Merfolk Tunnel-Guide MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Merfolk Wizard |
| Abilities | Explore |
| Released | 2023-12-05 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Alchemy: Ixalan |
| Set code | YLCI |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 25 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Danny Schwartz |
Text of card
When Merfolk Tunnel-Guide enters the battlefield, you get a three-time boon with "Whenever one or more Merfolk enter the battlefield under your control, target Merfolk creature you control explores."
Cards like Merfolk Tunnel-Guide
Merfolk Tunnel-Guide stands as a unique fixture in Magic: The Gathering’s diverse collection of creature cards. In a similar pocket of the vast sea of blue creatures, we find Merrow Reejerey. Both cards embody the spirit of Merfolk synergies but Merrow Reejerey offers a more prototype approach with its ability to tap or untap permanents whenever a Merfolk spell is cast. This older kin to our guide presents a broader scope of control but lacks the precision targeting of the Tunnel-Guide.
Comparably, another Merfolk that swims in these waters is the Silvergill Adept, celebrated for its reliable card draw and a lower casting cost. The Adept dives differently, though, asking nothing more of you than to reveal a Merfolk or spend more mana, without offering any form of direct manipulation on the board state. It’s a straightforward infiltrator versus the tactician that is Merfolk Tunnel-Guide.
Exploring the depths of utility and board impact, the Merfolk Tunnel-Guide secures its place with an evasive ability that can clear the way for unblockable attacks. When evaluating Merfolk options in terms of flexibility and board interaction, the Guide might just lead you on a path to victory through tight channels others can’t navigate.
Cards similar to Merfolk Tunnel-Guide by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Merfolk Tunnel-Guide. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Simic Tempo | Gladiator | Sword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 10 2024 | |
 | Decklist | Free form | Weekday Night Magic |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Merfolk Tunnel-Guide provides valuable insight by allowing you to play with the top card of your library revealed, granting a strategic edge. Optimize your moves by knowing what’s coming next and shaping your plays accordingly.
Resource Acceleration: Delving into the depths of your deck, this card lets you sift through the top four cards with its explore ability, which not only potentially accelerates your land resources but also streamlines your strategy by either drawing a needed card or sending a non-essential one to the graveyard.
Instant Speed: Being able to act at instant speed, the explore ability of the Merfolk Tunnel-Guide sharpens your game. Unveiling your library’s top card can occur during an opponent’s end step, keeping them in the dark about your plans and giving you the upper hand as you head into your turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Merfolk Tunnel-Guide demands you to discard a card to activate its ability, potentially leaving you at a card disadvantage, especially if you’re already behind.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting requirement includes blue mana, which might not seamlessly fit into multicolored decks that lack a strong blue mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although Merfolk Tunnel-Guide can provide utility, its mana cost is significant when compared to other cards that could provide similar or better effects for less investment.
Reasons to Include Merfolk Tunnel-Guide in Your Collection
Versatility: Merfolk Tunnel-Guide offers a flexible role in various deck builds. Its ability to manipulate library top cards aligns perfectly with strategies keen on deck manipulation or ensuring smooth draws.
Combo Potential: This card can be a linchpin in combos that revolve around deck order or card advantage mechanisms. Combined with cards that benefit from or enable scrying, it can help you assemble your win conditions more consistently.
Meta-Relevance: Given the shifting tides of MTG playstyles, Merfolk Tunnel-Guide has the potential to remain relevant, particularly in formats where setting up the right draws is crucial. It can be a substantial asset against control decks that rely heavily on maintaining a specific board state.
How to beat
Understanding the nuances of Magic: The Gathering can be pivotal in formulating a strategy, especially when up against cards like Merfolk Tunnel-Guide. This card allows its controller to give another target creature unblockable for a turn. If this catches you unguarded, it can significantly disrupt your game plan.
To effectively neutralize threats like Merfolk Tunnel-Guide, consider increasing the removal spells in your deck. Direct removal spells, such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile, can efficiently deal with the guide before its ability becomes a recurrent problem. Additionally, board wipes like Damnation or Wrath of God could reset the board and eliminate the advantage gained by your opponent’s creatures gaining unblockable status.
It’s also smart to leverage counterspells if removal isn’t readily accessible or if you’re anticipating the creature’s summoning. A well-timed Counterspell or Mana Leak could prevent the Merfolk Tunnel-Guide from ever hitting the board, keeping you a step ahead. So, adapt your deck and remain vigilant; your preparedness can counter the sneaky tides that Merfolk Tunnel-Guide tries to set in motion.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Merfolk Tunnel-Guide MTG card by a specific set like Alchemy: Ixalan, 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 Tunnel-Guide 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 Merfolk Tunnel-Guide has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |