Arctic Merfolk MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Merfolk |
| Abilities | Kicker |
| Released | 2001-02-05 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Planeshift |
| Set code | PLS |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 21 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Ron Spears |
Text of card
Kicker— Return a creature you control to its owner's hand. (You may return a creature you control to its owner's hand in addition to any other costs as you play this spell.) If you paid the kicker cost, Arctic Merfolk comes into play with a +1/+1 counter on it.
Cards like Arctic Merfolk
Arctic Merfolk stands out in the realm of creature cards in Magic the Gathering with its kicker ability, inviting especially those players who enjoy tactical flexibility. A close comparison would be to Aether Adept, another card designed with utility in mind, compelling opponents to return a creature to their hand upon entering the battlefield. While Aether Adept does not offer alternate casting options, Arctic Merfolk compensates through its kicker condition, adding a layer of strategic decision-making.
Then we have Man-o’-War, a jellyfish that shares a similar bounce effect with Arctic Merfolk. Although the ability is automatically triggered upon casting Man-o’-War, without requiring an additional cost, the Arctic Merfolk’s potential to join the battlefield as a more substantial threat can’t be overlooked. Cards like this underscore the importance of choice and adaptability in gameplay.
Ultimately, Arctic Merfolk carves a niche for itself, balancing between its scenario-specific benefits and the comparative advantages of other bounce creatures. With its distinctive blend of optional utility and potential for larger presence on the board, it represents a valuable inclusion for players crafting a deck with cunning and versatility in mind.
Cards similar to Arctic Merfolk by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Arctic Merfolk presents a distinct edge in card economy with its kicker ability. By returning a creature you control to your hand, it enables a potential replay of beneficial enter-the-battlefield effects, thereby drawing more utility from your cards.
Resource Acceleration: This card feeds into a larger resource acceleration scheme, especially in decks crafted around Merfolk synergies or bounce-back strategies. Every card that returns to your hand has the potential to be recast, effectively amplifying the resources at your disposal.
Instant Speed: The capability to play Arctic Merfolk at instant speed grants you strategic flexibility. You can opt to deploy this creature at the end of your opponent’s turn to save mana for counterspells or other instants, keeping your options open and your plays unpredictable.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Arctic Merfolk card asks players to discard another card if they want to use its alternate play cost. This can restrict its playability in situations where your hand is already depleted or when every card in hand is crucial for your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both blue and generic mana can limit this card’s integration into multicolored decks that may not always have the right mana available when needed. It’s not just about having the mana but also about having the right type at the right time.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When evaluating the cost versus effect, the Arctic Merfolk’s summoning requirements may be viewed as steep compared to other creatures in the same mana range. This could potentially make it a less attractive option during deck building when considering the overall mana curve and efficiency of creature spells in the lineup.
Reasons to Include Arctic Merfolk in Your Collection
Versatility: Arctic Merfolk slips easily into various deck builds that capitalize on creature bouncing mechanics. Its ability to return a creature you control to your hand can be a strategic advantage, offering the chance to reuse enter-the-battlefield effects or save key creatures from removal.
Combo Potential: This card becomes a powerful asset in combos, especially in decks that exploit kicked spells or require creatures with flexible cast costs. By utilizing its kick ability, you can set off a cascade of creature-based interactions or simply adapt to the dynamic requirements of the game.
Meta-Relevance: Staying aware of the evolving competitive landscape is crucial, and Arctic Merfolk can be a savvy choice when the meta shifts towards a focus on utility and recycled value. Its unique skill set can outmaneuver opponents by maximizing the effectiveness of other creatures in your deck.
How to beat
The Arctic Merfolk card commands attention on the battlefield with its distinctive Kicker ability, allowing it to return a creature you control to its owner’s hand for the cost of a single blue mana, consequently making room for the Merfolk to swoop into play. Understanding how to efficiently manage this creature is key for any MTG player facing it.
Countering Arctic Merfolk can be approached by employing timely removal spells. Since it depends largely on the Kicker condition to optimize its entrance, spells like Path to Exile or Fatal Push can effectively deal with it before its ability triggers, disrupting your opponent’s board presence. Moreover, combat tricks that boost your creatures’ power will outmatch the relatively modest stats of Arctic Merfolk, gaining you an advantage in creature-to-creature confrontations.
In summary, the Arctic Merfolk shines when building synergistic decks but can be kept in check with strategic removal or overpowering its presence on the battlefield. Thoughtful play and reactive strategies are your best assets to navigate against this adaptable denizen of the deep.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Arctic Merfolk MTG card by a specific set like Planeshift, 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 Arctic Merfolk 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 Arctic Merfolk has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |