Nephalia Smuggler MTG Card
2012-05-04 - Number 69
2016-02-26 - Number 27
2022-07-08 - Number 61
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Rogue |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
, : Exile another target creature you control, then return that card to the battlefield under your control.
"My drivers are trustworthy. I removed their tongues myself. Any other questions?"
Cards like Nephalia Smuggler
Nephalia Smuggler offers a unique blink ability within the realm of Magic: The Gathering. This trait is echoed in cards like Deadeye Navigator, which also allows you to exile and return creatures to the battlefield. Deadeye Navigator offers a broader scope of utility, as it can pair with any other creature. Despite this, the Smuggler has a lower casting cost, enabling it to hit the board earlier in the game.
Another card that operates in the same design space is Momentary Blink. This instant spell not only blinks a creature but does so at a fraction of the Nephalia Smuggler’s activation cost. However, it’s a one-time use, as opposed to the enduring potential of the Smuggler’s ability. Conjurer’s Closet is a sturdier alternative, providing recurring end-of-turn blinking. While it lacks the immediate impact of Nephalia Smuggler’s ability to activate at will, its consistency can anchor long-term strategies.
Evaluating these options, Nephalia Smuggler holds a strong position for tactical plays in Magic: The Gathering, particularly for players favoring agile and adaptable strategies over sheer force or repetitive power.
Cards similar to Nephalia Smuggler by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Nephalia Smuggler’s ability can help maintain card presence. By flickering a creature, you effectively save it from removal, or you can reuse its enter-the-battlefield effects, giving you an edge over your opponent in terms of card utility.
Resource Acceleration: Although the Nephalia Smuggler doesn’t directly accelerate resources, it indirectly allows better usage of your creatures. Reusing a creature with a powerful ETB (Enter the Battlefield) effect can be tantamount to drawing a card or creating additional mana, maximizing the resources at your disposal.
Instant Speed: The smuggler’s ability can be activated at instant speed, offering a versatile response during either player’s turn. This can surprise an opponent by removing a blocker or rescuer, or benefiting from a creature’s ETB effect on demand. Such flexibility can significantly shift the dynamics of a match, especially when timing is crucial.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Nephalia Smuggler requires you to exile another target creature you control, then return that card to the battlefield under your control. This means if your hand is empty or you’re unwilling to lose your current board presence, the smuggler’s ability can often be a moot point.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a single blue mana to play. While it’s just one, this requirement can nevertheless restrict deck-building, making it less versatile for players not running blue or those who encounter mana color issues mid-game.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With an activation cost of three mana and a tap, using Nephalia Smuggler’s ability can be quite mana-intensive. Given the competitive environment of the game, there are other creatures and cards that might offer similar or better effects without such a heavy mana investment, potentially overshadowing the Smuggler’s place in many strategies.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Nephalia Smuggler offers flexibility in controlling the flow of the game. With its ability to flicker creatures, it adapts to various game states, allowing you to reuse enter-the-battlefield effects or dodge removal spells.
Combo Potential: This card opens up numerous synergies, especially with creatures that have powerful on-entry abilities. It can be a key component in intricate combo chains that can potentially swing the game in your favor at critical moments.
Meta-Relevance: In metas where interaction with the board is pivotal, the Nephalia Smuggler shines by offering repeatable protection for your creatures while disrupting opponent strategies that rely on permanent board presence.
How to beat
Nephalia Smuggler has the unique ability to flicker creatures in and out of the battlefield in MTG, disrupting opponent’s strategies effectively. Its capacity to protect important creatures from removal or to repeatedly utilize enter-the-battlefield effects can be challenging to overcome. Yet, there are strategies to counter this tricky card.
Removal spells that can target Nephalia Smuggler without giving the opponent a chance to use its ability are the key. Instant speed spells like Fatal Push or Path to Exile can be exceptionally effective since they can be played in response to the activation of Smuggler’s ability. You can also counter the Smuggler’s ability directly with cards like Stifle or Trickbind, which can stop activated abilities in their tracks.
Apart from direct removal, denying the opponent the resources to activate Nephalia Smuggler’s ability multiple times can be crucial. Land destruction or mana disruption can prevent the recurring use of its ability, tipping the game in your favor. Keeping in mind these strategies can help players navigate around Nephalia Smuggler’s potential and claim victory on the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Nephalia Smuggler MTG card by a specific set like Avacyn Restored and Duel Decks: Blessed vs. Cursed, 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 Nephalia Smuggler 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 Nephalia Smuggler Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2012-05-04 and 2022-07-08. Illustrated by Matt Stewart.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2012-05-04 | Avacyn Restored | AVR | 69 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Matt Stewart | |
| 2 | 2016-02-26 | Duel Decks: Blessed vs. Cursed | DDQ | 27 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Matt Stewart | |
| 3 | 2022-07-08 | Double Masters 2022 | 2X2 | 61 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Matt Stewart |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Nephalia Smuggler has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |