Karfell Kennel-Master MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Zombie Berserker
Power 4
Toughness 4

Key Takeaways

  1. Generates immediate board presence with two Dog tokens and potential for card draw upon sacrificing.
  2. Demands careful hand management due to discard requirements and specific mana costs.
  3. Offers versatility and combo potential, especially in decks focused on tap and untap synergy.

Text of card

When Karfell Kennel-Master enters the battlefield, up to two target creatures each get +1/+0 and gain indestructible until end of turn. (Damage and effects that say "destroy" don't destroy them.)

Trapped in a realm of dead flesh and scarce hunting, the ravenous wolves of Karfell follow the Dread Marn to warm game.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Karfell Kennel-Master enables you to summon two 1/1 black Dog creature tokens upon entering the battlefield. This results in immediate presence on the board, giving you more creatures to enhance your offensive or defensive strategies.

Resource Acceleration: With Karfell Kennel-Master, not only do you get the Dog tokens, but if you were to sacrifice a creature this turn, you can draw a card. This provides an opportunity to replace the sacrificed creature with a new card from your deck, potentially giving you an avenue for resource acceleration.

Instant Speed: The ability to boast at instant speed means you can wait until just the right moment during your turn to act, even after attackers have been declared. This flexibility allows you to adapt to the unfolding game and make decisions with as much information as possible.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Karfell Kennel-Master’s ability compels you to toss away another card from your hand, which could hinder your game plan, particularly if your hand is already diminished.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring a precise blend of mana, including at least one blue and one black, the card could strain your mana base and restrict its inclusion to specific two-color decks or those with a more complex mana arrangement.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting requirement that is relatively steep, Karfell Kennel-Master demands a considerable investment which could set you back when facing opponents utilizing more cost-effective creatures or removal spells at a lower mana curve.


Reasons to Include Karfell Kennel-Master in Your Collection

Versatility: Karfell Kennel-Master is a creature card that can be flexibly included in various deck builds. Its ability to tap and untap creatures can serve multiple purposes, from enabling surprise blockers to reusing tap abilities of other creatures you control.

Combo Potential: The untap feature of Karfell Kennel-Master holds significant combo potential. It can be paired with creatures that have powerful tap effects to maximize their usage, or it can be a crucial component in an intricate combo that leads to game-winning plays.

Meta-Relevance: As the MTG landscape continues to evolve, having a card like Karfell Kennel-Master can be advantageous. Its utility in disrupting opponents’ strategies or unexpectedly swinging the tempo in your favor keeps it relevant across various metagames.


How to beat Karfell Kennel-Master

Karfell Kennel-Master plays a unique role on the battlefield with its ability to untap all creatures the player controls after it attacks. This effect can turn the tide by granting a swarm of tapped creatures the chance to block or contribute to complex combat strategies. Overcoming this card in MTG requires a strategy that neutralizes its impact effectively.

In direct comparison to similar cards, it’s crucial to manage the combat phase against decks featuring the Kennel-Master. Removing the card before the attack phase with instant speed removal spells such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile can thwart the untapping plans. Counter spells also serve as an effective preemptive measure, with Essence Scatter and Counterspell providing a mana-efficient way to keep Karfell Kennel-Master off the battlefield entirely.

Lastly, leveraging board wipes like Wrath of God or Damnation can be a clean reset when facing multiple creatures alongside the Kennel-Master. Optimal timing and prediction of opponent moves are vital. Such spells not only deal with the immediate threat of the Kennel-Master but also clear the path for future turns, providing a significant strategic advantage in the game.


Cards like Karfell Kennel-Master

Diving into the frosty realms of Magic: The Gathering, Karfell Kennel-Master stands out as a formidable force on the battlefield. In comparison, we can observe Aven Wind Guide, which also offers a similar ability to grant bonuses to tokens. However, Karfell Kennel-Master comes with the unique trait of boosting only Zombie tokens and giving them the menace ability. This opens up strategic avenues specifically within Zombie tribal decks.

Looking further, we find Dire Fleet Neckbreaker, another card that amplifies the power of certain creatures. It increases the damage potential of Pirates instead of Zombies. While both cards cater to distinct tribal synergies, Karfell Kennel-Master’s focus on the menacing undead gives it a niche edge, particularly in graveyard-centric strategies.

Lastly, there’s Embercleave, a game-changer that not only boosts a creature’s power but also grants it double strike and trample. While it isn’t limited to a particular creature type, the immediate impact of Embercleave can turn the tides of combat, making it a coveted piece in aggressive and combat-focused decks.

In assessing deckbuilding options, Karfell Kennel-Master proves its worth within its particular niche, carving a spot for itself among tribal enthusiasts and players seeking to command an unstoppable Zombie horde with increased impact and resilience.

Aven Wind Guide - MTG Card versions
Dire Fleet Neckbreaker - MTG Card versions
Embercleave - MTG Card versions
Aven Wind Guide - Amonkhet (AKH)
Dire Fleet Neckbreaker - Rivals of Ixalan (RIX)
Embercleave - Throne of Eldraine (ELD)

Cards similar to Karfell Kennel-Master by color, type and mana cost

Skyshroud Vampire - MTG Card versions
Entropic Specter - MTG Card versions
Predatory Nightstalker - MTG Card versions
Fallen Angel - MTG Card versions
Stone Catapult - MTG Card versions
Sengir Vampire - MTG Card versions
Hollow Dogs - MTG Card versions
Grotesque Hybrid - MTG Card versions
Earwig Squad - MTG Card versions
Indulgent Tormentor - MTG Card versions
Sootfeather Flock - MTG Card versions
Zombie Cutthroat - MTG Card versions
Gluttonous Zombie - MTG Card versions
Vermiculos - MTG Card versions
Woebearer - MTG Card versions
Wei Elite Companions - MTG Card versions
Halo Hunter - MTG Card versions
Malakir Bloodwitch - MTG Card versions
Caustic Crawler - MTG Card versions
Shriekmaw - MTG Card versions
Skyshroud Vampire - Tempest (TMP)
Entropic Specter - Exodus (EXO)
Predatory Nightstalker - Vintage Masters (VMA)
Fallen Angel - Mystery Booster (MB1)
Stone Catapult - Portal Three Kingdoms (PTK)
Sengir Vampire - Arena Beginner Set (ANB)
Hollow Dogs - Beatdown Box Set (BTD)
Grotesque Hybrid - Torment (TOR)
Earwig Squad - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Indulgent Tormentor - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Sootfeather Flock - Legions (LGN)
Zombie Cutthroat - Scourge (SCG)
Gluttonous Zombie - Salvat 2005 (PSAL)
Vermiculos - Mirrodin (MRD)
Woebearer - Salvat 2005 (PSAL)
Wei Elite Companions - Masters Edition III (ME3)
Halo Hunter - Zendikar (ZEN)
Malakir Bloodwitch - Zendikar (ZEN)
Caustic Crawler - Worldwake (WWK)
Shriekmaw - Magic Online Theme Decks (TD0)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Karfell Kennel-Master MTG card by a specific set like Kaldheim and Jumpstart 2022, 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 Karfell Kennel-Master and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Karfell Kennel-Master Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2021-02-05 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Izzy.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12021-02-05KaldheimKHM 1012015normalblackIzzy
22022-12-02Jumpstart 2022J22 4302015normalblackIzzy

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Karfell Kennel-Master has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal

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