Jerrard of the Closed Fist MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityUncommon
TypeLegendary Creature — Human Knight
Power 6
Toughness 5

Key Takeaways

  1. Jerrard’s battlefield presence potentially forces multiple card sacrifices from opponents, creating indirect card advantage.
  2. His stand-alone threat status allows players to dedicate resources elsewhere, subtly accelerating their resource management.
  3. Timing Jerrard’s play can mirror instant speed advantages, pressuring opponents to immediately strategize a response.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Jerrard of the Closed Fist may not allow direct card draw, its formidable presence on the battlefield represents a different type of advantage. Commanding attention from your opponents, Jerrard can indirectly lead to card advantage by forcing opponents to deal with it, often at the expense of using two or more cards.

Resource Acceleration: This legendary creature doesn’t directly offer any mana acceleration. However, its status as a standalone threat means you can focus your resources elsewhere while your opponents are busy dealing with him. This indirect resource advantage can often result in ramp-like effects over time, as your board state improves while handling Jerrard requires immediate action.

Instant Speed: Although Jerrard of the Closed Fist operates at sorcery speed, understanding when to play him can still provide a strategic advantage. Deploying him at the opportune moment to maximize his impact on the game mirror the benefits of instant speed spells by putting immediate pressure on your opponents to react.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Jerrard of the Closed Fist mandates that you have another legendary creature to discard in order to cast it. For players who don’t have a legendary-heavy deck, this can be a significant hurdle, leading to situations where the card might remain stuck in your hand without a use.

Specific Mana Cost: The specific mana cost of two green and two red can be restrictive, especially in multicolored decks that might not consistently generate the necessary mana types. Mana flexibility is key in MTG, and Jerrard’s strict requirements could disrupt an otherwise fluid mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Even with 6/5 stats, the four-specific mana cost for Jerrard of the Closed Fist is steep when compared with other creatures in the same range. Many alternatives provide additional abilities or have lower casting costs, potentially making Jerrard a less optimal choice for the mana investment.


Reasons to Include Jerrard of the Closed Fist in Your Collection

Versatility: Jerrard of the Closed Fist offers robust stats as a legendary creature that commands authority on the battlefield. His no-nonsense approach to combat enhances decks that rely on powerful midrange plays and straightforward beatdown strategies.

Combo Potential: With the right synergies, such as cards that benefit from having a high-power creature or legendary permanents, Jerrard becomes a formidable asset. He can amplify such strategies or serve as a reliable backup to execute your game plan.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta that praises resilience and combat prowess, Jerrard stands tall. If the current environment favors a less intricate approach, where the raw strength of a creature makes a significant impact, this card is well-positioned to offer an advantage on the board.


How to Beat Jerrard of the Closed Fist

Jerrard of the Closed Fist may not be one of the most popular commanders in Magic: The Gathering, but he can certainly pose a challenge with the right strategy. Jerrard’s strength lies in his straightforward and robust creature abilities. He is a formidable 6/5, making him tough to take out in combat. To effectively counter Jerrard, control decks that can remove creatures are highly valuable. Board clears like Wrath of God or Damnation can wipe the slate clean, regardless of Jerrard’s power level.

Ensnaring spells or abilities that tap a creature and do not allow it to untap during its controller’s next untap step are also effective for stalling Jerrard’s assault. Cards with exile effects, such as Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares, offer a more permanent solution. Additionally, preventing Jerrard from hitting the battlefield in the first place through counter spells can be critical. Overviewing your spells’ timing, leveraging instant speed interaction, and keeping mana open for responses make up the strategic dimension to overpower Jerrard’s might in the game.

When facing any powerful creature, remember that a strategy combining creature control, resource management, and timing of plays will often lead to victory. Whether using a heavy control deck or crafting a strategy that includes targeted removal and counter plays, there are several ways to overcome the challenge that Jerrard of the Closed Fist presents.


