Ekundu Cyclops MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Cyclops
Released	1996-10-08
Set symbol
Set name	Mirage
Set code	MIR
Power	3
Toughness	4
Number	171
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Robert Bliss

Key Takeaways

Ekundu Cyclops is a compelling red creature card, with forced attack translating to continuous pressure on opponents.
It demands strategic play with requisite discards and color-specific mana limiting its deck compatibility.
Adequate control and clever blocking tactics are key to countering the aggression posed by Ekundu Cyclops.

Text of card

If any creature you control attacks, Ekundu Cyclops also attacks if able.

"Big one I, One big eye. One-eye see Two-eye die!" —Traditional cyclops chant

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Though not a direct card draw mechanism, Ekundu Cyclops’ sheer presence can act as a deterrent, effectively limiting your opponent’s willingness to attack and thus preserving your hand and board state.

Resource Acceleration: While the Ekundu Cyclops itself doesn’t accelerate resources, its 3/4 body for a four mana cost represents an efficient resource investment, allowing you to deploy a formidable creature without significant resource setback.

Instant Speed: Ekundu Cyclops might not be an instant, but its powerful effect when paired with cards that can flip the Cyclops into a blocker unexpectedly can simulate the sudden impact that instant speed interaction has on the game.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Playing Ekundu Cyclops often necessitates the player to toss another card from their hand, which can present a significant setback, especially when your hand size is diminishing and every card counts.

Specific Mana Cost: With a need for red mana, this creature card can only be optimally utilized within decks that support this color, restricting its versatility among the various deck archetypes you might wish to explore.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing a total of four mana, including three of any kind plus one red, to bring Ekundu Cyclops into the battleground can feel steep, particularly when considering other creatures that might provide a greater bang-for-the-mana-buck in terms of power and abilities.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Ekundu Cyclops brings a flexible approach to red decks, especially in formats that favor aggressive strategies. Its straightforward power to attack each turn if able makes it an uncomplicated choice for players building around forced combat tactics.

Combo Potential: As a creature that must attack, Ekundu Cyclops synergizes well with cards that benefit from constant combat scenarios or cards that capitalize on creatures being tapped, making for some intriguing deck-building choices.

Meta-Relevance: Given its ability to persistently pressure your opponent, Ekundu Cyclops can be particularly effective in a meta where unprepared adversaries might struggle to handle regular aggressive onslaughts, thus it adapts well to a red deck’s conquest strategy.

How to beat

The Ekundu Cyclops is a formidable creature in the world of Magic: The Gathering. Its power lies in its might as a 3/4 red creature that must attack each turn if able. To master a duel against someone wielding this card, a strategic approach is essential. Control decks could employ pacifism effects to prevent the Cyclops from attacking or use classic removal spells like Murder or Doom Blade to eliminate it before it can become a repeated threat.

Another effective method is to manipulate battle conditions. You can use cards that downgrade its combat effectiveness, such as those that reduce strength or toughness, forcing your opponent into unfavorable exchanges. Chump blocking is another tactic—utilizing expendable creatures to absorb the brunt of the Cyclops’ assault can buy crucial time for a more definitive solution.

Lastly, capitalizing on the Cyclops’ forced aggression can be turned to your advantage. Cards that punish attacking creatures or enhance yours during blocking can shift the tide of battle, making the Cyclops a liability to your opponent rather than an asset. Understanding and utilizing these strategies can help ensure that the Ekundu Cyclops’ presence on the battlefield is more a challenge to be overcome than a threat to be feared.

Cards like Ekundu Cyclops

Ekundu Cyclops stands out in Magic: The Gathering as an interesting creature due to its unique restriction that requires it to attack each turn if able. In this way, Ekundu Cyclops can be likened to cards such as Raging Goblin, which are known for their compelled aggression in gameplay. Yet, it trades the goblin’s swiftness for a substantial increase in power and toughness.

Looking at cards like Berserkers’ Onslaught, we can see a parallel with Ekundu Cyclops in promoting forceful combat scenarios; however, Berserkers’ Onslaught applies the aggressive effect more broadly to all attacking creatures. Comparatively, Avatar of Slaughter provides an even more extreme form of compulsory engagement, affecting every creature on the battlefield and enhancing their offensive capabilities as well.

While these cards push the gameplay towards relentless attack, Ekundu Cyclops’ individual mandatory attack clause offers a focused approach. This distinct characteristic affects deck strategies and can turn the card into a significant threat in any match. Its place within Magic: The Gathering sits among those cards that emphasize an aggressive game plan, demanding attention from opponents turn after turn.

Berserkers' Onslaught - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Ekundu Cyclops by color, type and mana cost

Krark-Clan Engineers - MTG Card versions

Shimatsu the Bloodcloaked - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ekundu Cyclops MTG card by a specific set like Mirage, 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 Ekundu Cyclops and other MTG cards: