Llanowar Cavalry MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Human Soldier
Released	2000-10-02
Set symbol
Set name	Invasion
Set code	INV
Power	1
Toughness	4
Number	195
Frame	1997
Layout	normal
Border	black
Illustred by	Eric Peterson

Key Takeaways

Llanowar Cavalry fortifies creature-heavy decks, indirectly leading to potential card advantages over opponents.
It synergizes with mana-producing creatures, accelerating resource availability for powering-out significant threats early on.
Though not an immediate game-changer, it can affect the utility of instant speed spells by solidifying board presence.

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.

Text of card

oo W Attacking doesn't cause Llanowar Cavalry to tap this turn.

For the first time, elves welcomed Benalish soldiers into the forest with something other than arrows.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: When it comes to gaining the upper hand in MTG, Llanowar Cavalry can be a key contributor. Its primary ability may not draw cards directly, but by bolstering your creature lineup, it indirectly contributes to your card advantage. A stronger board presence means more pressure on your opponent and increases the likelihood of favorable trades, which can lead to a card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: Llanowar Cavalry aligns well with strategies that benefit from resource acceleration. While it does not produce mana itself, its synergy with cards that tap creatures for mana (like those that might state “Tap an untapped creature you control: Add one mana of any color.”) can effectively speed up your mana growth, allowing for more impactful plays earlier in the game.

Instant Speed: The tactical benefits of instant speed are numerous, and while Llanowar Cavalry operates at sorcery speed, its effect on the game can influence how you use your instant-speed spells. By establishing a solid line of defense during your turn, you can confidently pass the turn with mana available for instant-speed responses, knowing your board state is secure.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Though Llanowar Cavalry doesn’t directly ask for a card to be discarded, having to deal with this mechanism in other parts of your deck can detract from the overall synergy and efficiency. Considering discard as a broader deck-building constraint, Llanowar Cavalry could be at a disadvantage if the deck’s strategy relies on keeping a full hand.

Specific Mana Cost: Llanowar Cavalry’s mana cost is colored, requiring both green mana and generic mana. This can be restrictive for decks that look to be mana-flexible or those not heavily invested in green. Managing lands to meet this cost can sometimes lead to awkward draws or slow down the deck’s pace, particularly in multi-colored decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With more and more efficient creatures becoming available, Llanowar Cavalry’s mana cost is on the higher side given its power and abilities. Players might find that there are other cards with similar or better abilities for less mana, making Llanowar Cavalry a less economical choice for deck construction when mana efficiency is a priority.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Llanowar Cavalry is a flexible addition to any deck that values creature synergy and efficient mana costs. It can perform well in aggressive green builds or act as a reliable blocker in more defensive strategies.

Combo Potential: With its ability to untap a target creature, Llanowar Cavalry pairs well with creatures that have tap abilities or with effects that capitalize on creature tapping and untapping.

Meta-Relevance: Given its cost-efficient stats and ability, Llanowar Cavalry holds its ground well in a meta that favors quick board presence and interactive gameplay involving creatures.

How to beat

The Llanowar Cavalry is a versatile card often seen in green decks in Magic: The Gathering. It’s known for its ability to provide a quick boost to your creature’s power, thanks to its tap ability that grants a +1/+1 until end of turn. For players looking to counter this card, the strategy should focus on removal before the buff can be applied. Spotlighting instant-speed removal spells like Fatal Push or Path to Exile can effectively dispatch the cavalry before they become a significant threat on the battlefield.

Another effective strategy is to limit the Cavalry’s influence by controlling the number of creatures on the board. Board wipes such as Wrath of God or Damnation can clear out multiple creatures, including the Cavalry, setting back your opponent’s board presence significantly. When playing against the Llanowar Cavalry, be mindful of the mana they can accumulate and the potential creatures they can strengthen. Prioritizing cards that can disrupt these elements will be key in ensuring the cavalry’s charge meets a resilient defense.

Countering the Llanowar Cavalry also means looking for opportunities to block and trade efficiently. Deploying creatures with high toughness or those with deathtouch can deter attacks and make it costly for your opponent to use the Cavalry’s ability. With the right cards and strategies in place, overcoming the Llanowar Cavalry can be a straightforward victory on your path to victory in Magic: The Gathering.

Cards like Llanowar Cavalry

Deeply rooted in the lore of Magic: The Gathering, Llanowar Cavalry stands as a testament to the enduring strength of green creatures. In the vast arena of MTG, this card can be compared to other creature cards like Pouncing Cheetah. Like the Cavalry, Pouncing Cheetah is also a creature card that boasts a notable ability, which in this case, is flash. This allows it to be a surprise blocker or an unexpected attacker, giving players a tactical edge albeit with less power and toughness.

Another card that mirrors the defensive utility of Llanowar Cavalry is Centaur Courser. Also a creature of the forests, Centaur Courser matches the Cavalry’s stats for power and toughness. However, it lacks any abilities, presenting a more straightforward choice for a deck that values stat efficiency over special effects. While Llanowar Cavalry offers the bonus of combat tricks through its activated abilities, it does so at the potential cost of mana that could be used elsewhere.

Analyzing these comparisons provides insight into why Llanowar Cavalry might find a place in certain MTG decks. Its blend of solid stats and flexible abilities gives it a unique position within the cadre of similar green creatures.

Cards similar to Llanowar Cavalry by color, type and mana cost

Knight of the Reliquary - MTG Card versions

Chronicler of Heroes - MTG Card versions

Selvala, Explorer Returned - MTG Card versions

Hedge Troll - Planar Chaos Promos (PPLC)

Anurid Brushhopper - World Championship Decks 2003 (WC03)

Wilt-Leaf Cavaliers - Duel Decks: Knights vs. Dragons (DDG)

Knight of the Reliquary - Historic Anthology 2 (HA2)

Centaur Healer - Return to Ravnica (RTR)

Loxodon Smiter - Return to Ravnica (RTR)

Chronicler of Heroes - Double Masters 2022 (2X2)

Selvala, Explorer Returned - Dominaria United Commander (DMC)

Veteran Warleader - Battle for Zendikar Promos (PBFZ)

Joraga Auxiliary - Oath of the Gatewatch (OGW)

Renegade Rallier - Friday Night Magic 2017 (F17)

Wayfaring Temple - Mystery Booster (MB1)

Pride Sovereign - Hour of Devastation (HOU)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Llanowar Cavalry MTG card by a specific set like Invasion, 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 Llanowar Cavalry and other MTG cards: