Port of Karfell MTG Card
2021-02-05 - Number 265
2022-06-10 - Number 908
2023-11-17 - Number 347
2024-02-09 - Number 280
2021-02-05 - Number 72
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Land |
| Abilities | Mill |
Text of card
Port of Karfell enters the battlefield tapped. : Add . , , Sacrifice Port of Karfell: Mill four cards, then return a creature card from your graveyard to the battlefield tapped. (To mill a card, put the top card of your library into your graveyard.)
Cards like Port of Karfell
The Port of Karfell has garnered attention among Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts for its unique role in decks focused on graveyard interaction. Its closest relatives include lands such as Witch’s Cottage, which also permits the retrieval of creatures from the graveyard. That said, Witch’s Cottage doesn’t require the milling of cards, contrastingly, Port of Karfell does, which can be a double-edged sword; advantageous for self-mill strategies, but potentially risky if essential cards are discarded.
Another land worthy of comparison is Mortuary Mire. While it also returns creatures from graveyard to hand, it does so upon entry and doesn’t permit the player to put the creature directly into play, which can be a subtle, though significant, difference. Then there is Temple of the False God, which doesn’t interact with the graveyard but offers an extra mana, echoing Port of Karfell’s utility beyond a basic land.
In sum, while there are several lands that tread into the domain of graveyard utility, Port of Karfell stands out with its distinctive ability to directly set the stage for reanimated forces, aligning perfectly with decks that seek to capitalize on every creature, even beyond their initial demise.
Cards similar to Port of Karfell by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Port of Karfell. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | RG | Modern | Modern Showcase Challenge 2024-03-09 | |
 | Quintorius Combo | Pioneer | Quintorius Combo | Pioneer Challenge 64 2023-12-08 (1) |
 | 4c Discover | Pioneer | 4c Discover | Pioneer Challenge 96 2023-11-26 |
| Geological Appraiser Combo | Pioneer | 4c Discover | South America Magic Series - Regional Championship (Final Regional NOV 2023) |
 | Dimir Mill | Pioneer | Gyruda | Apex Gaming Invitational Last Chance Qualifier |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Port of Karfell excels at providing card advantage as it gives players the opportunity to pull creatures from the graveyard back into the game. This reanimation effect can turn the tide of the match by retrieving powerful creatures that you can use to outmaneuver your opponent.
Resource Acceleration: This card also aids in resource acceleration. Tapping it allows you to add one mana of any color to your mana pool, helping you cast spells quicker or ramp up to your powerful late-game threats. Additionally, its ability to bring a creature from your graveyard to the battlefield taps into the concept of using all available resources to gain an edge over your opponent.
Instant Speed: The activation of Port of Karfell’s main ability can be done at instant speed. This significant aspect lets you wait until the end of your opponent’s turn to bring back a creature, keeping your options open and leaving your opponent guessing about your next move.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Port of Karfell requires you to shed precious cards from your hand to activate its main ability, which can be a setback when you’re trying to maintain hand advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: The card’s demand for specific blue and black mana can restrict its integration, making it less attractive for decks not aligned with these colors.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The card’s utility comes at the cost of six mana, which is a substantial investment, potentially overshadowing its benefits when up against lower-cost alternatives that offer similar or faster graveyard-to-play capabilities.
Reasons to Include Port of Karfell in Your Collection
Versatility: Port of Karfell excels in decks that thrive on graveyard play. It’s a land card that not only provides mana but also serves a higher utility by allowing you to tap, sacrifice, and benefit from milling cards and ultimately reanimating a creature card from your graveyard to the battlefield.
Combo Potential: This card opens up numerous combo possibilities, especially in blue or black synergistic decks. It can quickly become a key piece in strategies built around graveyard mechanics, feeding powerful reanimator spells or fueling delve abilities to cast potent spells from your graveyard.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where graveyard strategies are prevalent, Port of Karfell can be especially effective. It allows for decks to harness their graveyard as an extended hand, giving players the opportunity to recur powerful creatures and gain significant advantage over opponents who might not be as prepared for such tactics.
How to beat
Port of Karfell is a unique land card in Magic: The Gathering that stands out for its ability to provide a strategic advantage by allowing a player to tap into their graveyard’s potential. It bears the ability to reanimate a creature card by tapping, sacrificing Port of Karfell, and paying a small mana cost. To effectively counter this card, players should consider employing graveyard disruption strategies. Tools like Tormod’s Crypt or Leyline of the Void can prevent the reanimation effect by exiling cards from the graveyard before they can be targeted.
In addition, cards like Ghost Quarter or Field of Ruin can be used to destroy Port of Karfell, ensuring that it doesn’t stick around long enough to be activated. Moreover, control strategies that include counterspells such as Negate may prove effective since they can counter crucial spells that the opponent is hoping to bring back using Port of Karfell’s ability. By prioritizing removal of this utility land and curbing the opponent’s grave-based strategies, players can nullify the advantages offered by Port of Karfell and maintain control over the game.
Ultimately, understanding your opponent’s graveyard and keeping Port of Karfell in check through targeted land destruction, graveyard hate, and counterplay will significantly reduce its impact, aiding in securing victory on the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Port of Karfell // Port of Karfell MTG card by a specific set like Kaldheim Art Series and Kaldheim, 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 Port of Karfell // Port of Karfell and other MTG cards:
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- MTG Mint Card
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Printings
The Port of Karfell // Port of Karfell Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2021-02-05 and 2024-02-09. Illustrated by Mauricio Calle.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kaldheim Art Series | AKHM | 72 | 2015 | Art series | Borderless | Mauricio Calle | ||
| 2 | 2021-02-05 | Kaldheim | KHM | 265 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mauricio Calle | |
| 3 | 2022-06-10 | Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate | CLB | 908 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mauricio Calle | |
| 4 | 2023-11-17 | The Lost Caverns of Ixalan Commander | LCC | 347 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mauricio Calle | |
| 5 | 2024-02-09 | Murders at Karlov Manor Commander | MKC | 280 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mauricio Calle |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Port of Karfell has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Port of Karfell card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2021-02-05 | The last activated ability doesn't target any creature cards in graveyards. You may return a creature card that was just milled or one that was already there. |