Gideon Jura

briarhorn:

So I’ve never been into Planeswalkers before. They seem a little OP, but now that I’m going to try for tournaments I’ve decided I should start using them.

Gideon confuses me, however, and it’s sad because my favorite Standard color is white.

So his first ability makes the opponent’s creatures attack him during their next turn.

By doing this, you have damned him to death, but its the only way to add loyalty to him without proliferating. I mean, unless you manage to get him out before they have anything, but what are the odds of that? (Probably the same odds as me pulling only land for 21 turns. Yah. Okay.)

So my big thing is, what’s the point of his third ability if you can only activate them during your main phases? Preventing damage to him while their creatures are attacking seems like the reason they put it in there at all. Did I read the rules on Planeswalkers wrong? Can you activate their abilities on the opponent’s turn? Or is this why he’s only $7?

Gideon Jura uses his first ability to make sure you (and your other Planeswalkers) stay safe. He was often partnered with Jace, the Mind Sculptor (before he was banned) in Blue/White control. Gideon Jura is essentially a Time Walk, getting you an extra turn.

Gideon’s second ability would handle any threats that you didn’t have removal for.

Gideon’s last ability is awesome to charge in with when your opponent’s threats are down. Sure, when he swings he can get hit with Doom Blade or such, but you play him normally in control, so you have an answer for it. Or you just cast another Gideon Jura you got because your draw is good and you have him in hand anyway.