Su-Chi Cave Guard MTG Card


It morphs at instant speed for surprise attacks or defenses, adding strategic depth. Demands specific mana and a discard, potentially limiting its deck compatibility. Can define combat phases by giving first strike, leveraging creature-centric metas.
Su-Chi Cave Guard - The Brothers' War
Mana cost
Converted mana cost8
RarityUncommon
TypeArtifact Creature — Construct
Abilities Ward, Vigilance
Released2022-11-18
Set symbol
Set nameThe Brothers' War
Set codeBRO
Power 8
Toughness 8
Number249
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byDmitry Burmak

Text of card

Vigilance Ward (Whenever this creature becomes the target of a spell or ability an opponent controls, counter it unless that player pays .) When Su-Chi Cave Guard dies, add eight . Until end of turn, you don't lose this mana as steps and phases end.


Cards like Su-Chi Cave Guard

Su-Chi Cave Guard offers a unique tactical edge in the roster of defensive creatures within Magic: The Gathering. Comparable creatures like Wall of Omens bring not only defense but also added value in drawing a card upon entering the battlefield. Although the Wall has a lower casting cost and provides immediate card advantage, it lacks the versatility and offensive capabilities of Su-Chi Cave Guard, which can become unblockable for a turn.

Looming in the same space is Guard Gomazoa, a defender with the ability not to allow damage to be dealt to it in combat, making it a reliable shield against powerful attackers. While it offers superior defensive reliability compared to Su-Chi Cave Guard, it forfeits the potential to attack altogether. On the other hand, Su-Chi Cave Guard, with its morph ability, presents the opportunity for a surprise assault or an unexpected block, adding an element of surprise to your gameplay strategy.

When evaluating the strengths and utility of Su-Chi Cave Guard against other defensive creatures in Magic: The Gathering, its ability to shift between roles from an impenetrable guard to an unforeseen attacker gives it a distinct and valued place in strategic deck building.

Wall of Omens - MTG Card versions
Guard Gomazoa - MTG Card versions
Wall of Omens - MTG Card versions
Guard Gomazoa - MTG Card versions

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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Su-Chi Cave Guard, although not directly generating card advantage, helps to maintain board presence by discouraging block decisions. An opponent’s reluctance to block can indirectly translate to sustained card advantage on the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: While Su-Chi Cave Guard itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its morph ability can function as a surprise resource, saving mana for turns when you may be developing your board state or responding with other spells.

Instant Speed: The ability to turn Su-Chi Cave Guard face up at instant speed gives players the flexibility to adapt to an evolving game. You may choose to reveal Su-Chi Cave Guard after an opponent has declared blockers, potentially invalidating their strategy and maximizing your turn’s impact.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Su-Chi Cave Guard demands the player to discard a card, which can deplete hand resources quickly, especially in decks that do not refill their hand efficiently.

Specific Mana Cost: Necessitating two colorless and two red mana, Su-Chi Cave Guard’s specific mana requirement can be restrictive, making it less versatile in multi-colored decks that may struggle with the needed red mana sources.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that might be steep for its abilities, players may find more optimized cards with lower mana costs offering competitive or improved functionality on the battlefield.


Reasons to Include Su-Chi Cave Guard in Your Collection

Versatility: Su-Chi Cave Guard offers a unique mixture of offense and defense, able to serve as both an aggressive creature and a reliable blocker with its morph ability. Its flexibility makes it a valuable addition to decks looking for multifaceted utility pieces.

Combo Potential: When flipped face up, Su-Chi Cave Guard gives creatures you control first strike, allowing for synergies with decks that capitalize on combat tricks or creature abilities triggered by dealing combat damage.

Meta-Relevance: In a MTG environment with a heavy focus on combat, having a creature like Su-Chi Cave Guard can tilt the scales in your favor, making it a pertinent choice for adapting to creature-centric or aggressive metas.


How to beat

Su-Chi Cave Guard may not be the most notorious creature in the Magic: The Gathering universe, but understanding its mechanics can be key to countering it effectively. This artifact creature boasts a notable resistance to red spells, making it impervious to common burn strategies. To circumvent this protection, players should consider options outside of direct red damage spells. Creatures with sufficient power to overpower Su-Chi Cave Guard in combat can be a straightforward solution. Alternatively, utilizing black spells that force a player to sacrifice a creature can bypass the guard’s protection, as these do not target the creature directly. Enchantment-based removals which don’t specify color in their text can also be effective tools to remove the Cave Guard from the battlefield.

Moreover, strategies that do not rely on spell damage but instead on effects that alter the board state, such as mass bounce or exile spells, can manage this artifact creature. For decks that include blue magic, countering the spell before it hits the board remains a universally effective tactic. Incorporating flexible removal options in your deck will not only help against Su-Chi Cave Guard but also enhance your deck’s resilience against a wider array of threats.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Su-Chi Cave Guard MTG card by a specific set like The Brothers' War, 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 Su-Chi Cave Guard and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Su-Chi Cave Guard has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal
Vigilance card art

Guide to Vigilance card ability

In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.