Matsu-Tribe Decoy MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Snake Warrior |
| Released | 2004-10-01 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Champions of Kamigawa |
| Set code | CHK |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 3 |
| Number | 227 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Alan Pollack |
Text of card
: Target creature blocks Matsu-Tribe Decoy this turn if able. Whenever Matsu-Tribe Decoy deals combat damage to a creature, tap that creature and it doesn't untap during its controller's next untap step.
Similar Cards to Matsu-Tribe Decoy
Matsu-Tribe Decoy brings an interesting dynamic to gameplay with its ability to compel multiple blocks. In comparison, Taunting Elf is another card with a similar board impact, as all creatures able to block must do so. While Taunting Elf is cheaper to play, it lacks the toughness and the option to tap an opponent’s creature that Matsu-Tribe Decoy offers.
Looking at Siren’s Call, which also manipulates the combat phase, it has the immediacy of an instant and can force opponents to attack when they wouldn’t prefer to. However, it lacks the reusability present in Matsu-Tribe Decoy’s activated ability. On the other hand, Nettle Drone also deals with untapping mechanics, but unlike the decoy, it’s focused on dealing damage rather than controlling combat.
Finally, considering the versatility and control that Matsu-Tribe Decoy offers in a match, it stands out as a useful combat strategy tool. Its ability not only influences blocking but also synergizes with cards that benefit from creatures becoming tapped, providing an edge in strategic deck building.
Cards similar to Matsu-Tribe Decoy by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Matsu-Tribe Decoy offers unique utility by potentially drawing out multiple blockers, enabling your other creatures to attack unimpeded. In scenarios where board presence is key, this creature can provide opportunities to tip the scales in your favor without losing card resources.
Resource Acceleration: While the Decoy itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its ability to engage numerous blockers can indirectly preserve your more valuable creatures that contribute to ramping. Effectively, it can be a resource protector, ensuring your mana dorks or other means of acceleration stay on the board.
Instant Speed: The Decoy’s ability can be activated at instant speed, meaning you can spring a trap during the declare blockers step, potentially surprising an opponent who was unprepared for a widespread blocker engagement. This instant-speed interaction can often swing combat in your favor and pave the way for a successful assault.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Matsu-Tribe Decoy doesn’t have a direct discard requirement, players must be mindful of the resources they use to get this card into play and its activated abilities, as it may leave them with fewer options in hand.
Specific Mana Cost: This creature’s casting cost includes green mana, which restricts its inclusion to green or multicolor decks. Decks not running green won’t benefit from this creature’s abilities.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost of three mana and an additional mana to activate its ability, some players may find Matsu-Tribe Decoy less mana efficient compared to other creatures or spells with similar or more impactful battlefield presence.
Reasons to Include Matsu-Tribe Decoy in Your Collection
Versatility: Matsu-Tribe Decoy offers a unique ability to control combat scenarios. It’s not just for Snake decks but can be a strategic addition to any green-based deck that seeks to outmaneuver opponents in combat.
Combo Potential: When paired with cards that benefit from tapped creatures or if you’re able to pump its power, this decoy can become a powerful tool for enabling synergies or disrupting your opponent’s battlefield.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-heavy strategies are prevalent, Matsu-Tribe Decoy shines by either deterring attacks or forcing unfavorable blocks, making it a tactical inclusion against the right decks.
How to Beat
Matsu-Tribe Decoy is a unique creature card in Magic: The Gathering that can be a real thorn in an opponent’s side due to its ability to force creatures to block it. This makes it a strategic card for potentially clearing out blockers or orchestrating favorable combat situations for you.
To effectively counter the Matsu-Tribe Decoy’s ability, removing it before the attack phase is key. Instant-speed removal spells that can target a creature, such as Lightning Bolt or Path to Exile, are perfect answers as they can disrupt the plan to declare it as an attacker. Moreover, spells that negate the ability to tap, like those with the “freeze” mechanic or which remove activated abilities, can leave the Decoy impotent. Another strategy is to maintain an abundance of creatures, so the Decoy’s ability becomes less influential, requiring the opponent to consider if engaging with the Decoy is truly worth it.
Understanding how to dismantle strategies centered around this card can give you an upper hand in a game. Keeping removal or control measures in hand for creatures like the Matsu-Tribe Decoy ensures it won’t derail your path to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Matsu-Tribe Decoy MTG card by a specific set like Champions of Kamigawa, 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 Matsu-Tribe Decoy 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Matsu-Tribe Decoy has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |