Balshan Beguiler MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Wizard |
| Released | 2001-10-01 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Odyssey |
| Set code | ODY |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 66 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Ray Lago |
Text of card
Whenever Balshan Beguiler deals combat damage to a player, that player reveals the top two cards of his or her library. You choose one of those cards and put it into his or her graveyard.
Cards like Balshan Beguiler
Exploring the dynamic world of Magic: The Gathering reveals that Balshan Beguiler introduces interesting nuances to gameplay not found with other creatures. This deceptive creature offers subtle power much like Looter il-Kor, which has a similar “loot” ability. Both cards allow you to draw and discard, enhancing your strategy through careful selection of your hand’s contents. Yet, Balshan Beguiler stands out with its distinct ability to transform into a horror with increased power under certain conditions.
Looking further into this space, we encounter Tandem Lookout, another card that can help you sift through your deck by draw mechanisms, but through pairing with other creatures. The Beguiler, on the other hand, is self-sufficient, offering utility and surprise in one package without the need for an ally. Then there’s the classic Merfolk Looter, a foundational card with an enduring legacy in deck cycling. While Merfolk Looter’s abilities are echoed in Balshan Beguiler, the latter’s conditional transformation provides a strategic depth and flexibility that could tip the scales in many MTG matches.
Ultimately, Balshan Beguiler carves out its own niche among MTG creatures focused on hand manipulation and stands as a testament to the creative design space of Magic: The Gathering. Its dual-nature capability makes it a card worth considering within certain blue-focused strategies.
Cards similar to Balshan Beguiler by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Balshan Beguiler stands out for its ability to disrupt your opponent’s hand while simultaneously providing you with new cards to play. With its unique effect, each time you cast it, you get the chance to replace it with potentially more useful spells from your opponent, thereby fostering a strong card advantage.
Resource Acceleration: While the Balshan Beguiler itself may not directly generate resources, selecting the right card from your opponent could potentially offer you access to spells that accelerate your resources, aligning with your deck’s strategy and enhancing your overall mana curve.
Instant Speed: As a creature with flash, it can be summoned at instant speed which is a significant tactical edge. This allows for surprise blocks and the ability to play mind games with an adversary, all while holding up mana for other instant-speed responses during their turn, ultimately keeping you one step ahead in the duel.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Balshan Beguiler demands that you discard a card to utilize its ability, which can deplete your hand and disadvantageous when you’re trying to maintain card advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s activation cost is strictly blue, requiring a commitment to blue mana sources in your deck, which might not align with multi-color deck strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At three mana for a 1/1 creature, Balshan Beguiler’s cost is on the higher side considering its power and toughness, especially when stacked against other creatures that might bring more immediate board presence or value for the same, or less, mana investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: The Balshan Beguiler provides utility in various deck archetypes, adept at subtly altering the flow of the game. Its ability to disrupt opponents’ hands while offering card draw makes it a flexible tool in a multitude of strategies.
Combo Potential: This card can shine in setups aiming to capitalize on opponents’ discarded cards. It pairs well with mechanics that leverage graveyard interactions, setting the stage for powerful play sequences.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state where information and hand advantage are crucial, the Balshan Beguiler holds its ground. It’s particularly effective against decks heavy on creature-based strategies, offering a persistent threat that can tilt the balance in your favor.
How to beat
The Balshan Beguiler presents an intriguing challenge for opponents in MTG. This creature’s ability to disrupt the battlefield by converting your spells into potentially game-altering Illusion creatures cannot be understated. To counter this effect, focus on removal spells that can directly target the Beguiler before its ability triggers. Direct damage spells or swift removal options, such as Shock or Fatal Push, can effectively eliminate the Beguiler before it has the chance to morph your spells into threats.
Another avenue is to capitalize on the Beguiler’s limitations by playing spells that are not affected by its ability, such as creature-based strategies or spells that can’t be countered. Additionally, consider employing graveyard retrieval mechanics. If the Beguiler has already converted a spell into an Illusion, cards like Regrowth or Eternal Witness can help reclaim valuable spells from your graveyard, allowing you to maintain momentum in the game. Being prepared to adapt your strategy against this sly creature will certainly give you an upper hand.
Ultimately, keeping control over the board and your graveyard will diminish the Balshan Beguiler’s impact. It’s about anticipation, quick reaction, and maintaining backup plans to swiftly address the unique challenges it presents in a match.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Balshan Beguiler MTG card by a specific set like Odyssey, 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 Balshan Beguiler and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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 Balshan Beguiler has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |