Magus of the Moat MTG Card


Magus of the Moat restricts combat to flyers, offering a strategic advantage in board control. The card can be a cornerstone in both defensive and flying-based strategies and combos. Despite its strengths, Magus of the Moat is not impervious and can be strategically outmaneuvered.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Human Wizard
Power 0
Toughness 3

Text of card

Creatures without flying can't attack.

"The spirits of the mythic ones ever circle their beloved keep, forbidding entry to all who come with the heavy tread of hate."


Cards like Magus of the Moat

Magus of the Moat is an intriguing creature card in Magic: The Gathering, reminiscent of the powerful enchantment Moat. Like the original Moat, Magus of the Moat prevents creatures without flying from attacking, effectively creating a barrier for ground-based strategies. While the effects are similar, the Magus, being a creature, introduces an element of vulnerability since it can be removed more easily through creature removal spells.

Another card that resonates with Magus of the Moat’s defensive philosophy is Propaganda. Though it doesn’t outright stop attacks, it imposes a cost on opponents for attacking you, making it a deterrent. However, its non-creature nature makes it less susceptible to creature removal, but conversely, more vulnerable to enchantment destruction. Ghostly Prison operates similarly to Propaganda, adding an economic hurdle for aggressive strategies without stopping flyers or bypassing abilities like shadow or landwalk.

Evaluating these options, it’s clear that Magus of the Moat’s unique advantage lies in its creature typing—allowing for synergy with creature-based strategies, despite its fragility compared to enchantment-based counterparts. It holds a special place within the defensive cards of Magic: The Gathering, balancing the scales between fortifying defenses and maintaining creature synergy.

Moat - MTG Card versions
Propaganda - MTG Card versions
Ghostly Prison - MTG Card versions
Moat - MTG Card versions
Propaganda - MTG Card versions
Ghostly Prison - MTG Card versions

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Carrier Pigeons - MTG Card versions
Tormented Angel - MTG Card versions
Seasoned Marshal - MTG Card versions
Coalition Honor Guard - MTG Card versions
Mangara, the Diplomat - MTG Card versions
Akroma's Devoted - MTG Card versions
Aven Cloudchaser - MTG Card versions
Seht's Tiger - MTG Card versions
Valor - MTG Card versions
Guardian Seraph - MTG Card versions
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Hero of Bladehold - MTG Card versions
Mausoleum Guard - MTG Card versions
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Sunspire Gatekeepers - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Magus of the Moat creates a strategic edge by effectively limiting the number of attacking creatures your opponent can utilize, which can lead to indirect card advantage. As opposing forces are grounded, the path is cleared for you to exert control over the battlefield without expending additional resources.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly impacting resource acceleration, Magus of the Moat can contribute to a form of tactical acceleration. By preventing creatures without flying from attacking, it allows you to allocate mana towards developing your board and game plan, uninterrupted by potential threats from terrestrial attackers.

Instant Speed: Although not an instant itself, Magus of the Moat can complement instant speed spells in your arsenal. By creating a virtual safety net against ground forces, you’re free to save mana for instant speed interactions and counterspells, thereby enhancing your reactive capabilities and strategic flexibility during an opponent’s turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Magus of the Moat doesn’t have a discard requirement, its effect can sometimes feel like a drawback. Decks that rely on their own creature attacks might find this card hinders their strategy rather than helps it.

Specific Mana Cost: Magus of the Moat demands a precise mana cost, two white and two of any color. This can make the card less flexible, fitting primarily into mono-white or two-color decks where white is a major component.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a four mana cost for a creature that does not directly impact the board state offensively, Magus of the Moat can be a liability against faster, more aggressive strategies. There are cheaper options available for those looking to bolster their defenses without compromising tempo.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Magus of the Moat has an adaptable role in numerous deck archetypes, offering a defensive capability that can find a place in control-oriented strategies, or serve as a linchpin in decks that capitalize on flying creatures.

Combo Potential: This card can easily become a cornerstone in an enchantment or creature-based combo, synergizing with cards that grant creatures flying or manipulate the battlefield to your favor, dramatically shifting the game’s balance.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment crowded with aggro decks, Magus of the Moat shines by stalling ground attacks, making it a prudent addition to decks looking to hold the line against rampant creature strategies.


How to beat Magus of the Moat

Magus of the Moat is an interesting creature that presents a unique challenge on the battlefield. As a card that prevents creatures without flying from attacking, it can often dictate the pace of the game and control combat scenarios. However, there are strategies to circumvent its abilities and regain the upper hand. Firstly, removal spells that target creatures, such as Murder or Path to Exile, can directly eliminate Magus of the Moat from the field. Additionally, employing flying creatures or those with reach can bypass the Magus’s restrictions and continue to apply pressure to your opponent.

Another effective approach is using card abilities that don’t rely on attacking, such as those that cause loss of life or direct damage to the opponent. Strategies that can change creature abilities, like granting your creatures flying or other evasion tactics, can also turn the tables. Lastly, in formats where sideboarding is allowed, players can prepare for such impediments by including specific cards designed to counteract or remove problematic permanents like Magus of the Moat.

Ultimately, while this powerful card can control a game, it’s far from invincible. With the right moves and a bit of foresight, any player can overcome the challenge it represents and steer the game back to their favor.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the intricacies of MTG involves both strategic planning and a thorough understanding of card interactions. Magus of the Moat is a card that prompts nuanced gameplay, offering protection yet demanding adaptation. Think it might solidify your defensive line or serve as a combo piece? Interested in learning how it can fit into your current deck or perhaps inspire an entirely new build? Explore tactics to enhance your deck’s resilience and discover new ways to navigate around your opponent’s strategies. We’re here to guide your journey into deeper knowledge and gameplay optimization. Let’s dive into the synergy and strategy behind Magus of the Moat together.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Magus of the Moat MTG card by a specific set like Future Sight and Mystery Booster, 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 Magus of the Moat and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Magus of the Moat Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2007-05-04 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by John Avon.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12007-05-04Future SightFUT 122003NormalBlackJohn Avon
22019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 1702003NormalBlackJohn Avon
32020-09-26The ListPLST FUT-122003NormalBlackJohn Avon

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Magus of the Moat has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal