Mer Man MTG Card
Text of card
When this creature enters the battlefield, you may draw a card.
Cards like Mer Man
Merfolk, or ‘Mer Men’ as some players nostalgically refer to them, have a long history in Magic: The Gathering. When evaluating Mer Man against its amphibious kin, one can see a family resemblance yet distinct advantages. For instance, the favored Merfolk Looter offers a similar ability, allowing players to draw a card and then discard a card. While Mer Man doesn’t facilitate card draw directly, it excels in boosting other Merfolk, giving a nod to tribal synergy that the Looter overlooks.
Consider the Lord of Atlantis, another staple in the sea-dwelling category. This card comes close to Mer Man in empowering fellow Merfolk, providing both a power/toughness boost and granting unblockable passage through terrain creatures control. Though both cards embolden their aquatic allies, Mer Man sometimes provides a wider net of advantages depending on the deck’s composition.
Of course, there’s the Merrow Reejerey with its blend of tribal buffs and tapping or untapping permanents. Mer Man does not offer this utility, focusing instead on straightforward strength augmentation. Therefore, the Reejerey can unlock different tactical plays that Mer Man might not support, dependent on deck strategy and a player’s overall game plan.
Ultimately, Mer Man’s niche within MTG’s vast pool of cards is carved by its singular mission to strengthen Merfolk kin, making it a linchpin in decks centered around this elusive and potent tribe.
Cards similar to Mer Man by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Mer Man card shines by enabling players to consistently pull ahead in the game through reinforcing their hand. Drawing extra cards grants the player more options and opportunities to outmaneuver their opponent, making the Mer Man a staple in decks that value strategic depth and adaptability.
Resource Acceleration: A creature renowned for its resource acceleration capabilities, the Mer Man allows players to gain a significant mana advantage. This can be a game changer, especially in the early to mid-game, by allowing for faster and more powerful plays that can quickly turn the tide in a player’s favor.
Instant Speed: The utility of the Mer Man is enhanced by its ability to act at instant speed. This grants a flexible and tactical edge, allowing players to react to their opponent’s moves with precision or to end their turn with a flourish, making the most of their mana and keeping their adversaries guessing.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One of the pitfalls of this card is the discard condition that comes into play. This can be quite taxing, especially when your hand is already playing catch-up or you’re particularly attached to the cards you have.
Specific Mana Cost: The strict mana requirement for casting can prove to be restrictive. Building a deck around it might require careful consideration of your mana base to ensure that you don’t find yourself mana-locked at a crucial moment.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When you weigh the abilities against the consumption of such a considerable chunk of mana, it may not seem as appealing. For a similar expenditure, players could explore the potential of other cards that afford more flexibility or have a stronger immediate impact on the game state.
Reasons to Include Mer Man in Your Collection
Versatility: Mer Man excels in its flexible role across various deck archetypes. Its ability to adapt to both aggressive and control strategies makes it a valuable asset for any player looking to enhance their deck’s adaptability.
Combo Potential: This card’s synergies with other water-themed or creature-based strategies offer a range of combo possibilities. Integrating Mer Man into a deck can unlock new levels of interplay and combo executions.
Meta-Relevance: Mer Man’s relevance in the current meta cannot be overstated. With a shifting landscape that often favors creature strategies, having a card that can seamlessly plug into different scenarios adds strategic depth to your game plan.
How to Beat
Mer Man is a captivating creature card in the world of Magic: The Gathering. Renowned for its ability to give other Merfolk creatures you control a boost, it serves as both a formidable threat and a valuable team player. The key to overcoming Mer Man lies in disrupting this synergy. Utilizing removal spells before the Mer Man’s bonus can be given substantial effect on the board is one effective tactic. Cards that specifically target creature types, such as Extirpate or Go for the Throat, could efficiently remove Mer Man from the equation.
Another approach is to alter the battlefield conditions, rendering Merfolk synergy less potent. Board wipes like Wrath of God clear all creatures, nullifying the collective strength granted by Mer Man. If possible, timing these wipes to maximize their effect while minimizing your own creature losses is crucial. Alternatively, employ control elements such as counter spells when facing decks that hinge on cards like Mer Man. By keeping mana open and waiting for the opportune moment to counter, you can prevent your opponent from ever gaining the momentum that Mer Man can provide.
In essence, swiftly neutralizing Mer Man with targeted removal or strategically altering the battlefield dynamics can be the difference-maker in turning the tides of a game in your favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Mer Man MTG card by a specific set like Unstable and Unsanctioned, 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 Mer Man 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
Printings
The Mer Man Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2017-12-08 and 2020-02-29. Illustrated by Mark Behm.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2017-12-08 | Unstable | UST | 39 | 2015 | Host | Silver | Mark Behm | |
| 2 | 2020-02-29 | Unsanctioned | UND | 25 | 2015 | Host | Silver | Mark Behm |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Mer Man card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2018-01-19 | Host creatures each have an ability that triggers when it enters the battlefield. It functions like any other creature. |