Introduction
Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is a complex and dynamic game that requires players to constantly adapt and evolve their strategies. One of the key components of any successful deck is the ability to defend yourself against your opponent’s attacks and keep your creatures alive. That’s where Vigilance MTG comes in.
Vigilance MTG is a valuable ability that allows creatures to attack without tapping, which means they can also be used to block your opponent’s attacks on the same turn. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of Vigilance MTG, from its mechanics to its importance in competitive play and how you can use it to power up your deck.
Understanding Vigilance MTG
Vigilance MTG is an ability that allows creatures to attack without tapping. This means that, unlike creatures without Vigilance, they can also be used to block your opponent’s attacks on the same turn they attack. This can be particularly valuable if your opponent has a strong attacking force and you need to defend yourself quickly.
In addition to its defensive capabilities, Vigilance MTG can also be used to gain an advantage over your opponent. By attacking with one or more creatures that have Vigilance, you force your opponent to either block them or take damage. This can limit their options and open up new opportunities for you to attack and wear them down.
In competitive play, Vigilance MTG is an important ability to understand and use effectively. It can give you an edge over your opponents, especially if they don’t have any creatures with Vigilance in their deck. However, it’s also important to be aware of your opponent’s Vigilance creatures and plan accordingly.
Examples of how Vigilance MTG can be used to gain an advantage include attacking with a Vigilance creature when your opponent has few or no creatures to block with, using a Vigilance creature to block an opponent’s attack while still being able to attack on the same turn, and using Vigilance creatures to keep your opponent’s stronger creatures in check while you build up your own forces.
Powering up Your Deck with Vigilance MTG
Incorporating Vigilance MTG into your deck can be a powerful way to increase your chances of success. Here are some tips for doing so effectively:
1. Look for creatures with Vigilance when building your deck. This may seem obvious, but it’s important to keep in mind when selecting cards to include. Be sure to balance the number of creatures with Vigilance with other types of abilities and spells to ensure a strong and versatile deck.
2. Use spells and abilities that grant creatures Vigilance. If you’re having a hard time finding creatures with Vigilance, consider using spells or abilities that can grant it to them. This can also help you surprise your opponent and catch them off guard.
3. Focus on creatures with synergy. When selecting creatures with Vigilance, look for ones that complement your other cards and abilities. For example, creatures with First Strike or Double Strike can make effective use of Vigilance, as can creatures with abilities that trigger when they attack.
4. Use Vigilance to control the board. By using Vigilance creatures to keep your opponent’s forces in check, you can create openings for your own attacks and limit their options.
Strategies for maximizing the benefits of Vigilance MTG
In addition to incorporating Vigilance creatures into your deck, there are also several key strategies you can use to make the most of this ability:
1. Be patient and wait for the right moment to attack. Because Vigilance creatures can also block on the same turn they attack, you can afford to wait for the right moment to launch an assault. This can help you avoid over-committing and leave you with more options later in the game.
2. Use Vigilance to bait your opponent into making a mistake. By presenting a seemingly weak attack with a Vigilance creature, you can tempt your opponent into blocking with a valuable creature, allowing you to take it out with another card or ability.
3. Pair Vigilance with other abilities to create powerful combos. Vigilance can work particularly well in combination with other abilities like First Strike, Double Strike, and Trample. By pairing these abilities with Vigilance, you can create lethal attacking forces that your opponent won’t be able to stop.
Sample decklists that showcase the use of Vigilance MTG
Here are a few sample decklists that showcase the use of Vigilance MTG:
Decklist 1:
– 4x Knight of Grace
– 4x History of Benalia
– 2x Benalish Marshal
– 4x Dauntless Bodyguard
– 3x Valiant Knight
– 4x Legion’s Landing
– 2x Gideon Blackblade
– 4x Leonin Vanguard
– 4x Adanto Vanguard
– 3x Knight of the White Orchid
Decklist 2:
– 4x Gruul Spellbreaker
– 4x Pelt Collector
– 4x Llanowar Elves
– 4x Steel Leaf Champion
– 2x Vivien, Arkbow Ranger
– 4x Klothys, God of Destiny
– 4x Barkhide Troll
– 3x Shifting Ceratops
– 2x Questing Beast
– 3x Gruul War Chant
Top 10 Cards with Vigilance MTG
If you’re looking to power up your deck with Vigilance MTG, here are 10 cards to look out for:
1. Gisela, Blade of Goldnight – A powerful legendary creature with both Flying and Double Strike, Gisela is a formidable force that can deal massive damage to your opponent.
2. Champion of Rhonas – This creature allows you to cheat out other creatures from your hand onto the battlefield, making it an excellent way to quickly deploy powerful Vigilance creatures.
3. Adanto Vanguard – This Vampire Soldier from Ixalan is both durable and repeatable, making it an excellent candidate for equipment and a valuable asset in many matchups.
4. Mirror Entity – This Changeling creature from Lorwyn can transform your entire board into a powerful attacking force with Vigilance, making it a potent finisher.
5. Defender of the Heart – This creature from Urza’s Legacy can search your deck for powerful creatures when it attacks, making it an excellent way to fetch out creatures with Vigilance.
6. Frontline Medic – This Boros creature from Gatecrash has both Vigilance and a powerful ability that can protect your entire attacking force from damage.
7. Serra’s Blessing – This enchantment from Seventh Edition can grant all your creatures Vigilance, making it an excellent way to quickly power up an army of creatures.
8. Knight Exemplar – This Human Knight from Magic 2011 can give all your Knight creatures both First Strike and Indestructible, making them formidable defenders.
9. Gaddock Teeg – This legendary creature from Lorwyn can prevent your opponent from playing spells with a converted mana cost greater than four, making it an excellent way to shut down control decks.
10. Archangel of Tithes – This Angel creature from Magic Origins has both Flying and Vigilance, and can also tap down your opponent’s blockers, making it an excellent way to clear a path for your attacking creatures.
The History of Vigilance MTG
Vigilance MTG has been a part of Magic: The Gathering since the game’s earliest days. The first cards to feature Vigilance were released in the game’s second expansion, Arabian Nights, in 1993. Since then, the ability has been a staple of the game and has appeared on hundreds of cards across many different sets.
Over the years, the mechanics surrounding Vigilance have evolved. Originally, Vigilance was simply an ability that allowed creatures to attack without tapping, but in later expansions, it was expanded to include specific restrictions and conditions. For example, some creatures with Vigilance only have it while being attacked, while others have it only during certain phases of the game.
Despite these changes, Vigilance MTG has remained a popular and valuable ability in the game of Magic: The Gathering. It has been used in a variety of different decks and strategies, and has played a key role in countless matches over the years.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Vigilance MTG is a valuable ability that can give you a significant advantage in competitive play. By incorporating Vigilance creatures into your deck and using them effectively, you can control the board and create openings for powerful attacks. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, understanding and using Vigilance MTG effectively is an essential skill that can help you succeed in the game of Magic: The Gathering.