Disciple of the Old Ways MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Human Warrior
Released	2013-02-01
Set symbol
Set name	Gatecrash
Set code	GTC
Power	2
Toughness	2
Number	118
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Anthony Palumbo

Key Takeaways

Disciple’s flexible combat role compensates for lack of card draw with strategic board control.
Efficient mana use is a highlight despite restrictive color requirements and potential board presence lag.
First strike ability maintains relevancy, offering adaptability and combo potential in various decks.

Text of card

: Disciple of the Old Ways gains first strike until end of turn.

"Selesnya thinks nature is a pretty plaything. True nature would rip their faces off and wear their skins as trophies."

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While the Disciple of the Old Ways doesn’t directly offer card draw, its versatility in combat can lead to advantageous board states, outmaneuvering opponents without the need for additional cards.

Resource Acceleration: The Disciple doesn’t accelerate resources in the traditional sense of providing extra mana, but it does enable efficient use of your mana. By investing just two mana, including one hybrid mana, it fits smoothly into your curve and can provide immediate offensive capabilities.

Instant Speed: Although the card itself doesn’t have instant speed, its ability can be activated at instant speed. This makes Disciple of the Old Ways a flexible combatant, able to switch between a quick-striking 2/2 to a formidable 3/2 first striker able to surprise an opponent and dictate combat engagements on your terms.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Disciple of the Old Ways doesn’t have an innate discard mechanic, but one should consider the looming risk of hand disruption when playing creatures that lack immediate impact.

Specific Mana Cost: This creature requires both green and red mana to unlock its potential, which may not seamlessly fit in multicolored decks that aren’t geared towards a Gruul (red and green) strategy.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing two mana may seem reasonable at first glance, but in a format teeming with efficient one-mana creatures and spells, Disciple of the Old Ways can sometimes lag in the race for board presence.

Reasons to Include Disciple of the Old Ways in Your Collection

Versatility: Disciple of the Old Ways complements a myriad of deck styles thanks to its adaptability. This two-drop creature easily slots into Gruul aggro decks, serving as a reliable early creature with its swift power deployment.

Combo Potential: Offering a built-in fighting ability, Disciple of the Old Ways can become a key component in decks that manipulate +1/+1 counters or those looking to harness the synergies of combat tricks and power-boosting auras or equipment.

Meta-Relevance: Against a backdrop of decks that rely on smaller utility creatures, Disciple of the Old Ways holds its own due to its first strike capability. It can act as both an effective attacker and a deterrent on defense, maintaining relevance in a shifting meta that values quick, impactful plays.

How to Beat Disciple of the Old Ways

Disciple of the Old Ways is a card that offers flexibility in both early aggression and as a mana sink in the later stages of the game. With its battalion ability, it can be a formidable force, capable of swinging the tide in combat scenarios. To effectively counter this card, it’s important to consider removal options. Simple spells like Shock or Fatal Push can dispatch the Disciple before it becomes a larger threat on the battlefield.

Another approach is to prevent its activation altogether. Strategies such as counter spells, pacifism effects, or enchantments that nullify abilities will make the Disciple a mere creature without impact. Furthermore, combat tricks that bolster your creatures’ toughness or provide indestructibility during the combat phase can leave the Disciple outmatched and your board state secure.

Understanding the rhythm of your opponent’s play is crucial. If you can anticipate when they will invest mana to activate the Disciple’s ability, reacting with instant-speed interaction can disrupt their plans, leaving their mana spent and their offense stunted.

Cards like Disciple of the Old Ways

Disciple of the Old Ways finds its niche in the pantheon of two-drop creatures within Magic: The Gathering. It bears similarity to other two-cost creatures, like Raptor Companion. Both allocate a decent power to cost ratio, making them early threats on the board. However, Disciple stirs the pot with its unique ability to gain first strike, allowing it to outmaneuver opponents in combat, something Raptor Companion lacks.

Another card to consider in this comparison is Goblin Piker. Much like the Disciple, Goblin Piker offers a straightforward approach with a 2/1 stat line for two mana. Yet, without any additional abilities, it falls short against the strategic advantage provided by Disciple of the Old Ways’ potential first strike. Further in comparison stands Leonin Snarecaster, a creature able of impacting the board by tapping an opponent’s potential blocker. While this provides a temporary strategic play, the Disciple’s capacity for first strike can consistently alter combat outcomes throughout the game.

When weighing the benefits of these comparable cards, Disciple of the Old Ways presents a compelling option. Its balanced mana cost and the versatility provided by first strike easily position it as a valuable combatant in many MTG strategies.

Cards similar to Disciple of the Old Ways by color, type and mana cost

Gallia of the Endless Dance - MTG Card versions

Hajar, Loyal Bodyguard - MTG Card versions

Burning-Tree Emissary - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Disciple of the Old Ways MTG card by a specific set like Gatecrash, 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 Disciple of the Old Ways and other MTG cards: