Valiant Guard MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Soldier |
| Released | 2009-02-06 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Conflux |
| Set code | CON |
| Power | 0 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 19 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Chris Rahn |
Cards like Valiant Guard
Valiant Guard joins the ranks of low-cost creatures in Magic: The Gathering, reminding players of other defensive one-drops such as Goldmeadow Harrier. While both share the same converted mana cost and toughness, Valiant Guard offers a static boost to other creatures, giving it a leg up in deck strategies that capitalize on synergy. Goldmeadow Harrier lacks this aspect but compensates with a tap ability to control the battlefield.
Staunch-Hearted Warrior is another card that echoes Valiant Guard’s defensive posture, but with a twist in the heroic mechanic, it grows stronger each time it’s targeted by spells you control. This gives it a dynamic edge in decks designed around spell interactions compared to the constant vigilance provided by Valiant Guard. Conversely, Elite Vanguard, though similar in casting cost, diverges with a focus on offense, offering no defensive boost but packing a stronger attack right out of the gate.
Taken together, Valiant Guard fits snugly within the collection of one-drops that serve a distinct role—hedging towards defense and empowering fellow creatures. Its presence in a deck could define the delicate balance between an early-game shield and a strategy that scales with unity among the ranks on the battlefield.
Cards similar to Valiant Guard by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Valiant Guard enables steady defensive plays, ensuring you maintain a presence on the board while setting up for pivotal turns. Its ability to synergize with cards that reward you for controlling multiple creatures can potentially translate into significant card advantage over the course of a game.
Resource Acceleration: As a low-cost creature, Valiant Guard can be an early asset that contributes to your resource acceleration. It fortifies your defensive line, allowing you to invest mana in other avenues of play progression without compromising your battlefield stability.
Instant Speed: While Valiant Guard itself is not an instant, it pairs well with instant-speed spells. By holding up mana for instant-speed interaction and deploying Valiant Guard when the coast is clear, you can optimize your plays and maintain the tempo needed to outpace your opponent.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Valiant Guard requires players to discard another card, which could deplete your hand and reduce strategic options, especially in tense late-game scenarios.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a specific blend of mana to cast, necessitating a commitment to those colors in your deck build and potentially impacting your deck’s flexibility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When evaluating its abilities against other cards within the same mana range, the Valiant Guard might fall short in terms of efficiency, affecting your deck’s overall performance during play.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Valiant Guard offers a robust defense in the early game, harmonizing well with decks that seek to hold the line while establishing their board. Its synergy with other soldiers and human tribes gives it a solid role in tribal strategies as well.
Combo Potential: With its low mana cost, Valiant Guard fits into combos that revolve around creatures entering the battlefield or triggering life gain. It can be an enabler for both aggressive and defensive synergies, meshing with cards that capitalize on creature count or defensive postures.
Meta-Relevance: Given a landscape where aggro decks thrive, Valiant Guard can be a dependable pick to thwart early onslaughts. Its presence strengthens your defensive setup and can be particularly practical in a format that favors quick creature deployment and combat tricks.
How to beat
Valiant Guard is a notable card in the defensive lineup of any Magic: The Gathering deck, providing a sturdy barrier against your opponent’s early offensive moves. Often seen bolstering the ranks of a low-to-the-ground white weenie strategy, this creature can be a deterrent to aggression thanks to its solid defensive stats for a one-mana cost card.
Circumventing the protective prowess of Valiant Guard requires a strategy that extends beyond simple combat. Using removal spells that can bypass its defensive orientation is key. Cards such as Shock, Lightning Bolt, or even enchantments like Pacifism provide efficient ways to either remove or neutralize Valiant Guard without engaging it in combat. Additionally, leveraging flying creatures or those with unblockable abilities can soar over or slip past the steadfastness of this card, maintaining pressure on your opponent despite their ground-based defenses.
Ultimately, countering Valiant Guard hinges on adopting a flexible battle plan that employs removal, evasion, or alternative win conditions. With a focus on these tactics, players can effectively navigate around the early defensive roadblock posed by Valiant Guard and press their advantage in the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Valiant Guard MTG card by a specific set like Conflux, 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 Valiant Guard 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Valiant Guard has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |