Merfolk Assassin MTG Card
1994-08-01 - Number 32
2006-10-06 - Number 25
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Merfolk Assassin |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
oc T: Destroy target creature that has islandwalk.
Cards like Merfolk Assassin
Merfolk Assassin is a unique creature in the Magic: The Gathering realm, holding similarities to other Merfolk while introducing distinctive effects. This card shares common ground with other Merfolk creatures such as Watertrap Weaver with its ability to disrupt opponents’ strategies. However, Merfolk Assassin stands out with its potential to outright destroy target Merfolk, a specific advantage not seen in Watertrap Weaver’s temporary tapping effect.
Comparably, the power to eliminate creatures is akin to cards like Royal Assassin, yet the Merfolk Assassin’s restriction to its own tribe lends to a more niche role. While Royal Assassin can target any tapped creature, the specificity of Merfolk Assassin’s ability might seem like a drawback. However, in a Tribal-focused deck, this can be particularly potent against Merfolk-heavy opponents.
In the broader context, Merfolk Assassin can be a clever inclusion in decks that capitalize on tribal synergies, especially in formats where Merfolk decks are prevalent. Its ability to check other Merfolk provides strategic control that is unparalleled within its tribe, carving its own niche in MTG’s diverse card pool.
Cards similar to Merfolk Assassin by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Merfolk Assassin card offers an edge over the competition by potentially removing key threats from the battlefield, maintaining the balance of power in your favor. This tactic ensures a smoother path to victory, as each successful assassination thins the opposing forces and strengthens your position.
Resource Acceleration: When included in a synergistic deck, particularly one revolving around Merfolk or Assassins, this card could engage combo potentials that accelerate your resource development. It may not create resources directly, but it paves the way for other combo pieces that do, ultimately boosting your mana efficiency and progression on the board.
Instant Speed: With the capacity to operate at instant speed, the Merfolk Assassin provides flexibility in gameplay, allowing strategic players to navigate around opponents’ moves. Holding back mana to deploy this card during your opponent’s turn can lead to more successful and unpredictable plays, keeping your adversaries on their toes.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing Merfolk Assassin necessitates tossing another card from your hand, making it less attractive when card advantage is crucial.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a strict combination of blue mana, possibly restricting its integration into multicolored decks where mana flexibility is key.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Investing a sizeable amount of mana to summon this creature, you might find other creatures or spells that could offer superior utility or board presence for the same or less mana investment.
Reasons to Include Merfolk Assassin in Your Collection
Versatility: Merfolk Assassin adapts to various gameplay strategies, making it a worthy contender in decks aimed at controlling the board or targeting specific creature types.
Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with other cards that aim to disrupt your opponent’s aquatic creatures, potentially clearing the way for a winning play sequence.
Meta-Relevance: In game environments where islandwalk or destructive creature-based tactics prevail, the inclusion of Merfolk Assassin could turn the tides to your favor.
How to Beat
Merfolk Assassin is a niche card often found in ocean-themed or tribal decks within Magic: The Gathering. Recognized for its ability to destroy target Merfolk creature, it can be a strategic inclusion in specific metas where Merfolk decks are prevalent. Despite its pinpoint utility, overcoming this creature is a matter of broadening your threat base.
Combatting a Merfolk Assassin on the battlefield involves deploying non-Merfolk creatures that minimize the impact of its ability. Creatures that can provide hexproof or shroud to your creature base nullify the assassin’s capability to target your key Merfolk members. Moreover, utilizing instant speed removal spells to eliminate the Merfolk Assassin before it can activate its ability is a valid strategy.
Considering deck diversity and the inclusion of versatile threats, ensures that Merfolk Assassin’s presence does not dictate the outcome of a match. Therefore, by incorporating a mix of creature types and reactive spells, one can mitigate the impact of this specialized killer and maintain an advantage over opponents who might rely on such targeted removal cards.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Merfolk Assassin MTG card by a specific set like The Dark and Time Spiral Timeshifted, 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 Merfolk Assassin 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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Printings
The Merfolk Assassin Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1994-08-01 and 2006-10-06. Illustrated by Dennis Detwiller.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1994-08-01 | The Dark | DRK | 32 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Dennis Detwiller | |
| 2 | 2006-10-06 | Time Spiral Timeshifted | TSB | 25 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Dennis Detwiller |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Merfolk Assassin has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Merfolk Assassin card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2006-10-15 | Can target a creature with snow islandwalk. |