Ceremonial Guard MTG Card

Ceremonial Guard - Mercadian Masques (MMQ)

Mercadian Masques (MMQ)
1999-10-04 - Number 182

The List (PLST)
2020-09-26 - Number MMQ-182

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Human Soldier
Power	3
Toughness	4

Key Takeaways

Excels as a blocker, making Ceremonial Guard an exceptional defense choice in MTG matches.
Requires careful resource management due to its mandatory card discard when targeted.
Highly versatile and enhances certain MTG deck strategies with its robust presence.

Text of card

When Ceremonial Guard attacks or blocks, destroy it at end of combat.

"These guards are the most disciplined military unit in the city. They couldn't fight their way out of a broom closet, but they've got discipline." —Gerrard, to Sisay

Card Pros

Resilient Blocker: Ceremonial Guard’s unique ability to maintain its toughness after blocking multiple creatures in one turn makes it an excellent defensive option. It provides a stable board presence that can deter opponents from attacking, helping you preserve your life total and stay in the game longer.

Combat Trick Synergy: Coupled with combat tricks or spells that boost its power and toughness, Ceremonial Guard can become an even more formidable blocker. This synergy allows you to efficiently utilize your cards and mana, potentially turning the Guard into a resource you can rely on turn after turn.

Instant Speed Interaction: Although not at instant speed itself, the guard interacts well with other instant-speed spells in your arsenal. This is essential in situations where you need to react swiftly to your opponents’ threats during the combat phase, making sure Ceremonial Guard survives and keeps hindering enemy forces.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Unlike smoother card interactions, Ceremonial Guard requires you to discard a card when it becomes targeted by spells or abilities. This mandatory discard can deplete your hand quickly, potentially putting you at a disadvantage over the course of the game.

Specific Mana Cost: Ceremonial Guard’s mana cost includes white mana, which means it is exclusively suitable for decks that run Plains or have mana fixing capabilities. This specificity can be restrictive for deck building, especially if you aim for a more flexible mana base capable of supporting multiple colors.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While a 3/4 creature is relatively sturdy, the four mana to cast this card can be a significant investment early on. When you consider the rate of mana versus impact in MTG, Ceremonial Guard may not always provide the tempo or board presence advantage that other cards at a similar cost might. This could lead to it being overshadowed by more efficient creature options in deck construction.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Ceremonial Guard is a robust defender, making an excellent addition to decks focusing on control and surviving the early game. Its simple mana requirement allows it to fit into multicolored decks without strain on the mana base.

Combo Potential: With the right synergies, such as cards that benefit from defending creatures or those that capitalize on soldier-type creatures, Ceremonial Guard can bolster tailored strategies effectively.

Meta-Relevance: Given the fluctuating MTG landscape, having a firm defensive unit like Ceremonial Guard can be vital. It stands strong in metas that are aggro-heavy, providing a reliable blocker that can often deter early enemy onslaughts.

How to beat

Ceremonial Guard, a creature known for its resilience, has a unique place within the MTG arena. This particular card stands as a defensive bulwark due to its ability that prevents it from being destroyed by dealing damage. However, there are ways to effectively circumvent its staunch defense. Instead of engaging it in combat, players can employ removal spells that don’t deal damage but rather exile, bounce, or force the opponent to sacrifice creatures, therefore sidestepping the Guard’s protective ability.

Enchantment spells that neutralize abilities or cards that can force a defensive posture, such as Pacifism or Claustrophobia, can be played to render the Guard ineffective. Utilizing control strategies that limit the player’s resources or bar them from playing creatures can also be effective before this card even hits the battlefield. Moreover, strategies that involve overpowering the opponent with multiple creatures or potent, non-damage-based board wipes ensure the Guard’s defiance is a minor inconvenience rather than a considerable threat.

Strategic planning and a strong sideboard tailored to negate the strengths of resilient creatures like Ceremonial Guard can tip the scales in your favor during gameplay, maintaining the march towards victory in MTG.

Cards like Ceremonial Guard

Ceremonial Guard stands as a unique creature in Magic: The Gathering’s vast array of cards. This card resembles the defensive capabilities of similarly costed creatures such as Raging Goblin. Unlike Raging Goblin, which excels in fast, aggressive strategies with its haste ability, Ceremonial Guard requires the player to focus on defense, owing to its ability to become indestructible when targeted by a spell. This trait allows it to outlast many threats on the battlefield that would normally remove other creatures of its size.

In contrast, we have cards like Silvercoat Lion, which is also a two-mana cost creature. While Silvercoat Lion presents a vanilla card with no abilities, Ceremonial Guard offers a conditional defensive utility, potentially providing more staying power on the field. However, it lacks the immediate board impact of the Raging Goblin, which might be preferred in a swift strike strategy.

Considering the tactical nuances of gameplay, the Ceremonial Guard may find its place in decks that value resilience and endurance over sheer speed or utility. It’s this distinctive balance of modest cost and durability that enables the Ceremonial Guard to solidify its position in the realm of MTG creatures.

Cards similar to Ceremonial Guard by color, type and mana cost

Hobgoblin Bandit Lord - MTG Card versions

Mannichi, the Fevered Dream - MTG Card versions

Cunning Bandit // Azamuki, Treachery Incarnate - MTG Card versions

Balduvian Barbarians - MTG Card versions

Shinen of Fury's Fire - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ceremonial Guard MTG card by a specific set like Mercadian Masques and The List, 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 Ceremonial Guard and other MTG cards: