Cleric of Chill Depths MTG Card

Provides board control by affecting opponent creature’s ability to untap, shifting combat dynamics. Instant speed use adds flexibility, allowing players to react without committing early. Demands blue mana and card-in-hand considerations, making deck compatibility essential.

Cleric of Chill Depths - Zendikar Rising

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Merfolk Cleric
Released	2020-09-25
Set symbol
Set name	Zendikar Rising
Set code	ZNR
Power	1
Toughness	3
Number	51
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Livia Prima

Text of card

Whenever Cleric of Chill Depths blocks a creature, that creature doesn't untap during its controller's next untap step.

"Before my people turned to false gods, we built a glittering city beneath the northern sea ice. The magic of ancient Benthidrix lives in me!"

Cards like Cleric of Chill Depths

Cleric of Chill Depths is a tactical card from Magic: The Gathering, revered for its creature protection abilities. Much like the Cathedral Sanctifier, it offers a specific function where it prevents damage from creatures it’s blocking, a fine utility in the early stages of the game. The Cleric, however, stands out with its low mana cost and added freezing effect, something the Sanctifier misses entirely.

In the realm of defensive creatures, we also notice a resemblance to Wall of Frost. Both cards excel at deterring attacks, but the Wall of Frost has a broader impact, preventing all damage from creatures it blocks and locking them down for the subsequent turn. Cleric of Chill Depths is less robust stat-wise but compensates with its lower mana cost and early game playability.

Comparing Cleric of Chill Depths to these similar cards highlights its value as an early blocker with a unique freezing mechanic. In a battlefield where stalling aggressive strategies is key, the Cleric can be an invaluable addition to a deck that aims to pace the game and build towards a powerful endgame.

Cathedral Sanctifier - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Cleric of Chill Depths by color, type and mana cost

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Cleric of Chill Depths can be key in sustaining card equilibrium by potentially preventing the loss of your own creatures in combat. This, in turn, allows you to maintain the upper hand on the board by preserving your valuable assets.

Resource Acceleration: Although it doesn’t generate additional mana or treasures directly, the card’s ability to keep opposing creatures at bay can indirectly conserve the resources that might otherwise be spent on creature regeneration or casting defensive spells.

Instant Speed: Serving as a deterrent that can be played at instant speed, Cleric of Chill Depths can instantaneously alter the dynamics of combat. This enables a strategic advantage by forcing the opponent to second-guess attacks or by saving your creatures without prior commitment to the board during your turn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Playing Cleric of Chill Depths demands specific cards in hand to fully utilize its abilities. When your hand runs low, kicking into action this creature’s full potential may become challenging, leading to missed opportunities and stalled gameplay.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s demand for blue mana restricts its inclusion to decks that can consistently provide that color. Players without a steady source of blue mana might find it hard to summon this cleric exactly when needed, potentially hindering strategy fluidity.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the mana cost might seem fair at first glance, in the competitive landscape, there are quite a few alternatives that could pose a better threat or provide more utility on the battlefield for the same or a lower mana investment. Careful deckbuilding is required to justify its place over other options.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Cleric of Chill Depths is a flexible card that can easily fit into blue-based control or tempo decks. Its ability to hinder opponent’s creatures gives it a wide range of uses across multiple formats.

Combo Potential: This card works well with strategies that incentivize blocking, such as leveraging lifegain or utilizing synergistic effects when creatures enter or leave the battlefield.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where aggressive red or green creature decks are prevalent, Cleric of Chill Depths shines by offering a cost-effective way to slow the assault and help stabilize the board.

How to Beat

The Cleric of Chill Depths is an intriguing card used to control the battlefield in MTG. With the ability to prevent a creature from untapping during its controller’s next untap step, it can be a real thorn in the side. But how do you efficiently handle this chilly cleric?

To effectively beat the Cleric of Chill Depths, direct removal spells are your best friend. Since it’s a creature with modest toughness, a simple Shock or Fatal Push can take it off the board. Moreover, spells that bypass the combat step, such as Lava Coil or Cast Down, can eliminate the cleric before it ever gets a chance to block. When facing a deck using multiple Clerics of Chill Depths, sweepers like Wrath of God or Blasphemous Act can clear the board and reset the playing field. Finally, don’t underestimate the power of flying or unblockable creatures, which can soar over or slip past the cleric without ever needing to engage it directly.

Understanding the Cleric’s strengths and weaknesses can swing the match in your favor. Utilize your removal judiciously, and the cleric will be sent back to the depths in no time.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Cleric of Chill Depths MTG card by a specific set like Zendikar Rising, 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 Cleric of Chill Depths and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Cleric of Chill Depths has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Penny	Legal
Timeless	Legal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Cleric of Chill Depths card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date	Text
2020-09-25	If the blocked creature is untapped (most likely because it has vigilance), the ability doesn’t tap it.
2020-09-25	The blocked creature doesn’t untap even if Cleric of Chill Depths leaves the battlefield before that creature’s controller’s next upkeep.