The Protector MTG Card

Rarity	Common
Type	Hero
Released	2013-09-27
Set symbol
Set name	Theros Hero's Path
Set code	THP1
Number	1a
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Chuck Lukacs

Key Takeaways

Offers card advantage by filtering the deck, optimizing future draws for a tactical edge.
At instant speed, it adds depth to play, allowing for surprise tactics and mana management.
Requires precise resource management due to its specific mana cost and higher casting value.

Text of card

: Prevent the next 1 damage that would be dealt to any target this turn.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Protector allows for deck filtering by revealing the top cards of your library, choosing one to stay on top and sending the rest to the graveyard, hence optimizing your next draws and outpacing opponents through superior card selection.

Resource Acceleration: By enabling you to sift through your deck and possibly uncover key spells or lands, The Protector can act as a catalyst, accelerating your access to vital resources when you most need them, ensuring that you can execute your game plan more efficiently.

Instant Speed: The Protector’s ability to be cast at instant speed gives players the flexibility to react during the opponent’s turn or end step, preserving the element of surprise and keeping mana available for responses, ultimately enhancing strategic depth and tactical options.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Holding The Protector in your hand often comes with the tricky decision of what to discard to get it onto the battlefield. If your hand is brimming with valuable cards, playing The Protector might incur a painful cost, potentially disrupting your strategic plans.

Specific Mana Cost: The Protector demands a specific combination of mana colors to cast, which can be challenging in multicolored decks. If your mana base isn’t perfectly tuned, you may find yourself unable to summon The Protector exactly when you need its protective power.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite its defensive capabilities, The Protector’s casting cost is on the higher end. In games where speed is essential, the mana investment to bring The Protector into play may slow you down, as other cards in your deck could provide quicker or more versatile solutions for a similar, if not lower, mana cost.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: The Protector card excels in its ability to transition seamlessly between roles within different deck archetypes. Its defensive capabilities support control strategies, while its ability to protect key creatures makes it a valuable addition to combo and aggro decks alike.

Combo Potential: The Protector enhances synergies with cards that interact with protective spells or abilities. It can serve as an enabler in decks that capitalize on maintaining a strong board presence or safeguarding combo pieces crucial for turning the tide of the game.

Meta-Relevance: In a gameplay environment dominated by targeted removal or heavy interaction, The Protector ensures your vital creatures endure through your opponents’ attempts to disrupt your strategy. This relevance makes it a mainstay in collections poised to face shifting metas.

How to beat

The Protector is a unique card in Magic the Gathering that often plays a key role in safeguarding key creatures in a player’s arsenal. Its ability to shield other cards from harmful spells can turn the tide of a duel, making it a formidable tool in competitive play. However, don’t let this guardian intimidate you; there are strategies to outmaneuver its protective prowess.

To successfully navigate around The Protector, consider using board wipes that don’t target individual creatures, such as “Wrath of God” or “Damnation”. This tactic side-steps The Protector’s defensive capability by not directly targeting the creatures it aims to save. Another method is to employ spells that force your opponent to sacrifice creatures, like “Diabolic Edict” or “Liliana of the Veil’s” sacrifice effect, thereby bypassing The Protector’s shield.

Remember, keeping a diverse array of answers in your deck to adapt to protective strategies like that of The Protector ensures that your path to victory remains clear. While The Protector can certainly be a thorn in an opponent’s side, a well-prepared player with the right removal tools can overcome this challenge and advance their position in the game.

Cards like The Protector

Among the myriad of white creature spells within MTG, The Protector offers a unique mix of defensive capabilities and synergy. Comparable to cards like Benevolent Bodyguard, The Protector grants the ability to shield other creatures from harm. While Benevolent Bodyguard sacrifices itself for the protection of another creature, The Protector remains on the battlefield, ready to be tapped for a similar effect repeatedly, without the finality of a sacrifice.

When considering Guardian of the Guildpact, both cards share a protective nature, yet The Protector’s flexibility shines. The Guildpact serves as an individual steadfast defender against monocolored spells, whereas The Protector extends its safeguarding hand to any chosen creature. Additionally, we see parallels with Mother of Runes, who offers a repeatable, targeted protection; however, The Protector does not require the same commitment of remaining untapped for its abilities to be utilized effectively.

Evaluating The Protector within the realm of MTG, it stands out for its defensive prowess and enduring presence on the battlefield, making it a card worth considering for those looking to fortify their creatures against imminent threats.

Benevolent Bodyguard - MTG Card versions

Guardian of the Guildpact - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to The Protector by color, type and mana cost

Axe of the Warmonger - MTG Card versions

Spear of the General - MTG Card versions

Cloak of the Philosopher - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase The Protector MTG card by a specific set like Theros Hero's Path, 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 The Protector and other MTG cards: