Azure Fleet Admiral MTG Card


The Admiral’s ability to grant Monarch status offers a card advantage and can shift the game’s momentum. While the card bolsters your strategy, its specific mana needs and higher cost pose potential drawbacks. Strategic removals and controlling Monarch status are key to overpowering Azure Fleet Admiral in play.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Human Pirate
Power 3
Toughness 3

Text of card

When Azure Fleet Admiral enters the battlefield, you become the monarch. Azure Fleet Admiral can't be blocked by creatures the monarch controls.

"Your concern for my safety is touching, but as long as your gunners remain reliably erratic, I see no reason to change course." —Admiral Yelise, to Commodore Axurik


Cards like Azure Fleet Admiral

Azure Fleet Admiral is a unique entry in the realm of Magic: The Gathering that brings with it the moniker of a pirate as well as the powerful monarch mechanic. In examining cards with similar abilities, we notice Skywinder Drake, which is also recognized for evasion with its flying ability. However, Azure Fleet Admiral’s edge lies in granting you monarch status, which isn’t something the Drake can boast about.

Another card that echoes the Admiral’s presence in gameplay is Canal Courier. While holding a similar ability to confer the monarch status upon dealing combat damage to a player, the significant difference is in the mana cost and power—Canal Courier demands more from your mana pool and offers a bit more in terms of toughness. Attack and defense aside, it’s the ability to become the monarch that anchors their comparability.

Thus, analyzing the treasure trove of Magic: The Gathering cards, it’s evident that Azure Fleet Admiral offers a blend of tactical advantage and a path to draw additional cards through the monarch ability. Such a strategy whispers promises of an upper hand in the tides of battle, making it a standout choice amongst its peers.

Skywinder Drake - MTG Card versions
Canal Courier - MTG Card versions
Skywinder Drake - MTG Card versions
Canal Courier - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Azure Fleet Admiral by color, type and mana cost

Phantasmal Forces - MTG Card versions
Phantom Monster - MTG Card versions
Wall of Vapor - MTG Card versions
Tradewind Rider - MTG Card versions
Archivist - MTG Card versions
Thieving Magpie - MTG Card versions
Inga Rune-Eyes - MTG Card versions
Sakashima of a Thousand Faces - MTG Card versions
Laboratory Drudge - MTG Card versions
Johnny, Combo Player - MTG Card versions
Dream Prowler - MTG Card versions
Clone - MTG Card versions
Cytoplast Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Crookclaw Transmuter - MTG Card versions
Dreamborn Muse - MTG Card versions
Turtleshell Changeling - MTG Card versions
Glen Elendra Archmage - MTG Card versions
Fatestitcher - MTG Card versions
Argent Sphinx - MTG Card versions
Lumengrid Drake - MTG Card versions
Phantasmal Forces - MTG Card versions
Phantom Monster - MTG Card versions
Wall of Vapor - MTG Card versions
Tradewind Rider - MTG Card versions
Archivist - MTG Card versions
Thieving Magpie - MTG Card versions
Inga Rune-Eyes - MTG Card versions
Sakashima of a Thousand Faces - MTG Card versions
Laboratory Drudge - MTG Card versions
Johnny, Combo Player - MTG Card versions
Dream Prowler - MTG Card versions
Clone - MTG Card versions
Cytoplast Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Crookclaw Transmuter - MTG Card versions
Dreamborn Muse - MTG Card versions
Turtleshell Changeling - MTG Card versions
Glen Elendra Archmage - MTG Card versions
Fatestitcher - MTG Card versions
Argent Sphinx - MTG Card versions
Lumengrid Drake - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Azure Fleet Admiral. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
URUR PauperPauper League 2024-04-27
Izzet FaeriesIzzet Faeries PauperIzzet FaeriesPauper Challenge 32 2024-05-04
UU LegacyLegacy Challenge 32 2024-05-04

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Azure Fleet Admiral unravels new strategic depths for players by providing access to Monarch, a keyword that may grant you an extra card draw at the end of your turn. This steady influx of cards can tip the scales in your favor, offering a consistent source of new options and answers.

Resource Acceleration: As a commander in your fleet, the Admiral facilitates smoother gameplay by not only being a dependable creature on the battlefield but also possibly assisting you in becoming the Monarch, thus accelerating your resources as you reap the benefits of additional card draws each turn.

Instant Speed: While the Admiral itself isn’t an instant, the political sway and immediacy of becoming the Monarch can force opponents to make hasty decisions, playing into your hands as they attempt to dethrone you at a pace that may not be ideal for their own strategy.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: When playing Azure Fleet Admiral, being compelled to discard another card can pose a strategic setback, especially at critical moments when your hand size is dwindling and each card holds significant value.

