Chimney Imp MTG Card
2003-10-02 - Number 59
2020-03-08 - Number 34
2020-09-26 - Number MRD-59
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Imp |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Flying When Chimney Imp is put into a graveyard from play, target opponent puts a card from his or her hand on top of his or her library.
Cards like Chimney Imp
Chimney Imp is an often-overlooked creature within the Magic: The Gathering universe, yet it holds an interesting place when compared to its peers. A flying creature, the Imp shares similarities with other low-cost flyers like Vault Skirge. Both provide an aerial threat, but Vault Skirge offers lifelink as an additional advantage at the cost of either life or colored mana, which Chimney Imp lacks.
When viewing Chimney Imp through the lens of utility creatures, it might remind players of Reassembling Skeleton. Although Reassembling Skeleton doesn’t have flying, it boasts an invaluable ability to return from the graveyard to the battlefield, ensuring a repeated board presence that Chimney Imp doesn’t offer. Additionally, where Chimney Imp can potentially disrupt an opponent’s draw when it dies, creatures like Mesmeric Fiend provide hand disruption on entry, allowing for immediate knowledge and impact on the game at a similar mana value.
In scrutinizing the unique aspects of Chimney Imp alongside comparable cards, it’s clear that while the Imp might not be the powerhouse in flying utility creatures, its death-triggered ability to inconvenience an opponent’s draw can be situationally useful, carving a niche for the Imp in certain MTG strategies.
Cards similar to Chimney Imp by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Chimney Imp may not directly offer card draw, its death-triggered ability can disrupt your opponent’s next draw, possibly negating their card advantage. By forcing an opponent to put a card from hand on top of their library, you effectively remove their next draw step, which can turn the tides in a closely matched game where every draw counts.
Resource Acceleration: Chimney Imp, a card with a higher mana cost for its stats, doesn’t provide traditional resource acceleration. However, its impact when it leaves the battlefield could indirectly result in a subtle form of resource advantage. This happens as your opponents waste resources dealing with it, only to have their next draw step hindered, potentially slowing down their game plan while you continue to advance yours.
Instant Speed: Chimney Imp itself does not operate at instant speed but its utility in decks may complement strategies that function around instant speed interaction. Its mere presence could potentially alter how your opponent plays, knowing that losing a draw could be imminent if they decide to remove the Imp, thereby meshing well with a strategy that holds up mana for instant speed responses and playing on your opponent’s turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: With Chimney Imp, when it goes to the graveyard from play, an opponent must discard a card. This can be a double-edged sword if your strategy revolves around retaining your own hand size and the Imp is removed unexpectedly.
Specific Mana Cost: The mana needed to cast Chimney Imp includes two specific black mana, which makes it less flexible for multi-colored decks or those that struggle to produce enough black mana consistently.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At a total of five mana for a 1/2 flying creature, Chimney Imp’s mana cost is steep when considering its modest board impact compared to other creatures and spells available at a similar cost.
Reasons to Include Chimney Imp in Your Collection
Versatility: While Chimney Imp may not be the most powerful card, it has a quirky ability that could find a home in casual decks or those looking to experiment with fun, unusual strategies.
Combo Potential: At first glance, its ability to force an opponent to put a card from their hand on top of their library when Chimney Imp goes to the graveyard might not seem like much. However, in formats like Commander, where games can run long and strategies become complex, this effect can be combined with discard or shuffle effects for subtle disruption.
Meta-Relevance: Chimney Imp is not typically considered a meta-relevant card in most competitive formats. However, for players who enjoy creating unique deck-building challenges or wish to catch opponents off-guard in a more casual setting, Chimney Imp could provide an unexpected twist to the game state.
How to beat
Chimney Imp, a card familiar to players of Magic: The Gathering, presents a unique tactical challenge on the battlefield. This creature may not stand out for its power or toughness, but its departure from the game necessitates a keen strategy. When Chimney Imp heads to the graveyard from play, it forces the opponent to put a card from their hand on top of their library, potentially setting back their game plan.
To effectively counter this flying imp, removal spells that exile it instead of sending it to the graveyard bypass its ability, such as Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares. Moreover, employing board wipes that don’t target like Wrath of God ensures the imp’s ability doesn’t trigger. Another reliable tactic entails using counterspells like Cancel when the imp is cast, keeping it off the board entirely.
Ultimately, while Chimney Imp might not be a staple in high-powered formats, it still requires a thoughtful approach to overcome. Prioritizing non-destructive forms of removal or countering its cast keeps the Imp’s ability in check and maintains your momentum in the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Chimney Imp MTG card by a specific set like Mirrodin and Mystery Booster Retail Edition Foils, 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 Chimney Imp 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 Chimney Imp Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2003-10-02 and 2020-03-08. Illustrated by Christopher Moeller.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2003-10-02 | Mirrodin | MRD | 59 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Christopher Moeller | |
| 2 | 2020-03-08 | Mystery Booster Retail Edition Foils | FMB1 | 34 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Christopher Moeller | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | MRD-59 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Christopher Moeller |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Chimney Imp has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |