Cerulean Sphinx MTG Card
2005-10-07 - Number 39
2024-01-12 - Number 36
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Sphinx |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 5 |
| Toughness | 5 |
Text of card
Flying : Cerulean Sphinx's owner shuffles it into his or her library.
"About the sphinx, I have mixed feelings. Their wisdom I crave, but their secrecy I can't tolerate." —Szadek
Cards like Cerulean Sphinx
The Cerulean Sphinx from Magic: The Gathering adds a rich layer of strategy to the game with its combined suite of abilities. Notably, it’s akin to cards like Aetherling which provide a level of protection through self-bouncing mechanics. Both cards can return to their owner’s hand, though the Sphinx requires a card to be discarded as part of the cost. Aetherling, on the other hand, has a mana cost associated with this ability.
Shifting into a different gear, we see similarities with other creatures like Morphling, often dubbed as “the Ultimate Shapeshifter.” Morphling allows for various alterations to power, toughness, and abilities, yet lacks the card-drawn synergy found in the Cerulean Sphinx’s design. The Sphinx offers a unique approach by blending card filtering with a resilient threat on the board.
When it comes to evaluating these comparisons, the Cerulean Sphinx stands out in MTG. It commands an intrigue with its mix of evasion, board presence, and card interaction, setting a high bar for versatility in creature abilities and making it a compelling choice for decks that can leverage these multidimensional strategies effectively.
Cards similar to Cerulean Sphinx by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Cerulean Sphinx offers consistent card filtration with every attack, potentially leading to significant card advantage over time. This flying enigma allows its controller to shore up their hand, making it a valuable asset in controlling the flow of the game.
Resource Acceleration: This mystifying creature carries the potential to swiftly change the pace of the match through its mana cost of six, suggesting a hefty investment that accelerates resources lategame, and positions you to cast high-impact spells sooner.
Instant Speed: The sphinx’s ability can be activated at instant speed, providing a tactical edge by adapting to changing game states without waiting for sorcery speed. This allows you to keep options open and react to threats or opportunities instantaneously, safeguarding your game strategy.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Cerulean Sphinx necessitates discarding a card as part of its ability’s activation. This can be a substantial drawback when your hand lacks expendable options, potentially forcing you to lose valuable assets to leverage the Sphinx’s ability.
Specific Mana Cost: Casting this Sphinx demands a precise mana arrangement that includes blue. This could prove restrictive for decks not heavily invested in blue mana sources, thereby limiting the card’s versatility across various deck types.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that reaches into the upper echelon of the mana curve, there are alternative creatures or spells that might provide a similar level of board impact at a lower mana investment, making Cerulean Sphinx a less attractive option in environments where mana efficiency is key.
Reasons to Include Cerulean Sphinx in Your Collection
Versatility: Cerulean Sphinx can be a flexible addition to your arsenal, adapting seamlessly to strategies focused on control and tempo in blue-based decks. Its ability to return to its owner’s hand ensures it remains a persistent threat on the board.
Combo Potential: The card’s shuffle ability opens up possibilities for combos with library manipulation or when seeking to recycle valuable cards from your graveyard back into your deck.
Meta-Relevance: Given that creature-based tactics continue to be prevalent, Cerulean Sphinx can serve as a reliable blocker with its respectable power and toughness, while also being a consistent draw engine in slower-paced matches or when the board is stalled.
How to beat Cerulean Sphinx
The Cerulean Sphinx is an intriguing creature that brings an element of protection and tactical advantage to the battlefield. With the capacity to return to its owner’s hand, it evades many forms of removal that plague other creatures. To effectively counteract this blue powerhouse, consider strategies that restrict the opponent’s ability to pay for its return ability. Tapping down their mana resources or playing cards that limit hand usage can prove to be effective.
Alternately, forcing the opponent to discard their hand could eliminate the Sphinx’s ability to shield itself, pushing the player on the defensive. Employing spells that exile or force the player to sacrifice creatures is another way to bypass the Sphinx’s protective strategy. It’s also beneficial to remember that spells and abilities that don’t target, such as board wipes or global effects, are not hindered by the Sphinx’s ability.
In practice, tackling the Cerulean Sphinx requires a blend of preemptive strategy and swift action, making it a rewarding challenge for tactically minded players. Understanding the timing and having the right responses can turn the tide against this elusive creature.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Cerulean Sphinx MTG card by a specific set like Ravnica: City of Guilds and Ravnica Remastered, 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 Cerulean Sphinx 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 Cerulean Sphinx Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2005-10-07 and 2024-01-12. Illustrated by Jim Murray.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2005-10-07 | Ravnica: City of Guilds | RAV | 39 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Jim Murray | |
| 2 | 2024-01-12 | Ravnica Remastered | RVR | 36 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jim Murray |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Cerulean Sphinx has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |