Phase Dolphin MTG Card

Phase Dolphin encourages unblockable attacks, fostering synergies that can trigger card draws upon combat damage. Its instant speed ability provides strategic surprise, impacting opponents’ combat phase decisions. Discarding a card is the cost for its ability, which may constrain hand resources if not managed well.
Phase Dolphin - Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Elemental Whale
Released2020-04-24
Set symbol
Set nameIkoria: Lair of Behemoths
Set codeIKO
Power 1
Toughness 4
Number62
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byLie Setiawan

Text of card

Whenever Phase Dolphin attacks, another target attacking creature can't be blocked this turn.

"You've never had to trust your breath to an inhuman creature who could crush you at its whim, and I truly feel sorry for you." —Eagan, seabonder

Cards like Phase Dolphin

Phase Dolphin presents an intriguing angle for creature support in MTG. It mirrors abilities found in cards like Gust Walker, which also excels at evasion tactics. Both creatures offer unique powers to bypass blockers. However, Phase Dolphin stands out with its ability to make another creature unblockable, whereas Gust Walker itself becomes temporarily unblockable and gains a flying bonus.

Exploring further parallels, we encounter Mist-Cloaked Herald, also known in MTG for its built-in unblockable trait. Yet, unlike Phase Dolphin, Mist-Cloaked Herald’s ability is self-contained, not extending to other creatures. Additionally, Merfolk Spy, a similar card, brings an unblockable quality complemented by a spying ability upon dealing damage, differentiating itself from Phase Dolphin’s broader team support role.

In essence, while evaluating the benefits and strategic uses of these cards, Phase Dolphin showcases a unique cooperative dynamic, setting it apart within its category. Its potential to influence the board by protecting key creatures during critical attacks aligns well with certain MTG strategies and can be a game-changer in the right deck constellation.

Gust Walker - MTG Card versions
Mist-Cloaked Herald - MTG Card versions
Merfolk Spy - MTG Card versions
Gust Walker - MTG Card versions
Mist-Cloaked Herald - MTG Card versions
Merfolk Spy - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While the Phase Dolphin itself may not directly allow you to draw cards, its ability to make one of your unblockable creatures for a turn can be leveraged in decks that benefit from hitting the opponent consistently. This can result in card draw through other synergistic interactions your deck may contain, such as those that draw cards when dealing combat damage.

Resource Acceleration: Though it doesn’t provide direct resource acceleration like creating mana or treasure, the Phase Dolphin can be considered a form of tempo acceleration. By ensuring your high-power creatures connect with the opponent, you effectively speed up your win condition, putting you ahead in the race and potentially reducing the resources your opponent can bring to bear.

Instant Speed: The Phase Dolphin’s ability is activated at instant speed which offers significant strategic flexibility. You can wait until the opportune moment during combat to select which creature will become unblockable this turn, catching your opponent off-guard and potentially disrupting their blocking plans or other combat phase strategies.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Phase Dolphin necessitates that you discard a card to give another creature unblockable until end of turn. This cost can deplete your hand when you might need those cards for pivotal future plays.

Specific Mana Cost: Phase Dolphin’s casting cost is specific to blue mana. As such, it fits narrowly into mono-blue or blue-centric decks, potentially limiting its compatibility with multi-colored or colorless strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Clocking in at three mana (two generic and one blue), Phase Dolphin’s stats and abilities may not seem sufficiently impactful. When considering mana efficiency, other creatures or spells at this cost provide more substantial board presence or flexibility.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Phase Dolphin’s unique ability to make one of your creatures unblockable by anything other than a Phase Dolphin adds tactical flexibility to your gameplay. It’s an asset in decks that focus on connecting with the opponent directly, making it an intriguing choice for both control and tempo strategies.

Combo Potential: Its ability can be combined with creatures that have potent on-hit effects, enabling them to safely reach the opponent. This works exceptionally well with creatures with abilities like card draw, life drain, or direct damage when they deal combat damage to a player.

Meta-Relevance: Given that creature-based strategies remain prevalent, any tool that assists in getting your key creatures through an opponent’s defenses is worthwhile. Phase Dolphin could help you achieve critical hits, outmaneuvering your opponents in both casual and competitive settings.

How to Beat

Confronting Phase Dolphin from MTG can be a tactical challenge during gameplay. With its unique ability to make another unblocked attacking creature unblockable when it attacks, the dolphin becomes a strategic piece for players. An efficient method to counter this is by maintaining control of the board—keeping removal spells or creatures with reach or flash abilities at the ready to eliminate it before it activates its ability. Additionally, employing counterspells to prevent it from hitting the battlefield altogether ensures that your opponent’s forces can be blocked as usual.

Another angle to handle Phase Dolphin is to employ cards that negate its ability or to control the combat phase. Ensnaring Bridge or Silent Arbiter can restrict how many creatures can attack, which can mitigate the effect of the dolphin’s power. When planning your strategy, remember that having a well-rounded set of responses, including instant-speed interventions, is crucial in not only dealing with Phase Dolphin but maintaining a dominating position across the entire match.

Ultimately, to overcome Phase Dolphin’s trickery in MTG, players should focus on adeptly managing their spells and creatures, safeguarding their battlefield, and anticipating opponent’s moves—a foundation for success in any game.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Phase Dolphin MTG card by a specific set like Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths, 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 Phase Dolphin and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Phase Dolphin has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2020-04-17 If two Phase Dolphins attack at the same time, their abilities can target each other.
2020-04-17 The target creature can’t be blocked this turn even if Phase Dolphin leaves the battlefield.