Clandestine Meddler MTG Card
2024-02-09 - Number 82
2024-02-09 - Number 82†
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Vampire Rogue |
| Abilities | Surveil |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
When Clandestine Meddler enters the battlefield, suspect up to one other target creature you control. (A suspected creature has menace and can't block.) Whenever one or more suspected creatures you control attack, surveil 1. (Look at the top card of your library. You may put it into your graveyard.)
Cards like Clandestine Meddler
Clandestine Meddler offers a unique spin on card manipulation within Magic: The Gathering. Its most direct comparison is with cards like Aethersnipe, which similarly affects the game by returning a nonland permanent to its owner’s hand upon entering the battlefield. The Meddler, however, distinguishes itself with its nightbound mechanism and ability to perform its trick each turn it transforms, potentially flipping back and forth for recurring value.
Looking into the blue color pie, we discover Man-o’-War, another creature known for its enter-the-battlefield effect of returning creatures to hand. While Man-o’-War can impact the board the moment it lands, Clandestine Meddler’s strength lies in its persistent threat of transformation and its interaction with the day and night mechanic, offering a longer-term strategic advantage. Another card to consider is Venser, Shaper Savant, who can return spells or permanents and flash in as a surprise, but lacks the repeatable nature that comes with the Meddler’s transformative abilities.
Ultimately, Clandestine Meddler’s recurring utility in matchups where day and night can be reliably controlled showcases its value. Its ability to morph each turn creates a persistent dynamic that can be leveraged for ongoing board control, placing it in its own niche among blue’s creature-based control cards.
Cards similar to Clandestine Meddler by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Engaging with Clandestine Meddler in your deck offers the strategic benefit of reorganizing the top cards of your library. This action sets up your subsequent draws and ensures you have the tools you need at the right time. In the dynamic and ever-evolving gameplay of MTG, this kind of card manipulation can be crucial for keeping one step ahead of your opponent.
Resource Acceleration: The Clandestine Meddler’s synergy with spells or abilities that trigger upon casting a blue spell can convert a single turn into a powerhouse of productivity. By accelerating such resources, players can swiftly tip the scale in their favor, driving the game’s momentum and unlocking new strategic pathways to victory.
Instant Speed: The power to utilize Clandestine Meddler at instant speed enhances its strategic value significantly. This allows players to remain adaptable during their opponent’s turn, providing a tool to react to unexpected threats or opportunities, and integrates seamlessly with an MTG player’s arsenal of responsive play options.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing a Clandestine Meddler demands that you discard another card, which can deplete your hand and reduce your options, especially damaging when you’re already behind.
Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost for Clandestine Meddler is a particular combination that requires both blue and black mana, potentially restricting its inclusion only to decks that can reliably produce both colors.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana cost, Clandestine Meddler enters the battlefield later than some other disruptive creatures, meaning it could be too slow to influence the early game effectively.
Reasons to Include Clandestine Meddler in Your Collection
Versatility: Clandestine Meddler’s ability to manipulate the top card of a player’s library makes it a flexible addition to decks that capitalize on library and graveyard control. It is also a creature, which means it fits nicely into strategies that synergize with creature-based mechanics.
Combo Potential: This card’s ability to reorder the top of the library at instant speed opens up combo possibilities, pairing well with cards that benefit from knowing or manipulating the order of upcoming draws, like various “scry” abilities or “miracle” cards, enhancing their impact during crucial turns in the game.
Meta-Relevance: As decks that rely on the predictability and control of their draw become prevalent, Clandestine Meddler offers a counter-strategy, disrupting opponents’ plans and gaining an edge over those who are unprepared for such disruption.
How to beat
Clandestine Meddler is a unique addition to the pantheon of blue creatures in Magic the Gathering. Its ability to untap another target permanent you control at the beginning of your upkeep makes it a versatile tool for maintaining tempo and exploiting synergies within your deck. While this ability can be powerful, particularly in decks that focus on using activated abilities of permanents, there are ways to mitigate the advantage this card can provide your opponent.
One effective strategy is to limit the number of viable targets for Clandestine Meddler’s ability. This can be achieved through removal spells that can quickly dispatch the Meddler itself or the other key permanents it aims to untap. Cards like Murder, providing a straightforward solution to the threat, are always a solid inclusion. In addition, counter spells such as Counterspell or Negate can prevent Clandestine Meddler from ever hitting the board in the first place.
Overall, tackling the Clandestine Meddler comes down to a proactive game plan, utilizing removals and counters to keep the board state under control, ensuring that the Meddler’s influence on the game remains minimal.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Clandestine Meddler MTG card by a specific set like Murders at Karlov Manor and 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 Clandestine Meddler 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
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Printings
The Clandestine Meddler Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2024-02-09 and 2024-02-09. Illustrated by Jodie Muir.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2024-02-09 | Murders at Karlov Manor | MKM | 82 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jodie Muir | |
| 2 | 2024-02-09 | Murders at Karlov Manor | MKM | 82† | 2015 | Normal | Black | Jodie Muir |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Clandestine Meddler has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Standardbrawl | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |