Elven Warhounds MTG Card


Warhounds sway combat dynamics, pressuring opponents and aligning well with aggressive green strategies. Despite demanding card and mana management, its forced block capability can be critical in matches. Understanding Elven Warhounds’ strength and weaknesses is crucial for both utilizing and countering it.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Dog
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

If Elven Warhounds is blocked by any creature, put that creature on top of owner's library.

"If a creature is dumb enough to love you for leashing it, why would you want to follow its lead?" —Mirri of the *Weatherlight*


Cards like Elven Warhounds

Elven Warhounds stands out in the realm of creature cards in Magic: The Gathering as it presents a unique forced block mechanic that is not commonly found in green creatures. Looking for parallels, one could consider Taunting Elf, which also compels all opponent’s creatures to block if able, yet it lacks the substantial 2/2 body that Elven Warhounds offers. Additionally, the Warhounds’ trample ability enhances its potential for damage, a trait Taunting Elf does not share.

Another card echoing this mechanic is Lure, an enchantment that can be attached to any creature, obliging opponents to block the enchanted creature. However, unlike Elven Warhounds, which is a creature itself, Lure requires a separate creature and is susceptible to two-for-one removal scenarios. Moreover, Prized Unicorn mimics this mechanic, yet it trades off the trample ability for a lower casting cost, positioning Elven Warhounds as the more formidable option for ensuring damage goes through to an opponent.

Examining these comparisons showcases how Elven Warhounds blends both offensive pressure with strategic board control in a way that few other cards can. Its inherent abilities make it a valuable asset for players who wish to dictate combat dynamics within their Magic: The Gathering matches.

Taunting Elf - MTG Card versions
Lure - MTG Card versions
Prized Unicorn - MTG Card versions
Taunting Elf - MTG Card versions
Lure - MTG Card versions
Prized Unicorn - MTG Card versions

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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Elven Warhounds can be a significant intimidation on the battlefield, pressuring your opponent to block unfavorably and potentially slimming down their defenses. While not directly offering card draw, it influences board presence in your favor, which is just as good as gaining card advantage at times.

Resource Acceleration: Although Elven Warhounds doesn’t inherently provide mana acceleration, its ability to trample over smaller creatures can help keep the battlefield clear. This indirectly aids in resource acceleration by allowing your larger threats to swing through or by keeping key mana dorks protected for continued ramp.

Instant Speed: While the Elven Warhounds operates at sorcery speed, its impact during your combat phase can force decisions from your opponent as if it had instant speed utility. Knowing when to attack with it or when to hold back can be as crucial as timing an instant, creating pseudo ‘instant speed’ strategic depth during the combat phase.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Playing Elven Warhounds can be a strategic misstep if you’re forced to let go of essential cards in your hand, diminishing your tactical advantages as the game progresses.

Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a very specific mana setup to be played which ties you to a green-centric mana base, potentially hampering the fluidity of multicolor deck strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Investing four mana for a creature of this nature might not be the most mana-efficient move, especially when there are numerous other creatures that offer greater impact and versatility for a similar or lower mana investment.


Reasons to Include Elven Warhounds in Your Collection

Versatility: Elven Warhounds offers an adaptable game piece for various deck strategies. As a creature card, it can serve a role in aggressive, midrange, and even some control decks that can capitalize on forcing opponents to block disadvantageously.

Combo Potential: This card’s ability to compel an opponent’s creature to block it opens up numerous tactical plays. Utilizing it alongside cards that benefit from combat, like those with death triggers or those that grow stronger when creatures die, can create powerful and unexpected board states.

Meta-Relevance: Against decks that aim to preserve specific creature combos or protect their life total meticulously, Elven Warhounds can disrupt strategies by mandating unfavorable blocks. This tactical advantage can make it a relevant choice depending on the shifting landscape of competitive play.


Understanding the Elven Warhounds

The Elven Warhounds card in Magic: The Gathering is a unique creature card, one that demands a different strategic approach than your average threat. This creature has a notable ability that can force various scenarios during a match. When it attacks, all opponent’s lands become tapped if they do not block it. This card, a reminiscent of the old stompy decks, aligns with the aggressive nature of Green creatures in the game. Its strength lies in creating a dilemma for the opponent – either block and possibly lose a creature or leave it unblocked and deal with tapped lands on your next turn which could prove to be a significant setback.

How to beat

Countering the Elven Warhounds requires precise maneuvering, as it turns usual combat decisions into pivotal moments. Ideally, you’ll want to employ cards that can neutralize it without engaging in combat. Spot removal spells are effective against the Warhounds, swiftly taking them out before their ability causes any disruption. Consider utilizing instant-speed removal to retain the flexibility of your gameplay. Cards that can exile or bounce the Warhounds back to the hand can also disrupt your opponent’s rhythm, nullifying any advantage they hoped to gain. Therefore, the key to beating the Elven Warhounds is to maintain control, remove them decisively, and prevent the opponent from manipulating your land resources to their advantage.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Elven Warhounds MTG card by a specific set like Tempest and The List, 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 Elven Warhounds and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Elven Warhounds Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1997-10-14 and 1997-10-14. Illustrated by Kev Walker.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11997-10-14TempestTMP 2251997NormalBlackKev Walker
22020-09-26The ListPLST TMP-2251997NormalBlackKev Walker

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Elven Warhounds has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal