Private Eye MTG Card


Private Eye offers card advantage by revealing vital deck information, ensuring a steady hand. Instant Speed activation gives players the flexibility to react and strategize during any turn. Resource acceleration via Private Eye can significantly expedite your gameplay, keeping you ahead.
Private Eye - Murders at Karlov Manor
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Homunculus Detective
Released2024-02-09
Set symbol
Set nameMurders at Karlov Manor
Set codeMKM
Power 3
Toughness 3
Number223
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byVincent Christiaens

Text of card

Other Detectives you control get +1/+1. Whenever you draw your second card each turn, target Detective can't be blocked this turn.

"Yep. It's a vase, all right."


Cards like Private Eye

Private Eye brings a unique interaction to MTG players’ decks, akin to other creature and clue generation cards. It can be compared to Bygone Bishop which also intertwines with the clue mechanic. Where Bygone Bishop conditions clue creation upon casting small creatures, Private Eye offers player investigative control directly through clues whenever opponents cast their second spell each turn.

There’s also Tireless Tracker, adding a twist to clue synergy by getting stronger with every clue sacrficed for card draw, strengthening both board and hand. However, unlike Private Eye, Tireless Tracker creates clues through land drops not opponent’s spells. For those focusing on the control aspect of gameplay, Thopter Spy Network can be likened to Private Eye. While Thopter Spy Network demands an artifact for activation, enhancing with an aerial army, Private Eye needs no such setup, instead vigilantly turning opponent’s actions into advantage.

To wrap it up, Private Eye provides strategic edge by monopolizing on opponents excessive spellcasting. Its unique positioning in MTG allows it to stand out from other clue-related cards, fortifying control and card advantage in a player’s favor.

Bygone Bishop - MTG Card versions
Tireless Tracker - MTG Card versions
Thopter Spy Network - MTG Card versions
Bygone Bishop - MTG Card versions
Tireless Tracker - MTG Card versions
Thopter Spy Network - MTG Card versions

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Leering Gargoyle - MTG Card versions
Guiding Spirit - MTG Card versions
Teferi's Honor Guard - MTG Card versions
Sky Spirit - MTG Card versions
Samite Archer - MTG Card versions
Riptide Crab - MTG Card versions
Hanna, Ship's Navigator - MTG Card versions
Tolarian Emissary - MTG Card versions
Silver Drake - MTG Card versions
Disciple of Kangee - MTG Card versions
Soulherder - MTG Card versions
Kotori, Pilot Prodigy - MTG Card versions
Soulsworn Jury - MTG Card versions
Minister of Impediments - MTG Card versions
Court Hussar - MTG Card versions
Azorius Herald - MTG Card versions
Jötun Owl Keeper - MTG Card versions
Thistledown Duo - MTG Card versions
Plumeveil - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Private Eye. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
DecklistDecklist Free form86#CS
UW ConanUW Conan Free formPradas Cup #11 - Delitti al Maniero Karlov - Sponsored by MTGCircle.com
WUWU StandardTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: February 19, 2024

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Private Eye boasts a mechanism that helps you uncover critical information from your deck, setting you up for subsequent turns. This detective-themed card ensures you’re not left in the dark, maintaining a steady stream of options in hand.

Resource Acceleration: Not only does this card shine a light on hidden elements, but it can also be a catalyst for your resources, letting you deploy your strategies faster. It’s like having a trusted informant in your deck, speeding up your gameplay.

Instant Speed: The ability to activate Private Eye at instant speed endows you with the flexibility to adapt to the evolving game state. Whether you’re fending off threats or seeking the right moment to advance your position, this card operates on your schedule, keeping you one step ahead of your opponents.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Engaging with Private Eye requires you to part with a card, a move that might strain your hand when you’re scrapping for every advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Casting this detective onto the battlefield comes with a strict color commitment, potentially hampering its inclusion outside of dedicated blue-black decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With the resources you allocate to summon Private Eye, other options in your arsenal could potentially net you more immediate impact or utility on the game’s landscape.


Reasons to Include Private Eye Mtg Card in Your Collection

Versatility: Private Eye is a chameleon in any deck, slotting itself comfortably in both aggressive and control-based strategies. Its ability to fulfill multiple roles makes it a valuable asset for any player looking to adapt to various gameplay situations.

Combo Potential: The card’s unique synergies allow for some intriguing combinations with other cards. Creating copies or triggering investigatory abilities offers inventive ways to maximize your in-game advantage, making it a combo player’s delight.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where deck types vary widely, Private Eye maintains relevance. Its adaptability ensures it remains a force against an array of opposing strategies, securing its place within the constantly evolving meta.


How to beat

Confronting a Private Eye in Magic: The Gathering presents unique challenges. This card’s capability to not only peer into an opponent’s hand but also to exile a nonland card of their choice makes it a formidable tool in disrupting rival strategies. Its evasion abilities also contribute to its defensive utility, making it an underappreciated threat on the board.

Overcoming the watchful gaze of Private Eye requires a versatile approach. Cards that deny targeted abilities can shield your valuable hand contents from prying eyes. Removal spells that don’t target, such as board wipes, can circumvent its evasive characteristics. It’s also crucial to maintain a robust hand, minimizing the impact of any single card’s loss. Additionally, employing instant-speed removal in response to the casting of Private Eye can prevent its ability from being activated altogether.

Managing to sideline Private Eye can significantly stifle an opponent’s control over the game’s flow. It’s important to utilize a strategy that emphasizes resilience and foresight, preparing for its potential deployment and responding with decisive action to maintain the upper hand.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Private Eye MTG card by a specific set like Murders at Karlov Manor, 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 Private Eye and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Private Eye has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
StandardbrawlLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal