Archers of Qarsi MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Naga Archer
Abilities	Defender,Reach
Released	2015-01-23
Set symbol
Set name	Fate Reforged
Set code	FRF
Power	5
Toughness	2
Number	124
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Alejandro Mirabal

Key Takeaways

Offers card advantage through drawing capabilities, boosting strategic options during play.
Flexibility in response to in-game events due to instant speed abilities.
Demands careful hand and mana management to avoid potential disadvantages.

Text of card

Defender Reach (This creature can block creatures with flying.)

"We think of the naga as creeping cutthroats, slitherers in the swamps. But they are equally at home in the trees." —Goton, Qal Sisma shaman

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Archers of Qarsi comes into play with the power to draw an additional card when certain conditions are met. This mechanic not only replenishes your hand but also can help swing the tide by providing you with more options to address the evolving battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: Efficacy in mana utilization is key for a streamlined game plan and Archers of Qarsi can contribute to this aspect. The potential resource acceleration that comes from synergistic cards or abilities that compliment it allows for an expansion of your board presence more swiftly than usual.

Instant Speed: The ability to utilize certain abilities at instant speed gives Archers of Qarsi flexibility, letting players respond to threats or opportunities at critical times during the game. This versatility ensures that you are not just advancing your strategy, but also able to interact with and disrupt your opponent’s plays as they happen.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Archers of Qarsi has a downside that it asks players to sacrifice a card from their hand. This can lead to a disadvantage, especially in the late game when each card’s value becomes critically high.

Specific Mana Cost: Its mana cost is not only specific, but also requires a combination of different mana sources, which can potentially complicate its inclusion in multi-colored decks that may not consistently produce the needed colors.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For a creature that provides only a defensive advantage, the mana investment needed to deploy Archers of Qarsi is notably steep compared to other creatures with similar or better offensive capabilities at a lower cost.

Reasons to Include Archers of Qarsi in Your Collection

Versatility: Archers of Qarsi offer an adaptable option for decks that require defensive capabilities against flying creatures. Their reach attribute lets them block flyers, which can be crucial in formats where airborne threats are prevalent.

Combo Potential: In decks that play around with +1/+1 counters or with abilities that trigger when creatures are tapped, Archers of Qarsi serve as a valuable addition. Their defensive stature paired with such strategies could turn them into an offensive asset as well.

Meta-Relevance: In a game that heavily features flying threats or utilizes creatures with evasion, Archers of Qarsi’s ability to intercept these attackers can be critical. Their presence on the board could deter opponents from swinging in, allowing for a more controlled match from your end.

How to beat

Navigating a match against the defensive prowess of Archers of Qarsi in your MTG game can be a tactical challenge. Well-known for its ability to block multiple creatures thanks to its Reach and Deathtouch abilities, this card turns the tide by creating an almost impenetrable barrier. To outplay this card, it’s essential to focus on removal strategies that don’t involve attacking creatures. Spells that directly remove creatures like Murder or Path to Exile can effectively clear the path for your attackers, bypassing Archers of Qarsi’s combat strengths.

Alternatively, focusing on non-combat strategies such as burn spells or direct player damage can circumvent the need to deal with the Archers. Cards like Lightning Bolt or Shivan Fire let you target creatures or players directly, thus Archers of Qarsi’s combat benefits become less relevant. Lastly, keep an eye on evasion abilities. Flyers or creatures with unblockable traits can soar over or slip past the Archers, allowing you to press the advantage and secure your path to victory.

Being prepared to adapt your strategy is key in MTG; understanding the strengths and weaknesses of cards like Archers of Qarsi will certainly enhance your gameplay and strategic decisions.

Cards like Archers of Qarsi

Archers of Qarsi presents a unique tactical angle within the realm of defender creatures in Magic: The Gathering. While most defenders, such as Wall of Runes, offer protection and a modest ability like scrying, Archers of Qarsi brings a ranged offensive capability to the battlefield. Unlike Wall of Runes, which is purely defensive, the Archers can actively contest flying creatures, making them a versatile threat behind your lines.

Comparatively, Guard Gomazoa is another defender with a focus on intercepting flyers due to its reach attribute. Nevertheless, Guard Gomazoa can’t inflict damage, standing out as a pure deterrent rather than an offensive piece. In contrast, Archers of Qarsi can combine defense with the ability to eliminate threats from above. Looking towards Towering Titan, it exhibits a completely different approach by growing stronger with each defender you control, yet lacking the direct offensive capabilities against airborne assailants.

Ultimately, Archers of Qarsi serves as a strategic choice for players seeking a defender who can contribute to board control while maintaining a formidable defensive stance. Its functionality goes beyond the customary uses of defenders, adding depth to deck-building considerations where aerial defense is imperative.

Cards similar to Archers of Qarsi by color, type and mana cost

Ulvenwald Oddity // Ulvenwald Behemoth - MTG Card versions

Monkey Monkey Monkey - MTG Card versions

Matsu-Tribe Birdstalker - MTG Card versions

Order of the Sacred Bell - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Archers of Qarsi MTG card by a specific set like Fate Reforged, 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 Archers of Qarsi and other MTG cards: