Guardian Lions MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	5
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Cat
Abilities	Vigilance
Released	2012-07-13
Set symbol
Set name	Magic 2013
Set code	M13
Power	1
Toughness	6
Number	17
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Johannes Voss

Key Takeaways

Guardian Lions shine by maintaining board presence, which sustains card advantage in the long game.
This card’s discard requirement and specific mana cost can pose deckbuilding and in-game challenges.
Guardian Lions are versatile, meshing well with combo-centric and defensive decks in certain metas.

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

Vigilance (Attacking doesn't cause this creature to tap.)

Approach in peace or not at all.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Guardian Lions card is valuable in MTG due to its ability to contribute towards card advantage. While the card itself may not always draw cards directly, it can prevent multiple creatures from attacking, effectively saving the cards on your board and maintaining your hand strength.

Resource Acceleration: In a deck that synergizes with the Guardian Lions’ attributes, this card can help ramp up your resources. Although not a direct source of mana, it allows for strategic plays that can lead to acceleration by protecting your key mana-generating creatures, enabling them to stay on the board and produce resources over multiple turns.

Instant Speed: The feature of instant speed is not inherent in the Guardian Lions card; however, its static ability can influence the game at instant speed. It puts opponents in a bind, making them reconsider combat decisions each step of the way, particularly during the declare attackers phase. This incessant pressure can offer indirect advantages similar to those provided by instant speed interactions.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One downside to the Guardian Lions is their necessity to discard another card from your hand to activate certain abilities. This can be a hefty price to pay, especially in a tight game where each card in hand could be critical for maintaining a strategic edge.

Specific Mana Cost: Another limitation of the Guardian Lions card is its specific mana cost. Requiring a precise combination of white mana, it can be a challenge to cast in multicolored decks that may not always have the necessary mana available.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: In contrast to other creatures at a similar mana value, the Guardian Lions may come off as an expensive investment. With each casting costing a substantial amount of mana, players could find themselves at a tempo disadvantage, with other available options potentially providing more utility or power on the battlefield for a lower cost.

Reasons to Include Guardian Lions in Your Collection

Versatility: Guardian Lions, with its steadfast vigilance, can serve as a reliable defender in various deck builds. Its presence can deter attacks and stabilize your presence on the board, fitting seamlessly into defensive strategies.

Combo Potential: This card can synergize with decks focusing on creature-based combos. Its vigilance allows it to remain untapped, ready to participate in numerous interactions or to be paired with tap/untap mechanics.

Meta-Relevance: In certain metas where aggressive, creature-heavy decks reign, Guardian Lions acts as a steadfast gatekeeper. It thrives when the battlefield teems with attackers, maintaining both your defense and your offensive options round after round.

How to beat

The card Guardian Lions brings a formidable presence to the battlefield in MTG. Its vigilance enables it to be a reliable blocker while remaining ready to attack, offering strategic flexibility during each turn. Beating this card can be approached in a few ways. One method is using removal spells that can target creatures with high toughness, such as Murder or Terminate. These spells can bypass the vigilance by removing the Guardian Lions from play entirely.

Another strategy involves using bounce spells like Unsummon to temporarily deal with the Lions, though they may return. Control decks can also rely on counterspells to prevent Guardian Lions from entering the battlefield in the first place, thereby maintaining the upper hand. Lastly, overpowering the board with stronger or more numerous creatures can also be an effective tactic. The right play will often depend on the specific deck you’re piloting and the dynamic of the match itself.

Remember, while Guardian Lions can be a robust addition to a defensive strategy, every card has its Achilles’ heel. Identifying and exploiting these weaknesses is key to turning the tide of battle in your favor.

Cards like Guardian Lions

Guardian Lions is a unique addition to the roster of creature cards in Magic: The Gathering. Its kinship to other defensive cards like Silent Artisan is noticeable as they both offer a sturdy body to block your opponent’s attacks. However, Guardian Lions’ vigilance ability allows it to stay active for defense even after attacking, a trait Silent Artisan lacks.

Exploring the domain of vigilant creatures, Standing Troops presents as a lithe alternative. Although it has a lower toughness compared to Guardian Lions, the earlier playability due to a lesser mana cost can be crucial for early game board control. Conversely, Sentry of the Underworld provides not only vigilance but also flying and lifelink, encompassing a wider array of tactical advantages, albeit for a higher mana investment.

In essence, while comparing various vigilant creatures, Guardian Lions offer a balance between cost and defensive utility. They might not have the most aggressive stance or versatile abilities, but they serve as a steadfast guardian on the battlefield, making them a reliable choice for players who seek a robust defensive strategy.

Sentry of the Underworld - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Guardian Lions by color, type and mana cost

Enduring Angel // Angelic Enforcer - MTG Card versions

Celestial Gatekeeper - MTG Card versions

Kiyomaro, First to Stand - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Guardian Lions MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2013, 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 Guardian Lions and other MTG cards: