A-Tyvar Kell MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Mythic |
| Type | Legendary Planeswalker — Tyvar |
| Released | 2021-02-05 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Kaldheim |
| Set code | KHM |
| Loyalty | 4 |
| Number | A-198 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Chris Rallis |
Key Takeaways
- Tyvar Kell excels in elf decks, granting card draw with each elf spell or elf entering the battlefield.
- He ramps mana by untapping lands, creating opportunities for earlier and more impactful plays.
- His versatility comes from loyalty abilities utilisable at instant speed, adding strategic depth.
Text of card
Elves you control have ": Add ."
+1: Put two +1/+1 counters on up to one target Elf. Untap it. It gains deathtouch until end of turn.
0: Create a 1/1 green Elf Warrior creature token.
-7: You get an emblem with "Whenever you cast an Elf spell, it gains haste until end of turn and you draw two cards."
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Tyvar Kell shines in providing card advantage, particularly in elf-focused decks. His ability to create card draw opportunities each time an elf enters the battlefield under your control or casts an elf spell ensures a consistent flow of options in your hand, thereby maintaining pressure and outmaneuvering opponents over the course of the game.
Resource Acceleration: Speaking to resource acceleration, Tyvar can untap a target land when an elf enters the battlefield, ramping up your mana resources and opening the door for more significant plays earlier in the game. This can be particularly game-changing in early turns, setting up explosive plays that can outpace your opponent.
Instant Speed: While Tyvar Kell himself isn’t cast at instant speed, his loyalty abilities can be activated at any time you could cast an instant. This flexibility allows you to adapt to the board state, making pivotal decisions at the most opportune moments – whether that’s untapping a land during the opponent’s end step or creating card advantage in response to an action.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing Tyvar Kell means you are often required to discard another elf card to unleash the most potent abilities. This can strain your hand, especially when you are trying to maintain a presence on the board and in need of all available resources.
Specific Mana Cost: Tyvar Kell demands a strict commitment to black and green mana to cast, which may not synergize well with multicolored decks that need flexibility in their mana base. This can limit the card’s inclusion to mainly Golgari decks or those that can reliably produce both colors.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that includes specific colors and runs on the higher side, it competes with other four-cost cards that can potentially provide immediate impact or more versatile effects. Its cost makes it a significant investment, and in fast-paced games, this can be a discernible drawback.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: A-Tyvar Kell offers a broad array of strategic options across different playstyles. With its ability to interact with elves and mana, it can be a significant addition to elf tribal decks or any setup that benefits from ramping and mana manipulation.
Combo Potential: This planeswalker can be a keystone in combos that revolve around untapping creatures or generating large amounts of mana. Its loyalty abilities complement strategies looking to capitalize on these mechanics.
Meta-Relevance: Given the ever-shifting landscape of the MTG meta, a card like A-Tyvar Kell retains its value due to its ability to affect the battlefield state significantly, making it a worthy contender in decks that aim to stay ahead in the current competitive environment.
How to beat
Tyvar Kell presents a dynamic challenge on the battlefield. With his unique ability to untap Elves and his emblem giving them deathtouch, Tyvar Kell can rapidly take over a game if left unchecked. Overcoming a card with such a strong synergy with Elves hinges on interrupting this synergy and handling the planeswalker directly.
Efficient removal spells are your friend here. Direct damage spells or those that can target planeswalkers are essential, such as Hero’s Downfall or Murderous Rider. Also, board wipes like Wrath of God can clear the slate of Elves Tyvar Kell may have empowered, reducing his impact on the game. It’s crucial to keep the board under control so that when Tyvar Kell enters the fray, you aren’t immediately overwhelmed by his abilities.
Having a strategy to counter Tyvar’s abilities can be the difference between victory and defeat. Pay close attention to your removal spells and always be mindful of the board state. When played smartly, your deck can stand steadfast against the onslaught Tyvar Kell aims to bring to the table.
Cards like A-Tyvar Kell
Tyvar Kell is a standout card among planeswalker options in Magic: The Gathering. Its closest comparison would be to Elspeth, Knight-Errant, as both provide immediate board impact by generating tokens. However, Tyvar brings a unique synergy to elf decks, enabling untapped potential by providing those creatures with haste, thus enabling immediate utility. Elspeth, while versatile, does not have the same tribal focus.
Another similar card is Kiora, Behemoth Beckoner. Both planeswalkers come at a low mana cost and have the ability to untap a creature or land. Yet, Tyvar Kell’s dedication to elf synergies gives it an edge in specific deck builds, whereas Kiora shines in ramping strategies that aren’t as tribe-focused. Garruk Wildspeaker is also in the mix, with his ability to untap lands potentially accelerating gameplay. However, Garruk’s overall theme leans more towards beast and creature advantage, rather than the elf tribal support Tyvar Kell offers.
Ultimately, Tyvar’s unique elf synergies and potential for immediate impact make it a valuable card for players running elf tribal decks. It carves its own niche as a tribal planeswalker, enhancing the capabilities of elf strategies within Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to A-Tyvar Kell by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase A-Tyvar Kell MTG card by a specific set like Kaldheim, 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 A-Tyvar Kell and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where A-Tyvar Kell has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Brawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |