Guardian Kirin MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Kirin
Abilities	Flying
Released	2021-06-18
Set symbol
Set name	Modern Horizons 2
Set code	MH2
Power	2
Toughness	3
Number	15
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Anastasia Ovchinnikova

Key Takeaways

Guardian Kirin offers card advantage, enabling strategic deck sifting and resource acceleration.
Its instant speed ability allows for flexible, disruptive responses during gameplay.
High mana cost and specific mana needs may limit Guardian Kirin’s deck compatibility.

Text of card

Flying Whenever another creature you control dies, put a +1/+1 counter on Guardian Kirin.

Followed the kirin —Ojutai expression meaning "died a hero's death"

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Guardian Kirin enables the player to peek at the top cards of their library, ensuring they have access to valuable cards and potentially preventing mana flooding or starving. This ability to sift through the library is a crucial tactical edge during gameplay.

Resource Acceleration: When Guardian Kirin’s triggered ability resolves, it can put a land card from the top of the library into play tapped. This resource acceleration bolsters your mana base, paving the way for casting more powerful spells sooner than your opponents expect.

Instant Speed: Guardian Kirin’s abilities can be activated at instant speed, offering a flexible response during the opponent’s turn. This quick action can disrupt their plans, potentially saving and accumulating resources or setting up for a strong next turn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the downsides of Guardian Kirin lies in its mechanics that may ask a player to discard a card. This requirement could potentially put you at a disadvantage, especially if your hand is already dwindling or if the card you must discard is critical for your strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: Guardian Kirin’s casting cost is not the most flexible, requiring a precise combination of mana. This can sometimes be restrictive, demanding a dedicated deck build around its specific mana needs, and may not be easily slotted into decks without the appropriate mana support.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Guardian Kirin offers certain benefits, its mana cost is somewhat high compared to other creatures or spells that might bring similar or greater value to the battlefield for a smaller investment. This cost factor means players often have to weigh the opportunity cost of playing Guardian Kirin against other potential plays.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Guardian Kirin’s ability to provide a strategic advantage in both offensive and defensive positions makes it a flexible addition to several deck archetypes. Its capability to manage combat dynamics is a boon for players who appreciate multipurpose cards.

Combo Potential: With its inherent synergies, Guardian Kirin can play a crucial role in decks that capitalize on life gain or creature-based strategies. Its place in combos is solidified by the capacity to interact with other cards that benefit from its unique trigger.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where creature interaction is key, Guardian Kirin shines by offering protection against opponents’ threats. The card’s relevance grows with its ability to adapt to various meta shifts, ensuring its utility across different competitive landscapes.

How to beat

The Guardian Kirin card introduces a unique dynamic in MTG games, adding both defensive and offensive capabilities to your arsenal. Renowned for its combination of vigilance and the ability to put a +1/+1 counter on a target creature whenever you cast a noncreature spell, Guardian Kirin often seems daunting to go up against. However, it’s not without strategies that can turn the tables.

One effective way to tackle Guardian Kirin is to neutralize its ability to empower itself and other creatures. Counterspells are your best friend here; by preventing noncreature spells from ever hitting the battlefield, you keep the Kirin’s influence in check. Removal spells, particularly those that bypass the Kirin’s vigilance by forcing it to sacrifice or shuffle into the library, can also significantly undermine your opponent’s game plan.

Additionally, deploying creatures with flying or reach could serve as both an offense and a line of defense against the Kirin. Since Guardian Kirin itself doesn’t have flying, it can’t block these types of creatures. Engaging the battlefield with a multi-pronged approach that diminishes the card’s advantages will help you maintain control and ultimately claim victory over your opponent.

Cards like Guardian Kirin

Guardian Kirin soars into the realm of creature spells in Magic: The Gathering with subtle nuances that distinguish it from its counterparts. It bears resemblance to cards like Kitsune Mystic, another creature with transformative abilities, yet Guardian Kirin’s vigilance grants it a defensive edge while still being aggressive in battle. Unlike Kitsune Mystic, however, Guardian Kirin does not rely on enchantments to unlock its potential.

Another spirit creature to consider is Nikko-Onna, which interacts with enchantments by targeting them when it enters the battlefield. While both Guardian Kirin and Nikko-Onna serve as methods of interacting with enchantments, Guardian Kirin offers a broader approach by potentially making any spell that’s cast more powerful with its triggered ability. Additionally, we have Bygone Bishop, which also rewards playing small creatures through its investigate mechanic. Nevertheless, Guardian Kirin stands apart with its unique synergy within spirit or enchantment-based decks.

Through this lens, Guardian Kirin presents itself as a versatile option for players seeking to enhance their spells or solidify their board presence. It’s the nuanced integration of abilities where Guardian Kirin finds its strengths, cementing its role in decks where constant spellcasting is key.

Cards similar to Guardian Kirin by color, type and mana cost

Coalition Honor Guard - MTG Card versions

Mangara, the Diplomat - MTG Card versions

Lightkeeper of Emeria - MTG Card versions

Cho-Manno, Revolutionary - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Guardian Kirin MTG card by a specific set like 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 Guardian Kirin and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Guardian Kirin has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Penny	Legal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Guardian Kirin card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date	Text
2021-06-18	If Guardian Kirin and another creature you control die simultaneously (perhaps because they were both attacking or blocking), Guardian Kirin won't be on the battlefield as its triggered ability resolves. It can't be saved by the +1/+1 counter that would have been put on it.