Karplusan Hound MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Dog |
| Released | 2018-04-27 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Dominaria |
| Set code | DOM |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 277 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Viktor Titov |
Text of card
Whenever Karplusan Hound attacks, if you control a Chandra planeswalker, this creature deals 2 damage to any target.
"Don't worry, they don't bite. They much prefer setting people on fire." —Jaya Ballard, to Chandra
Cards like Karplusan Hound
Karplusan Hound finds its pack among Magic: The Gathering’s creature cards with combined damage-dealing abilities. When looking at cards like Cunning Sparkmage or Prodigal Pyromancer, the Hound’s prowess becomes evident. Each of these creatures, much like Karplusan Hound, can deal damage directly to a target. What sets the Hound apart is the double threat it poses; not only can it deal a single point of damage to a target creature or player, but also it can force an opponent to discard a card if red mana is available, adding a layer of strategic depth to gameplay.
Another card worth comparing is Gelectrode, which similarly taps to deal damage. However, Gelectrode takes advantage of instant and sorcery spells to untap and reuse its ability within a single turn cycle. Karplusan Hound, by contrast, offers a more reserved yet resource-demanding approach to control the board and squeeze the opponent’s hand.
In sum, while there are plenty of options for players seeking to integrate direct damage abilities in their MTG decks, Karplusan Hound carves out a niche for those looking to blend creature-based control with calculated hand disruption.
Cards similar to Karplusan Hound by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While not directly allowing you to draw extra cards, Karplusan Hound’s ability to deal damage to any target when a snow land is tapped can help clear the board of smaller creatures, effectively reducing your opponent’s resources while keeping yours intact.
Resource Acceleration: Although Karplusan Hound doesn’t create additional mana, it synergizes well with decks that capitalize on snow lands and their mechanics. This interaction can indirectly lead to a sort of resource acceleration by optimizing how your snow lands work for you during the game.
Instant Speed: Karplusan Hound itself doesn’t have flash or an instant-speed ability, but it can be a surprise blocker when cast during your main phase. Additionally, its damage-dealing ability can be used in tandem with instant-speed spells that tap snow lands, allowing strategic plays even during your opponent’s turn to control the battlefield.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Karplusan Hound requires you to discard a card in order to activate its ability. This can be a difficult trade-off, as it reduces your hand size and potential future plays.
Specific Mana Cost: Commanding a requirement of both red and green mana, the Karplusan Hound may not seamlessly fit into multicolored decks, potentially restricting its versatility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, including one of both red and green, some players could find it costly for the ability provided, considering other creatures in the same mana range may offer more impact on the game.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Karplusan Hound offers flexible utility for players, sliding comfortably into numerous deck archetypes. Its damage-dealing ability adds a layer of threat for opponents, making it a tactical addition for both aggressive and control strategies.
Combo Potential: With the right synergies, this creature can become a cornerstone in a combo-centric deck. It pairs well with cards that tap or untap creatures to create repetitive damage sequences or benefit from targeting spells.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where small utility creatures are prevalent, Karplusan Hound can serve as a recurring removal option. Its ability to deal damage directly to creatures on activation keeps the board clear and pressures the opponent’s game plan.
How to beat
The Karplusan Hound presents a unique challenge on the battlefield. This creature boasts an ability that inflicts damage on both the targeted opponent and one of their creatures when it becomes blocked. To successfully navigate against this formidable hound, you need a tactical approach that minimizes direct confrontation. Using removal spells that can target this creature directly from a distance is one efficient strategy. Cards such as Murder or Doom Blade can dispatch the hound without needing to engage it in combat.
Control decks that focus on limiting the opponent’s resources can also prove to be effective. Ensnaring it in enchantments that prevent it from attacking or blocking allows you to bypass its damaging ability altogether. Furthermore, having creatures with higher toughness to absorb the damage or ones with lifelink to offset the life loss can tilt the battle in your favor. Board wipes can also clear the field, including the Karplusan Hound, without the need for individual combat.
Understanding the mechanics and preparing your deck with countermeasures against the Karplusan Hound will ensure that you maintain the upper hand, transforming a potential threat into an obstacle easily overcome.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Karplusan Hound MTG card by a specific set like Dominaria, 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 Karplusan Hound 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
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Karplusan Hound has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |