Pearlspear Courier MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Soldier |
| Released | 2002-10-07 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Onslaught |
| Set code | ONS |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 48 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Dany Orizio |
Text of card
You may choose not to untap Pearlspear Courier during your untap step. o W, oc T: As long as Pearlspear Courier remains tapped, target Soldier gets +2/+2 and has "Attacking doesn't cause this creature to tap."
Cards like Pearlspear Courier
Pearlspear Courier brings a unique blend of abilities to the table for MTG players who enjoy both enhancing their creatures and maintaining card advantage. When we look at creatures like Generous Stray, we notice that it also allows drawing a card upon entering the battlefield, yet it lacks the combat prowess Pearlspear Courier offers. Furthermore, the courier can be linked to the swift Skyknight Legionnaire, which shares the flying capability, but again, Pearlspear Courier offers the added bonus of card draw under certain conditions.
Another card worth mentioning is Skyscanner, which, like Pearlspear Courier, has the flying trait and allows players to draw a card when it enters the battlefield. Although Skyscanner is less expensive to cast, it doesn’t provide any boost to other creatures. Pearlspear Courier’s ability to potentially draw a card each turn it attacks with a counter far exceeds the one-time effect of Skyscanner.
In essence, Pearlspear Courier stands out among MTG cards that balance creature utility with card drawing mechanics. Its combat-related card draw potential gives it an edge in games focused on maintaining momentum and building advantageous board states.
Cards similar to Pearlspear Courier by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Pearlspear Courier enables a player to cycle it from their hand, allowing for a streamlined deck performance and the opportunity to draw into more strategic options when the timing is right.
Resource Acceleration: As a versatile addition to any deck, this card can accelerate your game plan by providing mana ramp capabilities, which are essential for outpacing opponents.
Instant Speed: The flexibility of instant speed interaction permits players to adapt to the evolving battlefield, utilizing the card’s abilities at the most opportune moments, thereby maximizing impact and keeping opponents on their toes.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Pearlspear Courier necessitates discarding a card upon activation. This cost can be steep, especially when your hand is already dwindling. It’s critical for players to weigh the benefits of using its ability against the potential setback of losing another card that could be pivotal later in the game.
Specific Mana Cost: Pearlspear Courier comes with a mana cost that includes white mana. This requirement restricts it to decks that run white mana or a mana base flexible enough to cater to white. Players not running a white or a compatible mana fixing array may find it challenging to integrate Pearlspear Courier into their strategy.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost slightly above the curve for its provided effects, Pearlspear Courier can be a less attractive addition compared to other creatures or spells in the same cost bracket. Savvy players must consider if its impact on the board justifies the investment, when there might be other cards that offer similar advantages without the hefty mana investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Pearlspear Courier effortlessly slides into a variety of deck builds, particularly those which capitalize on having a robust line of defense while maintaining a stream of card advantage. This card bolsters your position on the battlefield and keeps your hand replenished.
Combo Potential: Pearlspear Courier has synergistic qualities that can be leveraged in concert with other cards. Its ability to tap other creatures you control adds a layer of utility that can enable and enhance intricate combos, especially in decks that untap creatures for added benefits.
Meta-Relevance: Given its capacity to contribute to board presence while also offering card draw, Pearlspear Courier can be quite impactful in a meta-game that prizes resilience and consistent resource access. Its presence can turn the tides in games that drag into longer battles of attrition.
How to Beat Pearlspear Courier
Pearlspear Courier offers a unique twist in creature-based strategies within Magic: The Gathering. With its capacity to become unblockable, it poses a significant challenge, demanding a tailored approach to counteract this ability. It’s these types of abilities that compel players to think beyond conventional combat strategies. Unlike other creatures that might require a straightforward removal spell, the subtleties of facing Pearlspear Courier call for a more nuanced plan of attack.
To effectively tackle Pearlspear Courier, consider using spells that can bypass its unblockable trait. Removal spells that don’t rely on targeting, such as board wipes or those that force a sacrifice, prove invaluable here. Furthermore, countering Pearlspear Courier before it hits the battlefield remains an efficient solution. Keeping instant speed removals or sacrifice effects at the ready ensures that you can respond aptly to its activation, and employing enchantments that prevent creatures from attacking can mitigate the threat altogether.
In short, defeating Pearlspear Courier in MTG involves anticipating the unblockable threat, responding with non-targeted removal, or obstructing its ability to attack. Navigating around the edges of its strengths ledges out a successful defense, safeguarding your position in the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Pearlspear Courier MTG card by a specific set like Onslaught, 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 Pearlspear Courier 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 Pearlspear Courier has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Pearlspear Courier card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | It checks the creature type when the ability is announced and resolved, but once the effect is placed on the creature, if its creature type changes the effect still continues. |
Guide to Vigilance card ability
In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.