Imp MTG Card

Imp cards grant card advantage and potential tempo gains through resource acceleration and instant speed abilities. Playing Imps may require careful hand management due to discard requirements and black mana constraints. Despite a higher mana cost, Imps can provide versatility and meta relevance, making them valuable collection assets.

Type	Token Creature — Imp
Released	2024-02-09
Set symbol
Set name	Murders at Karlov Manor
Set code	MKM
Power	2
Toughness	2
Number	7
Frame	2015
Layout	Token
Border	Black
Illustred by	Caroline Gariba

Text of card

When this creature dies, it deals 2 damage to each opponent.

Cards like Imp

Delve into the strategic depths of MTG with the Imp card, a creature type that often comes with its own set of perks and quirks. When comparing Imps to other creature types, we can look at Faeries and Goblins, two tribes that carry similar dynamics. Specifically, the Skulking Imp resembles Faerie Miscreant in both its low casting cost and evasion ability, yet it diverges with a different downside upon being targeted. Meanwhile, the bloodthirst of a card like Daggerdrome Imp offers players life-gain that echoes the Goblin Arsonist’s potential for direct damage when it dies.

Another notable comparison is with the Flying Men, a simple summon that, like many Imps, boasts flying. However, Imps often come with additional effects, such as the Prowling Pangolin which, much like an Imp, forces opponents to make tough decisions but through sacrificing creatures rather than dealing with direct damage or discard effects. Though Imps don’t typically swarm as Goblins do, the likes of Hellhole Flailer share a taste for both dealing damage and being a resource investment, akin to the way some Imps may require life or card sacrifice for activation.

Evaluating these similarities shines a light on how Imp cards can be a flexible and cunning component in MTG decks, offering unique advantages that can catch an opponent unaware and tilt the battlefield to your favor.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: An Imp card provides a crucial benefit by often allowing you to either draw extra cards or force your opponent to discard, effectively putting you ahead in the number of resources available to you. These effects can strengthen your position in the game, giving you more options to respond to your opponent’s strategies.

Resource Acceleration: Many Imps can offer resource acceleration through various abilities that generate additional mana or reduce the cost of your spells. This can lead to a significant tempo advantage, enabling you to play your more impactful cards earlier than usual or outpacing the opponent in deploying threats and answers.

Instant Speed: If an Imp card has instant speed abilities, it can drastically alter the pace of a game. This allows you to make decisions with full information on your opponent’s turn, potentially disrupting their game plan while keeping up the momentum of your own strategy without missing a beat.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The gameplay of Imp cards in MTG usually comes with a caveat: a discard requirement. This can demand strategic hand management, as you may need to sacrifice valuable cards to fulfill the condition. Discarding key cards to summon or activate an Imp’s abilities might leave you at a disadvantage later in the match.

Specific Mana Cost: Imps often have specific mana cost constraints, sometimes requiring black mana. This can restrict their integration into decks, as you must have a consistent source of black mana to play them effectively. It could also mean less flexibility when it comes to constructing a multi-color deck that features Imps.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Imps can offer intriguing abilities, their mana cost can be higher compared to other creatures with similar power and toughness. This can affect the tempo of your game, especially if you’re looking to maintain a curve that allows for the constant play of impactful cards. With many alternatives available, it might be hard to justify a high-cost Imp when you could be deploying more cost-efficient creatures or spells.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: The adaptability of Imp cards in MTG can’t be overstated. These creatures often come with flexible abilities that can serve multiple roles – from early defense to late-game threats. This flexibility makes them valuable additions to almost any collection.

Combo Potential: Imps tend to have synergistic qualities that work well within various combos, particularly in decks that capitalize on sacrifice mechanics or graveyard manipulation.

Meta-Relevance: Given their niche yet impactful abilities, Imps can often find their way into decks that aim to disrupt popular strategies within the current meta. Including them in your collection ensures you have cards on hand that can adapt to evolving gameplay dynamics.

How to Beat

Imps in MTG are known for their elusive qualities, often frustrating players with abilities that range from flying to deathtouch, making them pesky opponents. When facing an Imp MTG card, it’s important to prepare your deck with ample removal options. While specific Imps can vary in abilities, they generally have lower toughness, making them susceptible to cheap removal spells. Instant-speed spells are particularly effective, allowing you to react during your opponent’s turn.

Cards with ‘reach’ or those that can block flying creatures are especially valuable as they counteract the flying trait commonly seen in Imps. Additionally, look to include spells that can target and remove multiple creatures at once, negating any swarming tactics an opponent might employ. Spells that can ‘sweep’ the board of all creatures, known as board wipes, can be a game-changer against Imps and similar strategies.

Ultimately, successful strategy against an Imp MTG card revolves around anticipation and resource management—knowing when to hold back a removal spell for the right moment or deploying creatures that can stand up to flying threats. With the right approach, you’ll be able to overcome the cunning that these dark, winged fiends bring to the table.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Imp MTG card by a specific set like Murders at Karlov Manor, 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 Imp and other MTG cards:

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