Specific Mana Cost: This mono-blue card requires blue mana which can sometimes hinder your deck’s flexibility, particularly in multicolored decks that might struggle to consistently produce the necessary blue mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The casting cost for Azure Fleet Admiral falls on the higher side when evaluating its effect in the game, potentially making it a less attractive option when considering other cards with similar functionalities but lower mana investments.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Azure Fleet Admiral isn’t locked into one single strategy, comfortably fitting into a variety of deck archetypes. It’s a valued card for decks that capitalize on the Monarch mechanic, enabling players to draw extra cards each turn.

Combo Potential: With this card, you’re not just getting an aggressive creature, but also the opportunity to become the Monarch, which can be tactically combined with cards that trigger whenever you draw a card or when you have the Monarch status, reinforcing your gameplay significantly.

Meta-Relevance: Given its intrinsic value in multiplayer formats where the Monarch mechanic shines, Azure Fleet Admiral holds its ground in those metas, offering a consistent advantage to the players who can maintain the crown and fend off opponents effectively.


How to beat Azure Fleet Admiral

Encountering Azure Fleet Admiral in a game can be a substantial obstacle due to its ability to become unblockable when you have the monarch status. A practical approach to outmaneuver this adversary is to focus on removing or neutralizing it before it can swing the game’s momentum. Tactics involving instant-speed removal spells like Path to Exile or Assassin’s Trophy can efficiently deal with the Admiral before it deals damage. Another method is to manipulate the monarch mechanic itself, employing cards such as Palace Jailer to seize the crown, thereby disabling the admiral’s unblockability.

Moreover, it is essential to hinder your opponent’s ability to reclaim the monarch status once you obtain it. Implementing creatures with vigilance or flash can fortify your defense while maintaining pressure on your opponent. Additionally, countering key spells that would restore their monarch status or deploying effects that restrict their ability to attack successfully can help ensure that the tide of battle remains in your favor, negating the Azure Fleet Admiral’s advantage.

The key is to plan strategically and control the pace of the game, deploying your resources at the right moments to undermine the influence of Azure Fleet Admiral on the board and maintain supremacy throughout the match.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dive into the strategy and enjoy the thrill of becoming the Monarch with Azure Fleet Admiral, a power play that can give your game an edge. The card’s ability to draw you into the sovereignty of Monarch, coupled with the potential rewards of card advantage, deserves a slot in your deck. Whether it’s building around the Monarch mechanic or fine-tuning your blue-based strategies, Azure Fleet Admiral stands as an intriguing option. Keep your arsenal unpredictable and maintain your dominance in the multiplayer arena. Let’s navigate the seas of MTG together—your guide to mastering Azure Fleet Admiral awaits.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Azure Fleet Admiral MTG card by a specific set like Commander Legends and The Lost Caverns of Ixalan Commander, 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 Azure Fleet Admiral and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Azure Fleet Admiral Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2020-11-20 and 2023-11-17. Illustrated by Sidharth Chaturvedi.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12020-11-20Commander LegendsCMR 582015NormalBlackSidharth Chaturvedi
22023-11-17The Lost Caverns of Ixalan CommanderLCC 1442015NormalBlackSidharth Chaturvedi

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Azure Fleet Admiral has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Azure Fleet Admiral card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2020-11-10 Azure Fleet Admiral's last ability normally means that it can't be blocked while attacking the monarch or a planeswalker the monarch controls. In some variants with shared team turns, such as Two-Headed Giant, creatures controlled by the monarch's teammate can block Azure Fleet Admiral, even if it's attacking the monarch.
2020-11-10 If combat damage dealt to the monarch causes that player to lose the game, the triggered ability that causes the controller of the attacking creature to become the monarch doesn't resolve. In most cases, the controller of the attacking creature will still become the monarch as it is likely their turn.
2020-11-10 If the monarch leaves the game during another player's turn, that player becomes the monarch. If the monarch leaves the game during their turn, the next player in turn order becomes the monarch.
2020-11-10 If the triggered ability that causes the monarch to draw a card goes on the stack and a different player becomes the monarch before that ability resolves, the first player will still draw the card.
2020-11-10 The game starts with no monarch. Once an effect makes one player the monarch, the game will have exactly one monarch from that point forward. As a player becomes the monarch, the current monarch (if any) ceases being the monarch.
2020-11-10 There are two inherent triggered abilities associated with being the monarch. These triggered abilities have no source and are controlled by the player who was the monarch at the time the abilities triggered. The full texts of these abilities are "At the beginning of the monarch's end step, that player draws a card" and "Whenever a creature deals combat damage to the monarch, its controller becomes the monarch."