MTG graveyard shenanigans come to life with Syr Konrad, the Grim

Here's a royal court legendary knight.

Eldraine Promo Art Magic Throne of Eldraine
Image via Wizards of the Coast Magic: The Gathering

Syr Konrad, the Grim plans to capitalize on graveyard tactics in Magic: The Gathering while incorporating the Throne of Eldraine fairy tale theme.

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Syr is a legendary Uncommon focusing on Mono-Black spoilers within the Throne of Eldraine (ELD) set releasing on Oct. 4. Black is known for capitalizing on graveyard tactics, along with sacrificing creatures to gain an advantage. 

Syr Konrad, the Grim MTG Throne of Eldraine
Image via Wizards of the Coast Magic: The Gathering

The design of Syr Konrad, the Grim plays off a royal theme of knights within ELD that’s being featured in every color, according to Magic designer Gavin Verhey. 

“Every color in Eldraine has its own royal court of knights” Verhey told IGN. “We wanted to make sure there were plenty of cool, monocolor legendary knights running around—and so we made Syr Konrad to make sure black had one at uncommon.”

Costing five mana (two black), Syr Konrad, the Grim isn’t a cheap legendary card. As a five/four, its value isn’t great but the static ability triggers attached to Syr Konrad are. When used with cards like Bone Splinters and Dreadmalkin, Mono-Black decks gain the advantage of non-combat damage while capitalizing on removal and counters to beef up cheap creatures on the battlefield.

The combo potential found with Teysa Karlov in Orzhov decks takes Syr Konrad, the Grim to additional heights, causing the one damage to trigger an additional time. 

And let’s not forget the potential Syr Konrad, the Grim has in Commander and the upcoming Brawl format to MTG Arena. As a legendary creature, Syr Konrad is an ideal commander.

Throne of Eldraine releases on Oct. 4 with a pre-release event taking place from Sept. 27 to 29. Players on MTG Arena and MTGO will have access to the set on Sept. 27. 

Author
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Danny Forster
Staff writer, lead beat writer for MTG and TFT
Danny has been writing for Dot Esports for over five years, first as a freelancer and now as a staff writer. He is the lead beat writer for Magic: The Gathering and Teamfight Tactics. Danny is also a solid Monopoly GO player, having beaten every main event without spending a dime. When Danny isn't writing or gaming, he's chilling by the water in Spacecoast Florida with his family and friends. He's always got a tan, because touching grass is important, and loves playing strategic digital and tabletop games. Past outlets Danny has written for include TheGamer and ScreenRant.