Decorated Griffin MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	5
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Griffin
Abilities	Flying
Released	2013-09-27
Set symbol
Set name	Theros
Set code	THS
Power	2
Toughness	3
Number	7
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Phill Simmer

Key Takeaways

Provides card advantage by safeguarding creatures from removal or unfavorable combat scenarios.
Maintains essential creatures and indirectly aids in resource acceleration for your forces.
Instant speed activation offers game-changing flexibility and defensive surprise elements.

Text of card

Flying : Prevent the next 1 combat damage that would be dealt to you this turn.

The awards and medals of polis-dwellers mean nothing to griffins, but they repay acts of generosity.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Decorated Griffin provides a unique way to utilize your creature cards in the late game. With its ability to return other creatures you control to your hand, it can save your valuable assets from removal spells or unfavorable block situations, essentially translating into improved card advantage on the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: While Decorated Griffin does not directly accelerate your mana resources, its presence can indirectly lead to acceleration by protecting your mana-producing creatures. Ensuring that your mana dorks or other vital creatures remain on the board can help maintain your resource acceleration strategies.

Instant Speed: Although Decorated Griffin itself isn’t an instant, it has the ability to be activated at instant speed. This means you have the flexibility to respond to your opponent’s actions during their turn, which can significantly impact the game’s outcome and gives you an element of surprise and control during pivotal moments in a match.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Decorated Griffin might not demand a card discard, but the need to prioritize its ability could lead to sacrificing card potential elsewhere.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both white mana and multiple generic mana, this card may not fit seamlessly into multi-colored decks, especially where white isn’t a main color.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For five mana, one might expect a more immediate impact on gameplay, whereas other creatures or spells could offer similar defensive benefits at a lower cost.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Decorated Griffin offers a flexible option for white decks, acting as both a defensive flyer and a life preserver against board wipes or massive damage turns.

Combo Potential: Its ability to prevent damage to other creatures lends itself to various strategies, enhancing archetypes that focus on creature durability and endurance.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state where aggro decks are prevalent, Decorated Griffin can provide an efficient counterbalance, potentially mitigating the impact of powerful offensive swarms.

How to beat

Facing off against Decorated Griffin in MTG can be a tricky engagement, especially when its ability to prevent damage to other creatures is in full swing. Primarily found in white decks known for their defensive strategies, this creature possesses an ability that allows you to pay mana to prevent the next 1 damage that would be dealt to you this turn. This makes it somewhat sturdy against decks that aim to whittle down an opponent’s life total with multiple small instances of damage.

However, overcoming Decorated Griffin is not insurmountable. Direct removal spells that bypass its defensive ability are key. Consider including in your deck efficient removal such as “Path to Exile” or board-clearing spells like “Wrath of God” to circumvent its defensive stance without having to attack into it directly. Moreover, using spells that limit the opponent’s mana can restrict their ability to activate the Griffin’s ability, making it more vulnerable. Keeping the battlefield clear of other creatures also undermines the Griffin’s protective value, thus simplifying the task of overcoming this particular airborne defender.

Overall, while Decorated Griffin can be a hurdle, balancing your deck with solid removal options and executing a strategy focused on resource denial will considerably neutralize the advantages it brings to the table.

Cards like Decorated Griffin

Decorated Griffin is a unique feathered contender within the pantheon of creature cards in Magic: The Gathering, offering a particular defensive ability. It resembles cards like Guardian of the Gateless in that both provide a bolstering presence to your defense, with the Griffin’s ability to prevent damage to players being a notable feature. Nevertheless, Guardian of the Gateless stands out due to its ability to block any number of creatures, enhancing your battlefield control.

Looking towards a card like Serra Angel, we find a parallel in flying capabilities, but Serra Angel’s vigilance and higher power make it a more aggressive choice in combat. Decorated Griffin, on the other hand, asks for a mana investment to shield players, favoring a more protective strategy over offensive pressure. For those who prioritize defense, Baird, Steward of Argive acts as another comparable card, though its effect extends an additional layer of security across the entire game state by taxing opponents’ attacks.

In essence, Decorated Griffin holds its own within the realm of defensive flying creatures in Magic: The Gathering, with its distinctive protective charm and tactical versatility for players who value safeguarding life totals over relentless attacks.

Guardian of the Gateless - MTG Card versions

Baird, Steward of Argive - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Decorated Griffin MTG card by a specific set like Theros, 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 Decorated Griffin and other MTG cards: