Charmed Griffin MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Griffin
Abilities	Flying
Released	1999-10-04
Set symbol
Set name	Mercadian Masques
Set code	MMQ
Power	3
Toughness	3
Number	7
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Ray Lago

Key Takeaways

Allows exchanging on-field cards for strategic library pulls, enhancing player control over game resources.
Swapping mechanic can accelerate resource availability, leading to earlier plays of high-cost cards.
Griffin’s ability synergizes well with flash, granting flexibility and surprise plays against opponents.

Text of card

Flying When Charmed Griffin comes into play, each other player may put an artifact or enchantment card into play from his or her hand.

Are you sure you can afford such a luxury?

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Charmed Griffin stands out as a notable contributor to card advantage. When it enters the battlefield, you may exchange it for a permanent you control, thus potentially turning a less useful card on the battlefield into a more impactful one from your library. It helps to maintain a hand full of options or to gain an upper hand with more valuable resources.

Resource Acceleration: Though not directly providing mana, the swap mechanic of Charmed Griffin can result in a resource acceleration by fetching a more cost-efficient permanent, such as a land or artifact that generates mana. This can lead to quicker execution of your strategy and the casting of high-cost cards earlier in the game.

Instant Speed: Although Charmed Griffin itself does not have instant speed, its ability to exchange cards can be maximized by using it in tandem with flash-enabling cards. This way, you optimize timing and remain flexible to surprise your opponent with unexpected plays during their turn or at the end of their phase.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Charmed Griffin requires the player to discard a card upon entering the battlefield, which can potentially deplete crucial hand resources prematurely or force unwanted choices during gameplay.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost for Charmed Griffin includes both white and colorless mana, making it slightly restrictive as it demands a specific mana base, potentially complicating its inclusion in multi-colored decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that encompasses two white mana, Charmed Griffin’s mana requirements are considerable, especially when compared to other creatures with similar stats or abilities that might be more mana-efficient.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Charmed Griffin offers a flexible role in various deck builds, particularly fitting for white-based strategies that prioritize creature control and air dominance.

Combo Potential: This card’s ability to fly opens up synergies with other cards that capitalize on flying creatures or those that provide buffs to aerial attackers.

Meta-Relevance: In a gameplay environment that values high mobility and evasive threats, Charmed Griffin can be a key player, contending effectively with other common creature types.

How to beat

Charmed Griffin might not be the most intimidating flyer in your opponent’s arsenal, but it shouldn’t be underestimated. With its ability to dominate the skies early in the game, it’s crucial to have strategies in place to neutralize this enchanting creature. One efficient tactic is to ensure you have removal spells at the ready. Having a low-cost instant like Fatal Push or a flexible removal such as Abrade can quickly take the Griffin out of commission.

Another method is to deter the Griffin from attacking or blocking efficiently. Cards that reduce the power and toughness of creatures, like Pacifism or Frosted Chains, can quite literally clip the Griffin’s wings, rendering it a mere decorative presence on the battlefield. Lastly, solid ground forces that overpower your opponent, forcing them to consider unfavorable blocks with their Griffin, can strategically turn the tides in your favor without directly interacting with the creature.

While the Charmed Griffin can catch unprepared players off guard, understanding its weaknesses and having a plan can easily check its presence. Always be prepared to adapt to the aerial threat it poses, and you’ll find this creature to be less of a challenge and more of a minor nuisance.

Cards like Charmed Griffin

Charmed Griffin from Magic: The Gathering joins the ranks of creatures that come with a mix of advantages and quirks. Like Charmed Griffin, Exalted Angel also brings a flying mechanism to the battlefield. However, while Charmed Griffin has the unique twist of giving an opponent a control magic effect, Exalted Angel provides a lifelink boon, offering a different kind of tactical edge.

Investigating other relevant fliers, Serra Angel stands out as a classical favorite. Although it lacks the Charmed Griffin’s initial enchantment giveaway, Serra Angel compensates with vigilance, ensuring it’s always ready to block or attack. Conversely, Charmed Griffin needs to be used strategically around the enchantment it provides to the opponent to maximize card utility without compromising board position.

Diving deeper, Archon of Absolution makes an interesting comparison. Both creatures share a four-mana cost, but while Charmed Griffin may temporarily boost an adversary’s resources, Archon of Absolution offers protection from opponents with its proactive tax on their attackers. Selecting between these cards largely depends on deck synergy and your broader strategic goals in this enchanting realm of gameplay.

Archon of Absolution - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Charmed Griffin by color, type and mana cost

Coalition Honor Guard - MTG Card versions

Mangara, the Diplomat - MTG Card versions

Veteran of the Depths - MTG Card versions

Lightkeeper of Emeria - MTG Card versions

Cho-Manno, Revolutionary - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Charmed Griffin MTG card by a specific set like Mercadian Masques, 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 Charmed Griffin and other MTG cards: