Midnight Duelist MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Soldier |
| Abilities | Protection |
| Released | 2012-05-04 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Avacyn Restored |
| Set code | AVR |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 27 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Bud Cook |
Text of card
Protection from Vampires
Avacyn's return did not rid him of his desire for revenge.
Cards like Midnight Duelist
Midnight Duelist stands as a unique creature in the vast universe of Magic: The Gathering. Its remarkable ability to block vampires sets this human soldier apart from other one-drop creatures. One comparable card is Elite Inquisitor, which boasts not only protection from vampires but also from werewolves and zombies. However, it comes with a higher mana cost and is less specialized than Midnight Duelist’s focused vampire blockade.
In a similar context, there’s the Paladin of Atonement, which also interacts uniquely with Vampire strategies. It gains a +1/+1 counter every time you lose life, synergizing well with Vampire decks’ life-loss mechanics. Although more versatile in its growth potential, Paladin of Atonement doesn’t offer the same immediate defensive advantage against Vampire swarms as Midnight Duelist does.
To summarize, while there are a number of options for players looking to fortify against specific creature types, Midnight Duelist presents a niche yet cost-effective solution for countering Vampire-centric strategies in Magic: The Gathering. Its singular focus on anti-vampire measures can be a strategic advantage in the appropriate matchup.
Cards similar to Midnight Duelist by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Midnight Duelist offers an exceptional ability to outplay opponents by granting selective card removal, honing your control over the game’s pace.
Resource Acceleration: This card synergizes well with decks focusing on rapid development, propelling your resource availability ahead of your opponent and setting the stage for dominant plays.
Instant Speed: Its instant speed provides a strategic edge, allowing you to react to threats instantaneously or optimize your turn by waiting for the most opportune moment to cast.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Midnight Duelist demands players to discard a card to activate certain abilities, which can be a strategic setback, especially when hand size is crucial.
Specific Mana Cost: As a card that requires a precise mix of mana to cast, Midnight Duelist can be restrictive, limiting its integration into multi-colored decks or those with a fluid mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost that might be deemed steep for its abilities, Midnight Duelist can be overshadowed by other cards in the same mana range offering a higher impact on the game. Players might find alternative creatures or spells that provide a better cost-to-benefit ratio.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Midnight Duelist offers exceptional flexibility for deck builders, seamlessly integrating into both aggressive and control-oriented decks while providing an early-game answer against various creature threats.
Combo Potential: This card works wonders in synergy with effects that reward you for targeting your own creatures, or those that benefit from life gain, enhancing your tactical depth and surprise factor.
Meta-Relevance: In a format where creature-heavy decks prevail, Midnight Duelist stands as a stalwart defender, providing a strategic edge by stymieing opponents’ early aggression, solidifying its position as a smart choice for contemporary play.
How to beat
For players looking to counter the abilities of Midnight Duelist, one must consider the card’s specific strengths. As an efficient creature excelling at thwarting vampire strategies, the key lies in circumventing its protection ability. Including non-vampire creatures in your deck can naturally sidestep Midnight Duelist’s vampire-specific defenses, ensuring your attacks are not stifled.
Direct removal spells are an excellent technique to clear the way, bypassing the Duelist’s combat advantages altogether. Efficient spells such as Shock or Fatal Push can swiftly manage the threat before it becomes a recurring nuisance, especially since Midnight Duelist has a lean toughness stat.
Moreover, evasive actions can be beneficial. Utilizing flying or unblockable creatures sidesteps the Duelist entirely, enabling you to whittle down your opponent’s life total without engaging in unfavorable ground combat. By understanding the limitations of Midnight Duelist and preparing your deck accordingly, outmaneuvering this night-stalking adversary is a well within reach achievement.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Midnight Duelist MTG card by a specific set like Avacyn Restored, 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 Midnight Duelist 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Midnight Duelist has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |