Talas Scout MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Human Pirate Scout
Abilities	Flying
Released	1998-06-24
Set symbol
Set name	Portal Second Age
Set code	P02
Power	1
Toughness	2
Number	52
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Heather Hudson

Key Takeaways

Talas Scout provides card advantage, key in sustaining pressure and maximizing game turns.
It synergizes with pirate-themed decks, enhancing resource acceleration and combo plays.
Despite its advantages, the card’s specific mana and discard requirements may deter some players.

Text of card

Flying

"Scouting a battle before you fight it is just good business." —Jefan, Talas ship captain

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Talas Scout bolsters your hand by partially replacing itself when it deals combat damage to a player, letting you peek at the top two cards of your library and conceal one in your hand. This subtle edge can lead to sustained pressure on your opponent.

Resource Acceleration: Although Talas Scout doesn’t directly add mana, its synergy with pirate-themed decks can indirectly lead to resource acceleration through cards that benefit from pirate type interactions, allowing you to get ahead on board state and resources.

Instant Speed: While Talas Scout itself isn’t played at instant speed, its triggered ability when dealing combat damage can pair well with instant-speed spells in your deck. This complement allows you to maximize your turns by planning with additional information and potentially casting spells with the card drawn during the combat phase.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Talas Scout necessitates discarding another card to utilize its ability. This might deplete one’s hand, particularly in fast-paced games where maintaining card advantage is crucial.

Specific Mana Cost: With a casting cost that requires blue mana, this card can be restrictive if your deck is not built around this color or if you’re struggling with mana diversity during play.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Considering its abilities, Talas Scout has a relatively high mana cost. Some players might find that there are alternative creatures or cards that provide similar benefits for less, making it a potentially less attractive option for deck inclusion.

Reasons to Include Talas Scout in Your Collection

Versatility: Talas Scout offers a flexible role in multiple deck types, particularly those that require early creatures on the board. Its low casting cost makes it an efficient choice for early plays and its ability to potentially draw a card upon dealing combat damage adds value over time.

Combo Potential: Its pirate synergies allow it to seamlessly integrate into pirate-themed decks, working well with cards that benefit from having pirates or creatures of a specific type. This can lead to powerful interactions and enhance the effectiveness of pirate-based combos.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where smaller, aggressive creatures can be an advantage, Talas Scout holds its own by contributing to early pressure. It is also relevant in environments where having numerous creatures is advantageous or when the ability to sneak in damage and draw cards can turn the tide of a match.

How to beat Talas Scout

Talas Scout has carved its niche in MTG as a pesky card to contend with, particularly within the realm of decks that leverage the Pirate tribal synergy. Its power lies in creating a disturbance by peeking at an opponent’s hand whenever it deals combat damage to a player. This intel can significantly shift the game’s dynamics, allowing strategic plays.

Countering Talas Scout often involves preventing it from connecting with players. Thus, players may look towards cards like Propaganda or Ghostly Prison, which impose a tax on attackers, deterring or altogether stopping numerous combat phases. Removal spells are effective as well. Instant-speed interactions such as Path to Exile or Lightning Bolt can swiftly remove the Scout before its ability can disrupt your game plan. Beyond individual card counters, strategies focusing on robust defense lines or continually clearing the board also naturally diminish the Scout’s effectiveness by limiting its opportunities to deal combat damage.

Recognizing the threat Talas Scout poses and anticipating it with preparatory tactics or responding assertively to its deployment can turn a potential setback into a manageable aspect of the match.

Cards like Talas Scout

Talas Scout stands as an intriguing option for players looking to add pirate synergy and sneaky tactics to their decks. It shares similarities with cards like Storm Fleet Spy, which also arrives with the boon of card advantage if you attacked this turn. The Scout, however, offers more consistent card draw potential as it triggers upon dealing combat damage to a player, making it a reliable reconnaissance tool.

Another pirate, the threatening Kitesail Freebooter, presents an alternative strategy by temporarily stripping opponents of their noncreature spells. While Freebooter doesn’t draw cards like Talas Scout, it disrupts opponents, creating tactical advantages. Siren Stormtamer alternatively offers protection and evasion, although it doesn’t promise the card draw of the Scout or the direct disruption of the Freebooter.

In comparing these interactions, Talas Scout holds its ground with its unique blend of card advantage and pirate tribal synergy. It’s not the most aggressive pirate on the seas but can certainly carve out a niche in decks that reward players for chip damage and consistent card access throughout the duel.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Talas Scout MTG card by a specific set like Portal Second Age, 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 Talas Scout and other MTG cards: