Chalk Outline MTG Card


Chalk Outline excels in card advantage and strategic board control through instant speed play. Requires careful deck construction due to its specific mana cost and discard condition. Its versatility and combo potential make it a relevant choice in varied MTG metagames.
Chalk Outline - Murders at Karlov Manor
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeEnchantment
Abilities Investigate
Released2024-02-09
Set symbol
Set nameMurders at Karlov Manor
Set codeMKM
Number157
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byJulia Griffin

Text of card

Whenever one or more creature cards leave your graveyard, create a 2/2 white and blue Detective creature token, then investigate. (Create a Clue token. It's an artifact with ", Sacrifice this artifact: Draw a card.")

"In your search for a suspect, never forget that the most important person is the victim." —Ezrim, Agency chief


Cards like Chalk Outline

Chalk Outline is a thought-provoking component in MTG’s realm of removal spells. It echoes resemblances with cards such as Fatal Push, which also serve the significant role of eliminating creatures. Nonetheless, Chalk Outline distinguishes itself with the flexibility of targeting, allowing you to remove an opponent’s creature by sacrificing one of your own. Unlike Fatal Push, it does not limit the removal based on the creature’s mana value or a triggered revolt condition.

Alongside this, there’s Bone Splinters, sharing the sacrifice aspect. Bone Splinters is leaner, costing only a single mana, but it’s restricted to sorcery speed. The instant speed of Chalk Outline gives it an edge during game play, affording players the possibility to react swiftly to threats at any turn. Another parallel card is Collateral Damage, which permits the sacrificing of a creature for direct damage rather than creature removal, introducing a strategic variant.

To sum up, while evaluating the strategies and efficiencies amongst creature removal options, Chalk Outline holds its own with distinct advantages in tactical flexibility and responsiveness within competitive MTG play.

Fatal Push - MTG Card versions
Bone Splinters - MTG Card versions
Collateral Damage - MTG Card versions
Fatal Push - MTG Card versions
Bone Splinters - MTG Card versions
Collateral Damage - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Chalk Outline by color, type and mana cost

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Living Lands - MTG Card versions
Titania's Song - MTG Card versions
Arboria - MTG Card versions
Cyclone - MTG Card versions
Primal Order - MTG Card versions
Splintering Wind - MTG Card versions
Barbed Foliage - MTG Card versions
Preferred Selection - MTG Card versions
Aluren - MTG Card versions
Sporogenesis - MTG Card versions
Defense of the Heart - MTG Card versions
Vernal Equinox - MTG Card versions
Foster - MTG Card versions
Overlaid Terrain - MTG Card versions
Rowen - MTG Card versions
Vernal Bloom - MTG Card versions
Epic Struggle - MTG Card versions
Court of Bounty - MTG Card versions
Eidolon of Blossoms - MTG Card versions
Greater Good - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
DecklistDecklist Free formPradas Cup #11 - Delitti al Maniero Karlov - Sponsored by MTGCircle.com
Golgari Insidious RootsGolgari Insidious Roots StandardGolgari Insidious RootsStandard League 2024-03-08
BGBG PioneerPioneer League 2024-02-10
Sultai ComboSultai Combo Standard4c Insidious Roots16 Day2
Sultai Insidious RootsSultai Insidious Roots StandardSultai Insidious RootsGAME ON Store Championship
Golgari MillGolgari Mill StandardSultai Insidious RootsBLACK - FRI - 11AM - Chicago 75K Standard Open
Golgari SacrificeGolgari Sacrifice PioneerNRG Series $10,000 Showdown - Chicagoland, Illinois (Pioneer)

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Chalk Outline offers a unique take on manipulating card dynamics by potentially removing blocker obstacles and opening up the board for strategic attacks. This enhances your position, giving you the upper hand on the play.

Resource Acceleration: Though not directly impacting your mana pool, Chalk Outline can function as a pseudo-resource accelerator by efficiently dealing with threats. This can save mana in the long run, as it avoids the need for multiple cards to deal with one threat, thereby streamlining your mana expenditure.

Instant Speed: The ability to play Chalk Outline at instant speed adds a layer of depth to your gameplay. It allows for more reactionary plays, enabling you to navigate or disrupt your opponent’s moves on their turn. This flexibility can be crucial for maintaining the tempo and making the most of each turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One notable drawback of Chalk Outline is its discard condition. To play it, you’re required to part with another card in your hand, which can be a steep price if you’re running low on cards or if the discarded card is crucial to your strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: Chalk Outline’s mana cost demands both black and white mana, which might not fit seamlessly into every deck. Players not running a black and white deck might find it difficult to accommodate the mana needs of this card, reducing its flexibility across various deck types.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When you assess Chalk Outline in terms of mana efficiency, it may come up short compared to other removal options available. The card’s cost is relatively high for its effect, and in a game where tempo is key, investing four mana in a single-target removal can set you back, especially when faster alternatives exist.


Reasons to Include Chalk Outline in Your Collection

Versatility: Chalk Outline is a tool that can be seamlessly slotted into decks that aim to temporarily remove threats or save a key creature from removal. Its flexible nature makes it a valuable addition to a variety of deck archetypes.

Combo Potential: This card holds potential for synergies in decks that capitalize on flicker or bounce mechanics. By targeting your own creatures, you can reuse enter-the-battlefield effects or evade detrimental spells from your opponents.

Meta-Relevance: In a constantly shifting MTG environment, cards that offer interaction with opponents’ strategies remain crucial. Chalk Outline can be a smart pick when facing a meta that heavily relies on creature-based tactics or if board presence is key to victory.


How to Beat Chalk Outline

Chalk Outline presents itself as a tactical tool for players, offering a unique avenue for creature mitigation. In the diverse world of removal spells, it stands out by temporarily dealing with an opponent’s creature, effectively removing it from the battlefield without destroying it. Much like the subtle workings of the spell, solutions to counteract it are nuanced and require strategic planning.

One smart approach is to use hexproof or shroud-enabling cards, which protect your creatures from becoming targets. This renders Chalk Outline unusable against your most valuable creatures. Additionally, creatures with an enter-the-battlefield effect can turn Chalk Outline’s temporary exile downside into its own downfall. When such creatures return to play, their effects are reactivated, potentially swinging the game back in your favor.

Supporting your game with counterspells can also provide an effective shield against disruptive cards like Chalk Outline. Having a counterspell in hand allows you to ensure your game plan remains uninterrupted. Moreover, deploying instant-speed abilities or spells that return your own creatures to your hand can preemptively save them from exile while also nullifying your opponent’s play, maintaining board presence to your advantage.

Ultimately, understanding and forecasting the potential implications of Chalk Outline is key to defeating it. Careful monitoring of your resources and maintaining a tactical mindset can ensure that this card’s effects are minimal or even beneficial to your overall strategy.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Chalk Outline MTG card by a specific set like Murders at Karlov Manor, 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 Chalk Outline and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Chalk Outline has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
StandardbrawlLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal