Puresight Merrow MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Merfolk Wizard |
| Released | 2008-05-02 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Shadowmoor |
| Set code | SHM |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 146 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Carl Critchlow |
Text of card
{WU}, {Q}: Look at the top card of your library. You may remove that card from the game. ({Q} is the untap symbol.)
Stripped of his sight, he was free to see only the ideal.
Cards like Puresight Merrow
Puresight Merrow occupies a unique niche in MTG as a creature card with a potent combo enabling ability. It shares the stage with cards like Aphetto Alchemist, which also facilitates untapping another target creature or artifact. While Aphetto Alchemist has the inherent ability to untap, Puresight Merrow requires a pairing with a {W} or {U} creature to utilize its untap capability. Yet Puresight Merrow edges ahead with its ability to not only untap but also to manipulate the top card of a library, offering strategic deck filtering advantages.
In comparison, we have Stonybrook Schoolmaster, another Merfolk that triggers upon becoming tapped. Although it doesn’t share the untap feature of Puresight Merrow, it compensates by creating token creatures, reinforcing board presence. With Puresight Merrow, the emphasis isn’t on building an immediate army but on crafting future draws and potential infinite combos when combined with cards like Paradise Mantle.
Surveying the landscape of similar MTG cards, Puresight Merrow stands out for those seeking to fine-tune their deck’s performance and exploit untap mechanics. It balances utility with the promise of combo synergies, making it a valued piece in decks built around such dynamics.
Cards similar to Puresight Merrow by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Puresight Merrow. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Thassa's Oracle Combo | Modern | Merfolk | HBMO24 - Sunday Modern ReCQ |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Puresight Merrow allows you to selectively filter the cards from the top of your deck. This can be crucial to dig for answers or key pieces in your strategy, keeping you one step ahead of your opponent.
Resource Acceleration: When paired with cards that untap creatures, Puresight Merrow can potentially churn through your deck at an accelerated pace. The ability to repeatedly look at the top card of your deck and decide its fate can significantly streamline your deck’s performance.
Instant Speed: Although Puresight Merrow’s ability isn’t at instant speed itself, it synergizes with instant-speed untap effects. This allows for unexpected combos and interactions on your opponent’s turn, catching them off guard and swinging the game in your favor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Puresight Merrow necessitates a clear sightline to your library’s top card, which might clog your hand if you lack a means to manipulate or clear the top-deck card.
Specific Mana Cost: This creature demands both white and blue mana for its untap ability, potentially restricting its versatility in decks not dedicated to this color pair.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At two mana for a 2/2, Puresight Merrow may fall behind in terms of board impact, especially when other cards at a similar cost can offer greater immediate value or power.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Puresight Merrow’s ability to manipulate the top of your library allows it to slip smoothly into decks that value card quality control. Whether it’s setting up for a big draw or dodging an unwanted top deck, this card can serve multiple roles.
Combo Potential: With the right setup, this creature can unleash infinite combos, pairing with cards like Paradise Mantle to generate an endless mill mechanism. It’s a powerful piece capable of winning the game if left unchecked.
Meta-Relevance: In a environment that appreciates intricate card interactions and values the milling mechanic, Puresight Merrow holds its ground. As the game evolves, so does the importance of having adaptable cards that can navigate a diverse range of competitive scenarios.
How to beat
Puresight Merrow offers unique versatility in game strategies, distinguishing itself as a reliable combo piece in many Magic: The Gathering decks. Its ability to untap itself for a mere two mana encourages the creation of powerful loops, efficiently filtering unwanted cards from the top of your library. It’s essential, therefore, to have a plan for dealing with this persistent threat.
Among the effective tactics, spot removal shines as the quickest solution. Cards like Fatal Push or Path to Exile can dispatch Puresight Merrow before its abilities become consequential. Alternatively, considering counterspells such as Mana Leak or Dovin’s Veto can prevent it from entering the battlefield altogether. In games where pace is key, disrupting your opponent’s tempo by removing their Merrow can lead to a decisive advantage.
In summary, when Puresight Merrow surfaces in your opponent’s deck, prioritize prompt removal or negation strategies. These proactive measures prevent your opponent from executing their planned combos and maintain the balance of the game in your favor. Acknowledging the Merrow’s potential and preparing to counteract its influence is vital in a competitive setting.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Puresight Merrow MTG card by a specific set like Shadowmoor, 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 Puresight Merrow 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
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Puresight Merrow has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Puresight Merrow card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2008-05-01 | If a creature with an {Q} ability hasn’t been under your control since your most recent turn began, you can’t activate that ability, unless the creature has haste. |
| 2008-05-01 | If the permanent is already untapped, you can’t activate its {Q} ability. That’s because you can’t pay the “Untap this permanent” cost. |
| 2008-05-01 | When you activate an {Q} ability, you untap the creature with that ability as a cost. The untap can’t be responded to. (The actual ability can be responded to, of course.) |