Cards like Jerrard of the Closed Fist

Jerrard of the Closed Fist is an intriguing presence in the realm of legendary creatures within Magic: The Gathering. Just like Jerrard, Kodama of the South Tree brings its own flavor to the battlefield with an emphasis on legendary superiority. However, Kodama does not require the tribute of another legendary creature upon entering the battle zone which sets it apart from the requirements Jerrard imposes.

Another notable card with semblance is Baru, Fist of Krosa. When looking for raw power, Baru offers an exciting ability to boost fellow creatures whenever a forest enters the fray. Yet, unlike Jerrard, Baru provides ongoing advantage with landfall capabilities rather than a one-time presence boost.

Moving beyond green legends, we find Riven Turnbull, a blue card that allows for more strategic plays with its political power-building. The distinct difference in color and strategic approach to the game offers a different angle compared to the brute strength tactic embodied by Jerrard of the Closed Fist.

In essence, while examining alternatives in the category of legendary creatures, Jerrard of the Closed Fist stands out for those who prefer to dominate the game with impressive power, even while it competes closely with cards offering perpetual benefits or strategic potential.

Kodama of the South Tree - MTG Card versions
Baru, Fist of Krosa - MTG Card versions
Riven Turnbull - MTG Card versions
Kodama of the South Tree - Champions of Kamigawa (CHK)
Baru, Fist of Krosa - Future Sight (FUT)
Riven Turnbull - Legends (LEG)

Cards similar to Jerrard of the Closed Fist by color, type and mana cost

Marhault Elsdragon - MTG Card versions
Livonya Silone - MTG Card versions
The Lady of the Mountain - MTG Card versions
Stangg - MTG Card versions
Shambling Strider - MTG Card versions
Rock Basilisk - MTG Card versions
Viashivan Dragon - MTG Card versions
Rubblehulk - MTG Card versions
Sarinth Greatwurm - MTG Card versions
Dragon Broodmother - MTG Card versions
Phylath, World Sculptor - MTG Card versions
Gruul Nodorog - MTG Card versions
Foxfire Oak - MTG Card versions
Wort, the Raidmother - MTG Card versions
Valleymaker - MTG Card versions
Morselhoarder - MTG Card versions
Cavern Thoctar - MTG Card versions
Valley Rannet - MTG Card versions
Dragonlair Spider - MTG Card versions
Ruination Wurm - MTG Card versions
Marhault Elsdragon - Masters Edition III (ME3)
Livonya Silone - Masters Edition III (ME3)
The Lady of the Mountain - Masters Edition III (ME3)
Stangg - Masters 25 (A25)
Shambling Strider - Masters Edition (ME1)
Rock Basilisk - Mirage (MIR)
Viashivan Dragon - Visions (VIS)
Rubblehulk - RNA Guild Kit (GK2)
Sarinth Greatwurm - The Brothers' War (BRO)
Dragon Broodmother - The List (PLST)
Phylath, World Sculptor - Zendikar Rising (ZNR)
Gruul Nodorog - Guildpact (GPT)
Foxfire Oak - Shadowmoor (SHM)
Wort, the Raidmother - Commander 2020 (C20)
Valleymaker - Shadowmoor (SHM)
Morselhoarder - Shadowmoor (SHM)
Cavern Thoctar - Shards of Alara (ALA)
Valley Rannet - Commander 2013 (C13)
Dragonlair Spider - Planechase Anthology (PCA)
Ruination Wurm - Gatecrash (GTC)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Jerrard of the Closed Fist MTG card by a specific set like Legends and Masters Edition III, 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 Jerrard of the Closed Fist and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Jerrard of the Closed Fist Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1994-06-01 and 2009-09-07. Illustrated by Andi Rusu.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11994-06-01LegendsLEG 2351993normalblackAndi Rusu
22009-09-07Masters Edition IIIME3 1541997normalblackAndi Rusu

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Jerrard of the Closed Fist has restrictions

FormatLegality
OldschoolLegal
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

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