Coral Merfolk MTG Card
1998-10-12 - Number 67
2001-04-11 - Number 66★
2001-04-11 - Number 66
2009-07-17 - Number 47
2011-07-15 - Number 49
2013-07-19 - Number 49
2017-04-15 - Number 8
2019-07-12 - Number 315
2020-08-13 - Number 26
| Card sets | Released in 9 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Merfolk |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Cards like Coral Merfolk
Coral Merfolk steps into the vast blue creature pool of Magic: The Gathering with its simplicity, being a straightforward two-mana 2/1 creature. It’s reminiscent of cards such as Welkin Tern, which also possesses a 2/1 stat line for two mana but offers flying, giving it an edge in evasion. This distinction points to Welkin Tern as a superior offensive choice in decks that prioritize combat in the air.
Further comparison brings Spire Golem into the conversation. Although reaching the battlefield for a higher initial cost, Spire Golem’s affinity for islands can heavily reduce its casting cost and give it a significant advantage, especially in mono-blue decks. Its 2/4 body coupled with flying also provides a noteworthy defensive barrier that Coral Merfolk lacks.
Overall, while Coral Merfolk is a card that fits the bill for a low-cost creature with decent power, its lack of additional abilities makes it a less favorable option compared to similar blue creatures that bring more utility or combat prowess to the table. Hence, Coral Merfolk often finds its role in casual play or as a nostalgic piece rather than a competitive staple.
Cards similar to Coral Merfolk by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Coral Merfolk’s simplicity can be viewed as a strategic advantage in specific decks that thrive on synergy rather than individual card power. It’s a cost-effective creature that can be used to trigger abilities or enchantments that revolve around casting creature spells.
Resource Acceleration: This aquatic card may not directly provide resource acceleration, but its low casting cost helps maintain momentum by allowing players to preserve their mana for other pivotal plays during the mid to late game.
Instant Speed: While Coral Merfolk itself is not an instant, its straightforward casting cost allows players to keep their mana pool open for instant-speed responses without needing to commit to a board presence too early in their turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Coral Merfolk doesn’t require a discard to play, this characteristic could refer to similar cards that might ask for such a trade-off, which can set you back if your hand is already dwindling.
Specific Mana Cost: Coral Merfolk requires a precise blend of mana to cast—specifically one blue and one generic. This necessity can be a drawback in multicolored decks that need to carefully manage their mana pool.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of two mana for a simple 2/1 creature, Coral Merfolk’s efficiency is overshadowed by other creatures in the same mana range that offer additional abilities or higher stats, making it a less favored choice for deck builders seeking value.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Coral Merfolk’s simple requirements for inclusion make it a universal fit for blue-centered decks and those looking to establish a presence early in the game. Its straightforward mana cost means it can slip into a variety of builds without complicating your mana base.
Combo Potential: As a creature with the Merfolk subtype, Coral Merfolk holds potential in tribal synergies. Combine it with lords like “Master of the Pearl Trident” to strengthen your underwater allies or enable card interactions unique to Merfolk decks.
Meta-Relevance: In a metagame where low-cost creatures can be imperative, Coral Merfolk offers an accessible option for strategies focusing on establishing board control quickly or for using as a resilient blocker in the early stages of a match.
How to Beat Coral Merfolk
Coral Merfolk, while not a top-tier threat in Magic: The Gathering, presents as a vanilla creature at a low cost. Its simple design, a 2/1 body for two mana, is straightforward and can be easily overshadowed in the game. However, to assert dominion over this aquatic ally, the strategy is to outmatch its power and toughness. A creature with a minimum of 2 toughness can trade with it, enabling you to maintain board control without significant investment.
Removal spells, especially those considered efficient in standard play, like Shock or Fatal Push, can dispose of Coral Merfolk without fuss. They can disrupt early game plans by eliminating this merfolk before it can become a blocker or an attacker. Even better, dedicated counter spells to ensure such low-impact creatures never hit the board, such as Essence Scatter, can maintain a player’s advantage for more threatening sea-dwellers later in the game.
In games stretching to the mid or late phase, Coral Merfolk’s relevance wanes as more potent creatures and spells come into play. Thus, by maintaining tempo, building your board with superior creatures, and keeping removal spells in hand for more consequential threats, surpassing the Coral Merfolk’s capabilities is not just achievable—it’s expected in a strategically piloted game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Coral Merfolk MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Saga and Seventh Edition, 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 Coral Merfolk 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
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Printings
The Coral Merfolk Magic the Gathering card was released in 8 different sets between 1998-10-12 and 2020-08-13. Illustrated by 3 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1998-10-12 | Urza's Saga | USG | 67 | 1997 | Normal | Black | rk post | |
| 2 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 66★ | 1997 | Normal | Black | Rebecca Guay | |
| 3 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 66 | 1997 | Normal | White | Rebecca Guay | |
| 4 | 2009-07-17 | Magic 2010 | M10 | 47 | 2003 | Normal | Black | rk post | |
| 5 | 2011-07-15 | Magic 2012 | M12 | 49 | 2003 | Normal | Black | rk post | |
| 6 | 2013-07-19 | Magic 2014 | M14 | 49 | 2003 | Normal | Black | rk post | |
| 7 | 2017-04-15 | Welcome Deck 2017 | W17 | 8 | 2015 | Normal | Black | rk post | |
| 8 | 2019-07-12 | Core Set 2020 | M20 | 315 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Lie Setiawan | |
| 9 | 2020-08-13 | Arena Beginner Set | ANB | 26 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Lie Setiawan |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Coral Merfolk has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |