doesn’t offer the same resilience in combat as Galina’s Knight does.

Looking at Knight of the Ebon Legion, another powerful two-drop, the differences become clear. Though the Knight offers aggressive potential with its pump ability and can grow stronger over the course of the game, it doesn’t provide tribal synergy like Galina’s Knight. It shines in decks that exploit Merfolk synergies or in those that undervalue the incremental growth of creatures in favor of tribal cohesion.

Weighing in on these comparisons, it’s evident that while there are a wealth of options for two-drop creatures, Galina’s Knight carves out a niche role for itself within MTG, particularly in decks that capitalize on its tribal links and defensive posture.

Knight of the Ebon Legion - MTG Card versions

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Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Galina's Knight MTG card by a specific set like Invasion, 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 Galina's Knight and other MTG cards: