Aetherblade Agent // Gitaxian Mindstinger MTG Card
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Phyrexian Rogue |
| Abilities | Deathtouch |
| Released | 2023-04-21 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | March of the Machine |
| Set code | MOM |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 88 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Transform |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Alexander Mokhov |
Text of card
Deathtouch Whenever Gitaxian Mindstinger deals combat damage to a player or battle, draw a card.
. . . but the Chrome Host's methods were far more efficient.
Cards like Aetherblade Agent // Gitaxian Mindstinger
Aetherblade Agent // Gitaxian Mindstinger are intriguing components in the rogue deck arsenal for MTG enthusiasts. The double-faced nature of Aetherblade Agent grants versatility much like the modal double-faced card Gisa and Geralf, which also offers two different abilities depending on which side is played. Nonetheless, the Agent provides a more aggressive stance with its evasive potential and the ability to draw a card upon dealing combat damage to a player.
Comparatively, the Gitaxian Mindstinger comes into play with the powerful mechanic of infect, allowing it to deal damage in the form of -1/-1 counters. This is reminiscent of cards like Blighted Agent, though the Mindstinger trades off unblockability for potentially higher power and synergies in a proliferate strategy. Additionally, its ability to force a player to put cards from their library into their graveyard gives it an edge in milling opponents or setting up graveyard strategies.
Overall, while Aetherblade Agent // Gitaxian Mindstinger stand out with their unique double-sided utility and specific synergies, both cards exemplify the depth and variety found in MTG, providing players with multiple strategic avenues to explore within their decks.
Cards similar to Aetherblade Agent // Gitaxian Mindstinger by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Aetherblade Agent // Gitaxian Mindstinger provides a unique edge by potentially disrupting your opponent’s hand while simultaneously giving you access to additional cards. When played skillfully, this can translate to a substantial card advantage, crucial for controlling the flow of the match.
Resource Acceleration: The versatility of Aetherblade Agent // Gitaxian Mindstinger extends to resource acceleration. This card offers players the chance to refine their deck’s performance, optimizing resource allocation and providing a strategic benefit that can escalate their position in the game rapidly.
Instant Speed: The instant speed capability of Gitaxian Mindstinger, the flip side of Aetherblade Agent, adds a layer of unpredictability and tactical depth. This allows players to act on the fly, holding back on casting until the most opportune moment, thereby maximizing the card’s potential effectiveness and catching opponents off guard.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Both Aetherblade Agent and Gitaxian Mindstinger demand discards for their effects. Such conditions can backfire when you’re already struggling to keep a full grip, potentially leaving you vulnerable to resource depletion.
Specific Mana Cost: Aetherblade Agent has a stringent mana cost that includes both blue and black, restricting it to decks that can manage such a specialized mana base. Similarly, Gitaxian Mindstinger requires both blue mana and life-payment, reflecting Phyrexian mana’s flexibility but also its inherent risk.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana costs for both sides of this card skew on the high end considering the payoff. For instance, the Aetherblade Agent’s mana cost could be seen as steep for its ability set, while more efficient alternatives could fulfill similar roles in a deck without the heavy mana investment.
Reasons to Include Aetherblade Agent // Gitaxian Mindstinger in Your Collection
Versatility: Aetherblade Agent shines in decks built around artifact synergy and evasion tactics. Its ability to become unblockable provides a reliable way to deal combat damage. On the flip side, Gitaxian Mindstinger can be a surprise element against opponents, disrupting their plans by exiling cards from their hand.
Combo Potential: With Aetherblade Agent, there’s potential to create powerful combos in artifact-centric decks, while Gitaxian Mindstinger can serve as a crucial piece in decks aimed at depleting an opponent’s resources. They both open up diverse avenues for synergistic playstyles and intricate strategies.
Meta-Relevance: Depending on the shifting tides of the metagame, the dual nature of this transformative card allows it to adapt and remain relevant. Whether you are facing a heavy creature-based meta or one filled with control decks, having an unblockable threat or a hand-disruption mechanic can prove to be an effective trump card.
How to beat
The Aetherblade Agent // Gitaxian Mindstinger card presents a unique challenge on the battlefield, incorporating not just one but two potential game-altering faces. This dual card features the Agent, a form that excels in evasion, and the Mindstinger, which disrupts opponents by targeting their hand. Overcoming such a versatile threat requires astute gameplay and a well-structured deck.
Key is to anticipate the Aetherblade Agent’s arrival with removal spells that can handle creatures with hexproof or have a universal impact without targeting, like board wipes. Cards such as Wrath of God or Damnation can be indispensable. For the Gitaxian Mindstinger side, hand disruption of your own or spells that can exile from the graveyard will mitigate the impact of its recursive abilities, such as Leyline of the Void or Relic of Progenitus.
Ultimately, your strategy to beat the Aetherblade Agent // Gitaxian Mindstinger card hinges on preparedness and agility. Sideboard choices should be tailored to counteract these strategies, ensuring that these double threats don’t tip the scales in favor of your adversary. Staying one step ahead and adjusting your gameplay dynamically are key to securing victory against this cunning opponent.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Aetherblade Agent // Gitaxian Mindstinger MTG card by a specific set like March of the Machine, 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 Aetherblade Agent // Gitaxian Mindstinger and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Aetherblade Agent // Gitaxian Mindstinger has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |