Needleshot Gourna MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Beast |
| Abilities | Reach |
| Released | 2003-02-03 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Legions |
| Set code | LGN |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 6 |
| Number | 133 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Edward P. Beard, Jr. |
Text of card
Needleshot Gourna may block as though it had flying.
The first aven scout squad returned from Krosa with disturbing stories. The second returned with disturbing casualties.
Cards like Needleshot Gourna
Needleshot Gourna is a noteworthy creature within Magic: The Gathering’s vast array of defensive options. This creature is somewhat akin to cards like Spined Megalodon, which offers a hefty blocker with reach. Yet, Needleshot Gourna distinguishes itself with a lower casting cost and a more efficient mana-to-toughness ratio, providing early game board stability against flyers.
In the realm of green creatures with reach, we also observe a card like Giant Spider. The spider shares the reach attribute with Needleshot Gourna yet typically falls short in toughness, making Needleshot Gourna a superior blockade for formidable flying creatures. On the other hand, Thornweald Archer grants both reach and deathtouch, presenting a different kind of threat to opponents’ creatures, though it comes with considerably less toughness.
Assessing the strength and versatility of Needleshot Gourna in comparison to its peers, it stands out as a reliable defender in green decks. Its blend of cost-effectiveness and defensive prowess positions it effectively for players valuing sturdy blockers capable of taking down airborne threats in the early to mid-game.
Cards similar to Needleshot Gourna by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Needleshot Gourna can be particularly advantageous in formats where smaller creatures are prevalent. Its ability to deal damage not only during combat but also potentially when it enters the battlefield, can often result in a two-for-one scenario. This allows you to remove an opponent’s creature while maintaining presence with your Needleshot Gourna, effectively gaining card advantage.
Resource Acceleration: This creature may not directly provide resource acceleration in the traditional sense of adding mana. However, its potential to control the board by picking off smaller creatures can free up your resources. This means you might not have to spend additional cards on removal, thereby indirectly accelerating your use of available resources for other strategic plays or threats.
Instant Speed: Although Needleshot Gourna itself is not an instant, its reach ability gives you an edge at instant speed, particularly in response to flying creatures attacking. It enables you to influence the board without having to use instant speed spells from your hand, allowing you to reserve those cards for more pressing threats that may arise later in the match.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing Needleshot Gourna demands a certain level of resource management, notably when the field requires its presence, yet your hand is left barren after deployment.
Specific Mana Cost: While Needleshot Gourna’s eligibility exclusively in green decks ensures a seamless addition to that color’s strategy, it nevertheless imposes a restriction that may not align with multicolored or other strategy dependent deck builds.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its presence in the four mana echelon, Needleshot Gourna competes with a plethora of other creatures and spells. Given that some alternatives offer more complex effects or greater stats for a similar cost, weighing the Gourna’s inclusion against these contenders is a must for optimal deck construction.
Reasons to Include Needleshot Gourna in Your Collection
Versatility: Needleshot Gourna offers a robust defensive option for decks that require creatures capable of deterring aerial threats. Its reach ability allows it to block flying creatures, making it a versatile pick for decks anticipating opponents with a strong presence in the skies.
Combo Potential: When integrated into decks that capitalize on +1/+1 counters or those that benefit from creatures with reach or deathtouch, Needleshot Gourna can be a key component in such synergistic strategies, enhancing the overall deck performance.
Meta-Relevance: In a gameplay environment where flyer-heavy decks are prevalent, Needleshot Gourna gains significance as an accessible counter-play, potentially shifting the meta-game balance in your favor if flying creatures dominate the battlefield.
How to beat
Needleshot Gourna presents a sturdy defense in your opponent’s lineup with its notable reach attribute, allowing it to block flying creatures effectively. Given its solid toughness, it’s clear that overcoming this creature calls for a strategic approach. Deploying removal spells that can get past its defensive nature is one way to clear the path. Looking at options such as Murder or Doom Blade, they offer a straightforward solution to remove the Gourna from play irrespective of its toughness.
Another efficient strategy is to use combat tricks that can surprise your opponent during the attack phase. A card with a boost in power like Giant Growth can tip the scales in your favor when faced with Needleshot Gourna’s block. Moreover, evasion tactics can be useful, especially if you have creatures with the menace ability or various tools that can grant unblockable enhancements temporarily.
Adjusting your play to account for Needleshot Gourna means considering a mixture of removal, combat strategies, and evasion. With the right combination, you can navigate around this thorny creature and continue to press your advantage in the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Needleshot Gourna MTG card by a specific set like Legions, 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 Needleshot Gourna 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
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Needleshot Gourna has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |