Alquist Proft, Master Sleuth MTG Card
2024-02-09 - Number 185
2024-02-09 - Number 384
2024-02-09 - Number 355
2024-02-10 - Number 185s
2024-02-10 - Number 185p
Text of card
Vigilance When Alquist Proft, Master Sleuth enters the battlefield, investigate. (Create a Clue token. It's an artifact with ", Sacrifice this artifact: Draw a card.") , , Sacrifice a Clue: You draw X cards and gain X life.
Cards like Alquist Proft, Master Sleuth
Alquist Proft, Master Sleuth finds its place in the pantheon of skillful detective cards in Magic: The Gathering. It echoes elements from the card Hostage Taker, in being able to offer control over certain game elements. Alquist Proft, however, stands out with its unique clue-gathering ability, providing valuable card draw options to its controller. Hostage Taker allows the player to directly exile an opponent’s creature or artifact but without the sustained card advantage that Alquist Proft can deliver over time.
Another card that shares the theme of manipulation and information gathering is Thief of Sanity. This creature lets you look at the top three cards of an opponent’s library and play a card from among them, much like a sleuth sifting through clues. While Thief of Sanity provides immediate short-term gain, Alquist Proft’s ability to consistently generate clues can prove to be a long-term strategic advantage. Furthermore, the detective’s capacity to acquire those clues can potentially draw into more answers or threats as the game progresses.
Gleaning through the MTG card library, Alquist Proft, Master Sleuth offers a compelling advantage with its ongoing clue gathering mechanic, placing it in a favorable position among the cards that create strategic depth through information and resource management.
Cards similar to Alquist Proft, Master Sleuth by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Alquist Proft, Master Sleuth. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Azorius Mentor | Standard | Azorius Tempo | BOP! Standard Open |
| Azorius Aggro | Standard | Azorius Tempo | The Pizza Box Open: Standard |
 | Azorius Control | Gladiator | Sword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 06 2024 | |
 | 5c Control | Standard | 5c Control | Traditional Standard Ranked Decklists: March 18, 2024 |
| Azorius Tempo | Standard | Azorius Tempo | Standard League 2024-02-29 |
| Jeskai Control | Gladiator | Sword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 09 2024 | |
| WUBRG | Standard | Traditional Standard Ranked Decklists: February 26, 2024 | |
| Esper Midrange | Standard | Esper Midrange | Standard League 2024-02-14 |
| WU | Standard | Traditional Standard Ranked Decklists: February 19, 2024 | |
 | Esper Legends | Standard | Esper Legends | DEN24 Sun 10:00 - Standard $5k Open 8-slot RCQ |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Alquist, Proft, Master Sleuth offers a unique deck-scanning ability, allowing players to search through their decks for answers or key pieces more efficiently. This leads to better strategic planning and maintaining a solid hand.
Resource Acceleration: This distinguished detective provides clues that can be used for various purposes, including drawing cards or synergizing with other clue-generating cards for more complex game maneuvers, ultimately speeding up your gameplay.
Instant Speed: Alquist, Proft’s ability to operate at instant speed gives players the flexibility to react and adapt during an opponent’s turn. This can create strategic advantages by maximizing the utility of each turn and keeping opponents guessing.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Alquist Proft, Master Sleuth’s ability hinges on the discard of a card, potentially putting players in a tough spot when their hand is already depleted or when every card feels critical to retain.
Specific Mana Cost: Alquist Proft comes with a requirement for blue mana, which might not align seamlessly with all deck archetypes, especially those running multiple colors or heavily relying on other sources of mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its cost set at three mana, it might be too slow against fast-paced aggro decks. In these matchups, quick board presence is usually more valuable than the situational advantages offered by Alquist Proft.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Alquist Proft, Master Sleuth offers a dynamic addition to decks that are keen on manipulating the stack and library. The card’s ability to surveil bolsters strategic planning, making it a solid pick for control and combo decks alike.
Combo Potential: The card’s unique skill to peek at the top card of each player’s library when you’ve drawn your second card each turn feeds into strategies that capitalize on knowledge and card advantage, enabling potent combo setups.
Meta-Relevance: Given its knack for providing insight into opponents’ next moves, Alquist Proft, Master Sleuth is particularly advantageous in metas where predicting and countering opponent strategies is crucial.
How to beat
Alquist Proft, Master Sleuth is a strategic figure in MTG, presenting a unique challenge on the battlefield. Key to overcoming this detective is understanding his ability to disrupt the opponent’s plans through card advantage and information manipulation. Maintaining a diversified hand and a well-curated graveyard can minimize his impact on your strategy.
One effective tactic against Alquist Proft is focusing on spell types he has less influence over, such as instant speed removal or effects that don’t target him directly. This can stifle his ability to utilize his clues to the fullest extent. Additionally, employing your own information warfare with counterspells and hand disruption can prevent your opponent from capitalizing on the sleuth’s abilities.
It’s vital in MTG to adapt your play style when facing characters like Alquist Proft. Balancing aggression with calculated moves and prioritizing board control can often circumvent the advantages he affords your opponent. In conclusion, overcoming this master sleuth card comes down to a blend of strategic hand management and keeping a few steps ahead of your adversary’s deductions.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Alquist Proft, Master Sleuth MTG card by a specific set like Murders at Karlov Manor and 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 Alquist Proft, Master Sleuth 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
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Printings
The Alquist Proft, Master Sleuth Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2024-02-09 and 2024-02-10. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2024-02-09 | Murders at Karlov Manor | MKM | 185 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Andreas Zafiratos | |
| 2 | 2024-02-09 | Murders at Karlov Manor | MKM | 384 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Peter Diamond | |
| 3 | 2024-02-09 | Murders at Karlov Manor | MKM | 355 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Peter Diamond | |
| 4 | 2024-02-10 | Murders at Karlov Manor Promos | PMKM | 185s | 2015 | Normal | Black | Andreas Zafiratos | |
| 5 | 2024-02-10 | Murders at Karlov Manor Promos | PMKM | 185p | 2015 | Normal | Black | Andreas Zafiratos |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Alquist Proft, Master Sleuth has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Standardbrawl | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Guide to Vigilance card ability
In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.