Merfolk of the Depths MTG Card
Text of card
Flash (You may cast this spell any time you could cast an instant.)
When giant sinkholes opened across Ravnica, they revealed buried oceans and the merfolk, once thought to be extinct.
Cards like Merfolk of the Depths
Merfolk of the Depths stands out in the realm of creature spells within Magic: The Gathering. It bears comparison to cards like River Sneak, a fellow Merfolk card that also benefits from stealthy mechanics, enhancing its ability to evade blockers. Merfolk of the Depths differentiates itself with the flash ability, allowing it to be played at unconventional times which can surprise opponents. Whereas River Sneak is always unblockable, Merfolk of the Depths boasts a sturdier form with its additional toughness and the potential to be a surprise blocker.
Rethinking Merfolk synergies leads us to Merrow Reejerey, which, much like Merfolk of the Depths, offers a blend of power and utility to the battlefield. One key distinction is that Merrow Reejerey can create a tactical advantage by tapping or untapping permanents. On the other hand, Merfolk of the Depths doesn’t directly manipulate the board state but its surprise factor can pivot a game’s dynamics.
Overall, while each Merfolk card has its unique offerings, Merfolk of the Depths carves its niche with the element of surprise and solid defensive capabilities, making it a viable choice within the vast ocean of Merfolk options in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Merfolk of the Depths by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Diving into the capabilities of Merfolk of the Depths, this card can swing the tide by providing an unexpected blocker or attacker due to its flash ability. This surprise element often leads to advantageous trades on the battlefield, as opponents may not calculate the sudden appearance of a sizable creature during their turn or at the end of it.
Resource Acceleration: In multi-color decks, especially those including both green and blue, Merfolk of the Depths fits snugly. It aids in balancing your board presence without sacrificing the pace of your resource development, as you can cast other spells or establish your mana base and still have a robust creature enter the play at instant speed.
Instant Speed: The flash capability of Merfolk of the Depths is its signature strength, allowing you to optimize your mana usage efficiently. You get the flexibility to respond to your opponent’s moves or end their turn by introducing a threatening creature to the board, maximizing both your defensive and offensive strategies in the fluid game state that is so characteristic of MTG.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Navigating the strategic waters with Merfolk of the Depths can be a tricky affair when you’re asked to discard. This condition can leave you in a pinch, especially when your hand is the arsenal you depend on to control the game’s rhythm.
Specific Mana Cost: Summoning this creature from the aquatic abyss demands a precise mix of mana—both blue and green. This specificity can sideline this particular card in your deck if it isn’t attuned to generate such a mana combination with consistency.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost that’s more on the premium side, this card’s entrance can be a sizeable investment. Seasoned players might find that their mana could be directed towards other creatures or spells that offer more immediate or impactful presence on the battlefield.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Merfolk of the Depths is a flexible card, easily slipping into blue and green decks alike. Its flash ability allows for surprise plays, catching opponents off guard by introducing a solid body that can influence the board at any time.
Combo Potential: This aquatic ally pairs well with synergistic effects that reward you for playing creatures with flash or for having Merfolk on the battlefield. Utilize it to strengthen your existing combos, or create new opportunities for interaction.
Meta-Relevance: In a game where creature-based strategies prevail, Merfolk of the Depths can hold its own, matching the pace while providing strategic depth. And with both blue and green at its core, it aligns well with current meta decks that capitalize on these colors’ strengths.
How to Beat Merfolk of the Depths
Understanding the intricacies of combat in Magic: The Gathering is crucial when facing cards like Merfolk of the Depths. This aquatic creature, with its ability to be flashed into play, can catch an opponent off-guard during their turn. It’s essential to remain alert and consider the impact of a sudden block or an increased presence on the battlefield.
When encountering Merfolk of the Depths, timing is everything. The ideal strategy involves leveraging instant-speed removal spells to handle it before it can influence the game significantly. Employing cards like Path to Exile or Fatal Push allows you to respond to its flash casting, effectively neutralizing the threat before it takes full effect.
Furthermore, counter spells serve as an excellent line of defense. By keeping mana open and waiting for your opponent to invest in casting Merfolk of the Depths, a well-placed counter spell not only disrupts their game plan but also maintains your board advantage. Ultimately, staying one step ahead and disrupting the element of surprise this creature possesses will guide you to victory over the depths.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Merfolk of the Depths MTG card by a specific set like Gatecrash and Ravnica Remastered, 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 of the Depths 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 of the Depths Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2013-02-01 and 2024-01-12. Illustrated by Scott Chou.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2013-02-01 | Gatecrash | GTC | 221 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Scott Chou | |
| 2 | 2024-01-12 | Ravnica Remastered | RVR | 200 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Scott Chou |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Merfolk of the Depths has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Guide to Flash card ability
Explore the dynamic Flash ability in Magic: The Gathering (MTG), a feature that allows you to cast spells at lightning speed, often leaving your opponents reeling and your strategy several steps ahead. This versatile ability can turn the tide of a game, providing the element of surprise and tactical advantage. It places a premium on timing and foresight, transforming an ordinary deck into a formidable arsenal of instant threats and responses.