Ghostform MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeSorcery

Key Takeaways

  1. Ghostform allows two creatures to bypass defenses, setting the stage for vital direct attacks.
  2. Instant speed play offers strategic flexibility and can catch opponents off-guard.
  3. Despite its benefits, it requires careful use to avoid detrimental hand disruption.

Text of card

Up to two target creatures are unblockable this turn.

"There's no such thing as 'impenetrable.'"


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Ghostform enables a strategic set-up by allowing two of your creatures to be unblockable this turn, potentially clearing the path for crucial direct damage or enabling combat tricks that can lead to a significant shift in the game’s dynamics.

Resource Acceleration: While Ghostform doesn’t directly accelerate resources in traditional ways, like adding mana, it does accelerate your board state’s impact by ensuring your key creatures can connect with your opponent, potentially accelerating your path to victory.

Instant Speed: The ability to cast Ghostform at instant speed adds a layer of flexibility and surprise to your play. It allows you to wait until the most opportune moment during the combat phase to render your creatures temporarily unblockable, potentially bypassing blockers and enabling synergistic effects to occur when your opponent least expects it.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Engaging with Ghostform means potentially unsettling your hand balance. Casting it forces you to part with another card, which could disrupt your game plan especially if you’re already grasping for card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Ghostform’s mana cost, while not overly restrictive, does require a precise blend of blue mana. This can pigeonhole the card into blue-centric decks and create a stumbling block in multicolored mana bases not heavily influenced by blue.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Weighing in at two mana, Ghostform could be considered a bit of an investment for the temporary unblockability it grants. When you put it side by side with other cards that offer permanent solutions or additional benefits for a similar cost, its appeal could dwindle.


Reasons to Include Ghostform in Your Collection

Versatility: Ghostform stands out for its ability to grant elusive unblockability to not one, but two creatures. This sort of evasion is crucial, allowing key creatures to connect with your opponent or dodge targeted spells, making it a valuable addition to a wide range of blue-based decks.

Combo Potential: This card shines when combined with creatures that have potent “when this creature deals combat damage to a player” effects. Utilizing Ghostform can be the puzzle piece that ensures your game-changing abilities hit your opponent without obstruction.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment filled with creature-heavy decks, sneaking past the defensive line can be decisive. Ghostform enables this tactic, directly affecting the board state in your favor and fitting seamlessly into the pace of the current metagame.


How to beat

Ghostform is a unique card in MTG, known for giving creatures the ability to become temporarily unblockable. This spell can take opponents by surprise and potentially turn the tide of the game. However, there are strategies to counter its effects. One effective method is by using instant speed removal spells to take out key creatures before Ghostform can be cast. Similarly, cards with flash can be played in response to disrupt the play. Counterspells are also invaluable, as they can negate Ghostform entirely when it is played.

Another tactic is to maintain a board state that lessens the impact of unblockable creatures. This could involve setting up creatures with high toughness to absorb damage from other sources or employing life-gaining strategies to outpace the damage that Ghostform’s unblockable creatures can inflict. Lastly, it helps to pressure the opponent’s life total or important resources, which can force them to use Ghostform defensively, reducing its game-winning potential. Understanding the timing and mechanics of Ghostform is essential to effectively prepare for and counteract this slippery spell.


Cards like Ghostform

Ghostform finds its niche within the suite of evasion spells in Magic: The Gathering. It’s often compared to cards like Aether Tunnel, which also offers unblockability, however, Aether Tunnel is an Aura, conferring a more permanent state of evasion at the cost of being more vulnerable to removal. While Ghostform only works for a single turn, it offers flexibility by allowing two creatures to become unblockable, creating potential for a sudden and impactful hit to your opponent’s life total.

Another parallel can be drawn with Artful Dodge, which also grants temporary unblockability. Artful Dodge has the advantage of flashback, giving it a recursiveness that Ghostform lacks, allowing for a second wave of unblockable attacks. Despite this, Ghostform still stands out for affecting multiple creatures simultaneously. Then there’s Distortion Strike, which not only makes a creature unblockable for a turn but also gives a minor power boost and has rebound, meaning it can set up consecutive attacks.

In essence, while there are several cards that share the unblockable functionality, Ghostform provides a unique proposition by targeting two creatures at a bargain mana cost, a trait that can be decisive in matches where a singular, unanticipated turn can sway the game’s outcome heavily in your favor.

Aether Tunnel - MTG Card versions
Artful Dodge - MTG Card versions
Distortion Strike - MTG Card versions
Aether Tunnel - Core Set 2019 (M19)
Artful Dodge - Dark Ascension (DKA)
Distortion Strike - Rise of the Eldrazi (ROE)

Cards similar to Ghostform by color, type and mana cost

Time Walk - MTG Card versions
Braingeyser - MTG Card versions
Drain Power - MTG Card versions
Transmute Artifact - MTG Card versions
Forget - MTG Card versions
Piracy - MTG Card versions
Strategic Planning - MTG Card versions
Wind Sail - MTG Card versions
Mana Vapors - MTG Card versions
Turbulent Dreams - MTG Card versions
Quiet Speculation - MTG Card versions
Muse Vortex - MTG Card versions
See the Truth - MTG Card versions
Fae of Wishes // Granted - MTG Card versions
Maddening Cacophony - MTG Card versions
Silver Scrutiny - MTG Card versions
Reshape - MTG Card versions
Eye of Nowhere - MTG Card versions
Train of Thought - MTG Card versions
Skyscribing - MTG Card versions
Time Walk - 30th Anniversary Edition (30A)
Braingeyser - Masters Edition IV (ME4)
Drain Power - Fifth Edition (5ED)
Transmute Artifact - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Forget - Classic Sixth Edition (6ED)
Piracy - Starter 1999 (S99)
Strategic Planning - Strixhaven Mystical Archive (STA)
Wind Sail - Starter 1999 (S99)
Mana Vapors - Prophecy (PCY)
Turbulent Dreams - Torment (TOR)
Quiet Speculation - Judgment (JUD)
Muse Vortex - Commander 2021 (C21)
See the Truth - Core Set 2021 (M21)
Fae of Wishes // Granted - Throne of Eldraine (ELD)
Maddening Cacophony - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Silver Scrutiny - Dominaria United Promos (PDMU)
Reshape - The List (PLST)
Eye of Nowhere - Champions of Kamigawa (CHK)
Train of Thought - Guildpact (GPT)
Skyscribing - Commander 2011 (CMD)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ghostform MTG card by a specific set like Avacyn Restored and Core Set 2019, 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 Ghostform and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Ghostform Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2012-05-04 and 2018-07-13. Illustrated by Scott Chou.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12012-05-04Avacyn RestoredAVR 562003normalblackScott Chou
22018-07-13Core Set 2019M19 582015normalblackScott Chou

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Ghostform has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

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