Palace Guard MTG Card
2009-07-17 - Number 23
2010-07-16 - Number 24
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Soldier |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
Palace Guard can block any number of creatures.
"I'm not nearly as bothered by being outnumbered as I am by their foul stench."
Cards like Palace Guard
Palace Guard is a notable creature in the Magic: The Gathering arsenal, offering players a reliable line of defense. This card allows you to block any number of creatures, akin to the abilities found on Guardians of Meletis. However, Guardians of Meletis distinguishes itself with its higher toughness, providing a sturdier barrier against incoming damage but it lacks the versatility Palace Guard offers in multi-creature combat scenarios.
When considering other defensive creatures, we can’t overlook Wall of Glare. It shares the same formidable blocking ability as Palace Guard but with a lower mana cost and power. The trade-off here is Wall of Glare’s restricted capability as only a blocker, while Palace Guard can sometimes become a threat with the right buffs.
Duty-Bound Dead is a smaller but more versatile option, as it can also block multiple creatures and has the added benefit of exalted, which boosts a solo attacker. Though its resilience is lower compared to Palace Guard, the exalted keyword could be pivotal in games focused on singular, powerful strikes.
Ultimately, Palace Guard stands as a mid-range option for players who appreciate a multipurpose defender capable of stalling enemy forces, serving as a cornerstone in defensive MTG strategies.
Cards similar to Palace Guard by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Palace Guard can be a tactical asset in drawn-out battles, holding the line and providing consistent defense. While it doesn’t directly draw cards, the ability to block multiple attackers each turn can indirectly preserve the cards in your hand by not needing to commit additional creatures to the board for defense.
Resource Acceleration: Although Palace Guard itself does not accelerate resources in the traditional sense of mana ramp, its relatively low cost and defensive capabilities can help stabilize your board without a large investment. This stability can then free up your resources to cast more impactful spells sooner.
Instant Speed: Palace Guard isn’t an instant, yet its presence can impact the game as if it were. Being able to declare it as a blocker against numerous adversaries forces your opponent to consider their attacks carefully, potentially halting swift offensive strategies and allowing you the flexibility to respond effectively during your own turns.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing Palace Guard often means you have to meet additional discard requirements. This could put players at a disadvantage, especially when their hand is already running low on cards. Managing your hand effectively is key in MTG, and having to discard can disrupt your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: The Palace Guard card requires a specific blend of mana to cast. This specificity can restrict the card’s integration into multi-colored decks or those that do not have a steady source of the necessary mana. Flexibility in a deck’s mana base is crucial and a card like Palace Guard could potentially limit your building options.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When it comes to deploying defensive creatures, Palace Guard’s mana cost is on the higher end. This can be problematic especially when faster, more aggressive strategies are favored in the current meta. Players may find other creatures or spells that offer similar or better defensive capabilities for a lower cost, making Palace Guard a less efficient choice in some scenarios.
Reasons to Include Palace Guard in Your Collection
Versatility: Palace Guard has the tactical flexibility to serve as an early game defender across various deck types. Its ability to block any number of creatures makes it an excellent card for stabilizing the board, regardless of your opponent’s offensive strategy.
Combo Potential: In decks that revolve around defenders or those which utilize cards that count the number of creatures blocking, Palace Guard can significantly enhance such synergies. It pairs well with effects that capitalize on the number of blockers, such as those found in Arcades, the Strategist decks or with abilities like “fortify”.
Meta-Relevance: Considering an environment where aggressive creature decks are prevalent, Palace Guard provides a vital role in protecting life totals and maintaining board presence. It can be a key component for control decks to reach the late game where they can leverage their powerful spells and win conditions.
How to beat
Palace Guard is a creature that presents a unique challenge on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. With its ability to block any number of creatures, it’s an efficient choice for defense-oriented strategies. To circumvent this formidable defender, one needs to adopt a tactical approach. Enhancing your creatures’ strength beyond the guard’s defensive capabilities can prove effective. Spells that offer trample to your attacking creatures can allow you to deal damage to your opponent despite the presence of the Palace Guard. Rely on removal spells as well to clear the path, or use enchantments that neutralize the guard’s blocking ability.
Another strategy is to switch your focus from combat to alternative win conditions. This could include direct damage spells, accumulating a considerable amount of damage counters on your opponent, or leveraging mill strategies to deplete your opponent’s library. It’s essential to adapt your game plan and not to rely solely on attacking when Palace Guard is in play. Keeping flexible strategies in your deck will ensure you’re prepared for such defensive measures and help you maintain the upper hand.
Dismantling the defense that Palace Guard offers requires thoughtful play and a varied arsenal. By assessing the situation and modifying your approach accordingly, you can outmaneuver your foe and ultimately claim victory, rendering the stalwart defender moot in the grand scheme of your game strategy.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Palace Guard MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2010 and Magic 2011, 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 Palace Guard 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
Printings
The Palace Guard Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2009-07-17 and 2010-07-16. Illustrated by Volkan Baǵa.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2009-07-17 | Magic 2010 | M10 | 23 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Volkan Baǵa | |
| 2 | 2010-07-16 | Magic 2011 | M11 | 24 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Volkan Baǵa |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Palace Guard has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |