Mossdog MTG Card


Graveyard synergies offer indirect card bonuses, giving Mossdog decks a subtle edge. Though mana-specific, Mossdog can integrate into various strategic plays effectively. Its interactions at instant speed allow for surprising defensive maneuvers in-game.
Mossdog - Nemesis
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Plant Dog
Released2000-02-14
Set symbol
Set nameNemesis
Set codeNEM
Power 1
Toughness 1
Number106
Frame1997
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byMatt Cavotta

Text of card

Whenever Mossdog becomes the target of a spell or ability an opponent controls, put a +1/+1 counter on Mossdog.

The more you look at it, the more dangerous it becomes.


Cards like Mossdog

Mossdog holds a unique place among the creature cards in MTG, offering a delicate balance of utility for green-based decks. Its closest kin in terms of functionality is Trained Armodon, another creature card that brings a comparable amount of power and toughness to the table. However, the Mossdog stands out with its graveyard synergy, becoming more potent as it benefits from being in a graveyard-heavy deck environment.

Exploring the spectrum of canine-themed cards, we encounter Howlgeist, which shares the thematic connection and also enhances its strength when interacting with the graveyard. Albeit a formidable creature with a higher power level, Howlgeist requires a specific setup to unleash its full potential. In contrast, the Mossdog is more straightforward and provides value with less setup required.

Green players seeking creatures with reliable and consistent performance can appreciate the elemental simplicity Mossdog brings to a match. Its resilience and seamless blend with graveyard strategies make it a noteworthy consideration for deck builders browsing through the MTG card library for versatile creature options. In the realm of green creatures, Mossdog is a card that quietly commands respect for its synergy-based strength and modest mana cost.

Trained Armodon - MTG Card versions
Howlgeist - MTG Card versions
Trained Armodon - MTG Card versions
Howlgeist - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Mossdog by color, type and mana cost

Scryb Sprites - MTG Card versions
Llanowar Elves - MTG Card versions
Ghazbán Ogre - MTG Card versions
Shanodin Dryads - MTG Card versions
Wall of Wood - MTG Card versions
Village Elder - MTG Card versions
Spike Drone - MTG Card versions
Skyshroud Elite - MTG Card versions
Elvish Berserker - MTG Card versions
Tree Monkey - MTG Card versions
Wild Dogs - MTG Card versions
Elvish Herder - MTG Card versions
Pouncing Jaguar - MTG Card versions
Scavenger Folk - MTG Card versions
Willow Geist - MTG Card versions
Nimble Mongoose - MTG Card versions
Elvish Lyrist - MTG Card versions
Elvish Pioneer - MTG Card versions
Hana Kami - MTG Card versions
Norwood Ranger - MTG Card versions
Scryb Sprites - MTG Card versions
Llanowar Elves - MTG Card versions
Ghazbán Ogre - MTG Card versions
Shanodin Dryads - MTG Card versions
Wall of Wood - MTG Card versions
Village Elder - MTG Card versions
Spike Drone - MTG Card versions
Skyshroud Elite - MTG Card versions
Elvish Berserker - MTG Card versions
Tree Monkey - MTG Card versions
Wild Dogs - MTG Card versions
Elvish Herder - MTG Card versions
Pouncing Jaguar - MTG Card versions
Scavenger Folk - MTG Card versions
Willow Geist - MTG Card versions
Nimble Mongoose - MTG Card versions
Elvish Lyrist - MTG Card versions
Elvish Pioneer - MTG Card versions
Hana Kami - MTG Card versions
Norwood Ranger - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Mossdog card may not directly draw you additional cards, but if it features in a deck that supports graveyard mechanics, it can become a key piece in achieving card advantage. It can synergize with graveyard-dependent spells or abilities, subtly bolstering your hand or field with resources from the graveyard.

Resource Acceleration: While the Mossdog itself doesn’t provide traditional mana acceleration, it could contribute to strategies that accelerate your resources. Its potential to return to the battlefield or feed into other mechanics can ramp up your plays, indirectly leading to a quicker deployment of your strategy.

Instant Speed: Though not an instant itself, the Mossdog may have instant-speed interactions within certain MTG decks. It’s vital to consider how it cooperates with cards that operate at instant speed, potentially providing you with surprise blockers or interaction pieces during your opponent’s turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Mossdog card necessitates a discard in order for its ability to be activated. This could potentially be a setback when you’re running low on cards in hand and need every option available.

Specific Mana Cost: This creature card requires a specific combination of mana, which could hinder its integration into a diverse range of decks, especially those that heavily rely on having a flexible mana base for a varied spell repertoire.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Mossdog may not seem expensive at first glance, but when comparing its cost-effectiveness to other options, it might end up being suboptimal for the mana investment. There are creatures and spells that could offer better value or more impact on the game at a similar or lower mana cost.


Reasons to Include Mossdog in Your Collection

Versatility: Mossdog is a practical addition to decks that prioritize steadfast creature plays. With its low-cost and solid stats, it’s an excellent early game presence that can consistently apply pressure or serve as reliable defense.

Combo Potential: For decks revolving around graveyard strategies, Mossdog’s ability to bulk up when in the graveyard offers nuanced synergy for strategic block and sacrifice plays, enhancing your overarching game plan.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where control decks are prevalent, Mossdog holds its own. It can sneak under counter spells as an early drop and threaten planeswalkers, or later contribute as an enlarged threat from the graveyard, balancing out its value across different stages of the game.


How to beat

The Mossdog card may not be a colossal threat in Magic: The Gathering, but it can catch players off guard with its graveyard-enhancing abilities. To counter this unassuming creature, strategic removal is key. Cards with exile effects, like Path to Exile, can effectively remove Mossdog from the game, preventing any graveyard synergies. Furthermore, graveyard hate cards such as Relic of Progenitus can disrupt Mossdog’s advantage, eliminating the creature’s impact both on the battlefield and after it’s dealt with. Another efficient method is utilizing efficient blockers or spells that can deal damage to creatures, ensuring that Mossdog never gets the chance to capitalize on its abilities.

Additionally, since Mossdog thrives in decks that emphasize the use of the graveyard, applying pressure with aggressive creatures can force the opposing player to use their graveyard resources defensively, reducing the effectiveness of Mossdog’s strategy. It’s also beneficial to adjust your game plan early when noticing a graveyard-centered deck, preparing the appropriate responses in advance to mitigate any advantages that Mossdog might offer to your opponent.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Mossdog MTG card by a specific set like Nemesis, 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 Mossdog and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Mossdog has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal