Master of the Pearl Trident MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Merfolk
Power 2
Toughness 2

Key Takeaways

  1. Master of the Pearl Trident turns each Merfolk draw into a significant board threat.
  2. Stacking Lord effects with Master of the Pearl Trident quickly amplifies Merfolk power.
  3. Islandwalk from Master of the Pearl Trident provides tactical combat advantages.

Text of card

Other Merfolk creatures you control get +1/+1 and have islandwalk. (They are unblockable as long as defending player controls an Island.)

"Let the land dwellers know the coast is no longer the border between our realms. A new age of empire has begun."


Card Pros

Card Advantage: With Master of the Pearl Trident on the battlefield, you enable all your Merfolk creatures to become more potent threats, effectively making each one a more valuable card. Since Merfolk is a prevalent tribe, the ability to give other Merfolk +1/+1 can quickly tip the scales in your favor, turning each draw into a potential for a stronger board presence.

Resource Acceleration: Although Master of the Pearl Trident itself doesn’t directly offer mana acceleration, its tribal synergy can lead to an overwhelming board state that pressures your opponent, indirectly accelerating your path to victory. The Lord effects stack, so playing multiple lords, including the Master, can rapidly enhance your Merfolk legion.

Instant Speed: This card’s power doesn’t come from being an instant, but it enables your Merfolk to be a potent force during both your turn and your opponent’s. Giving other Merfolk creatures not only a power and toughness boost but also islandwalk can allow you to surprise your opponent with unblockable attackers if they control an Island. This tactical advantage in timing and combat can be pivotal in game-changing situations.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Despite not requiring an actual discard to cast, the power of Master of the Pearl Trident often hinges on having a substantial number of Merfolk in play or in hand. Without this, its full potential is not realized, potentially making it a dead card if you’re unable to support its tribal synergy.

Specific Mana Cost: Master of the Pearl Trident requires blue mana, which can pose a limitation for multicolor decks that struggle with mana consistency. Decks without a solid blue mana base may find it challenging to cast this card at a crucial moment, losing tempo against the opponent.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing two blue mana might seem efficient, but in a fast-paced game, the cost could hinder development, especially if facing off against aggro decks that demand immediate responses. Other two-mana creatures may provide instant value or are less restrictive in their mana requirements, offering more versatility in deck building.


Reasons to Include Master of the Pearl Trident in Your Collection

Versatility: Master of the Pearl Trident is a flexible card that thrives in Merfolk decks. Its ability to give other Merfolk creatures boosts in power, toughness, and even unblockability when combined with islandwalk, makes it a perfect inclusion for blue-based tribal strategies.

Combo Potential: Capable of synergizing with a multitude of other Merfolk cards, Master of the Pearl Trident increases the potency of tribal synergies. Paired with cards like Merrow Reejerey or Harbinger of the Tides, it can help lock down opponents with tactical plays and enhanced board presence.

Meta-Relevance: Thanks to its tribal enhancing abilities and low mana cost, Master of the Pearl Trident remains a persistent threat in various MTG formats where Merfolk decks are played. It breathes life into Merfolk strategies, maintaining relevance in the ever-shifting MTG meta, particularly in the Legacy format.


How to beat

Master of the Pearl Trident is a revered card among merfolk decks in Magic: The Gathering, offering a substantial boost with its lord effect. The key to overcoming this formidable card lies in controlling the board. Eliminating the Master of the Pearl Trident as soon as it makes an appearance is crucial. Tactics such as direct removal spells, those that deal damage or force the opponent to sacrifice a creature, can prove to be effective. Board wipes can also be your ally in resetting the state of play, especially if the opponent has amassed a sizable merfolk presence.

Another strategy involves preventing the Master of the Pearl Trident from affecting the game in the first place. Counter spells are an excellent choice to preemptively address this threat. It’s also beneficial to restrict your opponent’s ability to amass a board of merfolk, targeting the creatures that the Master would potentially buff. Tactical creature exchanges and pinpoint removal tools can help maintain a balance and prevent the merfolk synergy from overwhelming you.

Ultimately, respecting the power level of Master of the Pearl Trident and having a plan to address it is essential. Whether through removal, counters, or controlling the board state, being prepared for this tribal enhancer is key to success in any match against merfolk decks.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dive deeper into the captivating world of MTG and uncover the full potential of your deck with Master of the Pearl Trident. There’s always more to explore, from fine-tuning strategies to embracing the vast ocean of synergies the Merfolk tribe offers. Enhance your knowledge and make waves in your playgroup with balanced strategies that can handle any tide of challenges. Join us as we delve into advanced gameplay, deckbuilding tips, and up-to-date insights to ensure your next clash is victorious. Chart your course through the MTG realms with Master of the Pearl Trident as your guide. Set sail to learn more with us!


