Paper Tiger MTG Card
Text of card
Rock Lobsters cannot attack or block.
The tiger is always quick to fold.
Cards like Paper Tiger
The whimsical Paper Tiger holds a unique spot in the world of MTG Unglued set, a niche collection known for its humorous take on card design and gameplay. Paper Tiger is similar to cards from the Rock-Paper-Scissors trio, which includes Scissors Lizard and Rock Lobster. All of these cards share an ability that dominates one another in a cyclic fashion. However, what sets Paper Tiger apart is its unfailing triumph over Rock Lobster, mimicking the classic game it’s themed after.
Outside this playful trio, we might consider Norwood Ranger, another card with a power and toughness configuration of 2/3. While Norwood Ranger doesn’t share the same intrinsic rock-paper-scissors mechanic, it stands as a counterpart in terms of its vanilla stat line and creature type, Elf. But in the realm of practicality, the lighthearted Paper Tiger leads with a more entertaining interaction, particularly in casual formats where MTG embraces its more whimsical side.
In sum, while Paper Tiger may not be a staple in competitive decks, its novel design and jovial interaction with its counterparts make it a memorable piece in Magic: The Gathering’s comedic Unglued set.
Cards similar to Paper Tiger by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Paper Tiger might not directly let you draw cards, but its unique ability to evade specific spells can save critical cards in your hand, maintaining your resources against certain decks.
Resource Acceleration: While Paper Tiger doesn’t generate resources in a traditional sense, its low cost and potential to stick around on the board can help you establish board presence early on, indirectly accelerating your game plan.
Instant Speed: While Paper Tiger itself isn’t an instant, its resilient nature means it can effectively require an instant-speed answer from an opponent who might be relying on “Rock Lobster” or “Scissors Lizard” for removal, thereby disrupting their tempo and strategy.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One of the drawbacks of playing with Paper Tiger is the need to part with another card from your hand. This can be a significant disadvantage when your hand is already running low and losing any card could compromise your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: Paper Tiger calls for specific mana combinations to play, which might not always align with your deck’s mana base. This can make it challenging for decks that don’t produce the right colors naturally or struggle with mana fixing.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although endearing for its theme, Paper Tiger carries a mana cost that is steep when compared to the impact it has on the game. For its cost, other cards could offer more dynamic interactions or contribute more substantially to your board presence.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Paper Tiger is a unique card that can seamlessly integrate into decks featuring unorthodox strategies or where unexpected card choices can throw opponents off balance, especially in casual play groups.
Combo Potential: This card can serve as a whimsical but strategic piece in combo chains, interacting with cards that rely on creature types or specific card names, adding a layer of fun and surprise to your gameplay.
Meta-Relevance: While not a staple in competitive environments, including Paper Tiger in your collection adds diversity and can shine in the right kitchen table meta where creativity and novelty are as appreciated as a tight, competitive build.
How to beat
Paper Tiger presents a whimsical challenge in the realm of Magic: The Gathering as it’s part of the Unglued expansion, known for its humorous and non-standard cards. The card is cleverly designed to be invulnerable against creatures named Rock Lobster, yet it’s inherently weak to an opponent’s Scissors Lizard, adhering to the age-old game of Rock-Paper-Scissors. As such, bringing a Scissors Lizard into play ensures a swift defeat to the seemingly indomitable Paper Tiger.
Understanding the playful nature of Paper Tiger can be key to any strategy. Beyond its literal interactions with cards of a similar theme, its power and toughness of 4/3 at the cost of four mana make it rather underwhelming in a competitive environment. Players might consider removal spells or direct damage to efficiently handle Paper Tiger, enabling them to focus on more impactful threats. Thus, while Paper Tiger may appear formidable within its own set, in a broader context, it succumbs to a variety of commonsensical solutions widely available within a player’s arsenal.
Overall, this card highlights the quirky and less serious aspect of Magic: The Gathering, where the focus shifts to playful deck construction and enjoying the game’s lighter side. Despite its niche use, players can easily overcome Paper Tiger by analyzing its strengths, its playful weaknesses, and employing the abundant MTG mechanics that don’t follow the Rock-Paper-Scissors gimmick.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Paper Tiger MTG card by a specific set like Unglued and Unsanctioned, 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 Paper Tiger 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
Printings
The Paper Tiger Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1998-08-11 and 2020-02-29. Illustrated by Heather Hudson.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1998-08-11 | Unglued | UGL | 78 | 1997 | Normal | Silver | Heather Hudson | |
| 2 | 2020-02-29 | Unsanctioned | UND | 80 | 2015 | Normal | Silver | Heather Hudson |