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Playing a powerful creature in the Magic: The Gathering card game can be risky, as the opponent may have a removal spell in hand. Even if it cost you a ton of mana to cast your beloved creature, it’s always vulnerable to being destroyed. If you’re looking to protect your prized creatures from a cheap Cut Down or Hero’s Dfall card, try adding more creatures with the Ward keyword to your deck. Here is an explanation of the Ward keyword in Magic the Gathering.
How does Ward work in Magic The Gathering?
If an opponent selects a card protected by a spell or ability, must pay ward cost, or its attack will be immediately countered. Next to the Ward keyword on a card, there is a number. This number is the cost of Ward and can be paid with any type of mana. For example, if you had Tomakul’s Honor Guard on the battlefield and an opponent tried to cast Cut Down, they must pay two mana along with the spell’s cost. If they refuse, their spell fades and goes to their graveyard.
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Some creatures, like the dwarven forgesinger, require no mana for their shield cost. Instead, they demand two lives. The Ward keyword forces your opponent to determine if attacking you is worth the mana. It’s especially effective in Commander games, as it protects your creatures when it’s not your turn. Although Ward costs rarely exceed two or three mana, they still make your opponent uncomfortable and protect your creatures from cheap removal spells.
For more Magic The Gathering guides, check out the Kamigawa Neon Dynasty Draft Guide here on MyFullGames.