Protocol Knight MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Knight |
| Released | 2023-04-21 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | March of the Machine |
| Set code | MOM |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 4 |
| Number | 74 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Volkan Baǵa |
Text of card
When Protocol Knight enters the battlefield, tap target creature an opponent controls. Put a stun counter on that creature if you control another Knight. (If a permanent with a stun counter would become untapped, remove one from it instead.)
"Ingress without proper writ of extraplanar intent? Unacceptable!"
Cards like Protocol Knight
Protocol Knight has certainly carved its niche within the array of aggressive creatures available in MTG. When sizing it up against others in its class, it evokes comparisons with renowned staples like Silverblade Paladin. The Paladin stands out with its soulbond ability, granting double strike to itself and another creature, a quality Protocol Knight lacks. Nonetheless, Protocol Knight compensates with its protection from monocolored, which can easily turn the tides in a matchup laden with single-hued adversaries.
Another card worth comparing is the Fiendslayer Paladin. This card also boasts a form of protection, shielding it from black and from red, mirroring Protocol Knight’s defensive edge. While Fiendslayer Paladin has the added benefit of lifelink, Protocol Knight differentiates itself with potentially larger stat gains associated with its protocol ability, emphasizing adaptability in response to various game states.
Considering these comparable cards, Protocol Knight presents itself as a valuable contender in the MTG creature pool, offering flexibility and resilience, particularly in environments where monocolored creatures are prevalent. Its unique blend of offense and defense lends itself well to the strategic facets of deck building and gameplay.
Cards similar to Protocol Knight by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Protocol Knight offers a unique way to gain card advantage by allowing you to potentially neuter opponent threats while setting up for your own strategic plays. Its interaction can offset opposing strategies, putting you ahead in resource management.
Resource Acceleration: This card can act as a form of resource acceleration by freeing up your mana. Instead of casting spells prematurely, Protocol Knight enables you to use your mana judiciously, maintaining pace with players who might have a resource lead.
Instant Speed: With the ability to activate at instant speed, Protocol Knight provides a tactical edge. It gives you the flexibility to respond to your opponent’s moves on their turn, potentially disrupting their game plan while keeping your strategies concealed.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Protocol Knight requires you to discard a card as part of its activated ability. This can be particularly punishing if you are already behind on card advantage or if your hand is full of essential spells.
Specific Mana Cost: Summoning this creature demands a precise combination of mana, which can be restrictive and require a deck built to accommodate such costs. Not all decks have the flexibility to easily integrate cards with strict mana requirements, potentially reducing its overall utility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana cost to get Protocol Knight onto the battlefield isn’t negligible. Considering the pace of modern gameplay, this can be a significant setback, especially when faster, more efficient creatures are available that can impact the board sooner.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Protocol Knight entrenches itself into numerous deck archetypes with ease. Its adaptive nature shines in both aggressive and control strategies, adapting to the board state and your tactical approach.
Combo Potential: As a card deeply synergistic with artifacts and vehicles, Protocol Knight opens up avenues for intricate combos. It can be the linchpin for creating a battlefield presence that’s more than the sum of its parts.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta that treasures synergistic interactions and efficient creatures, Protocol Knight holds its ground. Its utility in dealing with a vast array of threats makes it a contender in current and evolving metagames.
How to beat
Protocol Knight has etched its place in the MTG community as a formidable artifact creature. This card demonstrates resilience on the battlefield, able to withstand a variety of threats thanks to its protection from multicolored. While it may seem daunting at first, overcoming this mechanical warrior is not insurmountable.
The key to defeating Protocol Knight lies in leveraging its weakness against monocolored spells. So, consider employing targeted removal spells that are single-colored such as Doom Blade or Path to Exile to bypass its protection and remove it from the battlefield effectively. Additionally, mass removal spells like Wrath of God or Damnation can sweep away Protocol Knight regardless of its protective attributes, as they do not target individual creatures.
Furthermore, engaging control gameplay can contain the threat of Protocol Knight. Utilizing counter spells to prevent it from entering the battlefield altogether, like Counterspell or Mana Leak, can be a strategic exclusion. Remember, familiarizing yourself with the metagame and keeping an arsenal of responses ready can turn the tides in your favor against Protocol Knight and its ilk.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Protocol Knight MTG card by a specific set like March of the Machine, 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 Protocol Knight 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Protocol Knight has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Protocol Knight card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2023-04-14 | Protocol Knight’s ability can target a creature that’s already tapped. |
| 2023-04-14 | Whether or not you control another Knight is checked only as Protocol Knight’s ability is resolving. It doesn’t matter if you still control Protocol Knight at that time, or if it’s still a Knight. |