Five Kids in a Trenchcoat MTG Card


The card multiplies on-field threats, overriding standard draw with advantageous board presence. Instant speed usage introduces surprise elements, altering game dynamics in the player’s favor. Although powerful, it requires strategic hand and mana management to maximize benefits.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Human Citizen
Power 1
Toughness 5

Text of card

CARDNAME counts as five creatures for spells and effects that count the number of creatures you control.


Cards like Five Kids in a Trenchcoat

Five Kids in a Trenchcoat is a whimsical and strategic card in Magic: The Gathering. It invites comparison to creatures that disguise their true numbers or provide unexpected abilities. For instance, Hostage Taker is a card that, while it doesn’t mimic a group as Five Kids in a Trenchcoat does, it does bring something unexpected to the battlefield by exiling another creature or artifact until it leaves the field.

Then there’s Flamerush Rider, which replicates creatures when it attacks, echoing the notion of assembling for a collective impact, albeit through a different mechanic. Both of these cards, while distinct in function, underscore the ingenuity in MTG card design, where cards can represent complex concepts or cheeky ideas. While Flamerush Rider mimics battle prowess, Five Kids in a Trenchcoat offers discrete utility that can surprise an opponent due to the deceptive simplicity of its design.

When weaving fun themes and mechanics into the fabric of a deck, Five Kids in a Trenchcoat stands out not only for its creativity but also its utility gameplay, offering a unique twist on creature capabilities within Magic: The Gathering.

Hostage Taker - MTG Card versions
Flamerush Rider - MTG Card versions
Hostage Taker - MTG Card versions
Flamerush Rider - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Five Kids in a Trenchcoat by color, type and mana cost

Argivian Blacksmith - MTG Card versions
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Kitsune Palliator - MTG Card versions
Freewind Equenaut - MTG Card versions
Sanctum Guardian - MTG Card versions
Argivian Blacksmith - MTG Card versions
Jamuraan Lion - MTG Card versions
Snow Hound - MTG Card versions
Elvish Healer - MTG Card versions
Femeref Knight - MTG Card versions
Border Guard - MTG Card versions
Stern Marshal - MTG Card versions
Soltari Crusader - MTG Card versions
Town Sentry - MTG Card versions
Benalish Knight - MTG Card versions
Regal Unicorn - MTG Card versions
Wild Griffin - MTG Card versions
Pianna, Nomad Captain - MTG Card versions
Dogged Hunter - MTG Card versions
Sanctum Prelate - MTG Card versions
Diving Griffin - MTG Card versions
Faithful Squire // Kaiso, Memory of Loyalty - MTG Card versions
Kitsune Palliator - MTG Card versions
Freewind Equenaut - MTG Card versions
Sanctum Guardian - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Five Kids in a Trenchcoat card provides a unique twist on card advantage. Unlike traditional draw mechanics, it allows players to potentially put multiple creature cards onto the battlefield, significantly increasing the number of threats your opponent must deal with. This multiplicative effect can quickly outpace standard draw actions, leveraging board presence alongside card economy.

Resource Acceleration: This card offers a form of resource acceleration by allowing you to tap for mana equal to the number of creatures represented by the Five Kids. Essentially, you are accelerating your mana pool while also developing your board state. This duality can be particularly advantageous in decks that thrive on having numerous creatures in play, as it synergistically boosts both your mana resources and your offensive capabilities.

Instant Speed: One of the strategic edges of Five Kids in a Trenchcoat is its potential for use at instant speed, bringing an element of surprise to the gameplay. This flexibility means you can adapt to your opponent’s actions and end-of-turn dynamics, deploying this card when it could have the most impact. The ability to respond to and disrupt your opponent’s strategy while advancing your game plan can often be the turning point in a match.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: A tricky element of the Five Kids in a Trenchcoat card is the prerequisite of discarding another card to activate its essential ability. This can strain your hand, especially when your options are already dwindling and each card holds vital importance to your game strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost for Five Kids in a Trenchcoat is particularly restrictive, demanding a very specific combination of mana colors. This can pigeonhole the card into a narrow range of decks, hampering its flexibility and inclusion in a variety of builds that might benefit from its unique effects.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With an above-average mana cost for its power level and effects, Five Kids in a Trenchcoat might not always be the most cost-effective choice. Savvy players may find that other cards provide similar or better advantages without taxing their mana pool as significantly, making the card a less attractive option in certain situations.


Reasons to Include Five Kids in a Trenchcoat in Your Collection

Versatility: Five Kids in a Trenchcoat is a flexible card that can be a surprise factor in various deck builds. Its unique mechanics allow for creative play styles and can adapt to multiple situations on the battlefield.

Combo Potential: This card has a unique synergy with decks that capitalize on creature types or enter-the-battlefield effects. It can be a key piece in triggering multiple abilities that could turn the tide of the game.

Meta-Relevance: With the evolving meta, having a card like Five Kids in a Trenchcoat can be particularly useful. Its ability to blend into the current environment makes it a smart addition for players looking to stay competitive.


How to beat

Five Kids in a Trenchcoat is a unique creature card that may catch many players off guard with its sneaky abilities and potential for growth during a game. Taking it down requires a keen understanding of its mechanics and some strategic planning. One effective tactic is to limit the card’s ability to gather counters, which it relies on to get stronger. This can be accomplished by removing creatures before they can contribute to its growth or by employing spells that negate the accumulation of counters.

It’s also advised to keep removal spells handy. Cards that can exile Five Kids in a Trenchcoat are particularly useful as they prevent any recursion that might occur from abilities trying to bring it back from the graveyard. Furthermore, since it’s a creature-based strategy, cards that can manipulate or clear the battlefield can be game-changers, as they can sweep away the problematic card alongside any others on the board.

Being proactive in countering this card can be pivotal. Apply consistent pressure to your opponent to keep their resources strained, making it more difficult for them to exploit Five Kids in a Trenchcoat’s full potential. This approach can aid in maintaining control of the game and eventually securing victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Five Kids in a Trenchcoat MTG card by a specific set like Mystery Booster Playtest Cards 2019 and Mystery Booster Playtest Cards 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 Five Kids in a Trenchcoat and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Five Kids in a Trenchcoat Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2019-11-07 and 2021-08-20. Illustrated by Emily Teng.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12019-11-07Mystery Booster Playtest Cards 2019CMB1 52015NormalBlackEmily Teng
22021-08-20Mystery Booster Playtest Cards 2021CMB2 52015NormalBlackEmily Teng

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2019-11-12 Costs and effects that ask you to take an action on some number of creatures see Five Kids in a Trenchcoat as one creature. It’s only five creatures for effects that determine how many creatures you control and then do something with that number.