Marble Gargoyle MTG Card
2021-06-18 - Number 382
2021-06-18 - Number 21
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Artifact Creature — Gargoyle |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Flying : Marble Gargoyle gets +0/+1 until end of turn.
"Once past the stony exterior, the meat is exquisite and can be stuffed with thallids or simmered in a broth of manticore venom." —Asmoranomardicadaistinaculdacar *The Underworld Cookbook*
Cards like Marble Gargoyle
Marble Gargoyle stands out in MTG as a unique creature with a flying ability. Reminiscent of other flying creatures such as Serra Angel, the Gargoyle differs primarily by being able to pump its defense rather than its offense. Serra Angel’s vigilance allows it to act as both an attacker and a defender without tapping, whereas Marble Gargoyle is solely a strong defensive unit with its potential to boost toughness.
Another comparable card might be Wall of Air, which also offers a defense-oriented flying creature at a similar mana cost. However, Wall of Air, unlike Marble Gargoyle, does not have the ability to modify its stats for tactical advantage. Then there’s Roc Egg, which brings a unique mechanic to the game by creating a powerful bird creature token upon death. While Roc Egg also carries the flying trait, Marble Gargoyle’s continuous presence and defensive adaptability can be more advantageous in certain game scenarios.
It’s important to rate these cards not just in isolation but in context with the overall deck strategy. Although each card may serve a similar role, the nuanced differences, like Marble Gargoyle’s toughness boost, could be the pivot point for MTG enthusiasts crafting a deck with a solid defensive posture.
Cards similar to Marble Gargoyle by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: With its intrinsic ability to block numerous threats, Marble Gargoyle can be a keystone in stabilizing the board, potentially deterring multiple attackers and preserving your life total. This, in the long run, can maintain your card parity by not having to replace fallen creatures as often.
Resource Acceleration: While Marble Gargoyle itself doesn’t directly provide mana or acceleration, its resilience allows you to invest resources into other areas of the game. Its mere presence can save resources you might have spent on removal or other defensive measures, indirectly accelerating your resource deployment.
Instant Speed: Although this winged statue doesn’t boast instant speed, its ability to be a vigilant defender means it’s always ready to spring into action, offering a standing threat or a surprise blocker without the need to commit mana each turn, allowing for instant speed responses elsewhere in your strategy.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One downside of the Marble Gargoyle is that it might call for a card to be discarded from your hand. This can be particularly straining when your hand is already running on empty, potentially costing you valuable resources.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting expense of the Gargoyle includes both generic and specific mana types. Having to allocate the exact mana can limit deck-building flexibility, confining it to decks that can reliably produce the right colors, especially in multi-colored formats.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost that might eclipse those of other creatures with similar stats or abilities, the Gargoyle may seem less appealing. Savvy players often look for the most efficient use of mana in their creature selections, and the Gargoyle’s cost needs careful consideration against the backdrop of other available options.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Marble Gargoyle presents itself as a flexible inclusion in decks, offering both offensive and defensive capabilities. Its flying trait allows it to effectively block or bypass ground units, making it a solid pick in various situations.
Combo Potential: With its ability to adjust its defense stat, Marble Gargoyle can be a critical component in defensive strategies. It seamlessly integrates into decks that capitalize on creatures with tough endurance or those that utilize toughness-related synergies.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where flying creatures reign supreme or where games often pivot on strategic blocks, Marble Gargoyle could become an under-the-radar asset securing crucial board presence or safeguarding life totals against aggressive strategies.
How to beat
The Marble Gargoyle poses a unique challenge in the grand tapestry of Magic the Gathering. Sporting both flying and the option to bolster its defense, this creature can become a thorn in your strategic path. However, there are numerous tactics to tackle this stony adversary. One such approach is to employ removal spells that specifically target flyers, such as plummet, ensuring the gargoyle’s swift descent from the battlefield.
Alternatively, you can overwhelm it with a barrage of ground assaults. Since the Marble Gargoyle requires mana to increase its defense, it’s more vulnerable during the opponent’s end-step if they’re tapped out. This paves the way for you to use instant-speed removal or deploy creatures that can bypass or punish blockers, easing your path to victory. Additionally, control decks are capable of recurring counterspells or other disruption methods to never let the gargoyle establish its presence.
In essence, understanding the nuances of your deck and conjuring the right response to flying threats, like the Marble Gargoyle, can significantly enhance your command of the game and lead you to success in your Magic the Gathering exploits.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Marble Gargoyle MTG card by a specific set like Modern Horizons 2 and Modern Horizons 2, 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 Marble Gargoyle 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
Printings
The Marble Gargoyle Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2021-06-18 and 2021-06-18. Illustrated by Drew Tucker.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2021-06-18 | Modern Horizons 2 | MH2 | 382 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Drew Tucker | |
| 2 | 2021-06-18 | Modern Horizons 2 | MH2 | 21 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Drew Tucker |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Marble Gargoyle has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |