Warclamp Mastiff MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Dog |
| Abilities | First strike |
| Released | 2012-07-13 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Magic 2013 |
| Set code | M13 |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 40 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | David Palumbo |
Text of card
First strike (This creature deals combat damage before creatures without first strike.)
"One bite from that dog will send you to the healer's tent for days." —Watchmaster Finn of An Karras
Cards like Warclamp Mastiff
Warclamp Mastiff stands out in the world of Magic: The Gathering as a solid early-game creature. It finds its peers in other one-mana creatures like Elite Vanguard. However, the Mastiff distinguishes itself with its “First strike” ability, allowing it to deal combat damage before creatures without this ability. Elite Vanguard lacks this, although it offers more power with a 2/1 stat line compared to the 1/1 of the Mastiff.
Loyal Pegasus is another creature often compared to Warclamp Mastiff due to its one mana cost. While the Pegasus cannot attack or block alone, it boasts a higher power and toughness at 2/1. It actually complements the Mastiff well when building a synergistic “White Weenie” deck that requires numerous low-cost creatures.
Delving into the Mastiff’s unique offering, its strength lies in its defensive capabilities early in the game, presenting a challenge for opponents’ early aggressive strategies. In the environment of low-cost creatures, Warclamp Mastiff has its place, providing strategic advantages especially when dealing with other one-toughness creatures.
Cards similar to Warclamp Mastiff by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Warclamp Mastiff may not directly provide card advantage, its presence can influence how your opponent plays their cards. A timely block or combat trick with the Mastiff can potentially lead to a two-for-one scenario, tipping card advantage in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: Warclamp Mastiff’s low mana cost allows for an efficient use of resources, maintaining tempo and leaving mana available for other spells. This plays well into strategies prioritizing fast deployment and overwhelming the board early on.
Instant Speed: Although Warclamp Mastiff is a creature and not an instant, its single white mana cost offers the flexibility to cast it almost as swiftly. This ensures you have the capability to react promptly to the evolving board state, similarly to how you would with an instant speed spell.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Some players may find the Warclamp Mastiff’s need for specific synergies to optimize its abilities a bit cumbersome. While it doesn’t directly require a card to be discarded, ensuring its effectiveness often means holding onto cards that might otherwise be played, limiting hand flexibility.
Specific Mana Cost: The Warclamp Mastiff comes with a white mana cost, which makes it exclusive to decks that run white mana or have a reliable mana fixing system in place. This can narrow deck-building options and might not fit into more color-diverse strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For a one-drop creature, its initial cost is quite reasonable. However, to truly capitalize on its potential in a game, additional resources are often required to equip or boost it. When we compare this to other one-drops in competitive play that provide immediate value, the Mastiff’s efficiency can be seen as less than optimal.
Reasons to Include Warclamp Mastiff in Your Collection
Versatility: This one-drop creature offers a robust early game presence. Being a 1/1 with first strike, Warclamp Mastiff can serve as both an early aggressor and an efficient blocker against other one-toughness creatures, making it a flexible fit for various White decks.
Combo Potential: Its first strike ability not only provides excellent synergy with equipment and auras that boost its power but also works well with cards that capitalize on combat tricks. This enables it to participate in surprising and beneficial interactions on the battlefield.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where fast, low-cost creatures dominate the early game, Warclamp Mastiff can be a critical inclusion. As a one-drop with a defensive edge, it can often deter opponents from attacking, thus preserving your life total while you build up your board state.
How to beat Warclamp Mastiff
Warclamp Mastiff stands out in the realm of one-drop creatures in Magic: The Gathering. Though small, this humble hound can be a vigilant guardian on the battlefield, capable of chipping away at an opponent’s life total while being ready to block incoming threats. With its straightforward stat composition and vigilance ability, the Mastiff is able to press the advantage early in a game.
But every card has its weaknesses, and the key to besting the Warclamp Mastiff lies in recognizing that despite its vigilance, its single point of toughness makes it highly vulnerable. Simple removal spells or even a trade with a higher-toughness creature can easily dispatch the Mastiff, ensuring your opponent loses their early-game sentry. Additionally, since Warclamp Mastiff doesn’t pack a powerful punch, your strategy could include putting up creatures with higher toughness to deter its attacks or force unfavorable blocks.
Ultimately, the Warclamp Mastiff may require attention but doesn’t often dictate any significant shift in tactics. As part of your game plan, keep the board in check with efficient removal or undertake a defensive posture with sturdy blockers, and you’ll likely diminish the Mastiff’s impact, securing your position as you advance your strategy.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Warclamp Mastiff MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2013, 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 Warclamp Mastiff and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
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- MTG Mint Card
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- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Warclamp Mastiff has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |