Old Man Willow MTG Card


Enables card advantage and controlled draws, ensuring a consistent hand throughout the game. Its ability to untap lands accelerates resources, giving you a surprise mana boost. Instant speed synergy with spells provides flexibility and reactive strategies against opponents.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeLegendary Creature — Treefolk
Power *
Toughness *

Text of card

Old Man Willow's power and toughness are each equal to the number of lands you control. Whenever Old Man Willow attacks, you may sacrifice another creature or a token. When you do, target creature an opponent controls gets -2/-2 until end of turn.


Cards like Old Man Willow

Old Man Willow brings a unique allure to the tableau of creature cards within MTG. It stands in the same forest as venerable cards like Silklash Spider, which also boasts defensive power against flying creatures. Old Man Willow, however, branches out with its special ability to tap and bring the haunting aspect of preventing all combat damage that would be dealt that turn. In contrast, Silklash Spider requires mana to destroy those pesky flying creatures.

Treefolk wise, we find it akin to Dungrove Elder, heralded for its power and toughness being equal to the number of forests you control. Unlike Older Man Willow, Dungrove Elder doesn’t offer combat control but provides hexproof to ensure its rooted presence on the battlefield. Then there’s Indomitable Ancients, sporting an enormous 2/10 stat line for four mana. While not as interactive as Old Man Willow, it serves as a formidable wall against many adversaries.

Delving into these arboreal comparisons, it’s evident that Old Man Willow has a nuanced position among creature cards. Its versatility in controlling the battlefield rhythm elevates it as a strategic choice for those looking to cast not just creatures, but spells with a defensive natural twist.

Silklash Spider - MTG Card versions
Dungrove Elder - MTG Card versions
Indomitable Ancients - MTG Card versions
Silklash Spider - MTG Card versions
Dungrove Elder - MTG Card versions
Indomitable Ancients - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Old Man Willow by color, type and mana cost

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Gyome, Master Chef - MTG Card versions
Woodwraith Strangler - MTG Card versions
Savra, Queen of the Golgari - MTG Card versions
Mortipede - MTG Card versions
Creakwood Liege - MTG Card versions
Noxious Hatchling - MTG Card versions
Corpsejack Menace - MTG Card versions
Rot Farm Skeleton - MTG Card versions
Reaper of the Wilds - MTG Card versions
Graverobber Spider - MTG Card versions
Vhati il-Dal - MTG Card versions
Jarad, Golgari Lich Lord - MTG Card versions
Meren of Clan Nel Toth - MTG Card versions
Desecrator Hag - MTG Card versions
Poison-Tip Archer - MTG Card versions
Golgari Findbroker - MTG Card versions
Canker Abomination - MTG Card versions
Storrev, Devkarin Lich - MTG Card versions
Rotwidow Pack - MTG Card versions
Polukranos, Unchained - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Old Man Willow can generate substantial card advantage by permitting controlled card draw, ensuring a steady flow of options in your hand throughout the duel.

Resource Acceleration: This unique card lends an aspect of resource acceleration to your gameplay by untapping lands, thus potentially providing an unexpected surge in mana to deploy additional spells or creatures sooner than usual.

Instant Speed: Although Old Man Willow itself is not an instant, its synergy with instant-speed spells is notable. By freeing up lands, it allows for more flexibility to cast spells at instant speed, keeping opponents on their toes and allowing for reactive play.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One hurdle that players may face with Old Man Willow is the need to discard other cards from their hand to utilize its full potential. This can be particularly taxing when your hand is already depleting, forcing tough decisions about resource management during gameplay.

Specific Mana Cost: Old Man Willow demands a specific arrangement of mana to play, including possibly requiring green mana sources. This could restrict its fit in multi-colored decks or those with a more diverse mana base, ultimately limiting the card’s versatility and deck-building options.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Old Man Willow may provide substantial effects or board presence, its mana cost is on the higher side. Considering this, players might find alternative cards with lower mana requirements that still contribute significantly towards winning the game, potentially making Old Man Willow a less optimal choice in a fast-paced match.


Reasons to Include Old Man Willow in Your Collection

Versatility: Old Man Willow is a card that offers a flexible role in decks interested in mana acceleration and board control. Its ability to act as a mana source is invaluable in supporting a variety of strategies.

Combo Potential: This card has a natural affinity for decks focused on land-based synergies or those looking to capitalize on tapping and untapping mechanics, potentially opening up powerful combo routes.

Meta-Relevance: As the MTG environment shifts towards a more creature-centric play, Old Man Willow can become a key player, providing necessary control elements and sustaining longer gameplay with its mana-generating capabilities.


How to beat

Old Man Willow, a unique addition to Magic: The Gathering, brings a distinct challenge to the table. This card presents as a daunting obstacle with its capacity to control the board and disrupt strategies through root and branch. Tapping into your opponent’s land resources and causing sleepiness among creatures, it requires a strategic counterplay to overcome.

In dealing with Old Man Willow, adapting your deck to include removal spells that can target enchantments or lands proves to be an effective strategy. Consider cards such as Naturalize or Acidic Slime which can dismantle the control that Old Man Willow exercises over the game. Adding instant-speed interaction ensures that the window for your opponent to capitalize on Old Man Willow’s effects is minimal. Balance is key — a well-rounded deck that can handle various threats will stand a better chance at maintaining the upper hand when facing down this ancient and mystical presence on the battlefield.

Ultimately, the key to triumphing over Old Man Willow lies in preparedness and adaptability. By incorporating versatile removal and staying vigilant for opportunities to disrupt your opponent’s plans, you can weather the storm that this mighty card ushers in and emerge victorious.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG is about strategy and evolving your gameplay. Old Man Willow adds complexity and resourcefulness to your arsenal, offering unique advantages such as card advantage and resource acceleration. This card stands as a monument of versatility and control, a must-have for those adept in managing the ebb and flow of the game. Whether you’re looking to enhance a land-focused strategy or eager to introduce a new dynamic to your deck, understanding the full scope of Old Man Willow’s abilities is crucial. Turn challenges into opportunities and adapt your deck to harness the full power of this enigmatic card. Let us guide you through its secrets and help you build a deck that stands tall amidst the competition. Visit us to explore strategic insights and optimize your MTG experience to its fullest potential.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Old Man Willow MTG card by a specific set like The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth and The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth, 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 Old Man Willow and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Old Man Willow Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-06-23 and 2023-06-23. Illustrated by Miklós Ligeti.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-06-23The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earthLTR 6682015NormalBlackMiklós Ligeti
22023-06-23The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earthLTR 2172015NormalBlackMiklós Ligeti

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Old Man Willow has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2023-06-16 You don't choose a target for Old Man Willow's last ability at the time it triggers. Rather, a second "reflexive" ability triggers when you sacrifice a creature or token this way. You choose a target for that ability as it goes on the stack. Each player may respond to this triggered ability as normal.