Portcullis Vine MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Plant Wall
Abilities Defender
Power 0
Toughness 3

Key Takeaways

  1. Low-cost Portcullis Vine accelerates resource advantages and bolsters defender strategies in games.
  2. Flexible draw ability pairs well with instant-speed interactions, granting strategic hand manipulation.
  3. While versatile in defender decks, its specific demands may limit broader deck integration.

Text of card

Defender , , Sacrifice a creature with defender: Draw a card.

Nature's way of saying "take the long way home."


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Portcullis Vine offers the benefit of card advantage by allowing players to draw a card when they sacrifice it, assuming there’s another defender on the battlefield. This can be particularly useful in defender-centric decks where drawing cards can mean reaching crucial game-changers more rapidly.

Resource Acceleration: While not a direct source of mana acceleration, Portcullis Vine can be key in enabling resource acceleration with its low casting cost and ability to fetch other defender cards. It’s a strategic enabler in a defender synergy deck, helping to set up a strong defensive line early in the game.

Instant Speed: The ability to sacrifice Portcullis Vine is not reliant on instant speed, but it does interact well with cards that function at instant speed. By drawing cards at the right moment, you ensure you’re not missing out on playing instant-speed interactions on your opponent’s turn, thus maintaining flexibility in your game plan.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the drawbacks of Portcullis Vine is its ability that demands a card discard to draw. For players who are managing a tight grip of key cards, sacrificing one to activate this creature’s ability might not be the most judicious play, potentially leaving them in a disadvantageous position.

Specific Mana Cost: Portcullis Vine comes with a green mana requirement. This can be restrictive for multi-colored or off-theme decks, thus confining its playability to mainly green-aligned decks or those with sufficient mana-fixing to accommodate the color-specific cost.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Though Portcullis Vine itself has a low casting cost, the process of discarding a creature card with defender to draw involves not just the discard but also tapping the Vine and paying two mana. In some scenarios, the mana invested, in conjunction with the discard, may not equate to an advantageous transaction when there are alternative draw options that do not entail such a high cost for card advantage.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Portcullis Vine slots comfortably into decks that capitalize on defender synergies or require steady card filtering mechanisms. Its low casting cost also makes it an accessible play in the early game.

Combo Potential: With its ability to sacrifice itself and another defender to draw a card, Portcullis Vine pairs well with strategies that utilize creatures entering or leaving the battlefield or that takes advantage of sacrifice mechanics.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state where slower, defensive decks are common, including Portcullis Vine can help fortify your defenses while maintaining card advantage, keeping you in pace with the meta.


How to beat

The Portcullis Vine is an intriguing wall-type creature card that players often use for its defensive capabilities and its draw mechanic in MTG. It’s an excellent blocker that also allows you to draw a card by sacrificing it along with another defender you control. To efficiently overcome this resilient vine, the key is disrupting the defender synergy or removing the vine before it can be utilized for card advantage.

Combat tricks or spells that offer targeted removal can swiftly eliminate Portcullis Vine before it becomes a larger problem, especially since its sacrifice ability requires another defender. It’s also beneficial to include cards in your deck that can bypass or neutralize creatures. Cards that prevent activated abilities or that can exile creatures directly from the battlefield are particularly effective against this pesky vine. In addition, applying pressure early in the game can often prevent the buildup of a defensive wall that includes Portcullis Vine, forcing your opponent to use their defenders prematurely or risk substantial damage.

Understanding the interplay between Portcullis Vine and other defender cards gives you a strategic advantage, allowing you to better plan your moves and maintain control of the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

Delving into the nuances of MTG card dynamics, Portcullis Vine stands out as a strategic asset for enchanting your green-aligned or defender-centric decks. Making the most of this card hinges on understanding its synergies and potential within the tapestry of gameplay. Optimize your deck’s performance by weighing the Vine’s pros and cons in the context of your overall strategy. Whether you’re shoring up your defenses or seeking to enhance your card draw capability, tailor your deck to harness the full potential of Portcullis Vine’s unique mechanics. Curious about integrating this versatile card into your arsenal? Embark on this journey with us to unlock new synergies and elevate your MTG experience.


Cards like Portcullis Vine

Portcullis Vine is a unique defender creature within the wide roster of Magic: The Gathering cards. Its closest cousin in the MTG universe is Wall of Vines. Both cards share the defender ability, preventing them from attacking and turning them into sturdy blockers. However, Portcullis Vine offers an additional edge – the capacity to draw a card by sacrificing itself along with another defender you control, which Wall of Vines doesn’t offer.

Another card to consider when looking at similar effects is Overgrown Battlement. This card also interacts favorably with defender-type creatures, gaining mana for each defender you control. While it doesn’t provide direct card draw like Portcullis Vine, it allows for a ramp strategy, accelerating the mana available for casting more impactful spells sooner.

Finally, Carven Caryatid is worth mentioning, as it provides card draw upon entering the battlefield, without the need to sacrifice itself. Albeit having a higher mana cost than Portcullis Vine, it still elucidates the value of defender creatures that have an additional upside beyond just being a mere obstacle for your opponent.

Analyzing these cards collectively, Portcullis Vine presents itself as a versatile option that can support both defender-themed decks and enable card draw synergies, marking its significance in MTG’s ecosystem.

Wall of Vines - MTG Card versions
Overgrown Battlement - MTG Card versions
Carven Caryatid - MTG Card versions
Wall of Vines - Magic 2011 (M11)
Overgrown Battlement - Rise of the Eldrazi (ROE)
Carven Caryatid - Ravnica: City of Guilds (RAV)

Cards similar to Portcullis Vine by color, type and mana cost

Scryb Sprites - MTG Card versions
Llanowar Elves - MTG Card versions
Ghazbán Ogre - MTG Card versions
Shanodin Dryads - MTG Card versions
Wall of Wood - MTG Card versions
Village Elder - MTG Card versions
Spike Drone - MTG Card versions
Skyshroud Elite - MTG Card versions
Elvish Berserker - MTG Card versions
Tree Monkey - MTG Card versions
Wild Dogs - MTG Card versions
Elvish Herder - MTG Card versions
Pouncing Jaguar - MTG Card versions
Scavenger Folk - MTG Card versions
Willow Geist - MTG Card versions
Nimble Mongoose - MTG Card versions
Elvish Lyrist - MTG Card versions
Elvish Pioneer - MTG Card versions
Hana Kami - MTG Card versions
Norwood Ranger - MTG Card versions
Scryb Sprites - Limited Edition Alpha (LEA)
Llanowar Elves - Dominaria (DOM)
Ghazbán Ogre - Masters Edition (ME1)
Shanodin Dryads - Summer Magic / Edgar (SUM)
Wall of Wood - 30th Anniversary Edition (30A)
Village Elder - Mirage (MIR)
Spike Drone - Tempest (TMP)
Skyshroud Elite - Exodus (EXO)
Elvish Berserker - Ninth Edition (9ED)
Tree Monkey - Ninth Edition (9ED)
Wild Dogs - Dominaria Remastered (DMR)
Elvish Herder - Urza's Saga (USG)
Pouncing Jaguar - Urza's Saga (USG)
Scavenger Folk - Seventh Edition (7ED)
Willow Geist - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Nimble Mongoose - The List (PLST)
Elvish Lyrist - Eighth Edition (8ED)
Elvish Pioneer - Eighth Edition (8ED)
Hana Kami - Champions of Kamigawa (CHK)
Norwood Ranger - Ninth Edition (9ED)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Portcullis Vine MTG card by a specific set like Guilds of Ravnica and Core Set 2021, 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 Portcullis Vine and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Portcullis Vine Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2018-10-05 and 2020-07-03. Illustrated by James Paick.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12018-10-05Guilds of RavnicaGRN 1422015normalblackJames Paick
22020-07-03Core Set 2021M21 1952015normalblackJames Paick

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Portcullis Vine has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

DateText
2020-06-23 Portcullis Vine can be sacrificed to pay the cost of its last ability.

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