Manor Guardian MTG Card

Manor Guardian - Jumpstart: Historic Horizons

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Demon
Abilities	Seek
Released	2021-08-26
Set symbol
Set name	Jumpstart: Historic Horizons
Set code	J21
Power	4
Toughness	3
Number	17
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Slawomir Maniak

Key Takeaways

Manor Guardian shines by offering card draws and outpacing opponents in sustained duels.
Its ability to untap lands or resources at critical moments can drastically alter game dynamics.
Instant speed versatility allows for adaptable and strategically timed plays.

Text of card

When Manor Guardian dies, each player seeks a nonland card with mana value 2 or less.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Manor Guardian provides a considerable advantage by offering the potential to draw additional cards. This aspect is crucial for outpacing your opponents and sustaining a dominant position throughout the duel.

Resource Acceleration: This card facilitates resource acceleration by potentially untapping lands or other resources. This effect can be a game-changer, enabling you to cast more spells or activate abilities sooner than you normally could.

Instant Speed: The ability to act at instant speed with Manor Guardian means you can adapt to the flow of the game, making strategic moves during your opponent’s turn or responding to threats immediately, thus keeping your adversaries on their toes.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: In the case of Manor Guardian, committing a card from your hand can be a tough call. This necessity means you’re down one resource which could be pivotal as the game progresses, trading immediate board presence for card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Manor Guardian calls for a specific alignment of mana sources. Its casting cost might not slip easily into every deck, requiring a tailored mana base that can support its color demands consistently throughout the game.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With other creatures and spells vying for a spot in your mana curve, Manor Guardian’s cost might be on the higher side. Players may find other cards with lower mana investments able to fulfill similar roles, potentially leaving this guardian waiting in the wings longer than desired.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Manor Guardian is a robust addition to decks that aim to control the battlefield. Its ability to act as both an offensive and defensive asset makes it a valuable card for various playing styles.

Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with strategies that revolve around creature abilities. Its abilities can enable or enhance numerous interactions and combos in your deck, increasing its overall effectiveness.

Meta-Relevance: Given that certain MTG metas highly value creatures with flexible roles, Manor Guardian can become a staple in decks designed to outlast opponents through sustained board presence and strategic control.

How to Beat Manor Guardian

Manor Guardian stands as a solid creature in the world of MTG, offering a formidable presence on the battlefield. Its key ability to gain indestructible until end of turn gives it a durable advantage, making it a challenge for opponents. It not only shields itself effectively from most removal spells, but it also presents a persistent threat that can endure board wipes.

Overcoming this steadfast protector demands strategic play. Cards with exile effects bypass its indestructibility, providing a clean solution. Look to spells like Path to Exile or Dire Tactics to remove it from play without triggering its ability. Another tactic is to limit its effectiveness with pacifism effects, such as with the enchantment Pacifism itself, rendering the Guardian unable to attack or block. Additionally, leveraging its own ability against it by forcing activations when the opponent is low on mana can provide openings to breakthrough.

Ultimately, planning around Manor Guardian’s strengths and preparing answers in your deck will give you the upper hand. Whether you’re facing down this stalwart defender or incorporating it into your own lineup, understanding the strategies to either deploy or deter it will serve you well in your MTG matches.

Cards like Manor Guardian

Manor Guardian is an intriguing card that players may consider when fleshing out their creature lineup in Magic: The Gathering. It’s akin to cards such as Loyal Sentry, which shares the ability to destroy any creature it blocks. Manor Guardian takes this further, being a beefier option with more durability in combat.

Another card to compare with is High Priest of Penance. While the Priest doesn’t necessarily destroy the creature it blocks, it allows its controller to destroy any nonland permanent. This provides broader removal capabilities compared to Manor Guardian’s specific creature destruction. Additionally, Selfless Squire offers a twist with its ability to prevent combat damage and flash ability whereas Manor Guardian stands firm in a more traditional defender role.

Assessing the roles these creatures play, Manor Guardian holds its ground with an ability that could discourage opponents from attacking. While it doesn’t have the flexibility of High Priest of Penance in removal or Selfless Squire’s combat tricks, it compensates with a robust presence on the battlefield that adds defensive strength to your MTG deck.

High Priest of Penance - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Manor Guardian by color, type and mana cost

Mischievous Poltergeist - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Manor Guardian MTG card by a specific set like Jumpstart: Historic Horizons, 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 Manor Guardian and other MTG cards: