Alley Assailant MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Vampire Rogue |
| Abilities | Disguise |
| Released | 2024-02-09 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Murders at Karlov Manor |
| Set code | MKM |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 76 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Warren Mahy |
Text of card
Alley Assailant enters the battlefield tapped. Disguise (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.) When Alley Assailant is turned face up, target opponent loses 3 life and you gain 3 life.
Cards like Alley Assailant
Alley Assailant offers MTG enthusiasts an aggressive option for creature decks. In particular, it can be paralleled with other creatures like Raging Goblin. Both are swift attackers, but Alley Assailant carries the added utility of being able to block additional creatures, making it a more versatile choice on the battlefield. It becomes not just an offensive asset but a strategic defense component as well.
Comparing it further to Goblin Guide, another staple in red aggressive decks, Alley Assailant doesn’t provide the same immediate impact due to Goblin Guide’s haste ability. However, Alley Assailant stands out with its potential in blocking multiple creatures, which Goblin Guide lacks entirely. This characteristic might tip the scales in longer, more drawn-out matches where board control becomes paramount.
Lastly, when discerning the card’s value within red deck strategies, Alley Assailant’s uniqueness in controlling the board and pushing for damage makes it a worthy consideration. Its ability to handle several blocking duties elevates its standing among creatures of similar mana cost and might be just the right fit for players aiming to blend aggression with tactical defense.
Cards similar to Alley Assailant by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Alley Assailant. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Decklist | Free form | UOL MKM Sealed League | |
 | Sealed Deck | Limited | Murders At Karlov Mansion Pre-release |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When utilizing Alley Assailant, you’re given an edge as the creature’s abilities can potentially eliminate opposing creatures and thus indirectly lead to gaining card advantage. This can be pivotal during the mid to late game where every card counts.
Resource Acceleration: While Alley Assailant itself may not produce additional resources, its efficient cost-to-effect ratio permits you to deploy other threats or answers alongside it. This ensures that your resource curve is optimized, keeping the tempo in your favor.
Instant Speed: The threat of activating Alley Assailant’s abilities, especially if they can be used at instant speed, can significantly alter the way your opponent plays their turns. The ability to disrupt their strategy at crucial moments can give you a significant strategic edge, making Alley Assailant a card that is feared on the battlefield.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Alley Assailant demands a card discard to activate essential abilities. This can be a setback, especially when your hand is short on cards, forcing you to lose key pieces from your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: To cast Alley Assailant, you need both red and another color of mana, which may not align with mono-colored or multicolored decks lacking red. This restricts the card’s versatility across various deck archetypes.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At a cost that could be considered steep for its stats and effects, players may find other creatures or spells that provide greater value or impact on the game with a lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Alley Assailant is a flexible card that can adapt to a multitude of deck builds. Its ability to engage in combat effectively makes it a solid inclusion for players seeking resilience on the battlefield.
Combo Potential: With this card’s synergies in rogue or warrior-themed strategies, it has significant potential to enhance plays that reward combat damage or player interaction, opening up exciting avenues for combo sequences.
Meta-Relevance: Alley Assailant could find a comfortable spot in collections due to its relevance in today’s aggressive strategies. Its robust combat capabilities align well with a meta that favors quick, impactful creatures.
How to beat
Alley Assailant is a creature card that brings aggression and utility to games in Magic: The Gathering. When assessing the strengths and weaknesses of such creatures, it is essential to consider the context of combat. Alley Assailant packs a punch, but its power on the battlefield can be mitigated by utilizing creatures with higher toughness or those that have deathtouch. This turns any combat involving the Alley Assailant into an unfavorable trade for your opponent.
Removal spells are another effective countermeasure. Cards that can exile or destroy creatures at instant speed can handle Alley Assailant before it has a chance to cause significant damage. Board wipes also prove to be a formidable answer, clearing the way for a more controlled game state. Additionally, bouncing it back to an opponent’s hand disrupts their tempo and may force them to recast the Assailant, wasting valuable mana and delaying their offense.
Ultimately, the key to beating Alley Assailant lies in recognizing its potential threat early and neutralizing it through strategic deployment of creatures and spells. By doing so, you can maintain board superiority and diminish the impact of this aggressive adversary on your road to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Alley Assailant 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 Alley Assailant 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
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Alley Assailant has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Standardbrawl | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |