Iron Mastiff MTG Card

Iron Mastiff creates a solid defense while pressuring opponents to use more resources. The card’s discard requirement and specific mana cost are notable downsides. Its versatility and combo potential make it a strong addition to any collection.

Iron Mastiff - Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Artifact Creature — Dog
Released	2022-06-10
Set symbol
Set name	Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate
Set code	CLB
Power	4
Toughness	4
Number	317
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	James Paick

Text of card

Whenever Iron Mastiff attacks, roll a d20 for each player being attacked and ignore all but the highest roll. 1–9 | Iron Mastiff deals damage equal to its power to you. 10–19 | Iron Mastiff deals damage equal to its power to defending player. 20 | Iron Mastiff deals damage equal to its power to each opponent.

Cards like Iron Mastiff

Iron Mastiff is an intriguing creature card that finds its place in Magic: The Gathering for players fond of defensive strategies. It can be juxtaposed with other creature cards like Silvercoat Lion, which also boasts a similar mana cost and power/toughness ratio. Nonetheless, Iron Mastiff steps ahead with its ability to gain first strike until end of turn, a nuanced yet formidable asset on the battlefield.

Another related card to consider is Guard Dogs, presenting a slightly higher mana investment, but it compensates with the utility of protecting multiple creatures with its ability. These similar cards offer different angles of tactical advantage during play. Comparing these cards, Iron Mastiff offers flexibility for its controller—an appealing choice for those looking to outmaneuver their opponent with calculated combat tricks.

Ultimately, cards like Iron Mastiff highlight the diversity of creature features within Magic: The Gathering, providing each deck with unique tools tailored for specific strategies. While similar in some respects, the distinct capabilities of these creatures can be a deciding factor in the heat of a match.

Cards similar to Iron Mastiff by color, type and mana cost

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Iron Mastiff offers a solid board presence that can help protect against smaller creatures and often forces your opponent to expend more resources to deal with it, indirectly contributing to your card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: While Iron Mastiff itself may not generate additional mana or resources directly, its presence on the board can help maintain your resource balance by deterring attacks and allowing your other, more resource-focused cards to act without disruption.

Instant Speed: Though Iron Mastiff is not cast at instant speed, its ability to be an effective blocker can be leveraged much like an instant, forcing opponents to rethink their combat strategy at critical moments.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Iron Mastiff’s ability necessitates discarding a card which can be a considerable setback when your hand size is already diminishing.

Specific Mana Cost: Iron Mastiff demands an exact combination of mana colors for casting, potentially restricting it to only specific deck archetypes or color schemes.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana value, Iron Mastiff competes with other creatures and spells that could provide more immediate impact or longer-term advantages on the battlefield.

Reasons to Include Iron Mastiff in Your Collection

Versatility: Iron Mastiff brings flexibility to any deck with its low mana cost and ability to act as both an early defender or an aggressive attacker, adapting to your game’s needs as they evolve.

Combo Potential: With its latent abilities, this card can easily become a key component in synergistic interactions, bolstering decks focused on creature buffs or those that capitalize on activating abilities.

Meta-Relevance: Given the speed of current metagame shifts, a card like Iron Mastiff that can quickly hit the board and become relevant can help players stay ahead, especially in aggressive and tempo-oriented deck builds.

How to beat

The Iron Mastiff card presents a unique challenge on the MTG battlefield. Its ability to convert mana into a formidable power boost makes it a noteworthy opponent. Unlike other cards that may offer a similar power increase, Iron Mastiff is distinguished by its singular focus on power rather than offering a mix of power and toughness or additional abilities.

In dealing with Iron Mastiff, consider employing removal spells that are not contingent on a creature’s power. Since cards like Shock or Lightning Bolt are dependent on dealing damage, they may not be as efficient against a pumped Iron Mastiff. Instead, look towards unconditioned removal such as Murder or Path to Exile that can handle the Mastiff regardless of its power level. Additionally, enchantment-based control like Pacifism could also neutralize the Mastiff without the need to actually remove it from the field.

Strategies that prevent mana generation or increase the cost of activations can likewise be effective. By inhibiting the Mastiff’s ability to pump its power, you deny your opponent the chance to maximize its potential. Always remember, understanding the mechanics behind your opponent’s threats and having a versatile response plan positions you well in handling cards like Iron Mastiff in MTG.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Iron Mastiff MTG card by a specific set like Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate, 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 Iron Mastiff and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Iron Mastiff has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Restricted
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Iron Mastiff card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date	Text
2022-06-10	Once Iron Mastiff's triggered ability begins to resolve, no player may cast spells or activate abilities until it finishes resolving. Notably, this means that players may not take actions that would change Iron Mastiff's power after they know the result of the rolls but before players are dealt damage.