Syr Alin, the Lion's Claw MTG Card
2019-10-04 - Number 32
2022-12-02 - Number 252
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Legendary Creature — Human Knight |
| Abilities | First strike |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Key Takeaways
- First Strike ability indirectly maintains board presence, offsetting lack of direct card advantage.
- Imposes mana constraints but accelerates victory by empowering Knight creature types.
- Ideal for aggressive strategies, notably in Knight tribal or white aggro decks.
Text of card
First strike Whenever Syr Alin, the Lion's Claw attacks, other creatures you control get +1/+1 until end of turn.
"The realm must never yield to the chaos of the wilds."
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Syr Alin itself does not directly provide card advantage, its First Strike ability allows it to potentially eliminate opposing creatures without being destroyed, indirectly maintaining your board presence and saving resources in your hand for other strategic plays.
Resource Acceleration: Syr Alin can act as a form of acceleration by increasing the power of other Knights you control. This enables a more efficient use of your creatures on the board, potentially leading to an accelerated victory.
Instant Speed: While Syr Alin does not have an ability that operates at instant speed, the nature of its combat-oriented abilities encourages a strategic approach to combat. Planning around Syr Alin’s presence on the battlefield can alter how your opponent plays, effectively giving you a mental speed advantage during pivotal combat phases.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Syr Alin, the Lion’s Claw doesn’t force you to discard directly, it does necessitate having other creatures on the battlefield to fully capitalize on its abilities. In situations where you’re already behind and lacking board presence, this card isn’t the best topdeck to help you recover.
Specific Mana Cost: Syr Alin requires a specific mana arrangement to cast—three mana, including double white. This mana dependency can be restrictive for decks that want to run a smoother, more flexible mana base or for players facing mana disruption from their opponents.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For a creature that costs five mana, Syr Alin’s upfront impact may not always align with the investment required. Other creatures or spells at this cost could potentially offer immediate board impact or stronger abilities that justify their inclusion in your deck over Syr Alin.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Syr Alin, the Lion’s Claw offers flexibility in deck building due to its role as a formidable aggro piece. Its ability to lead an army of knights makes it a solid addition in both Knight tribal and more general white aggro builds.
Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with other cards that boost knights or benefit from having a large number of creatures on the battlefield. Its ability to give other knights you control a +1/+1 is particularly effective when paired with tokens and anthem effects.
Meta-Relevance: In a format where aggro strategies can outpace slower decks, Syr Alin can be an excellent inclusion. Its built-in resilience against board wipes thanks to its additional +1/+1 counters helps it maintain a presence against control decks trying to stabilize the board.
How to beat
Syr Alin, the Lion’s Claw is a notable force on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering, celebrated for its ability to pump up its power when attacking with other creatures. To effectively counter this knightly prowess, consider leveraging removal spells that can bypass its protective clause against multicolored spells. Instant-speed removal like Fatal Push or board wipes such as Wrath of God can clear Syr Alin before its effect becomes overwhelming.
Strategically, playing control elements to manage the flow of the game negates Syr Alin’s strengths. Counterspells stop it before hitting the board, control detours the aggressive strategy it enables. Utilize spot removal at key moments, preferably when your opponent is tapped out, minimizing their options for a response. The key is in timing and maintaining board control. Additionally, chump blocking strategies with disposable creatures can mitigate the damage and give you time to draw into answers for a more permanent solution.
Understanding the typical deck types that utilize Syr Alin is also crucial. These decks often rely on a synergistic approach with an emphasis on combat—knowing this, plan for interactions during the combat phase and prepare your board state accordingly to maintain advantage over Syr Alin’s influence in the game.
Cards like Syr Alin, the Lion's Claw
In the realm of valiant knights, Syr Alin, the Lion’s Claw holds its ground as a formidable card among aggressive creature spells. With abilities aligning closely to those of other renowned knights in Magic: The Gathering, comparison is a must. Knight Exemplar stands out as a feasible counterpart, providing other knights indestructible while also bolstering them with a power boost, a boon for knight-themed decks. However, unlike Syr Alin, it doesn’t directly contribute additional attack potential via +1/+1 counters.
Mirran Crusader shares the stage with its double strike ability, allowing it to outperform Syr Alin in terms of raw damage output under the right circumstances. That being said, Syr Alin’s advantage is in its +1/+1 counter distribution to other attacking creatures, a strategic asset during wide attack scenarios. Then there is Benalish Marshal, which, while not a knight itself, offers a universal power and toughness boost to your creatures, which can be rather significant in a creature-heavy deck.
All things considered, Syr Alin, the Lion’s Claw commands a unique position, lending a strategic edge to decks focused on amassing a broad battlefield presence and fostering a strong, collectively empowered offensive.
Cards similar to Syr Alin, the Lion's Claw by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Syr Alin, the Lion's Claw MTG card by a specific set like Throne of Eldraine and Jumpstart 2022, 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 Syr Alin, the Lion's Claw and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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
Printings
The Syr Alin, the Lion's Claw Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2019-10-04 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Paul Scott Canavan.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2019-10-04 | Throne of Eldraine | ELD | 32 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Paul Scott Canavan | |
| 2 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 252 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Paul Scott Canavan |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Syr Alin, the Lion's Claw has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
