Shady Informant MTG Card


Gains strategic advantage by revealing opponents’ upcoming draws, setting the stage for counterplays. Threatens opponents’ tempo by compelling discards, tilting resource balance in your favor. Flexible use at instant speed maintains control over game flow and opponent’s decisions.
Shady Informant - Murders at Karlov Manor
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Ogre Rogue
Abilities Disguise
Released2024-02-09
Set symbol
Set nameMurders at Karlov Manor
Set codeMKM
Power 4
Toughness 2
Number231
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byCaio Monteiro

Text of card

When Shady Informant dies, it deals 2 damage to any target. Disguise {BR}{BR} (You may cast this card face down for as a 2/2 creature with ward . Turn it face up any time for its disguise cost.)

Rakdos snitches rarely survive to get stitches.


Cards like Shady Informant

The Shady Informant has carved its niche within the realm of creature-based utility cards in Magic: The Gathering. It’s akin to cards like Baleful Strix, another creature that provides value beyond just its combat abilities. Baleful Strix offers card draw upon entering the battlefield whereas Shady Informant leans into the realm of information gathering, peeking into an opponent’s hand with its “enter the battlefield” effect.

Another card that echoes the influence of Shady Informant is Kitesail Freebooter. It shares the functionality of disrupting an opponent’s hand, although the Freebooter allows for the temporary removal of nonland cards which can tangibly affect the board state. While the Informant doesn’t remove the revealed card, the knowledge gained can still shape players’ strategies significantly. Lastly, we consider Tidehollow Sculler which also examines and exiles a card from an opponent’s hand, but it’s tied to a conditional clause that can return that card should the Sculler leave the field.

Subjecting these cards to scrutiny, Shady Informant presents itself as a strategic piece for any player aiming to anticipate and navigate the opponent’s potential moves, adding a layer of psychological warfare to the match. Comparable options offer varying degrees of disruption, but the Informant’s blend of reconnaissance and pressure makes it a unique asset on the board.

Baleful Strix - MTG Card versions
Kitesail Freebooter - MTG Card versions
Tidehollow Sculler - MTG Card versions
Baleful Strix - MTG Card versions
Kitesail Freebooter - MTG Card versions
Tidehollow Sculler - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Shady Informant by color, type and mana cost

Tor Wauki - MTG Card versions
Boris Devilboon - MTG Card versions
Boltwing Marauder - MTG Card versions
Obosh, the Preypiercer - MTG Card versions
Mishra, Tamer of Mak Fawa - MTG Card versions
Demigod of Revenge - MTG Card versions
Dread Slag - MTG Card versions
Cultbrand Cinder - MTG Card versions
Kulrath Knight - MTG Card versions
Lightning Reaver - MTG Card versions
Monstrous Carabid - MTG Card versions
Spawn of Rix Maadi - MTG Card versions
Rakdos Ragemutt - MTG Card versions
Master of Cruelties - MTG Card versions
Underworld Cerberus - MTG Card versions
Kragma Warcaller - MTG Card versions
Nightfire Giant - MTG Card versions
Kolaghan, the Storm's Fury - MTG Card versions
The Scorpion God - MTG Card versions
Grusilda, Monster Masher - MTG Card versions
Tor Wauki - MTG Card versions
Boris Devilboon - MTG Card versions
Boltwing Marauder - MTG Card versions
Obosh, the Preypiercer - MTG Card versions
Mishra, Tamer of Mak Fawa - MTG Card versions
Demigod of Revenge - MTG Card versions
Dread Slag - MTG Card versions
Cultbrand Cinder - MTG Card versions
Kulrath Knight - MTG Card versions
Lightning Reaver - MTG Card versions
Monstrous Carabid - MTG Card versions
Spawn of Rix Maadi - MTG Card versions
Rakdos Ragemutt - MTG Card versions
Master of Cruelties - MTG Card versions
Underworld Cerberus - MTG Card versions
Kragma Warcaller - MTG Card versions
Nightfire Giant - MTG Card versions
Kolaghan, the Storm's Fury - MTG Card versions
The Scorpion God - MTG Card versions
Grusilda, Monster Masher - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
DecklistDecklist Free form86#CS

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Shady Informant facilitates a peek into the future plays of your opponents by letting you see their next draw, giving you the upper hand by preparing counters and strategies in advance.

Resource Acceleration: This card can potentially disrupt your opponent’s resource planning. By forcing them to discard a key card, Shady Informant can slow down their game tempo while you accelerate yours.

Instant Speed: The ability to disrupt your opponent’s draw at instant speed makes Shady Informant a versatile tool. You can decide the best moment to play it, either in response to an action or during their draw step, maintaining fluidity in your gameplay.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Shady Informant requires you to pitch another card, potentially draining valuable resources from your hand. This can be especially tough if the game is already putting pressure on your card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a precise mana setup, with black mana being essential for casting. This may not always align well with decks that run multiple colors or those that struggle with mana consistency.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana value, Shady Informant stands on the pricier side for its effects. Savvy players may find other creatures or spells that provide similar or even better benefits without the steep cost.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Shady Informant proves its worth by slotting seamlessly into various deck types, proving valuable in strategies focused on information gathering and opponent hand disruption.

Combo Potential: This card can be a linchpin in combos that revolve around knowledge of the opponent’s hand, paving the way for pinpoint discard strategies or leveraging the information for tactical advantages.

Meta-Relevance: With a game environment that often prioritizes hand knowledge and disruption tactics, Shady Informant can play a critical role in gaining the upper hand against decks that rely on specific cards to win.


How to beat Shady Informant

Shady Informant presents a unique blend of gameplay mechanics that can be quite tricky in Magic: The Gathering. Not only does it act as an early creature on the battlefield, but it also enables a player to peek at the opponent’s hand, potentially disrupting their strategies by gaining information. This informant may not seem intimidating due to its lower power and toughness, but the foresight it grants can shape the course of a match.

To effectively counteract Shady Informant, consider using removal spells that can deal with low-toughness creatures without expending significant resources, such as Fatal Push or Shock. These are cost-effective ways to handle such threats before they can provide a strategic advantage to your opponent. Additionally, playing cards that limit the usefulness of hand-revealing abilities, like Leyline of Sanctity or Witchbane Orb, can neutralize the informant’s espionage.

When facing a deck that incorporates Shady Informant, keeping one’s own hand fluid with cards like Opt or cycling cards helps to minimize the informant’s impact, ensuring that the precious insights gleaned won’t compromise your game plan. Ultimately, remember that Shady Informant, while potentially informative, is a creature easily managed with the right tactics and efficient spell usage.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Shady Informant 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 Shady Informant and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Shady Informant has restrictions

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