What is vigilance mtg – In the realm of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), Vigilance stands as a potent ability that empowers creatures to remain vigilant and ever-ready on the battlefield. By understanding the mechanics of Vigilance, players can unlock strategic advantages and enhance their gameplay experience.

Vigilance grants creatures the unique ability to attack and block during combat without becoming tapped. This means that Vigilant creatures can engage in multiple combat phases without losing their ability to defend or strike. This versatility makes Vigilance a highly sought-after attribute for creatures in MTG.

Vigilance Definition

Vigilance in Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is a ability that grants a creature the ability to attack and block during the same turn it enters the battlefield, without needing to tap. In MTG, creatures are normally “tapped” when they attack or block, which means they cannot attack or block again until the beginning of their controller’s next turn.

Vigilance Examples

Here are a few examples of MTG cards that grant Vigilance to creatures:

• Ajani, Mentor of Heroes: A planeswalker that gives all creatures you control Vigilance until end of turn.
• Knight of the White Orchid: A creature with Vigilance that also prevents creatures your opponents control from gaining +1/+1 counters.
• Veteran Swordsmith: A creature that gives all other creatures you control Vigilance.

Vigilance Variants

There are a few variants of Vigilance in MTG that modify the traditional mechanic:

• Pseudo-Vigilance: Some cards grant creatures the ability to attack or block as if they had Vigilance, without explicitly giving them the Vigilance . For example, the card Fencing Acegives creatures with power 2 or less pseudo-Vigilance.
• Partial Vigilance: Some cards grant creatures Vigilance only in certain situations. For example, the card Daybreak Coronetgives creatures Vigilance only during your turn.
• Vigilance with Drawback: Some cards grant creatures Vigilance but with a drawback. For example, the card Watchwolfgives creatures Vigilance but also makes them lose 1 life at the beginning of each of your turns.

Vigilance Interactions

Vigilance interacts with other MTG mechanics in the following ways:

• Haste: Creatures with both Vigilance and Haste can attack and block the turn they enter the battlefield.
• First Strike: Creatures with both Vigilance and First Strike can deal damage before creatures without First Strike during the combat damage step.
• Deathtouch: Creatures with both Vigilance and Deathtouch can kill any creature they deal damage to, regardless of its toughness.

Vigilance in Deckbuilding

Vigilance is a valuable ability in deckbuilding because it allows creatures to attack and block more frequently. This can be a significant advantage in aggressive decks that want to put pressure on their opponents early, or in control decks that want to protect their life total and board position.

Vigilance in MTG History

Vigilance was first introduced in the MTG expansion “Mirrodin” in 2003. It has since become a staple of the game, appearing in many expansions and sets.

Question & Answer Hub: What Is Vigilance Mtg

What does it mean for a creature to be tapped?

Tapping a creature in MTG signifies that it has been used for a specific action, such as attacking or using an ability. A tapped creature cannot attack, block, or use abilities that require it to be untapped.

How does Vigilance affect a creature’s combat abilities?

Vigilance allows creatures to attack and block during combat without becoming tapped. This means that Vigilant creatures can engage in multiple combat phases without losing their ability to defend or strike.

What are some examples of MTG cards that grant Vigilance?

Numerous MTG cards grant Vigilance to creatures, including cards like “Ajani’s Pridemate,” “Knight of the White Orchid,” and “Basri’s Lieutenant.”

How can Vigilance impact deckbuilding strategies?

Vigilance is a valuable attribute for decks that rely on aggressive strategies or control strategies. Vigilant creatures can maintain their presence on the battlefield, providing consistent offense and defense.