Magic The Gathering Ward

Ed Bradley

2 min read

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02-12-2024

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Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is a game of intricate strategy and powerful spells, and understanding the nuances of its mechanics is crucial for success. One such mechanic, often misunderstood, is the Ward ability. This post aims to clarify what Wards are, how they function, and their strategic implications within the game.

What is a Ward?

A Ward is a keyword ability that first appeared in the Modern Horizons set. It acts as a protective shield, triggering when a creature with Ward enters the battlefield. The crucial aspect is that an opponent must pay a specified cost (usually mana) to keep the creature from being targeted by spells or abilities. If they don't pay the cost, the spell or ability is countered, and the Ward creature remains safe.

How Ward Works: A Step-by-Step Explanation

1. Creature Enters the Battlefield: A creature with Ward enters the battlefield under your control.

2. Targeting Occurs: An opponent attempts to target the creature with a spell or ability (this includes targeting for removal, combat tricks, or other effects).

3. Ward Triggers: The Ward ability triggers, requiring the opponent to pay a specified cost, usually a number of mana, equal to the Ward's cost printed on the card.

4. Cost Paid or Not?:

   • Cost Paid: The opponent pays the mana cost. The spell or ability resolves normally, potentially affecting the warded creature.
   • Cost Not Paid: The opponent chooses not to pay the mana cost. The spell or ability is countered. The warded creature is unaffected.

Strategic Implications of Ward

The Ward ability offers significant defensive capabilities. It's particularly effective against:

• Removal Spells: Spells designed to destroy or exile creatures, such as Doom Blade or Path to Exile, are rendered ineffective unless the opponent pays the Ward cost.

• Board Wipes: While Ward doesn't protect against mass-removal spells that don't target, it can still significantly impact their efficiency, forcing opponents to expend additional resources to deal with warded creatures.

• Targeted Effects: This includes effects that alter a creature's power, toughness, or other attributes, that target the specific creature.

However, Ward has limitations:

• Non-Targeted Effects: Ward does not protect against effects that aren't targeted. These include board wipes like Wrath of God or effects that affect all creatures.

• Mana Cost: The mana cost to overcome Ward can be substantial, making it a significant resource investment for opponents. However, in some matchups, the cost might be negligible.

• Timing: Ward only protects against spells and abilities that target the creature after it enters the battlefield.

Conclusion: Ward in Your Deck

Ward is a powerful defensive tool, but its effectiveness hinges on the specific deck it's included in and the metagame it faces. Careful consideration of its mana cost, the opponent's removal suite, and the overall game plan is essential for maximizing its value. Choosing to include creatures with Ward in your deck demands a strategic understanding of its potential and limitations.