Hypnotic Grifter MTG Card

Delivers significant card advantage and can shift game momentum by forcing opponents to discard. Instant speed allows for flexible, unpredictable play, providing a tactical edge in duels. While powerful, comes with drawbacks including specific mana needs and a higher mana cost.

Hypnotic Grifter - Streets of New Capenna

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	1
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Human Rogue
Abilities	Connive
Released	2022-04-29
Set symbol
Set name	Streets of New Capenna
Set code	SNC
Power	1
Toughness	2
Number	45
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Josu Hernaiz

Text of card

: Hypnotic Grifter connives. (Draw a card, then discard a card. If you discarded a nonland card, put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.)

"All is calm. All is well. You know me to be a trusted member of your family, and I would like to discuss the contents of our safe."

Cards like Hypnotic Grifter

Hypnotic Grifter shines in the realm of creature cards with control elements in Magic: The Gathering. When examining cards akin to Hypnotic Grifter, Kitesail Freebooter springs to mind. The Freebooter also allows for a peek at an opponent’s hand and exiles a noncreature, nonland card. While Hypnotic Grifter requires a successful hit on the opponent to trigger its ability, Kitesail Freebooter does so when it enters the battlefield, providing immediate value but without the evasion capability of Hypnotic Grifter.

Another relative is the notorious Thoughtseize, although not a creature, it offers the hand disruption aspect by allowing the choice of any nonland card to discard at the cost of 2 life. Thoughtseize stands out due to its quick interaction, striking fear in the hearts of combo and control deck players. Hypnotic Grifter, however, offers a persistent threat on the battlefield that can repeatedly disrupt the opponents’ plans if not dealt with.

While comparing the value of these cards, it’s clear that Hypnotic Grifter holds a unique position with its combination of evasion, creature threat, and hand disruption. Its ability to impact the game across multiple turns lends it a particular advantage in disrupting opponents in the ever-evolving strategy game that is Magic: The Gathering.

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Hypnotic Grifter. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

Name	Format	Archetype	Event
WU	Pioneer		Pioneer Challenge 64 2024-04-21
U	Pioneer		Pioneer Challenge 64 2024-04-13
UB	Pioneer		Pioneer Challenge 32 2024-04-26
Mono-Blue Cauldron	Standard	Izzet Cauldron Combo	Pro Tour Thunder Junction
Simic Aggro	Pioneer	Simic Soul Cauldron Combo	#01 Last Chance Qualifier: Pioneer
Simic Combo	Pioneer	Simic Soul Cauldron Combo	#28 Last Chance Qualifier: Pioneer

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Hypnotic Grifter is a powerhouse when it comes to gaining card advantage. With the ability to potentially discard your opponent’s cards while you draw, this card can dramatically shift the balance of resources in your favor, keeping your hand full and your options open.

Resource Acceleration: This card doesn’t just stop at affecting the battlefield; it can significantly accelerate your resources. Through its strategic use, you might find yourself with extra mana capabilities that can be the difference between victory and defeat, especially in the tight mid to late-game stages.

Instant Speed: The element of surprise is vital in MTG, and Hypnotic Grifter excels here. Playing at instant speed offers a level of flexibility and tactical depth that can catch opponents off-guard. Whether it’s disrupting their strategy or bolstering yours without telegraphing your moves, the instant speed of this card is a crucial asset in any player’s arsenal.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Hypnotic Grifter requires the player to part with another card in hand to facilitate its abilities. This element becomes a strategic drawback when playing with a slim hand, potentially diminishing your play options.

Specific Mana Cost: Designed with a distinct mana cost pattern, Hypnotic Grifter calls for a precise combination of both blue and black mana. This specificity constrains deck building and can be prohibitive for players not running a dedicated Dimir (blue-black) or multicolor deck that supports these colors.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value that’s on the higher end of the curve, Hypnotic Grifter competes with numerous other cards that may offer more immediate impact or value on the board state for the same or less investment. This factor can deter players from incorporating it into fast-paced or mana-efficient deck strategies.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Hypnotic Grifter has the flexibility to slip into various strategic decks, thriving in environments that value control and information manipulation. Its ability to disrupt opponent plays makes it a handy tool in many game scenarios.

Combo Potential: This card opens the door to powerful synergies in your deck, especially those that leverage discard mechanisms or benefit from hand advantage. Utilize Hypnotic Grifter to set up conditions that allow other combo pieces in your deck to shine.

Meta-Relevance: Given the pace and style of the current meta, the card’s disruption power can tilt the scales in your favor against an array of popular decks. Its relevance is sustained through its capacity to proactively engage with and dismantle an opponent’s game plan.

How to beat

Hypnotic Grifter has emerged as a captivating choice for players looking to disrupt their opponent’s strategy in Magic: The Gathering. This rogue card comes with the unique ability to hijack spells and potentially turn the tide a match. Its effectiveness in swaying momentum is noteworthy, especially in games that hinge on key spell interactions.

To effectively neutralize Hypnotic Grifter, it is crucial to anticipate and prepare for its meddling. Utilize spells that cannot be countered or spells with enter-the-battlefield abilities that still provide value even if stolen. Introducing redundancy in your spell suite can also overwhelm the Grifter’s capability. A well-timed removal spell, such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile, can remove Hypnotic Grifter before it can assert dominance over the game. Additionally, baiting out the activation of its ability with a less critical spell can clear the path for more impactful plays later in the game.

Mastering the intricacies of timing and spell management can mitigate the impact of Hypnotic Grifter and maintain control of the game flow. Understanding its strengths and limitations is key to devising a strategy that ensures this crafty card doesn’t derail your path to victory.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Hypnotic Grifter MTG card by a specific set like Streets of New Capenna, 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 Hypnotic Grifter and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Hypnotic Grifter has restrictions

Format	Legality
Standard	Legal
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Restricted
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Future	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Brawl	Legal
Timeless	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2022-04-29	If a resolving spell or ability instructs a specific creature to connive but that creature has left the battlefield, the creature still connives. If you discard a nonland card this way, you won't put a +1/+1 counter on anything. Abilities that trigger “when -hat creature] connives” will trigger.
2022-04-29	If no card is discarded, most likely because that player's hand is empty and an effect says they can't draw cards, the conniving creature does not receive a +1/+1 counter.
2022-04-29	Once an ability that causes a creature to connive begins to resolve, no player may take any other actions until it's done. Notably, opponents can't try to remove the conniving creature after you discard a nonland card but before it receives a counter.