Flummoxed Cyclops MTG Card
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 4 |
Rarity | Common |
Type | Creature — Cyclops |
Abilities | Reach |
Released | 2020-01-24 |
Set symbol | |
Set name | Theros Beyond Death |
Set code | THB |
Power | 4 |
Toughness | 4 |
Number | 135 |
Frame | 2015 |
Layout | Normal |
Border | Black |
Illustred by | Mark Behm |
Text of card
Reach Whenever two or more creatures your opponents control attack, Flummoxed Cyclops can't block this combat.
"A cyclops thinks slowly but strikes quickly. Try to keep it thinking." —Brigone, soldier of Meletis
Cards like Flummoxed Cyclops
The Flummoxed Cyclops is an intriguing creature card that finds its place within the pantheon of red giants in Magic: The Gathering. One could draw parallels to other red creatures like Rumbling Ruin, which similarly influences the board with creature strength. In contrast, the Flummoxed Cyclops has the distinct feature of only being able to block creatures with flying, directing its formidable presence skyward.
Another comparable card is the Boldwyr Intimidator, a creature that can make other warriors unblockable by cows. While both cards blend well into red-themed decks that focus on direct combat strategies, the Flummoxed Cyclops offers a unique defensive angle against flying threats. Also of note is Cyclops Tyrant, with its own attack restrictions, requiring it to battle against two or more creatures lest it cannot block at all. The Flummoxed Cyclops does not share this drawback, specializing solely in aerial denial.
All considered, Flummoxed Cyclops adds a specialized defensive edge to red creature rosters in MTG. Its specific skill set distinguishes it from others by providing targeted protection against commonly encountered flying attackers.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Flummoxed Cyclops enables a unique form of card advantage through its interaction with auras and enchantments. By encouraging an enchantment-heavy deck, it indirectly aids in drawing additional cards or maximizing the value of the cards you have.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing traditional resource acceleration, the Flummoxed Cyclops can function as a cost-effective blocker or attacker. This allows you to preserve your resources for more pivotal plays or spells that can sway the game in your favor, effectively accelerating your game plan.
Instant Speed: Though the Flummoxed Cyclops itself isn’t an instant, it benefits from instant speed spells played during the opponent’s turn. Being able to flash in auras or other enhancements can transform it into a surprise threat or a formidable defender when your opponents least expect it.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing Flummoxed Cyclops demands you to discard another card, which could diminish your hand advantage and reduce strategic options, particularly in the late game when card economy is crucial.
Specific Mana Cost: This creature’s casting cost requires red mana, making it less versatile for multicolored or colorless decks concerned with maintaining a stable mana base for diverse spell casting.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: A four mana value may be steep for what Flummoxed Cyclops brings to the battlefield, as many other creatures in the same mana range can provide greater impact with additional abilities or higher stats.
Reasons to Include Flummoxed Cyclops in Your Collection
Versatility: The Flummoxed Cyclops card is a flexible addition to any red deck build. It offers a reliable creature that can act as both a formidable blocker due to its decent size and a potential aggressive player in turning the tide during combat phases.
Combo Potential: This creature’s mechanics can complement strategies centered around targeted effects, enabling synergistic plays that confuse opponents and magnify your tactical advantage. Its interaction with spells that require targeting creatures can unlock new combo avenues.
Meta-Relevance: In game environments where flyers are prevalent, Flummoxed Cyclops can act as a niche counter due to its ability to prevent flying creatures from attacking you. As such, it can strategically fit in a meta where combat tactics dominate and evasion abilities are valued.
How to beat
Flummoxed Cyclops presents a unique challenge on the battlefield, known for its potential to serve as a steadfast blocker in Magic: The Gathering. Standing out with its towering presence and defensive capabilities, it requires strategic play to overcome. To bypass this hindrance, it’s constructive to make use of flying creatures, as Flummoxed Cyclops cannot block them, leaving an open window to diminish your opponent’s life points.
Another tactic includes leveraging spells that can remove it outright. Targeted removal spells like Murder or Path to Exile are effective at swiftly dispatching the Cyclops from the field of play. Additionally, you might consider strategies that diminish its power and toughness, rendering it a lesser threat. Enchantments that keep the Cyclops tapped or simply remove it from combat through pacifism spells also serve to neutralize its board influence with ease.
Ultimately, navigating around or directly disposing of Flummoxed Cyclops is about creativity and resourcefulness. This striking creature, though imposing, can be managed by well-considered tactical plays or the deployment of key spells. In doing so, you maintain the momentum and keep control of the game’s flow.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Flummoxed Cyclops MTG card by a specific set like Theros Beyond Death, 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 Flummoxed Cyclops 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Flummoxed Cyclops has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Historicbrawl | Legal |
Historic | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Paupercommander | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Gladiator | Legal |
Pioneer | Legal |
Commander | Legal |
Modern | Legal |
Pauper | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Explorer | Legal |
Penny | Legal |
Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Flummoxed Cyclops card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
Date | Text |
---|---|
2020-01-24 | In a game using the shared team turns option (a Two-Headed Giant game, for example), Flummoxed Cyclops’s ability triggers if two or more players each attack with only one creature. |
2020-01-24 | Once two or more creatures your opponents control have attacked, Flummoxed Cyclops won’t be able to block, even if all but one of those attackers leave the battlefield before its triggered ability resolves. |