Sakashima the Impostor Avatar MTG Card

Copy abilities provide card advantage by duplicating powerful creatures without extra card draw. Exact mana requirements and high cost need strategic planning in deck construction. Versatility and combo potential make Sakashima a valuable inclusion in collections.

Rarity	Rare
Type	Vanguard
Released	2003-01-01
Set symbol
Set name	Magic Online Avatars
Set code	PMOA
Number	49
Frame	2015
Layout	Vanguard
Border	Black
Illustred by	UDON

Text of card

: Choose a creature you control. It becomes a copy of target creature except for its name.

Cards like Sakashima the Impostor Avatar

In the realm of duplicating effects, Sakashima the Impostor is a noteworthy card in Magic: The Gathering. It invites comparison to Clone, another card famously known for copying creatures on the battlefield. Sakashima the Impostor, however, distinguishes itself by allowing you to copy any creature while maintaining its own name, thus bypassing the legend rule which would normally cause a player to sacrifice one of the legendary creatures.

Cards like Copy Artifact echo a similar clone effect, but for artifacts rather than creatures. The distinctions lie in the card types and utility they offer in a game. While Sakashima the Impostor can become a carbon copy of a powerful legendary creature, Copy Artifact provides the versatility of duplicating influential artifacts that could impact the game’s dynamics differently.

Phantasmal Image is a further parallel with its lower casting cost and the added benefit of being a creature with the possibility of becoming a copy of any creature on the battlefield. Though it comes with the downside of being sacrificed when targeted by any spell or ability, unlike the robustness afforded to Sakashima the Impostor.

By examining the abilities and strategic benefits of these mimicry cards, Sakashima the Impostor holds a unique position due to its combination of versatility and exception to the legend rule, making it a venerated option in decks aiming to leverage the strengths of legendary creatures.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The ability to copy another creature upon entering the battlefield can result in significant card advantage. This cloning effect lets you ably mimic the most powerful creature on the board, potentially doubling the impact of high-value creatures and generating additional benefits without requiring extra cards from your hand.

Resource Acceleration: Although Sakashima the Impostor Avatar doesn’t directly produce mana or resources, its presence can accelerate your resource advantage by copying creatures with ramp capabilities. By duplicating a creature with a Landfall ability or any other form of ramp, you effectively double your resource acceleration, setting you up for bigger plays in subsequent turns.

Instant Speed: Sakashima’s potential lies in its versatility; it doesn’t operate at instant speed itself, but by cloning a creature with flash or an ability that can be activated at instant speed, you maintain the element of surprise. This adaptability allows you to carefully craft your battlefield presence in response to your opponents’ actions, keeping them guessing while you strategize the optimal moment for your plays.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Piloting a deck with Sakashima the Impostor Avatar comes with strategic considerations, chiefly a discard requirement that can set you back. With each clone effect it facilitates, it demands a card from your hand, potentially leaving you at a disadvantage should your hand be dwindling and the tide of battle not in your favor.

Specific Mana Cost: This powerful avatar demands exacting mana, specifically two islands and two other mana sources. This strict cost can sometimes strain your mana base, especially in multi-colored decks that prioritize flexibility over stringent blue mana requirements.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Considering the investment, its four mana cost is significant. In formats where speed is of the essence, deploying Sakashima quickly enough can be challenging. Furthermore, while its ability to be a copy of any creature is enticing, other options might offer similar flexibility at a lower mana investment, potentially edging it out in competitive environments.

Reasons to Include Sakashima the Impostor Avatar in Your Collection

Versatility: Sakashima the Impostor Avatar brings flexibility to a deck with its ability to copy the most impactful creatures on the board. Whether you’re tailoring a control deck or enhancing a creature-heavy strategy, this card can adapt to various game states fluidly.

Combo Potential: This avatar has the unique ability to create powerful synergies, especially in decks that revolve around legendary creatures. By becoming a copy of any creature while retaining its name, it can circumvent the “legend rule,” opening the door to potent combinations that would not otherwise be possible.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where specific creatures dominate the battlefield, having Sakashima the Impostor Avatar can give players an edge. It doesn’t just mirror the abilities of key creatures; it effectively doubles the threat level, placing opponents in challenging positions where they must deal with two major threats instead of one.

How to beat

Sakashima the Impostor Avatar is a unique and powerful card in Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to become a copy of any creature on the battlefield, including the abilities of that creature, makes it a versatile tool in any player’s arsenal. To effectively counter this strategy, it’s crucial to limit the potential targets for Sakashima’s ability. This can be achieved by maintaining control over the board and promptly dealing with key creatures that could provide your opponent with a tactical advantage once copied.

Removal spells are the linchpin in defeating a deck that runs Sakashima the Impostor Avatar. Efficient and timely use of cards that exile or destroy creatures will thwart your opponent’s plans to use Sakashima’s copy ability. In addition, running counter spells can prevent Sakashima from ever entering the battlefield. Lastly, since Sakashima’s ability hinges upon another creature being present, using cards that restrict your opponent from casting creatures or that limit the creatures’ abilities can diminish the impact that Sakashima would have in a game.

Overall, beating Sakashima the Impostor Avatar requires foresight and a strategy that targets the card’s dependency on other creatures. A well-rounded defense paired with preemptive disruption will ensure that Sakashima’s capacity to sway the game is kept in check.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Sakashima the Impostor Avatar MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Avatars, 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 Sakashima the Impostor Avatar and other MTG cards:

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