Zhalfirin Lancer MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Knight |
| Released | 2023-04-21 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | March of the Machine |
| Set code | MOM |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 45 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Nino Vecia |
Text of card
Whenever another Knight enters the battlefield under your control, Zhalfirin Lancer gets +1/+1 and gains vigilance until end of turn.
The Phyrexians armored themselves against blades, fire, and every conjuration they could think of. She brought a war rhino.
Cards like Zhalfirin Lancer
Zhalfirin Lancer, a unique creature card, finds its place in Magic the Gathering’s vast pool of creature options. Comparable knights, such as the Silver Knight, share the Lancer’s valiant flavor, but Silver Knight offers protection from red, giving it an edge in certain matchups where red spells dominate. Zhalfirin Lancer differentiates itself with flanking, a mechanic that diminishes the power and toughness of blocking creatures, underscoring its combat prowess.
In the realms of white-centric knights, like the celebrated White Knight, we observe a similar commitment to defense through first strike and protection from black. However, Zhalfirin Lancer emphasizes a more offensive approach by potentially weakening the opponent’s forces. Further, the Knight of Meadowgrain delivers not only first strike but also lifelink, an ability that balances offense with player health restoration, a facet the Lancer does not possess.
Despite the competition, Zhalfirin Lancer stands its ground by offering a strategic advantage in battles, particularly with its flanking ability that can shift the tide of combat. It may not boast the specialized protections or additional abilities of its counterparts, but its unique offering ensures it remains a notable choice for players looking to enhance their combat tactics in MTG.
Cards similar to Zhalfirin Lancer by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Zhalfirin Lancer provides robust utility by allowing knights you control to tap and remain untapped during your opponents’ turns, effectively giving you potential for more significant board presence and maintaining card functionality, turn after turn.
Resource Acceleration: Through its flanking ability, this card can help accelerate your board position. When it attacks and becomes blocked, it weakens the blocking creature, possibly removing a defender and clearing the way for future attacks without the cost of additional cards.
Instant Speed: The lancer’s ability may not be at instant speed, but it pairs well with other instant-speed interactions. The benefit of bolstering knights during your turn means you can also leverage instant speed spells and abilities in your arsenal with greater strategic depth, keeping opponents on their toes.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One potential drawback for players considering Zhalfirin Lancer is the discard requirement to activate its abilities. Having to part with another card means strategizing resource management carefully, and could potentially become a hurdle if the hand size is already depleted.
Specific Mana Cost: The card demands a precise mana cost that includes white mana, which inherently restricts the Lancer’s inclusion to only those decks that can produce or accommodate this color. Decks without white mana sources will find integrating this card challenging.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that’s on the higher side for creature cards with similar abilities, Zhalfirin Lancer might not always be the optimal choice, especially when alternatives exist that offer comparable benefits for less mana. This must be taken into account when considering its effectiveness in a competitive setting.
Reasons to Include Zhalfirin Lancer in Your Collection
Versatility: Zhalfirin Lancer is an asset in any deck that thrives on knights and combat tricks. It’s an adept choice for decks that want robust creatures with useful abilities. Its first strike ability ensures it stands strong on both offensive and defensive ends.
Combo Potential: The lancer’s ability to grant first strike to other creatures opens up synergies with various strategies, especially when pairing with cards that capitalize on combat interactions or require survivability during battles. Plus, it seamlessly integrates into knight-centric decks seeking to bolster their battlefield presence.
Meta-Relevance: Given its knight synergies and combat-oriented abilities, Zhalfirin Lancer can be a key component against creature-heavy decks that dominate certain metas. Its resilience in combat and utility in multiple scenarios can consistently tilt matches in your favor.
How to Beat Zahfirin Lancer
Zhalfirin Lancer packs a punch in the world of Magic: The Gathering with its renowned first strike ability. This card becomes a formidable foe on the battlefield, notorious for dealing combat damage before creatures without first strike. Nevertheless, despite its prowess, it’s not invincible. Players can effectively trump the Lancer by employing creatures with higher toughness, rendering the first strike less impactful.
Disabling the Lancer’s advantageous first strike through spells that negate abilities can shift the tide of battle. Moreover, engaging in combat with creatures that boast deathtouch ensures that the Lancer is eliminated regardless of combat damage order. Enchantment removals can also dismantle any enhancements that make the Lancer a greater threat on the battlefield.
Tactics such as using flying creatures to bypass the Lancer’s ground control or casting spells that deal damage directly can circumvent its combat advantages. By strategically orchestrating your offense and defense, and using the right removals and counters, Zahfirin Lancer’s edge can be effectively dulled, ensuring your path to victory is all but clear.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Zhalfirin Lancer MTG card by a specific set like March of the Machine, 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 Zhalfirin Lancer 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
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Zhalfirin Lancer has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Guide to Vigilance card ability
In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.