Aphetto Grifter MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Wizard |
| Released | 2002-10-07 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Onslaught |
| Set code | ONS |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 65 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Greg Staples |
Text of card
Tap two untapped Wizards you control: Tap target permanent.
Aphetto con artists started working in pairs to make it less likely they'd be the victims of con artists.
Cards like Aphetto Grifter
Aphetto Grifter stands as a unique creature in Magic: The Gathering, offering a special blend of utility and control. Its tap ability to control opponents’ permanents echoes the functionality found in cards like Icy Manipulator, although the latter provides more flexibility being an artifact that can target any permanent. Aphetto Grifter requires the presence of at least two other Wizards to activate its ability, a condition not shared by the straightforward Icy Manipulator.
Comparatively, Tradewind Rider also manipulates the battlefield but does so by returning permanents to their owner’s hand. This effect does not limit targets but necessitates tapping two other creatures to execute. Aphetto Grifter works well within a specific deck build, especially with a tribal Wizard theme, whereas Tradewind Rider offers a more general utility suitable for various deck types.
When it comes to deck synergy, Beguiler of Wills extends a similar influence over creatures, offering control over opponent’s creatures. Despite its more potent takeover ability, it carries a higher cost and the need for a heavy creature presence to maximize effectiveness. Aphetto Grifter shines in its low cost and the selective lockdown of key targets, pivotal in decks capitalizing on Wizard synergies.
Cards similar to Aphetto Grifter by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Aphetto Grifter offers strategic manipulation by untapping another target permanent which can be leveraged to optimize card usage and effectiveness on the battlefield. This ability can be used in combination with cards that provide benefits when untapped, helping you draw into more options and advance your position in the game.
Resource Acceleration: This nimble rogue accelerates your resources by enabling repeated use of permanents with tap abilities. With Aphetto Grifter on the field, you’re effectively squeezing extra value out of your cards every turn, outpacing your opponent in resource generation and deployment, which can prove crucial in tight matches.
Instant Speed: The tap ability of Aphetto Grifter works at instant speed, allowing you to wait until the most strategically opportune moment during a match. You can disrupt your opponent’s plans, catch them off-guard, and make pivotal plays that could swing the tide of the game in your favor, all without having to commit to a strategy during your own turn, thus preserving the element of surprise.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Aphetto Grifter demands a discard to untap a creature, which could be detrimental when your hand is depleted.
Specific Mana Cost: Aphetto Grifter requires blue mana, potentially restricting it to blue-centric or multicolored decks and limiting its overall flexibility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, including two that are color-specific, it may compete for space in your deck with other, potentially more impactful three-drops.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Aphetto Grifter offers strategic flexibility across a variety of blue-based decks, as it offers both tapping and untapping abilities which can be a source of disruption or opportunity, depending on your board state.
Combo Potential: This creature’s ability to untap another creature with its tap ability opens the door for numerous combo possibilities, especially in decks that capitalize on tap/untap mechanics or require creatures to be untapped to activate their abilities.
Meta-Relevance: In a game where the tempo can dictate victory, Aphetto Grifter remains relevant in metas where controlling the board and maintaining the pace of play are crucial. Its ability to dictate the usability of other creatures can be a game-changer.
How to beat
Aphetto Grifter, a unique card in the realm of Magic: The Gathering, can be a real challenge on the battlefield with its ability to tap down opponents’ creatures. The key in overcoming this obstacle is to employ a strategy that limits the Grifter’s efficacy. This could be anything from removal spells that can target Aphetto Grifter the moment it hits the board or employing instant-speed interactions that disrupt the tapping mechanic.
Another effective tactic is to utilize creatures that cannot be tapped or those that benefit from being tapped, thereby nullifying Aphetto Grifter’s influence in the game. In addition, having a robust board presence with multiple threats can also dilute the impact of the Grifter’s control abilities, forcing your opponent to make difficult choices about which to neutralize.
Maintaining a watchful eye on your own tapping abilities can also provide a countermeasure against Aphetto Grifter. Utilizing your creatures and resources at optimal times helps ensure that the Grifter’s ability becomes more of a nuisance than a game-ending threat. Thus, while Aphetto Grifter may present some initial challenges, there are several strategic approaches players can employ to turn the tide in their favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Aphetto Grifter MTG card by a specific set like Onslaught, 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 Aphetto Grifter 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 Aphetto Grifter has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Aphetto Grifter card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | It can tap itself but is not required to do so. |
| 2004-10-04 | Since the ability does not have the symbol, you can use the ability before this creature begins a turn under your control. |