Nettletooth Djinn MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Djinn |
| Released | 1996-10-08 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Mirage |
| Set code | MIR |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 4 |
| Number | 232 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Janine Johnston |
Text of card
During your upkeep, Nettletooth Djinn deals 1 damage to you.
"The few of us who survived were denied entry to our camp for two days—so like the pox were the marks we bore." —*Travelogue of Najat*
Cards like Nettletooth Djinn
Nettletooth Djinn is a unique combatant in the pool of red creatures in Magic: The Gathering. Red is known for its direct damage capabilities and swiftness, and while Nettletooth Djinn provides a reasonable 4/4 body for its mana cost, it also bears a peculiar upkeep cost that might remind one of the Ankh of Mishra, though targeting only the Djinn’s controller. Its closest relatives could be creatures like the Ironclaw Orcs, which restrict player actions by prohibiting blockage against creatures with power 2 or greater.
Delving further into red’s creature cards, we encounter the Ember Beast, which also hampers player strategy by needing another creature to attack. Nettletooth Djinn’s uniqueness comes from combining a physical presence with a strategic cost, unlike the Ember Beast which purely affects combat decisions. Additionally, Raging Minotaur shares the same aggressive vibe but is less restrictive, allowing more freedom during combat compared to the Djinn’s maintenance considerations.
Overall, Nettletooth Djinn falls into an intriguing space within MTG, thriving at the intersection of force and finesse. It demands a keen eye for strategy to balance its strengths against its potential drawback—making it an interesting choice for players who appreciate a challenging playstyle.
Cards similar to Nettletooth Djinn by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Nettletooth Djinn’s ability might not draw cards directly, but its cumulative upkeep cost can provide you with a consistent source of potential damage each turn. This helps to maintain pressure on your opponent, effectively turning each upkeep into an opportunity to advance your board state.
Resource Acceleration: While Nettletooth Djinn doesn’t produce additional mana or tokens, its four-power statistic for a moderate casting cost represents an efficient use of resources. Getting a creature with substantial power on the battlefield quickly can accelerate the clock on your opponent, demanding an answer or risking substantial life point loses.
Instant Speed: Although Nettletooth Djinn operates at sorcery speed since it’s a creature, its built-in damage ability triggers during the upkeep. This can simulate the flexibility of instant speed interactions by disrupting your opponent’s plans before their main phase starts, providing a form of consistent, timed threat each turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Nettletooth Djinn demands a card be thrown away each time its upkeep cost is due, which can deplete a player’s hand faster than desired, reducing their strategic options.
Specific Mana Cost: This Djinn comes with a mana cost that includes both generic and red mana, potentially complicating its integration into multi-colored decks that may not have a consistent source of red mana available.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At four mana, including one red, to cast the Nettletooth Djinn, players might find that investing in this creature takes away from their ability to play other spells or creatures during the early to mid-game phases, particularly when there might be other creatures with equal or greater power levels for the same or lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include Nettletooth Djinn in Your Collection
Versatility: Nettletooth Djinn’s unique blend of aggression and mana-fixing ability allows it to adapt to various strategies, fitting effectively into aggressive decks that can capitalize on its attack-triggered ability to maintain resource balance.
Combo Potential: This card thrives in synergy-driven environments, enabling players to weave intricate combos. Its automatic mana production after attacking can be the keystone for unleashing key spells or abilities at crucial moments.
Meta-Relevance: In a game landscape where tempo is king, Nettletooth Djinn holds its ground by potentially accelerating your game plan. It seamlessly aligns with the current emphasis on swift, impactful plays that can dominate the board early on.
How to beat
Nettletooth Djinn is a unique creature in the vast repertoire of Magic: The Gathering. Known for its heavy hitting 4/4 body at just four mana, this card comes with a downside – at the beginning of your upkeep, you need to pay a single green mana or Nettletooth Djinn deals 1 damage to you. Facing this Djinn can be intimidating due to its cost-effectiveness, but it provides you with opportunities to outmaneuver your opponent.
To counteract Nettletooth Djinn’s effectiveness, you can employ several strategies. Utilize removal spells to ensure the Djinn never gets a chance to swing. Instant-speed removals such as Murder or Path to Exile can be key in getting rid of the threat efficiently. Alternatively, you can take advantage of its upkeep cost. If your opponent is strained on resources, they may be unable to pay the green mana, thus taking unnecessary damage that could tip the scales in your favor. So whilst this card might seem daunting at first glance, appropriate deck planning and situational awareness can transform it into a cumbersome liability for its controller.
As with any strategy in Magic: The Gathering, knowing your deck and anticipating your opponent’s moves are crucial. Nettletooth Djinn is a strong card, but it is not without its weaknesses.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Nettletooth Djinn 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 Nettletooth Djinn 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Nettletooth Djinn has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |