Bubble Smuggler MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Octopus Fish |
| Abilities | Disguise |
| Released | 2024-02-09 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Murders at Karlov Manor |
| Set code | MKM |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 41 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Leesha Hannigan |
Text of card
Disguise (You may cast this card face down for as a 2/2 creature with ward . Turn it face up any time for its disguise cost.) As Bubble Smuggler is turned face up, put four +1/+1 counters on it.
By the time they noticed the missing vials, Glovax was three fathoms away.
Cards like Bubble Smuggler
Bubble Smuggler enhances the range of creature-based strategies in Magic: The Gathering, reminiscent of other creatures that provide value when they enter the battlefield. Specifically, it echoes the likes of Man-o’-War, known for returning creatures to hands upon arrival. Bubble Smuggler’s uniqueness lies in targeting tapped creatures, which can disrupt opponent’s combat strategies or reuse your own enter-the-battlefield effects.
Comparatively, Exclusion Mage is a close relative, offering a similar return-to-hand ability without the tapped restriction, granting broader utility. Though Exclusion Mage is devoid of Bubble Smuggler’s potential to be a repeatable effect with flicker or bounce synergies. Then we have Aether Adept, yet another kin in this functional niche. It operates similarly to Exclusion Mage but lacks Bubble Smuggler’s rogue typing, which is relevant for tribal synergies in MTG.
In essence, while exploring creature dynamics within Magic: The Gathering, Bubble Smuggler aligns well with its family of ‘bounce’ creatures. Its particular spin on the mechanic can offer tactical advantages, especially in decks designed to exploit enter-the-battlefield triggers or those emphasizing rogue tribal themes.
Cards similar to Bubble Smuggler by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The innovative design of Bubble Smuggler enables players to gain a competitive edge by swapping this creature for a potentially more powerful card from the top three of their deck, optimizing their hand for strategic maneuvers.
Resource Acceleration: Upon successfully sneaking past the opponent’s defenses, Bubble Smuggler facilitates a blitz in resources. This card’s unique ability to skim through the library and immediately play an additional land gives players a vital surge in mana, significantly steering the game in their favor.
Instant Speed: Capable of evading at instant speed, Bubble Smuggler offers flexibility, ensuring that players can adapt to unfolding game states swiftly. This nimbleness allows players to shield their key piece at a critical moment or can be leveraged as a surprise blocker, potentially thwarting an opponent’s aggressive strategy.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Bubble Smuggler makes discarding a card a precondition to unleashing its potential. This trade-off is risky when your hand is already depleting, or the cards you hold are vital for your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring a particular mana setup to cast, Bubble Smuggler’s cost is locked into colors that may not blend seamlessly into all deck types, potentially narrowing its deck compatibility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its cost on the higher end for the benefits it provides, Bubble Smuggler stands up against alternatives that might yield a greater impact or offer a lower cost for a similar effect, thereby reducing its overall efficiency.
Reasons to Include Bubble Smuggler in Your Collection
Versatility: Bubble Smuggler isn’t just another creature card. Its ability to tap and give another target creature unblockable this turn allows it to adapt to various strategic situations. This versatile feature works well in decks that focus on direct damage or sneaking in critical hits.
Combo Potential: In the right setup, Bubble Smuggler can be a linchpin for an impressive combo. Given its ability to render creatures unblockable, it pairs well with high-power creatures or those with impactful ‘when this creature deals combat damage’ effects, exploiting potential synergies.
Meta-Relevance: Considering gameplay trends, having a way to bypass blockers can be a game-changer. Whether you’re dealing with a crowded board or sneaking past for a lethal strike, Bubble Smuggler’s skill set keeps it relevant across various MTG formats where evasion is key.
How to beat
Bubble Smuggler emerges as a unique challenge amongst creatures in Magic: The Gathering due to its elusive nature and potent abilities. This card can quickly turn the tides of a match by negating damage with its shield counters and accelerating card advantage with its drawing ability when it hits the opponent. To effectively counter this formidable adversary, consider incorporating removal spells that bypass the shield counters. Direct damage spells or board wipes can neutralize Bubble Smuggler before it becomes an insurmountable threat.
Moreover, utilizing spells or abilities that force the opponent to sacrifice creatures can be an effective strategy against Bubble Smuggler, as sacrifice does not target and thus circumvents the protective counters. Another tactic is to rely on cards that can block creatures with flying or reach, thereby preventing Bubble Smuggler from connecting with the player, which in turn curtails its card drawing ability. It’s also beneficial to maintain a swift pace in your gameplay, applying constant pressure to your opponent, limiting their chances to make the most out of Bubble Smuggler’s abilities.
To sum up, while Bubble Smuggler presents a tricky barrier to overcome, with the right strategy and choice of cards, you can turn the duel in your favor and keep your opponent’s advantages at bay within the realms of Magic: The Gathering.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Bubble Smuggler MTG card by a specific set like 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 Bubble Smuggler 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Bubble Smuggler has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Standardbrawl | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |