Karlov Watchdog MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Dog |
| Abilities | Vigilance |
| Released | 2024-02-09 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Murders at Karlov Manor |
| Set code | MKM |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 20 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Craig J Spearing |
Text of card
Vigilance Permanents your opponents control can't be turned face up during your turn. Whenever you attack with three or more creatures, creatures you control get +1/+1 until end of turn.
Teysa trusts only those for whom money has no meaning.
Cards like Karlov Watchdog
Karlov Watchdog stands out as a unique creature card in Magic: The Gathering. It’s often compared to other defensive cards such as Nyx-Fleece Ram, which also serves as a buffer against early aggression. Nyx-Fleece Ram provides consistent life gain without requiring any build-up of counters and comes with a sturdier initial toughness. However, unlike Karlov Watchdog, it lacks the offensive punch that Karlov can muster as he grows in power over time.
Guardian of the Pilgrims is another card that shares similarities with Karlov Watchdog. Both are used primarily for defensive strategies, with Guardian of the Pilgrims also capable of deterring attacks through its more complex but potentially rewarding mechanics. While Guardian can protect other creatures and requires strategic synergy to be fully effective, it doesn’t share Karlov’s straightforward life-linking ability and growth potential.
In essence, Karlov Watchdog occupies a special role by offering both defense and offense adaptability. Its capability to scale its power and toughness through life gain distinguishes it from other protective creatures, positioning Karlov not only as a shield in the early game but also as a potential game-ending threat if left unchecked.
Cards similar to Karlov Watchdog by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Karlov Watchdog. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Decklist | Free form | 86#CS | |
 | Sealed Deck | Limited | Murders At Karlov Mansion Pre-release |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Karlov Watchdog offers significant card advantage, as its presence on the battlefield can deter opponents from attacking while you build up your board state. Its use can lead to drawing out games, giving you more opportunities to draw into your deck’s key cards.
Resource Acceleration: This card can indirectly contribute to resource acceleration by influencing opponent strategies. With Karlov Watchdog in play, the need for opponents to deal with it can shift their focus and resources, allowing you to accelerate your own game plan with less interference.
Instant Speed: Although Karlov Watchdog itself is not an instant, it plays well with instant speed spells. Its vigilance ability lets you remain on the offensive while keeping mana available to cast instants or activate abilities during your opponent’s turn, ensuring you’re always maximizing your resources.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Karlov Watchdog requires a specific action to trigger its abilities, which can be a setback when you’re trying to maintain card advantage. Discarding cards can force difficult decisions, especially when operating with a limited hand size.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s cost includes white mana, which might not be as easily accessible in a multi-colored deck that isn’t heavily weighted towards white. This can make it challenging to play Karlov Watchdog on curve, especially in a mana base that’s stretched across several colors.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Karlov Watchdog provides a solid body and potential board presence, its mana cost is on the higher side when compared to other creatures with similar effects. Some decks may prefer to run lower-cost creatures to maintain a faster tempo, thus sidelining Karlov Watchdog in favor of more mana-efficient creatures or spells.
Reasons to Include Karlov Watchdog in Your Collection
Versatility: Karlov Watchdog proves to be a flexible addition to decks focusing on lifegain strategies. Its compatibility with different deck archetypes makes it a great card to hold onto, offering a range of synergies and applications.
Combo Potential: With its ability to accrue +1/+1 counters each time you gain life, Karlov Watchdog can grow into a substantial threat. It works seamlessly with cards that provide frequent life increments, thereby unlocking powerful combo possibilities.
Meta-Relevance: Given the frequent appearance of lifegain decks in the current MTG arena, Karlov Watchdog holds relevance in facing off against the prevailing strategies. Its presence on the battlefield can shift the tide by supplementing both offensive and defensive tactics.
How to beat
Karlov Watchdog poses a unique challenge for MTG players with its ability to grow stronger as life is gained. Understanding its mechanics is crucial for crafting a strategy to overcome this formidable card. Removal spells that don’t target, like board wipes, can bypass Karlov’s potential protection from abilities. Wraths such as Damnation or Supreme Verdict offer a clean slate by removing all creatures, regardless of how many counters Karlov has accumulated.
Moreover, preventing the life gain that triggers Karlov’s ability is another way to mitigate its power. Cards that control the life gain, such as Tainted Remedy or Erebos, God of the Dead, help nullify this effect and keep Karlov in check. It’s also beneficial to have instant-speed removal ready, such as Path to Exile, ensuring you can respond promptly to any attempts to protect or buff the Watchdog during your opponent’s turn.
Competing successfully against Karlov requires a blend of timing and choosing the right counters. By having a diverse set of tools at your disposal, including board control and prevention tactics, overcoming Karlov Watchdog becomes a manageable task, thus enhancing your MTG gameplay experience.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Karlov Watchdog MTG card by a specific set like Murders at Karlov Manor, 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 Karlov Watchdog 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 Karlov Watchdog has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Standardbrawl | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Guide to Vigilance card ability
In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.