Dazzling Sphinx MTG Card


Card advantage is a key strength, allowing players to draw extra cards when dealing combat damage. Provides resource acceleration by enabling free casting of certain spells revealed during combat. Encourages a gameplay style that leverages instant speed interactions for optimal plays.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Sphinx
Abilities Flying
Power 4
Toughness 5

Text of card

Flying Whenever Dazzling Sphinx deals combat damage to a player, that player exiles cards from the top of their library until they exile an instant or sorcery card. You may cast that card without paying its mana cost. Then that player puts the exiled cards that weren't cast this way on the bottom of their library in a random order.


Cards like Dazzling Sphinx

The Dazzling Sphinx stands out in the realm of blue creatures in MTG. When we examine other similar cards, Frost Titan immediately comes to mind for its ice-cold control abilities, freezing down opponent’s permanents. However, Dazzling Sphinx offers a unique angle with its prospect of casting spells for free whenever an opponent casts their second spell each turn. This grants not just a reactive tactic, but a potential game-changer in terms of tempo and resource advantage.

Delving further, we encounter Consecrated Sphinx, another creature that capitalizes on drawing cards. Though it doesn’t provide the free casting feature of Dazzling Sphinx, it does allow for substantial card advantage by drawing two cards whenever an opponent draws one. Sphinx of the Final Word is another worthy mention; it’s not just immune to counter spells but also gifts your instant and sorcery spells the same resilience. Yet, it lacks the interactive gameplay twist that Dazzling Sphinx plays with.

Ultimately, in the landscape of sphinxes and their kin, Dazzling Sphinx brings a unique flavor to the table, impacting the play dynamic with cunning anticipated plays and progressing one’s own strategy with potentially free spellcasting, making it a noteworthy option among its counterparts in MTG.

Frost Titan - MTG Card versions
Consecrated Sphinx - MTG Card versions
Sphinx of the Final Word - MTG Card versions
Frost Titan - MTG Card versions
Consecrated Sphinx - MTG Card versions
Sphinx of the Final Word - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Dazzling Sphinx by color, type and mana cost

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Richard Garfield, Ph.D. - MTG Card versions
Cloudhoof Kirin - MTG Card versions
Drelnoch - MTG Card versions
Vesuvan Doppelganger - MTG Card versions
Water Elemental - MTG Card versions
Air Elemental - MTG Card versions
Pirate Ship - MTG Card versions
Sandbar Crocodile - MTG Card versions
Segovian Leviathan - MTG Card versions
Psionic Entity - MTG Card versions
Taniwha - MTG Card versions
Sun Ce, Young Conquerer - MTG Card versions
Wu Admiral - MTG Card versions
Mawcor - MTG Card versions
Timin, Youthful Geist - MTG Card versions
Geology Enthusiast - MTG Card versions
Dreamtail Heron - MTG Card versions
Coastal Hornclaw - MTG Card versions
Meloku the Clouded Mirror - MTG Card versions
Azami, Lady of Scrolls - MTG Card versions
Richard Garfield, Ph.D. - MTG Card versions
Cloudhoof Kirin - MTG Card versions
Drelnoch - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Dazzling Sphinx gives players a unique way to potentially draw additional cards. When it deals combat damage to a player, you can reveal cards from the top of your deck until you reveal a nonland card. That’s a significant boon, as it can swiftly tip the scales in your favor by replenishing your hand with more options and increasing the likelihood that you have an answer to your opponent’s strategies.

Resource Acceleration: The revealed nonland card from Dazzling Sphinx’s ability isn’t just an opportunity for card advantage, but it also serves as a form of resource acceleration. If that card has a mana value of five or less, you may cast it without paying its mana cost. This allows you to effectively skip the resource curve, placing threats and valuable spells on the board much earlier than usual.

Instant Speed: While Dazzling Sphinx itself does not operate at instant speed, it encourages a style of play that maximizes the value of your instant-speed interactions. By potentially casting high-impact spells during the combat phase, you keep your opponents guessing and hold your mana in reserve for the right moment, thereby optimizing your plays and resource management each turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Dazzling Sphinx may require you to discard a card when playing under certain conditions. This can put you at a disadvantage, particularly if your hand is already stretched thin and you are relying on every card to make strategic plays.

Specific Mana Cost: Summoning this mystical creature requires a precise combination of mana, which includes at least one blue source. For decks that are not heavily invested in blue mana, incorporating the Dazzling Sphinx can be challenging and may not synergize well with the mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Sporting a mana value that’s on the higher end of the spectrum for its effects, the Dazzling Sphinx might not be the most mana-efficient option available. Players may find themselves considering alternatives that offer more immediate impact or versatility for similar or lower mana investments.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Dazzling Sphinx offers dynamic play options, fitting seamlessly into various blue-based control or combo archetypes. Its ability to potentially disrupt opponents’ strategies while also digging for answers makes it a multifaceted tool in matches.

Combo Potential: With Dazzling Sphinx’s unique guessing game ability, players can set up interesting card interactions. Imagine pairing it with deck manipulation tools to ensure knowing the top card of your library, thereby guaranteeing a valuable ‘guess’ each time.

Meta-Relevance: In a gameplay environment where clever tactics and surprise advantages can tip the scales, Dazzling Sphinx may shine. Its potential to generate card advantage and alter the course of play with its triggered ability can be critical against a variety of opposing deck types.


How to beat

Dazzling Sphinx is an intriguing card in MTG, inviting players into a mind game with its unique revealing mechanic. When challenging this enigmatic creature, one must focus on shutting down the guessing game that it thrives on. Precision is key; reveal effects that control top-deck cards are useful tools to counter the Sphinx’s power.

To defend against the Sphinx’s onslaught, instant-speed removal spells can catch an opponent off-guard, ensuring the Sphinx’s abilities do not turn the tide of battle. Direct damage spells or abilities that target creatures, such as Murder or Shock, can also be effective if timed correctly, bypassing the Sphinx’s advantage completely. It’s not just about having the tools, but also understanding when to disrupt your opponent’s strategy.

While Dazzling Sphinx can dazzle its way through defenses with a well-timed guess, it’s your challenge to navigate around its riddles and transform potential deception into a clear path to victory. Building a deck with reliable removal and control elements will set you up for success when you encounter the dazzling mind games of the Sphinx.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the use of Dazzling Sphinx in your MTG deck can lead to powerful gameplay and enchanting victories. Its card advantage potential and ability to bypass mana costs for spells add layers of complexity and surprise to your strategy. Whether facing off against creatures or outwitting opponents in the mental sphere, understanding when to employ this creature can be a game-changer. If you’re looking to weave a bit of mystery into your play or elevate your deck with a spellcasting twist, diving deeper into the nuances of Dazzling Sphinx is your next step. Visit us to expand your knowledge and adapt your tactics, ensuring your next MTG battle is as dazzling as the Sphinx itself.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Dazzling Sphinx MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Commander 2021, 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 Dazzling Sphinx and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Dazzling Sphinx Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2021-04-23 and 2024-04-19. Illustrated by Oriana Menendez.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 900302015NormalBlackOriana Menendez
22021-04-23Commander 2021C21 3522015NormalBlackOriana Menendez
32021-04-23Commander 2021C21 252015NormalBlackOriana Menendez
42024-04-19Outlaws of Thunder Junction CommanderOTC 932015NormalBlackOriana Menendez

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Dazzling Sphinx has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2021-04-16 Dazzling Sphinx’s triggered ability lets you cast the exiled card during the resolution of the ability. It doesn’t allow you to wait and cast the card later.
2021-04-16 If the exiled instant or sorcery card has an in its mana cost, you must choose 0 as the value of .
2021-04-16 You may choose not to cast the instant or sorcery card that you exiled. In that case, it will be put on the bottom of the library with the rest of the exiled cards.