Hisoka's Guard MTG Card


Hisoka’s Guard is advantageous for scrying, aiding in card selection to secure victories. Instant speed casting allows flexibility, enabling spontaneous and strategic in-game responses. Discarding for cost and specific mana needs may restrict versatility and early-game momentum.
Hisoka's Guard - Champions of Kamigawa
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Human Wizard
Released2004-10-01
Set symbol
Set nameChampions of Kamigawa
Set codeCHK
Power 1
Toughness 1
Number68
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byWayne England

Text of card

You may choose not to untap Hisoka's Guard during your untap step. , : As long as Hisoka's Guard remains tapped, target creature you control other than Hisoka's Guard can't be the target of spells or abilities.


Cards like Hisoka's Guard

Hisoka’s Guard is an interesting element within the realm of creature cards in MTG. It shares similarities with other cards that also offer the ability to counter spells, much like the classic Counterspell, although Hisoka’s Guard requires the creature itself to be on the battlefield to utilize its effect, presenting a unique layer to gameplay dynamics. Likewise, Mizzium Meddler echoes traits of Hisoka’s Guard by redirecting spells, although it does so at the moment of casting rather than countering.

Similarly, creatures like Glen Elendra Archmage bring to the table the counterplay synonymous with Hisoka’s Guard, albeit with nuanced differences. The Archmage allows for recurring negation thanks to persist, yet requires an initial mana investment for its ability. Hisoka’s Guard, on the other hand, provides a static ability throughout its presence on the field without further costs.

When comparing these card interactions and defensive capabilities, Hisoka’s Guard offers a distinctive and preemptive approach to spell counter strategy, positioning itself as a specialized and tactical choice for players keen on maintaining control over the game via creature-based interplay.

Counterspell - MTG Card versions
Mizzium Meddler - MTG Card versions
Glen Elendra Archmage - MTG Card versions
Counterspell - MTG Card versions
Mizzium Meddler - MTG Card versions
Glen Elendra Archmage - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Hisoka's Guard by color, type and mana cost

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Vodalian Soldiers - MTG Card versions
Zephyr Falcon - MTG Card versions
Giant Albatross - MTG Card versions
Phantasmal Sphere - MTG Card versions
Skyshroud Condor - MTG Card versions
School of Piranha - MTG Card versions
Coral Merfolk - MTG Card versions
Wu Light Cavalry - MTG Card versions
Sea Eagle - MTG Card versions
Overtaker - MTG Card versions
Hazy Homunculus - MTG Card versions
Darting Merfolk - MTG Card versions
Thought Eater - MTG Card versions
Spellstutter Sprite - MTG Card versions
Sneaky Homunculus - MTG Card versions
Coral Eel - MTG Card versions
Storm Crow - MTG Card versions
Aquamoeba - MTG Card versions
Soratami Cloudskater - MTG Card versions
Minamo Sightbender - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Hisoka’s Guard can help you cycle through your deck faster with its scry ability, potentially helping you find the right tools for victory.

Resource Acceleration: This card may contribute to your board presence, acting as both a potential blocker or an enabler for synergies that require creatures on the battlefield, thereby indirectly accelerating your resource development.

Instant Speed: Hisoka’s Guard can be cast at instant speed, giving you the flexibility to respond to threats or to bluff holding up more complex and disruptive plays until just the right moment during your opponent’s turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Hisoka’s Guard necessitates discarding another card as part of its casting cost, which can deplete your hand and reduce your strategic options, particularly in the early game when hand size is critical for maintaining momentum.

Specific Mana Cost: With a casting requirement that includes one blue mana, this card fits primarily into blue-heavy or blue-inclusive decks. This specificity can limit deck diversity and make Hisoka’s Guard less adaptable to various deck builds that don’t focus on blue mana sources.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Deploying Hisoka’s Guard requires three mana, which, for a creature that offers protection abilities, might be considered a costly investment. Other cards in the same mana range may offer either stronger creatures or additional abilities that provide greater versatility or board presence.


Reasons to Include Hisoka’s Guard in Your Collection

Versatility: Hisoka’s Guard offers flexibility as it can serve as both an early blocker and a means to protect more critical creatures later in the game. The card’s ability to shield your key creatures from targeted spells makes it a valuable addition to blue-centric strategies that aim to preserve their board state.

Combo Potential: Given its ability to redirect spells, this creature can work well within decks that leverage spell-based combinations. It can help maintain the integrity of intricate combos by effectively keeping essential combo pieces secure from direct removal or disruption attempts.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where removal spells and targeted disruption are rampant, Hisoka’s Guard becomes exceedingly beneficial. As the meta shifts towards strategies that rely on pinpoint precision to dismantle an opponent’s setup, having Hisoka’s Guard can be a game-changer by maintaining your board presence under duress.


How to Beat

Hisoka’s Guard proves to be a clever protective measure for players in MTG. It acts as a sentinel, ready to counter threats by returning creatures to their owner’s hand, which can be a roadblock for opponents relying on battlefield presence. But how do you outsmart this guard?

Removal spells that don’t target, such as board wipes, can effectively circumvent Hisoka’s Guard’s ability, clearing the way for your assault. Also, spells that restrict actions, like those preventing the casting of blue spells or abilities, can neutralize the guard without needing to address it directly.

Adding pressure with non-creature strategies, like burn spells or enchantments that deal damage over time, can reduce the effectiveness of Hisoka’s Guard. By diversifying your threat portfolio beyond mere creatures, you ensure that Hisoka’s Guard becomes less of an obstacle, allowing you to continue your game plan unimpeded.

In essence, while Hisoka’s Guard may appear daunting, with thoughtful strategy and diverse tactics, you can overcome this obstacle and maintain the upper hand in your MTG matchups.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Hisoka's Guard MTG card by a specific set like Champions of Kamigawa, 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 Hisoka's Guard and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Hisoka's Guard has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal