Markov Crusader MTG Card
2016-07-22 - Number 95
2021-08-26 - Number 354
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Vampire Knight |
| Abilities | Lifelink |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Lifelink Markov Crusader has haste as long as you control another Vampire.
The surviving members of the Markov bloodline drove through a crush of horrors to reclaim their ancestral home.
Cards like Markov Crusader
The Markov Crusader is a unique creature in the diverse world of Magic: The Gathering. It resides in the realm of vampire-themed decks and bears similarities to cards like Stromkirk Captain. Both buff other vampire creatures and cater to the aggressive vampire archetype, however, Markov Crusader takes it up a notch with its lifelink ability, giving you an edge in sustaining your health pool during battle.
When compared to Captivating Vampire, another card that empowers fellow bloodsuckers, Markov Crusader’s haste feature stands out, allowing for immediate impact on the battlefield that Captivating Vampire, which focuses more on control, doesn’t offer. Additionally, Bloodline Keeper presents a different approach by providing a steady stream of vampire tokens and an eventual transformation option, contrasting with Markov Crusader’s straightforward aggressive strategy.
Dynamic in its attack and defensive capabilities, Markov Crusader provides an effective synergy in vampire decks. While other cards have their benefits in terms of control and long-term value creation, Markov Crusader shines with its haste and lifelink, perfect for players looking to exert pressure and gain life with swift and potent attacks.
Cards similar to Markov Crusader by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: With each attack, Markov Crusader offers the potential to draw into more threats or answers, as its lifelink ability can sustain your presence on the board while you build up your hand.
Resource Acceleration: The Crusader pairs well with cards that generate vampire tokens, effectively bolstering your field presence rapidly and giving you an edge in overwhelming your opponent with a robust army.
Instant Speed: Although not an instant itself, Markov Crusader can benefit from various instant speed spells in your arsenal, providing it with surprise buffs or protection that can turn the tides of combat in your favor at critical moments.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Markov Crusader demands a card to be discarded to unlock its full potential. For players who are seeking to maintain card advantage, this can be a significant setback, particularly when every card in hand is crucial for upcoming plays.
Specific Mana Cost: Deck building with Markov Crusader can be tricky due to its strict mana requirements. Requiring both black and white mana, this card limits flexibility and may not fit seamlessly into a multi-colored strategy, especially if the mana base isn’t well-tuned.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When considering the cost-to-benefit ratio, Markov Crusader can be a bit mana-intensive. Standing at four mana, it competes with a variety of other cards that may offer more impactful immediate effects or better long-term value, leading some players to pass it over for more efficient creatures or spells in the same mana range.
Reasons to Include Markov Crusader Mtg Card in Your Collection
Versatility: Markov Crusader adapts seamlessly into a variety of Vampire decks and those capitalizing on tribal synergies. Its lifelink ability also offers a dual advantage of sustenance and aggression, essential for maintaining board presence and health.
Combo Potential: With its haste capability when paired with another Vampire, Markov Crusader excels at enabling quick-hit strategies that can catch opponents unaware. It’s a great card to support and enhance synergistic plays, combining well with cards that buff or benefit from Vampire interactions.
Meta-Relevance: As the game’s landscape frequently shifts, a card like Markov Crusader remains relevant in environments where tribal decks prevail. It steps up as a critical player in matches against control decks by applying immediate pressure with potentially life-swinging attacks.
How to beat
Markov Crusader is a menacing card, particularly potent in decks that harness a vampire tribe in MTG. Its lifelink ability, paired with the potential for a swift power boost if you control another vampire, escalates the urgency to address this threat on the battlefield. Neutralizing Markov Crusader starts with understanding its key weaknesses. Firstly, its dependence on having another vampire to activate its full potential can be exploited. Without fellow vampires, it becomes significantly less threatening.
Removal spells are your next line of defense. Efficient removal, such as Path to Exile or Murderous Rider, can dispatch Markov Crusader before it sinks its teeth into your life total. Another approach is to block its offensive with creatures holding deathtouch, turning its lifelink ability against itself. Enchantment-based removal, such as Seal Away, also proves effective by immobilizing Markov Crusader without triggering any death-related abilities it may possess.
Countering its every move, focusing on removals, and controlling the board are quintessential strategies in mitigating the impact of powerful creatures like Markov Crusader. Apply these tactics, and the Crusader’s reign on the battlefield will be swiftly curtailed, ensuring your MTG match tips in your favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Markov Crusader MTG card by a specific set like Eldritch Moon and 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 Markov Crusader 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 Markov Crusader Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2016-07-22 and 2021-08-26. Illustrated by Johannes Voss.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2016-07-22 | Eldritch Moon | EMN | 95 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Johannes Voss | |
| 2 | 2021-08-26 | Jumpstart: Historic Horizons | J21 | 354 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Johannes Voss |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Markov Crusader has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Markov Crusader card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2016-07-13 | If Markov Crusader loses haste before the declare attackers step on the turn it enters the battlefield, it won’t be able to attack. Once you’ve attacked with Markov Crusader, causing it to lose haste won’t remove it from combat. |