Gerrard's Irregulars MTG Card

Gerrard's Irregulars - Mercadian Masques

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	5
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Human Soldier
Abilities	Haste,Trample
Released	1999-10-04
Set symbol
Set name	Mercadian Masques
Set code	MMQ
Power	4
Toughness	2
Number	192
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Eric Peterson

Key Takeaways

Gain temporary control of creatures to shift the momentum and potentially turn games in your favor.
Discarding cards for activation can hinder hand size, affecting your options in later turns.
Mana cost specificity and overall higher cost may limit the card’s versatility in deck construction.

Text of card

Trample; haste (This creature may attack and oc T the turn it comes under your control.)

Had Gerrard realized he'd end up fighting against them, he might not have trained them so well.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Gerrard’s Irregulars can have a substantial impact on the battlefield by allowing you to maintain momentum. Taking control of another creature until end of turn not only deprives your opponent of an attacker or blocker but can also swing the tide in your favor by boosting your own offensive capabilities in the process.

Resource Acceleration: Sometimes this card can effectively serve as a form of resource acceleration. Over time, the collective advantage of using your opponents’ creatures against them could lead to a position where you require fewer cards to combat what remains of your opponent’s dwindling resources.

Instant Speed: The power to activate Gerrard’s Irregulars’ ability at instant speed adds an element of surprise and tactical depth to your game. You can disrupt your opponent’s strategies during their turn, possibly turning their attacks or defensive setups to your advantage. This flexibility can also enable more favorable trades or prevent an opponent’s key play from taking full effect.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Gerrard’s Irregulars requires the player to discard another card as part of its activation. This could potentially deplete your hand, leaving you with fewer options on subsequent turns.

Specific Mana Cost: Gerrard’s Irregulars necessitates a specific combination of mana, which includes red. This makes it less flexible and can complicate its inclusion in decks that do not heavily feature red mana sources.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With Gerrard’s Irregulars sitting at a higher mana slot, it might not always be the most efficient creature to play given the cost. Other creatures or spells in the same range could provide a greater immediate impact on the board state.

Reasons to Include Gerrard’s Irregulars in Your Collection

Versatility: Gerrard’s Irregulars offer great flexibility to decks looking for robust creatures. Their adaptability shines in various game scenarios, making them a solid pick for numerous strategies.

Combo Potential: This card can synergize with abilities that activate whenever a creature with a certain power is summoned or when you need a reliable blocker on a budget. Gerrard’s Irregulars can be pivotal within such combos, enhancing your overall board presence.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where creature-based strategies prevail, Gerrard’s Irregulars can become an essential inclusion. Their stats make them relevant against a range of opposing threats, fitting seamlessly into the current competitive landscape.

How to beat

Gerrard’s Irregulars can be a formidable threat on the battlefield with their potential for a swift and overwhelming presence. To successfully challenge this card, it’s essential to disrupt the opponent’s momentum quickly. Keeping the battlefield clear of creatures, particularly before the player can amass the required mana to cast Gerrard’s Irregulars, is a fundamental strategy. Suitable removal spells or board wipes can ensure that by the time they could make an impact, they are simply not there to swing the game.

Control decks shine in this scenario by utilizing counter spells to prevent Gerrard’s Irregulars from entering the play in the first place. On the other hand, aggressive strategies can apply enough early pressure to force the opposing player to defend rather than commit to their game plan. Meanwhile, midrange decks can leverage their flexible removal and creature strategies to both assert pressure and respond to threats like Gerrard’s Irregulars appropriately.

Lastly, in a game of attrition, repeatable removal or de-buff effects can nullify the advantages that Gerrard’s Irregulars bring, ultimately rendering them less effective and easier to manage during the course of the match.

Cards like Gerrard's Irregulars

Gerrard’s Irregulars joins the ranks of vigilant attackers within Magic: The Gathering, drawing comparisons with notable cards such as Serra Angel. Notably, Serra Angel shares the vigilance ability, allowing it to attack without tapping, much like Gerrard’s Irregulars. While Serra Angel flies over defenders, Gerrard’s Irregulars relies on its solid stats and the potential buff it receives from certain mechanics, like renown, giving it a different type of staying power on the battlefield.

Another card that mirrors the vigilant aspect is Always Watching, an enchantment that provides all non-token creatures the ability to attack and defend in the same turn cycle. However, this card applies a broader effect on the battlefield, impacting multiple creatures rather than just one, which can be crucial in maintaining a strong defense while putting pressure on the opponent.

In the grand scheme of creature strategies in the game, Gerrard’s Irregulars can be a formidable presence, especially when considering the advantage of active defense combined with offensive presence. Its similarities to other cards with vigilance demonstrate its tactical versatility, although its true value is unlocked when synergized with other cards that enhance its combat capabilities.

Cards similar to Gerrard's Irregulars by color, type and mana cost

Balduvian War-Makers - MTG Card versions

Flowstone Salamander - MTG Card versions

Ma Chao, Western Warrior - MTG Card versions

Dwarven Strike Force - MTG Card versions

Volatile Arsonist // Dire-Strain Anarchist - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Gerrard's Irregulars MTG card by a specific set like Mercadian Masques, 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 Gerrard's Irregulars and other MTG cards: