Pit Imp MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Imp |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Released | 1997-10-14 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Tempest |
| Set code | TMP |
| Power | 0 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 148 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Phil Foglio |
Text of card
Flying o B: Pit Imp gets +1/+0 until end of turn. You cannot spend more than o Bo B in this way each turn.
The moans of the Death Pits were underscored by the chattering of imps, for whom the ship was cause for much discussion.
Cards like Pit Imp
The Pit Imp is an intriguing creature that can be folded into a variety of MTG strategies. Its closest relatives are perhaps the likes of shade creatures like the Nantuko Shade, which similarly allows players to pump up their power by spending mana. However, what the Pit Imp offers uniquely is its cheaper conversion of mana to power, allowing for an early game edge.
Delving into the realm of sneaky power boosts, Vampire Cutthroat is another creature to consider. While it lacks the Pit Imp’s ability to increase its prowess permanently, it compensates with skulk, ensuring it remains unblockable by stronger creatures. Then there’s the Thalakos Scout, trading the power-up option for an altogether different tactic—the capacity to evade and return to hand, thus avoiding targeted removal.
Assessing the Pit Imp among its peers, we can see it has a place in decks that benefit from swift and incremental pressure on the opponent. Its ability to grow rapidly can make it a key component, especially when a strategy revolves around early dominance and continuous threat escalation.
Cards similar to Pit Imp by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Boasting the potential to manipulate both your own deck and your opponent’s, Pit Imp can offer insight into the upcoming draw, ultimately granting you the means to shape the course of the match strategically.
Resource Acceleration: While the Pit Imp itself does not directly facilitate mana acceleration, its low casting cost allows for a speedy deployment on the battlefield. This rapid appearance can pave the way for future plays, laying the groundwork for a tempo advantage over your adversary.
Instant Speed: A defining attribute of Pit Imp is its instant-speed ability, which can be activated at the most opportune times. This capability enables savvy players to interfere with an opponent’s strategy during their turn, potentially disrupting their plans and preserving the element of surprise in your tactical arsenal.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Pit Imp demands a discard from your hand to maintain it on the battlefield. This mechanic can put you at a disadvantage by depleting your hand, which is especially detrimental in game scenarios where card advantage is crucial.
Specific Mana Cost: Pit Imp can be restricting because it requires black mana for both its casting and upkeep costs. Players running multicolored decks might find it challenging to consistently meet the black mana requirement, limiting Pit Imp’s versatility across various deck types.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With an initial casting cost of two mana and an ongoing cost to maintain its presence, Pit Imp may seem costly compared to other creatures with similar stats or abilities. Savvy players often seek more cost-effective creatures that can offer greater strategic value on the battlefield without the additional burden of upkeep costs.
Reasons to Include Pit Imp in Your Collection
Versatility: Pit Imp offers flexibility in deck building, as a swift attacker capable of causing early game hassle for opponents. Its flying ability allows it to soar over ground defenders, providing consistent pressure in the skies.
Combo Potential: As a creature with the potential to grow stronger each turn, Pit Imp works well in synergies focused on boosting creature abilities. With the right combination of cards, this could transform it into a formidable threat rapidly.
Meta-Relevance: With ever-shifting metas, having a card that can adapt to various playstyles is key. Pit Imp can be valuable in a meta filled with high-cost creatures, as its evasion and potential for growth can serve as an effective counter or distraction.
How to beat
Pit Imp is an intriguing creature card that certain decks include for its flying ability and the potential to get +1/+0 until end of turn. While its power increase feature makes it flexible during combat, it’s important as a player to recognize that the 0/1 base stat line makes it vulnerable. To effectively tackle Pit Imp, prioritize removal spells that can target creatures despite the power boost, such as Shock or Fatal Push.
Another strategy is to utilize flying blockers that can intercept and eliminate Pit Imp without much trouble. Cards like Giant Spider can be great counters, thanks to its reach and stronger toughness. Additionally, using instant speed interaction will allow you to respond to the Pit Imp’s pump ability, mitigating any surprise damage it might deal and maximizing your mana usage.
Ultimately, being preemptive and aware of cards in your deck that can quickly deal with low-toughness creatures will ensure that Pit Imp doesn’t become a consistent threat on the board. It’s these tactics and timely plays that can turn the tide of the game in your favor when facing off against the pesky imp.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Pit Imp MTG card by a specific set like Tempest, 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 Pit Imp 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Pit Imp has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |