Belltower Sphinx MTG Card


The Sphinx’s milling effect aligns with control strategies, disrupting opponent’s deck as it defends. Offers strategic value, especially when combined with instant speed spells during opponent’s turn. Multicolor decks may find its specific casting cost limiting, suggesting careful deck integration.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Sphinx
Abilities Flying,Mill
Power 2
Toughness 5

Text of card

Flying Whenever a source deals damage to Belltower Sphinx, that source's controller mills that many cards.


Cards like Belltower Sphinx

Belltower Sphinx takes its place in the pantheon of flying defenders in Magic:The Gathering with its unique ability to mill the attacking player’s deck. Standing tall with similar creatures like Hover Barrier, the Sphinx serves as a sizeable aerial blockade. Unlike its wall counterpart, it has the added mechanic of milling cards equal to the damage it receives, which strategically thins the opponent’s deck. Hover Barrier lacks this tactical edge, simply acting as a wall of resistance.

Wall of Lost Thoughts is another creature within this echelon that provides a one-time mill effect upon entering the battlefield. Although the initial mill is guaranteed, unlike the conditional milling from Belltower Sphinx, it offers less long-term deck disruption. Additionally, there’s the persistent threat posed by doorkeeper, which, with enough defenders, can become a repeatable mill engine. Yet, the Sphinx doesn’t require any further board presence to start impacting an opponent’s strategy upon taking damage.

Comparatively speaking, Belltower Sphinx’s ability to impact the game’s state with its fly over high toughness and mill combination stands out, making it a valuable defender in decks that benefit from both high flying defense and gradual reduction of an opponent’s library.

Hover Barrier - MTG Card versions
Wall of Lost Thoughts - MTG Card versions
Doorkeeper - MTG Card versions
Hover Barrier - MTG Card versions
Wall of Lost Thoughts - MTG Card versions
Doorkeeper - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Belltower Sphinx by color, type and mana cost

Vesuvan Doppelganger - MTG Card versions
Water Elemental - MTG Card versions
Air Elemental - MTG Card versions
Pirate Ship - MTG Card versions
Sandbar Crocodile - MTG Card versions
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Sun Ce, Young Conquerer - MTG Card versions
Wu Admiral - MTG Card versions
Mawcor - MTG Card versions
Timin, Youthful Geist - MTG Card versions
Geology Enthusiast - MTG Card versions
Coastal Hornclaw - MTG Card versions
Meloku the Clouded Mirror - MTG Card versions
Azami, Lady of Scrolls - MTG Card versions
Richard Garfield, Ph.D. - MTG Card versions
Cloudhoof Kirin - MTG Card versions
Drelnoch - MTG Card versions
Adarkar Windform - MTG Card versions
Infiltrator il-Kor - MTG Card versions
Mulldrifter - MTG Card versions
Vesuvan Doppelganger - MTG Card versions
Water Elemental - MTG Card versions
Air Elemental - MTG Card versions
Pirate Ship - MTG Card versions
Sandbar Crocodile - MTG Card versions
Segovian Leviathan - MTG Card versions
Sun Ce, Young Conquerer - MTG Card versions
Wu Admiral - MTG Card versions
Mawcor - MTG Card versions
Timin, Youthful Geist - MTG Card versions
Geology Enthusiast - MTG Card versions
Coastal Hornclaw - MTG Card versions
Meloku the Clouded Mirror - MTG Card versions
Azami, Lady of Scrolls - MTG Card versions
Richard Garfield, Ph.D. - MTG Card versions
Cloudhoof Kirin - MTG Card versions
Drelnoch - MTG Card versions
Adarkar Windform - MTG Card versions
Infiltrator il-Kor - MTG Card versions
Mulldrifter - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Belltower Sphinx lets you peek at an extra card whenever an opponent’s spell targets it, subtly bolstering your strategic insights into the game. As the Sphinx endures the brunt of spells, you gain precious knowledge that may shift the tide of battle in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: While the Sphinx itself does not directly contribute to resource acceleration, its sturdy defense can be instrumental in protecting your other assets. By fending off aerial attacks, it allows your resource-generating creatures and spells to thrive unimpeded, thereby indirectly supporting your mana development.

Instant Speed: The Sphinx’s reactive game plan is a boon, particularly when considering its synergy with spells of instant speed. This striking creature can stand guard while you keep mana in reserve, ready to cast spells that can disrupt opponents’ strategies during their turn, keeping them off-balance and enhancing your board state as you conjure up your next move.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Belltower Sphinx doesn’t require an upfront discard to play, its reliance on milling can indirectly force a player to discard if their library runs thin. This could put players at a disadvantage in long-drawn games or against decks that capitalize on large graveyards.

Specific Mana Cost: Belltower Sphinx’s casting cost requires blue and colorless mana, which might not be an issue in a monoblue or two-color deck, but in multicolor decks, this can sometimes be restrictive and impact the card’s overall flexibility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of five mana, Belltower Sphinx can be slow to hit the battlefield. Players might find that other creatures or spells with lower mana costs could provide more immediate board presence or impact the game sooner.


Reasons to Include Belltower Sphinx in Your Collection

Versatility: Belltower Sphinx adds a defensive layer to your deck with its sturdy body, allowing it to stand guard against a variety of attackers. Its ability to slot into control and mill decks adds a versatile edge for various playstyles.

Combo Potential: Pairing this card with mill mechanics or cards that benefit from drawing can form devastating combinations, turning each blocked attack into a potential strategic advantage for the controller.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where flyers are common or against opponents that go heavy on creature-based strategies, Belltower Sphinx can be a key card. Its milling effect becomes increasingly relevant as graveyard manipulation and strategies evolve within the MTG landscape.


How to beat

The Belltower Sphinx is an intriguing creature in Magic: The Gathering, presenting a unique defensive challenge with its ability to mill cards from an opponent’s library whenever it’s dealt damage. Countering it requires a strategic approach, emphasizing removal that doesn’t deal damage. Direct damage spells will only help your opponent inch closer to a potential win via decking.

To bypass this creature’s milling effect, consider using exile or bounce spells, such as Path to Exile or Unsummon, which can safely remove the Sphinx from the battlefield without triggering its ability. Alternatively, playing cards that offer indestructible to your creatures can be effective, allowing you to block the Sphinx without losing your creatures. Preventing it from dealing combat damage through enchantments like Pacifism also neuters its offense while you build your board and find a lasting solution.

Taking down the Belltower Sphinx requires patience and the right suite of tactics. Leveraging non-damaging removal and protection spells while avoiding unnecessary combat with the Sphinx will keep your library intact and help you maintain control of the game pace.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Belltower Sphinx MTG card by a specific set like Salvat 2005 and Salvat 2005, 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 Belltower Sphinx and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Belltower Sphinx Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2005-08-22 and 2020-07-17. Illustrated by Jim Nelson.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12005-08-22Salvat 2005PSAL H262003NormalWhiteJim Nelson
22005-08-22Salvat 2005PSAL H142003NormalWhiteJim Nelson
32005-10-07Ravnica: City of GuildsRAV 382003NormalBlackJim Nelson
42011-07-15Magic 2012M12 462003NormalBlackJim Nelson
52020-07-17JumpstartJMP 1412015NormalBlackJim Nelson

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Belltower Sphinx has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal