Patrol Hound MTG Card

Card advantage can be gained through Patrol Hound’s ability to discard and trigger effects. Its instant speed activation adds a layer of strategy, allowing players to disrupt opponents. The specific mana cost can limit deck integration, needing both red and green mana.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Dog
Released	2001-10-01
Set symbol
Set name	Odyssey
Set code	ODY
Power	2
Toughness	2
Number	38
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Daren Bader

Text of card

Discard a card from your hand: Patrol Hound gains first strike until end of turn.

To the camp, it was a fierce and loyal protector. To the sentry's youngest daughter, it would always be her "Wuv Muffin."

Cards like Patrol Hound

When considering utility creatures in Magic: The Gathering, Patrol Hound makes an intriguing comparison to its kin. It shares a thematic resemblance to Firebreathing creatures, offering a form of mana sink that can translate into combat advantages. For example, cards like Torch Fiend also provide interactive gameplay through their activated abilities, albeit impacting the board by destroying artifacts instead of hounding opponents.

Another similar creature is Prodigal Pyromancer, embodying the tap-to-deal-damage mechanic. Patrol Hound reflects this ping strategy, only funneling its power through discard-driven boosts rather than straightforward tapping. Meanwhile, Nightshade Peddler brings a different approach to utility, supplying a deathtouch-granted partnership with another creature, conspicuously omitting the direct offensive playstyle of the Hound.

Despite the common grounds, Patrol Hound is uniquely set apart by its capacity to convert any card in hand into potential damage, flexibly responding to the flow of the game. Such discarding synergy can align well with graveyard strategies, often rewarding the player for their tactical plays more than its peers. This aspect positions Patrol Hound as a versatile choice for players crafting a deck with a keen eye on card advantage and battlefield presence.

Cards similar to Patrol Hound by color, type and mana cost

Voice of the Blessed - MTG Card versions

Silverflame Squire // On Alert - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Patrol Hound showcases its utility with a mechanic that can potentially offer card advantage. Its ability to discard a card to unleash an effect not only filters through your deck but can be advantageous when used in conjunction with cards that benefit from or replace themselves in your hand.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly contributing to resource acceleration, the synergy of Patrol Hound with graveyard-utilizing strategies means it can act as an enabler for recurring resources from the graveyard back to the field or hand, thus indirectly accelerating your resources over time.

Instant Speed: Patrol Hound’s activated ability, which can be used at instant speed, provides strategic depth to gameplay. This allows players to respond to an opponent’s actions during their turn, potentially disrupting their plans and tipping the scales in your favor by making unexpected plays.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Patrol Hound requires the player to discard a card to utilize its ability. This discard condition could potentially disrupt your game flow, especially if your hand is already running thin on options or if you’re holding onto key cards for later strategies.

Specific Mana Cost: This creature’s casting cost demands both red and green mana, thereby restricting its seamless integration into decks. Players who do not run a red-green combination or who struggle with mana consistency might find this card less appealing in their deck construction.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, including one red and one green, Patrol Hound is a card that might not provide as efficient an impact on the board compared to other cards with similar or lower mana investments. In competitive play, where mana efficiency and speed are crucial, there may be other creatures or spells that could deliver more bang for the buck.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Patrol Hound is a flexible addition to any deck that requires a creature with multiple abilities. Its synergy with discard effects allows it to fit seamlessly into strategies that capitalize on cycling or madness.

Combo Potential: This hound notably works well in tandem with cards that reap benefits from discarding, such as enabling graveyard strategies or providing card advantage with “draw a card” effects.

Meta-Relevance: In game environments where creature interactions are key, Patrol Hound’s ability to become an instant-speed blocker by discarding a card can be a vital tactical advantage.

How to beat

Patrol Hound’s unique ability to discard a card to gain the power to block creatures with flying presents a tactical challenge in Magic: The Gathering. To skillfully navigate around this versatile card, consider using flying creatures that have enter-the-battlefield effects, or opt for removal spells that don’t target, like board wipes, which circumvent the Hound’s blocking ability. Another effective strategy is to employ enchantments that prevent abilities from being activated, thus neutralizing the advantages that Patrol Hound offers.

Moreover, cards with the reach ability can serve as suitable defenders against flying creatures while remaining impervious to Patrol Hound’s discarding tactic. In the event that your deck is centered around flying creatures, integrating instant-speed removal or using spells that can alter combat outcomes can effectively control the board and keep Patrol Hound in check. It is about staying one step ahead and being strategic with the resources at your disposal.

Ultimately, overrunning your opponent with a multitude of threats or presenting challenges beyond what Patrol Hound can handle ensures that its impact on the game is minimized. Understanding and anticipating your opponent’s potential plays will be key to overcoming the versatility of Patrol Hound.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Patrol Hound MTG card by a specific set like Odyssey, 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 Patrol Hound and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Patrol Hound has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal