Keeper of Tresserhorn MTG Card

Provides card advantage by allowing card draw when it deals damage to an opponent, tilting the game balance. Despite initial cost, once on board, it becomes a low-cost, high-stat creature, escalating the game’s pressure. Synergy with instant-speed spells can amplify its board impact, creating opportune moments for strategic play.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	6
Rarity	Rare
Type	Creature — Avatar
Released	1996-06-10
Set symbol
Set name	Alliances
Set code	ALL
Power	6
Toughness	6
Number	52
Frame	1993
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Zak Plucinski & D. Alexander Gregory

Text of card

If Keeper of Tresserhorn attacks and is not blocked, it deals no damage to defending player this turn and that player loses 2 life. Effects that prevent or redirect damage cannot be used to counter this loss of life.

Cards like Keeper of Tresserhorn

The allure of Keeper of Tresserhorn in the vast universe of MTG creatures lies in its formidable power and toughness relative to its casting cost. When juxtaposed with Abyssal Persecutor, another card with an involuntary negative effect, Keeper of Tresserhorn’s drawback is upfront – sacrificing creatures and taking a life hit. In contrast, Abyssal Persecutor impedes you from winning the game while it’s in play, despite giving you a 6/6 flying trample body for four mana.

Comparing it to Phyrexian Negator, which similarly provides an underpriced power/toughness ratio, Keeper of Tresserhorn stands out with its inability to harm you on being targeted. The Negator, however, can wreak havoc on your board state if it becomes the focal point of enemy removal. It’s also worth noting the rarity of the automatic regeneration ability exhibited by the Keeper, which is a saving grace amidst its entry conditions.

Ultimately, when evaluating power dynamics and strategic depth, Keeper of Tresserhorn offers a unique blend of high risk for potentially game-turning rewards, positioning it as a curious choice for MTG players fond of high-stakes gameplay. Its situational effectiveness grants it a niche spot in decks that can mitigate or capitalize on its entry sacrifices.

Cards similar to Keeper of Tresserhorn by color, type and mana cost

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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Keeper of Tresserhorn stands out by letting players draw a card upon successful damage to an opponent. This added ability to replenish the hand can often tip the scales in a game of resource management.

Resource Acceleration: This formidable creature comes at the cost of sacrificing other creatures and life, a fair trade-off considering you’re accelerating your board presence with a significant 6/6 horror at comparatively low mana cost. This can set up overwhelming pressure early in the game if played strategically.

Instant Speed: Although Keeper of Tresserhorn doesn’t operate at instant speed itself, it synergizes well with spells that you can cast at instant speed. Having a powerful attacker like Keeper on the board makes each instant speed interaction you have more threatening, potentially freeing up your other cards to be played more opportunistically.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Keeper of Tresserhorn demands you to sacrifice a creature and discard two cards upon summoning. This can be a steep price, stripping you of valuable cards in hand and board presence at a potentially critical moment in the game.

Specific Mana Cost: Casting this card requires a mix of black, red, and blue mana, making it less versatile for mono or dual-colored decks. You must have access to all three types of mana, which poses a challenge, especially in the early stages of play where mana bases are still developing.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a full casting cost of four mana, including three specific colors, the Keeper of Tresserhorn can be cumbersome to summon. Considering the additional drawbacks upon entering the battlefield, one might find other creature cards with lower costs or less detrimental side effects a more attractive addition to their deck.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Keeper of Tresserhorn stands out due to its adaptability across various deck types. Its formidable stats provide an aggressive edge in decks that capitalize on high power and toughness.

Combo Potential: This card can synergize with strategies that aim to mitigate or take advantage of its enter-the-battlefield life and card loss downsides, making it an intriguing option for decks built around sacrifice and recursion themes.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment that appreciates resilient and high-impact creatures, Keeper of Tresserhorn can serve as a cost-efficient threat that opponents must address, thus making it a relevant choice for those adapting to such meta shifts.

How to beat

The Keeper of Tresserhorn is an intriguing Magic: The Gathering card with a formidable presence on the battlefield due to its cost-effective stats. A 10/4 creature for only four mana spells trouble for opponents, but its daunting entry condition can be turned to your advantage. The key to overcoming this adversary lies in minimizing its downside for you while maximizing it for your opponent.

Firstly, employing instant-speed removal in response to its casting can ensure it never poses a threat. Using Control Magic or Act of Treason to take possession of the Keeper before sacrificing it can also deny your opponent its benefits. Moreso, when the Keeper’s ability to force its controller to lose 2 life, sacrifice two creatures, and draw two cards is triggered, be ready with graveyard manipulation tactics or instant spells to make those sacrifices fall in your favor or hinder your opponent’s card advantage. Tactics like Cling to Dust or Tormod’s Crypt can disrupt graveyard benefits, while cards like Stifle can counter key abilities.

By strategically navigating around the drawbacks of Keeper of Tresserhorn, savvy players can mitigate its power and turn the game in their favor. It’s a clear example of how knowledge and timing are critical in MTG, transforming potential liabilities into opportunities for victory.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Keeper of Tresserhorn MTG card by a specific set like Alliances, 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 Keeper of Tresserhorn and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Keeper of Tresserhorn has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2004-10-04	The ability triggers on declaration of blockers if the criteria is met.
2013-04-15	An ability that triggers when something “attacks and isn’t blocked” triggers in the declare blockers step after blockers are declared if (1) that creature is attacking and (2) no creatures are declared to block it. It will trigger even if that creature was put onto the battlefield attacking rather than having been declared as an attacker in the declare attackers step.