Cards like Master of the Pearl Trident

Master of the Pearl Trident is a renowned card in the tribal Merfolk category in Magic: The Gathering. Its kinship is closest with Lord of Atlantis, another card that boosts fellow Merfolk and grants them unblockable status when facing players without islands. However, Master of the Pearl Trident offers that elusive protection from red, which can be a subtle yet significant advantage in specific matchups.

Merrow Reejerey is another pivotal part of Merfolk synergy. Its ability to untap or tap a permanent whenever another Merfolk comes into play means that it’s more about board manipulation than raw power, unlike the imperious presence of Master of the Pearl Trident. Coralhelm Commander also deserves a mention, as it offers a flexible level up mechanic. It can eventually become a Lord for other Merfolk, albeit requiring a steeper mana investment compared to the immediacy of Master of the Pearl Trident’s buff.

When examining the options in a Merfolk deck, the command Master of the Pearl Trident has over the battlefield is evident. While other cards present diverse strategies, the blend of power enhancement and protection it provides makes it a staple in any Merfolk assembly.

Lord of Atlantis - MTG Card versions
Merrow Reejerey - MTG Card versions
Coralhelm Commander - MTG Card versions
Lord of Atlantis - Limited Edition Alpha (LEA)
Merrow Reejerey - Lorwyn (LRW)
Coralhelm Commander - Rise of the Eldrazi (ROE)

Cards similar to Master of the Pearl Trident by color, type and mana cost

Vodalian Soldiers - MTG Card versions
Zephyr Falcon - MTG Card versions
Lord of Atlantis - MTG Card versions
Giant Albatross - MTG Card versions
Phantasmal Sphere - MTG Card versions
Skyshroud Condor - MTG Card versions
School of Piranha - MTG Card versions
Coral Merfolk - MTG Card versions
Wu Light Cavalry - MTG Card versions
Sea Eagle - MTG Card versions
Overtaker - MTG Card versions
Hazy Homunculus - MTG Card versions
Darting Merfolk - MTG Card versions
Thought Eater - MTG Card versions
Spellstutter Sprite - MTG Card versions
Sneaky Homunculus - MTG Card versions
Coral Eel - MTG Card versions
Storm Crow - MTG Card versions
Aquamoeba - MTG Card versions
Soratami Cloudskater - MTG Card versions
Vodalian Soldiers - Fallen Empires (FEM)
Zephyr Falcon - Fourth Edition (4ED)
Lord of Atlantis - Wizards Play Network 2024 (PW24)
Giant Albatross - Homelands (HML)
Phantasmal Sphere - Alliances (ALL)
Skyshroud Condor - Tempest (TMP)
School of Piranha - Exodus (EXO)
Coral Merfolk - Seventh Edition (7ED)
Wu Light Cavalry - Portal Three Kingdoms (PTK)
Sea Eagle - Starter 1999 (S99)
Overtaker - Mercadian Masques Promos (PMMQ)
Hazy Homunculus - Prophecy (PCY)
Darting Merfolk - World Championship Decks 2001 (WC01)
Thought Eater - Odyssey (ODY)
Spellstutter Sprite - Secret Lair Drop (SLD)
Sneaky Homunculus - Eighth Edition (8ED)
Coral Eel - Eighth Edition (8ED)
Storm Crow - Eighth Edition (8ED)
Aquamoeba - World Championship Decks 2003 (WC03)
Soratami Cloudskater - Champions of Kamigawa (CHK)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Master of the Pearl Trident MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2013 and Duel Decks: Merfolk vs. Goblins, 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 Master of the Pearl Trident and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Master of the Pearl Trident Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2012-07-13 and 2023-11-17. Illustrated by Ryan Pancoast.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12012-07-13Magic 2013M13 592003normalblackRyan Pancoast
22017-10-24Duel Decks: Merfolk vs. GoblinsDDT 92015normalblackRyan Pancoast
32021-03-19Time Spiral RemasteredTSR 3101997normalblackRyan Pancoast
42021-08-26Jumpstart: Historic HorizonsJ21 2142015normalblackRyan Pancoast
52023-11-17The Lost Caverns of Ixalan CommanderLCC 1622015normalblackRyan Pancoast

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Master of the Pearl Trident has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
GladiatorLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

DateText
2021-03-19 Because damage remains marked on a creature until the damage is removed as the turn ends, nonlethal damage dealt to a Merfolk you control may become lethal if Master of the Pearl Trident leaves the battlefield during that turn.

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