Cephalid Broker MTG Card
2001-10-01 - Number 71
2017-11-17 - Number 44
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Cephalid |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
oc T: Target player draws two cards, then discards two cards from his or her hand.
Cephalids value the free exchange of ideas—except for the "free" part.
Cards like Cephalid Broker
Cephalid Broker is an intriguing utility creature in Magic: The Gathering that serves dual roles, facilitating card draw and selective discard for its controller. This duality can be drawn parallel to Merfolk Looter, another creature-based card engine that exchanges cards in hand for fresh draws. Both creatures share the tap ability for card selection, yet Cephalid Broker allows for deeper digging with its two-card draw and discard compared to Merfolk Looter’s one.
Another relative in this niche is Jace’s Archivist, which can be vastly more impactful by enabling the drawing and discarding of an entire hand, although this affects each player and comes at a higher mana cost. Thought Courier stands out for its lower casting cost but offers a simpler one-for-one card exchange. It stands to reason that Cephalid Broker occupies a sweet spot for players seeking comprehensive control over their hand without affecting the overall board state.
In sum, while MTG boasts a variety of looting effects, Cephalid Broker merits consideration among them for its balance of card flow and hand refinement, making it a valuable asset in decks that capitalize on drawing and selective graveyard filling strategies.
Cards similar to Cephalid Broker by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: By utilizing the ability of Cephalid Broker to draw two cards, players can effectively sustain or expand their card advantage during the match. Access to more cards can offer a wider array of strategic options and responses.
Resource Acceleration: While this card does not directly provide mana, the action of drawing enables a quicker cycle through your deck. This can potentially ramp up your resources by drawing into lands or other mana-generating spells, indirectly accelerating your resource availability.
Instant Speed: Although Cephalid Broker’s ability is not used at instant speed, it provides the flexibility to be activated during any of your phases, allowing you to wait until the most opportune moment, such as the end of your opponent’s turn, to maximize potential draws and plan your strategy with comprehensive information.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Each activation demands you to discard a card, potentially depleting valuable hand resources which might be needed for other pivotal plays.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both blue and generic mana, the Broker’s cost can be restrictive, making it less flexible in multicolored decks that need to manage diverse mana needs.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At a total of four mana, including double blue, this creature’s ability might come into play later than other draw options, potentially slowing your strategic momentum.
Reasons to Include Cephalid Broker in Your Collection
Versatility: Cephalid Broker serves as a powerful utility card in blue-based decks, offering a consistent source of card draw that can help maintain hand advantage. Its ability to target any player also gives it a role in multiplayer formats, where it may be used politically or to disrupt an opponent’s strategy.
Combo Potential: For players who enjoy crafting intricate combos, Cephalid Broker’s ability can be a key cog. Its interaction with cards that benefit from draw or discard, like reanimation spells or madness cards, makes it a valuable asset in decks built around such synergies.
Meta-Relevance: In metas that prize resource advantage and information warfare, Cephalid Broker can add depth to control or combo strategies. It’s a card that can turn the tides by refilling your hand while potentially disrupting opponents, adapting well to a variety of competitive environments.
How to beat
Cephalid Broker is an intriguing utility creature in Magic the Gathering that, if left unchecked, allows a player to achieve significant card advantage. The Broker’s ability to loot—drawing two cards and then discarding two cards—can be a key asset in sculpting a perfect hand for your opponent. One efficient strategy to mitigate the impact of Cephalid Broker is to remove it from play. Since it has modest stats, direct removal spells like Murder or Shock are effective at eliminating the Broker without much investment.
Another tactic is to utilize cards that restrict activated abilities. Pithing Needle, for instance, can shut down the Broker’s looting ability, rendering it a mere creature without its card advantage utility. Moreover, countering the creature on cast with spells like Essence Scatter will ensure it never becomes a threat on the board.
Lastly, exiling graveyard cards can be a smart response, disrupting strategies that hinge upon looting for specific combos or reanimation. Cards like Tormod’s Crypt can void the graveyard, which not only hinders associated graveyard strategies but also diminishes the value gained from the Cephalid Broker’s ability. Keeping these tactics in mind will help control the card advantage provided by Cephalid Broker and maintain a stable battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Cephalid Broker MTG card by a specific set like Odyssey and Iconic Masters, 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 Cephalid Broker 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
Printings
The Cephalid Broker Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2001-10-01 and 2017-11-17. Illustrated by Dave Dorman.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2001-10-01 | Odyssey | ODY | 71 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Dave Dorman | |
| 2 | 2017-11-17 | Iconic Masters | IMA | 44 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Dave Dorman |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Cephalid Broker has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Cephalid Broker card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2017-11-17 | You draw two cards and discard two cards all while Cephalid Broker’s ability is resolving. Nothing can happen between the two, and no player may choose to take actions. |