Nimble Larcenist MTG Card


Gain continuous card advantage by dealing combat damage with Nimble Larcenist’s sustainable draw ability. Resource acceleration allows quicker play of threats, thanks to Nimble Larcenist’s additional draws. Instant-speed spell access during opponent turns with Nimble Larcenist enhances gameplay flexibility.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Bird Rogue
Abilities Flying
Power 2
Toughness 1

Text of card

Flying When Nimble Larcenist enters the battlefield, target opponent reveals their hand. You choose an artifact, instant, or sorcery card from it and exile that card.


Cards like Nimble Larcenist

Nimble Larcenist is an intriguing choice for those looking to gain an edge in card advantage in Magic: The Gathering. Its stealthy ability resembles that of Invisible Stalker, which is also notorious for being difficult to block due to having hexproof and being unblockable. However, Nimble Larcenist allows the player to draw a card when it attacks, provided the opponent has eight or more cards in their graveyard, while Invisible Stalker does not.

Shadowmage Infiltrator is another card worthy of comparison. Like Nimble Larcenist, it rewards players with card draw upon connecting with an opponent, but it does so without the graveyard condition. Instead, it features fear, making it blockable only by artifacts and/or black creatures. While both cards have their merits, Nimble Larcenist stands out in decks tailored to fill the opponent’s graveyard rapidly.

In analyzing the myriad of creature cards designed to build card advantage, Nimble Larcenist carves its niche. It serves as both a potential deterrent and a card engine in the right circumstances, speaking to the subtle strength that lies in MTG’s creature-based advantage strategies.

Invisible Stalker - MTG Card versions
Shadowmage Infiltrator - MTG Card versions
Invisible Stalker - MTG Card versions
Shadowmage Infiltrator - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Nimble Larcenist. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
5c Enigmatic Fires5c Enigmatic Fires Pioneer5c Enigmatic FiresPioneer League 2023-12-05
5c Enigmatic Incarnation5c Enigmatic Incarnation Pioneer5c Enigmatic IncarnationPioneer Last Chance 2024-03-18
Four-color MidrangeFour-color Midrange GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 14 2024
Enigmatic FiresEnigmatic Fires Pioneer5c Enigmatic FiresPro Tour Murders at Karlov Manor
Esper ComboEsper Combo StandardEsper ControlMTGA

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Nimble Larcenist enables you to benefit from more than just one-off draws. By triggering upon dealing combat damage to a player, this card can provide you with a steady stream of card advantage as long as it remains unchecked on the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: The additional cards drawn off Nimble Larcenist can translate into a broader array of options, allowing you to deploy more threats or answers more quickly, thus accelerating your control over the game’s pace.

Instant Speed: While Nimble Larcenist itself doesn’t have flash, its ability to draw into instant-speed spells can give you the flexibility to react during your opponent’s turn, effectively keeping your hand refreshed and ready to respond to threats as needed.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Nimble Larcenist’s ability comes with the prerequisite of discarding a card to activate its theft effect. This poses a strategic dilemma, particularly during the late game or in situations where each card in hand is vital for maintaining your game plan.

Specific Mana Cost: Nimble Larcenist demands a combination of blue and other mana, making it a less flexible option for decks that are not tailored around the blue mana pool or that prioritize a varied color strategy. It may not fit seamlessly into every deck archetype.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While offering a potentially game-swinging ability, Nimble Larcenist’s casting cost is steep owing to its four mana price tag. This might deter players, given that there are alternatives that can accomplish similar outcomes or provide greater value at a lower mana investment.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Nimble Larcenist is a versatile addition to many blue-based decks, able to subtly shift roles between being an aggressive early play and a late-game utility creature. Its ability to enable card draw while chipping in for damage makes it a well-rounded option.

Combo Potential: With the ability to sneak past defenses, Nimble Larcenist can trigger hit-based effects or synergize with cards that capitalize on successful attacks. This opens up opportunities for interesting and powerful interactions within your deck.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where players often have numerous nonbasic lands, Nimble Larcenist becomes a valuable tool for disrupting opponents’ mana bases. Its relevance grows as it can be a consistent threat that demands an answer, fitting well into strategies aimed at resource denial.


How to beat

Nimble Larcenist is a crafty card in the vast universe of Magic the Gathering that, when played right, can gain you control of an opponent’s artifact as long as you control an Island. This sneakiness can tilt the game in your favor, especially in matches where artifacts play a key role. Therefore, determining a counterstrategy becomes crucial.

Including instant-speed removal spells in your deck is one effective way to counter Nimble Larcenist. As soon as the Larcenist hits the board and targets an artifact, responding with a removal allows you to thwart the theft before it even occurs. Moreover, keeping counterspells handy ensures you can prevent the Larcenist from ever entering the play, nullifying the threat entirely.

Additionally, adjusting your deck to lessen reliance on critical artifacts or employing artifacts that have self-sacrifice functions, acts as another line of defense. Should the Larcenist’s ability trigger, sacrificing the targeted artifact in response will leave it with nothing to steal. Strategy and foresight are key in outmaneuvering a Nimble Larcenist and maintaining the upper hand in your MTG duels.


BurnMana Recommendations

Embark on your next adventure in the MTG arena with Nimble Larcenist as your secret strategic weapon. We’ve delved into the pros and cons, assessing how this card can turn the tide of battle by disrupting opponents and accelerating your resource advantage. Whether by crafting a calculated combo or choosing the perfect moment for a crucial play, Nimble Larcenist could be the game-changer your deck needs. Sharpen your skills, optimize your strategy, and forge a path to victory. Ready to elevate your gameplay with every draw? Visit BurnMana for extensive insights and tips and transform your duels from mere matches into memorable victories.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Nimble Larcenist MTG card by a specific set like Streets of New Capenna and Streets of New Capenna, 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 Nimble Larcenist and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Nimble Larcenist Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2022-04-29 and 2022-04-29. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12022-04-29Streets of New CapennaSNC 2052015NormalBlackVolkan Baǵa
22022-04-29Streets of New CapennaSNC 3212015NormalBlackMeel Tamphanon
32022-04-29Streets of New CapennaSNC 3862015NormalBlackMeel Tamphanon

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Nimble Larcenist has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Nimble Larcenist card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2022-04-29 You must choose a card for the target player to exile if at least one card revealed this way is an artifact, instant, or sorcery card.