Seraph of the Sword MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Angel |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Released | 2013-07-19 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Magic 2014 |
| Set code | M14 |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 31 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Jaime Jones |
Text of card
Flying Prevent all combat damage that would be dealt to Seraph of the Sword.
"Only when my sword lies idle shall I rejoice."
Cards like Seraph of the Sword
The Seraph of the Sword holds its own among Magic: The Gathering’s defensive flying creatures. It bears a resemblance to Guard Gomazoa in its ability to deflect combat damage while blocking, but the Seraph trades the jellyfish’s restrictions for full immunity against combat damage, placing it in a league above when warding off attackers. However, it does lack Guard Gomazoa’s reach, leaving the Seraph vulnerable to non-combat damage, an important consideration for deck builders.
Another creature to consider alongside Seraph of the Sword is the Paladin en-Vec. Although both cards have protection from specific types of attacks, the Paladin’s protective shield extends to spells of certain colors, which can tilt the scales in particular matchups. Despite lacking the Paladin’s color protection, the Seraph’s combat damage immunity shines in its ability to consistently nullify a wide range of threats during the combat phase.
Assessing the environment and expected opposing strategies is key when choosing between such specialized defensive creatures. The Seraph of the Sword is a solid choice in MTG for players looking to fortify their defenses with an aerial presence that deters a multitude of combat scenarios.
Cards similar to Seraph of the Sword by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Seraph of the Sword might not draw you extra cards, its presence on the battlefield creates a strategic advantage. As a flying creature, it becomes an excellent defender capable of blocking many attacking creatures without being destroyed, thanks to its special ability. This results in maintaining your card presence while potentially diminishing your opponent’s.
Resource Acceleration: Seraph of the Sword does not directly accelerate resources in the traditional sense of adding mana. However, its cost-effective presence for a mere four mana for a 3/3 flying creature allows you to allocate resources efficiently while developing a strong defense. This economic investment leaves open the potential for you to play other spells sooner.
Instant Speed: Though Seraph of the Sword isn’t an instant, it poses an ongoing threat that must be considered by your opponent at all times. Its ability makes it a pseudo-instant speed deterrent; opponents must think twice before attacking, as the Seraph can block without being destroyed by combat damage, disrupting their offensive strategies and maintaining your board state.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Seraph of the Sword is on the battlefield, its protection from creatures is a tempting target for opponent’s discard spells. When facing decks that force discard, you risk losing important cards trying to keep it protected.
Specific Mana Cost: Seraph of the Sword demands a precise mana cost of one white and three other mana to be cast. This can be restrictive, as the mana investment may not align with the deck’s strategic curve, especially if you’re trying to maintain a pace with more aggressive or diverse mana-based decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The cost for deploying Seraph of the Sword may be seen as steep for a 3/3 flyer. Other cards at a similar or lower mana value could potentially provide more impactful board presence or versatility, therefore casting Seraph of the Sword might not always equate to the best use of mana resources during a crucial turn.
Reasons to Include Seraph of the Sword in Your Collection
Versatility: Seraph of the Sword is a resilient flying defender, able to fit seamlessly into decks that focus on defense or life-based strategies. Its ability to dodge most forms of combat damage makes it a formidable blocker in various situations.
Combo Potential: This card has synergy with effects that benefit from indestructible creatures or those that capitalize on flyers. Its unique damage-prevention capability can be a linchpin for combos that can otherwise be disrupted by combat engagement.
Meta-Relevance: In a game where flying creatures are prevalent, Seraph of the Sword stands out as a solid answer to aerial offense. Its presence on the battlefield can shift the dynamics of air-based combat, especially in a format that values evasion and durable blockers.
How to beat
Seraph of the Sword is a formidable card with a unique ability that prevents all combat damage that would be dealt to it. It’s akin to Magic’s renowned Guardian Angel in terms of protection, but it offers the advantage of a consistent board presence that can deter opponents’ attacks. To effectively counter this celestial guardian, focus on removal spells that don’t rely on dealing damage. Cards like Path to Exile or Murder can bypass Seraph’s damage prevention, providing a clean and unobstructed path to victory.
Another tactic is utilizing enchantments like Pacifism, which neutralize Seraph without triggering its protective ability. By preventing it from attacking or blocking, you strip it of its primary function, rendering it a mere spectator on the battlefield. Should you venture into blue mana, consider spells that return creatures to the hand or deck, such as Unsummon or Terminus. These sidestep Seraph’s damage immunity altogether and can reset the opposing player’s tempo. Lastly, remember that board-wide wipe effects circumvent Seraph’s defense, so wrath effects are your friends here.
Though daunting at first glance, Seraph of the Sword does not equate to invincibility. By carefully selecting your spells and understanding its vulnerability to non-damage-based removal, your strategy will not falter against such divine opposition.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Seraph of the Sword MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2014, 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 Seraph of the Sword 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 Seraph of the Sword has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Seraph of the Sword card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2013-07-01 | If Seraph of the Sword blocks a creature with trample, that creature’s controller must assign 3 damage to Seraph of the Sword (assuming it’s blocking no other creatures, there was no damage marked on it, and nothing has changed its toughness). The remainder can be assigned to the defending player or planeswalker. |