Gerrard MTG Card

Rarity	Rare
Type	Vanguard
Released	1997-05-01
Set symbol
Set name	Vanguard Series
Set code	PVAN
Number	102
Frame	1993
Layout	Vanguard
Border	Black
Illustred by	Douglas Shuler

Key Takeaways

Gerard enhances player options and maintains card advantage through draw mechanics and graveyard retrieval.
His resource acceleration and instant speed abilities offer strategic advantages and a stronger battlefield presence.
However, his hefty mana cost and specific mana needs can influence deck flexibility and overall playstyle.

Text of card

During your draw phase, draw an additional card.

Soldier. Adventurer. Heir to the Legacy. Gerrard has, over the years, traveled much of Dominaria in search of fortune and glory. Now, after serving nobly in the Benalish army, he has returned to the *Weatherlight* to serve as captain in Sisay's absence and to take up the battle against the Lord of the Wastes.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: A Gerrard card often features mechanics that allow for drawing additional cards or bringing cards back from the graveyard, thus providing an edge by increasing the number of options at your disposal.

Resource Acceleration: Many versions of Gerrard serve as powerful resource accelerators by either untapping lands or producing tokens. This can lead to quicker deployment of high-cost cards and a faster buildup of your battlefield presence.

Instant Speed: Some iterations of Gerrard can be played at instant speed, giving you the versatility to react during your opponent’s turn or at the end of their turn, which can be a strategic advantage for surprise plays and maintaining tempo.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Gerrard’s abilities often come with a discard clause that may force players to sacrifice valuable cards, potentially depleting their hand when they might need options the most.

Specific Mana Cost: Gerrard’s casting and activated abilities often demand a precise combination of mana types, which could potentially limit deck-building options and stifle flexibility in play style.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Casting Gerrard requires a substantial mana investment. For the mana expended, players might find other creatures or spells that offer similar or greater value without the heavy cost.

Reasons to Include Gerrard in Your Collection

Versatility: Gerrard is a flexible card that can adapt to various gameplay styles, fitting seamlessly into both aggressive and control-oriented decks. His role shifts from being a formidable attacker to a strategic defender, depending on the need of the game.

Combo Potential: Known for his capability to interact with multiple card mechanics, Gerrard opens up a world of combo possibilities. His abilities can resurrect key creatures or artifacts, allowing creative players to unlock powerful synergies and unexpected plays.

Meta-Relevance: As the meta shifts and evolves, a card like Gerrard retains its value due to its inherent strength and potential to counter emerging trends. Whether the environment favours long, drawn-out battles or quick, decisive strikes, Gerrard’s versatility makes him an asset in various competitive scenarios.

How to beat

Gerrard, a renowned figure in Magic: The Gathering lore, has seen various card incarnations that harness his heroism and leadership. Typically, Gerrard cards are designed to be at the center of combat, boosting your forces or being formidable adversaries themselves. Overcoming a Gerrard card on the battlefield requires a strategic approach. For starters, leveraging removal spells that can bypass his protections, such as unconditional removal like “Doom Blade” or “Path to Exile”, can quickly clear him from the board.

Control decks could benefit from countering key spells that would bring Gerrard into play or support him. Thus, permission spells like “Negate” or “Dovin’s Veto” can play a crucial role. On the other hand, if combat is inevitable, employing deathtouch creatures or effects that force sacrificial decisions can minimize Gerrard’s impact. In terms of card advantage and maintaining board superiority, cards that offer card draw or multiple creature removal, such as “Wrath of God”, can help pivot the game in your favor, lessening the impact of Gerrard’s leadership on the game.

Ultimately, the key to beating a Gerrard card lies in preparedness and adaptation, appreciating his strengths but deftly navigating around them with smart card choices and timely plays. This way, you can turn the tide of battle against even the most heroic of characters in Magic: The Gathering.

Cards like Gerrard

Gerrard Capashen is a unique character card in MTG that stands out for its life-gaining capability coupled with a protective attribute for other creatures. A comparable card is Ajani’s Pridemate, which also capitalizes on life gain but turns it into a strength boost, growing stronger with each instance of healing. While Gerrard offers a stable board presence and persistent protection, Ajani’s Pridemate becomes an increasingly larger threat with no upper limit.

Examining further, Captain Sisay draws a parallel to Gerrard in terms of legendary synergy. She doesn’t provide lifegain, but she excels in tutoring for other potent legendary cards, which could include Gerrard himself. This flexibility can be crucial in commanding your deck’s strategy. Another comparison can be made with Trostani, Selesnya’s Voice. Trostani offers a significant life gain coupled with the creation of creature tokens, fostering both defensive and aggressive strategies.

In evaluating Gerrard Capashen against its alternatives, one can appreciate its balanced approach to life gain and defense. Even though it may not offer the raw power growth of Ajani’s Pridemate or the tutoring versatility of Captain Sisay, Gerrard remains a solid choice for decks that benefit from its protective nature and consistent life gain.

Trostani, Selesnya's Voice - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Gerrard by color, type and mana cost

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Gerrard MTG card by a specific set like Vanguard Series, 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 Gerrard and other MTG cards: