Elusive Spellfist MTG Card
2015-03-27 - Number 53
2017-11-17 - Number 54
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Monk |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, Elusive Spellfist gets +1/+0 until end of turn and can't be blocked this turn.
"Learn to see an obstacle from a new perspective. Underneath, for example." —Chanyi, Ojutai monk
Cards like Elusive Spellfist
Elusive Spellfist stands out in the realm of creature cards in MTG due to its unique ability to become unblockable. A card to compare with is the Mist-Cloaked Herald, which also can’t be blocked. However, Elusive Spellfist requires a noncreature spell to be cast to trigger its ability, whereas the Herald is always unblockable.
Another comparable card is the Aether Tunnel, an enchantment that grants unblockability to the enchanted creature and adds an additional power boost. This enchantment mirrors the triggered power increase of Elusive Spellfist. Artful Dodge similarly grants a creature unblockable as a one-shot effect but can be cast twice thanks to its flashback feature.
Assessing their applications, Elusive Spellfist shines in a spell-heavy deck, where its synergistic nature can consistently make it a significant threat. The other cards have constant or more flexible effects, but require different strategies or set-ups, showing that each has its niche in different types of MTG gameplay.
Cards similar to Elusive Spellfist by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Elusive Spellfist provides potential card advantage by turning noncreature spells you cast into direct damage to the opponent thanks to its ability. Each time you cast a noncreature spell, you not only get your spell’s effect but also a possibility to command through more damage.
Resource Acceleration: Though Elusive Spellfist doesn’t directly accelerate resources in the form of mana, its low casting cost and synergy with cheap cantrips can rapidly cycle through your deck. This indirectly accelerates your access to necessary resources by drawing into them quicker.
Instant Speed: This creature pairs excellently with instant speed spells. Casting instants on an opponent’s turn just before yours can unexpectedly buff the Elusive Spellfist, making it a threat that’s both elusive and sudden. It adds a tactical layer to your game, forcing opponents to play around your unseen potential.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Elusive Spellfist demands that you cast another noncreature spell to trigger its ability. This can pressure your hand, making you discard potentially valuable cards to keep fueling its effect, which isn’t always ideal in resource-tight situations.
Specific Mana Cost: Elusive Spellfist requires one blue mana to play. This mana cost may not seem restrictive at face value, but it does firmly anchor it in blue-centric or blue-inclusive decks, possibly limiting its versatility across various deck types.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For a creature that is reliant on other spells for its offensive potential, a casting cost of two mana can be steep, particularly when compared to other creatures with innate evasion or buffs that don’t rely on additional spellcasting to become effective on the battlefield.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Elusive Spellfist offers a unique blend of aggressive tactics and defensive maneuvers, aligning perfectly with decks that prioritize spell casting while maintaining a solid board presence.
Combo Potential: Its ability to become unblockable when a noncreature spell is cast sets up various combo opportunities, particularly in decks that cast numerous spells in a single turn or those that aim to deliver a flurry of instant and sorcery cards.
Meta-Relevance: In a metagame saturated with creature-based strategies, Elusive Spellfist provides a reliable way to sneak past blockers and chip away at an opponent’s life total, keeping relevant in ever-shifting competitive environments.
How to beat
Elusive Spellfist is a clever creature card that can become a real challenge for MTG players. Known for its prowess ability, this card gains a temporal strength boost whenever you play a noncreature spell, making it a formidable opponent. To effectively counter Elusive Spellfist, a strategic approach is critical.
First, employ removal spells that can target Elusive Spellfist even when it’s buffed, such as Doom Blade or Path to Exile. These can eliminate the Spellfist regardless of its power at the moment. Also, playing cards that restrict your opponent from casting spells, like Damping Sphere, can inhibit the Spellfist’s ability to grow. Another tactic is to use creatures with the “reach” or “flying” abilities, ensuring you can block it when it attempts to attack unblocked. Lastly, ensure you maintain a robust creature base to apply pressure, forcing your adversary to engage in defensive plays rather than focusing on their Spellfist combo.
By understanding the mechanics behind Elusive Spellfist and preparing your deck with appropriate counters, the odds of subduing this elusive creature card are vastly improved, keeping your game plan on the winning track.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Elusive Spellfist MTG card by a specific set like Dragons of Tarkir and Iconic Masters, 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 Elusive Spellfist 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 Elusive Spellfist Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2015-03-27 and 2017-11-17. Illustrated by Viktor Titov.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2015-03-27 | Dragons of Tarkir | DTK | 53 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Viktor Titov | |
| 2 | 2017-11-17 | Iconic Masters | IMA | 54 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Viktor Titov |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Elusive Spellfist has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Elusive Spellfist card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2017-11-17 | Once Elusive Spellfist has been blocked, causing its ability to trigger won’t change or undo that block. |