Greatbow Doyen MTG Card


Greatbow Doyen - Morningtide
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Elf Archer
Released2008-02-01
Set symbol
Set nameMorningtide
Set codeMOR
Power 2
Toughness 4
Number125
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred bySteven Belledin

Key Takeaways

  1. Strengthens archers, boosting your board control and sharpening your strategic edge in MTG.
  2. Instant-speed support from archers can disrupt opponents during critical phases of the game.
  3. Mana and card resources are pivotal when incorporating Greatbow Doyen into your MTG deck.

Text of card

Other Archer creatures you control get +1/+1. Whenever an Archer you control deals damage to a creature, that Archer deals that much damage to that creature's controller.

"My arrows will ever find you."


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Greatbow Doyen provides a significant boon for archer-themed decks, potentially turning each archer into a source of card advantage. By bolstering the attacking power of your archers, this means your chances of dealing damage and potentially drawing cards through other archer related mechanics increase considerably.

Resource Acceleration: This card might not directly produce mana or tokens, but by supporting your archers, it indirectly accelerates your board presence. With stronger archers, you can more effectively control the board and maintain mana for other critical plays, keeping you ahead in the race for resources.

Instant Speed: One of the key advantages of Greatbow Doyen isn’t its own speed, but the fact that it bolsters archer creatures which may have instant-speed abilities. This interaction allows you to remain flexible with your tactics, potentially disrupting your opponent’s strategy at a moment’s notice.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Greatbow Doyen compels players to discard an Archer card to activate its ability, which can be a setback if your hand is already running low on cards or if you need to maintain a full hand for other strategic plays.

Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost of Greatbow Doyen is quite specific, requiring one green and four other mana units. This cost can be restrictive, tying the card’s playability to decks with a solid green mana base or those that can accommodate such specific mana needs.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a total cost of five mana, Greatbow Doyen may arrive on the battlefield later than you’d like. This can put players at a disadvantage when faster-paced decks are in opposition, or when earlier threats need to be addressed more promptly with lower-cost creatures or spells.


Reasons to Include Greatbow Doyen in Your Collection

Versatility: Greatbow Doyen offers a unique role in archer-themed decks, providing a significant power boost to archer creatures that not only enhances attack strategies but also fortifies defensive lines. Its ability to add damage during blocking or attacking makes it a flexible option for a variety of game situations.

Combo Potential: Its second ability can combine with cards that create numerous archer tokens or effects that tap creatures for added benefit. Every archer’s arrow becomes a potent tool for controlling the battlefield or finishing off opponents.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where tribal synergies are potent, Greatbow Doyen can be the linchpin for an archer deck to outclass opponents. The card’s niche effect allows for a distinct strategy that can catch unprepared adversaries off-guard while bolstering your own tactical position.


How to beat

The Greatbow Doyen is a formidable force in MTG, amplifying the prowess of Archer creatures you control. This creature’s ability not only grants other archers additional power but also presents the option to deal damage directly to target player. To counter this green-aligned card, consider using spot removal spells that can take care of the Doyen before its ability becomes a major threat. Cards like Doom Blade or Path to Exile work well since they bypass the Doyen’s potential power increase to its archer minions.

Moreover, leveraging board wipes such as Wrath of God or Damnation can efficiently clear the board of multiple archers, thereby neutralizing the Doyen’s support. Another strategic approach is disrupting your opponent’s mana base, obstructing their ability to cast the Doyen in the first place. Land destruction spells or counter-magic such as Counterspell can prevent the Doyen from ever entering the battlefield. Keeping in mind these tactics, players can successfully navigate the battlefield and maintain control against the Greatbow Doyen’s archers in MTG.


Cards like Greatbow Doyen

Greatbow Doyen holds a specialized spot in the realm of Magic: The Gathering as a facilitator for archer tribal strategies. It bears resemblance to cards like Elvish Archdruid which also bolster their respective tribes, in this case, elves. While Elvish Archdruid amplifies both power and mana production, Greatbow Doyen emphasizes archers’ unique capability by enabling them to deal damage directly to creatures.

Looking at Sylvan Advocate, another card that supports a creature type, in its case land creatures, it’s clear to see different tribal support cards help in various ways. Sylvan Advocate boosts the defense and attack of land creatures and provides a considerable bonus to lands that become creatures. Greatbow Doyen, in contrast, is more narrowly focused but with a potent ability crucial for controlling the battlefield.

Combining strategic tribal support with the ability to affect the board state makes Greatbow Doyen an interesting choice for decks centered around archers. While each card that supports a creature type brings its unique twist to gameplay, Greatbow Doyen’s archery dominance highlight its niche appeal in archer-based MTG decks.

Elvish Archdruid - MTG Card versions
Sylvan Advocate - MTG Card versions
Elvish Archdruid - MTG Card versions
Sylvan Advocate - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Greatbow Doyen MTG card by a specific set like Morningtide, 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 Greatbow Doyen and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Greatbow Doyen has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Greatbow Doyen card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2008-04-01 The ability will trigger whether the damage is combat damage or not.
2008-04-01 The second ability triggers only when an Archer permanent you control deals damage to a creature. It won’t trigger when an Archer spell you control deals damage.

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