Shadowy Backstreet MTG Card
2024-02-09 - Number 268
2024-02-09 - Number 330
2024-02-10 - Number 268p
2024-02-10 - Number 268s
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Land — Plains Swamp |
| Abilities | Surveil |
Text of card
(: Add or .) Shadowy Backstreet enters the battlefield tapped. When Shadowy Backstreet enters the battlefield, surveil 1. (Look at the top card of your library. You may put it into your graveyard.)
Cards like Shadowy Backstreet
Shadowy Backstreet adds a captivating twist to the lineup of creature-enhancing cards in MTG. It shares common ground with cards such as Tainted Strike, which also grants a power increase, in this case, giving a creature +1/+0 and infect until end of turn. The difference lies in the Shadowy Backstreet’s ability to potentially boost a creature’s power more significantly, though it doesn’t confer infect.
Moving to another resemblance, we encounter Blur of Blades. This instant gives a creature +1/+0 and deals 2 damage to an opponent’s creature, offering both buff and control. While Shadowy Backstreet doesn’t provide direct damage, it excels in buffing power over time. Furthermore, we see a likeness with Rush of Vitality, granting +1/+0 plus lifelink and indestructible for a turn; however, Shadowy Backstreet’s bonus lacks these defensive perks, focusing solely on aggressive power growth.
Shadowy Backstreet finds its niche among power-boosting spells in MTG with its unique set of advantages that cater to players aiming to persistently elevate their creatures’ strength throughout the game’s progression.
Cards similar to Shadowy Backstreet by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Shadowy Backstreet. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Orzhov Bronco | Standard | Orzhov Midrange | Pro Tour Thunder Junction |
 | Esper Scam | Modern | Esper Scam | Modern Challenge 64 2024-04-21 (1) |
 | Esper Reanimator | Modern | Esper Reanimator | Modern Challenge 64 2024-04-21 |
 | Reanimator | Legacy | Reanimator | Legacy Preliminary 2024-04-24 |
 | Goryo's Vengeance | Modern | Goryo's Vengeance | Modern League 2024-04-21 |
 | Orzhov Midrange | Standard | Orzhov Midrange | Traditional Standard Ranked Decklists: April 22, 2024 |
| Orzhov Stoneblade | Legacy | Orzhov Stoneblade | Legacy Challenge 32 2024-04-21 |
 | Painter | Legacy | Painter | Legacy League 2024-04-22 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The cunning Shadowy Backstreet card provides a stealthy advantage by allowing you to delve into your library and potentially unveil key cards that can tip the scales in your favor. This subtle but powerful effect can ensure that you sustain momentum throughout the match by keeping your hand stocked with options.
Resource Acceleration: Shadowy Backstreet excels at thrusting you ahead in the resource game. By potentially reducing the cost of certain spells or effects, it can help you deploy threats faster than your opponent anticipates, giving you a critical edge in the resource management battle.
Instant Speed: The ability to play Shadowy Backstreet at instant speed gives you the flexibility to wait for the most opportune moment, whether that’s disrupting an opponent’s strategy or maximizing the impact of your own moves on someone else’s turn. The element of surprise and strategic depth that instant speed provides cannot be overstated.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Shadowy Backstreet requires sacrificing a card, potentially setting you back, especially in crucial moments when your hand is already depleted.
Specific Mana Cost: As Shadowy Backstreet demands specific mana symbols to cast, it doesn’t slot into just any deck, thus limiting its versatility across various deck types.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Considering its high mana cost relative to its impact on the game, Shadowy Backstreet might not align with strategies that favor low-cost, high-efficiency plays.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Shadowy Backstreet offers adaptability in deck construction, seamlessly integrating into rogue or ninjutsu-themed builds while also serving as an efficient utility land in a variety of other strategies.
Combo Potential: This land lends itself to intricate synergies, working well with cards that capitalize on unblockable creatures or benefit from landfall triggers, enhancing both aggressive and tactical gameplay.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where slower, more controlling decks prevail, Shadowy Backstreet provides strategic depth, offering a clandestine advantage by facilitating surprise interactions and late-game maneuverability.
How to Beat
The Shadowy Backstreet card poses a unique challenge on the battlefield with its ability to power up creatures slinking through the alleyways of the game. This enchantment shines in a rogues’ deck, amplifying the stealth and potency of your slippery assailants. When facing this devious card, the key to victory lies in keeping the streets clear of these shadowy threats.
One effective strategy is utilizing removal spells that can disrupt your opponent’s board, cleaning up creatures that benefit from the Shadowy Backstreet’s enhancements. Board wipes such as Day of Judgment or targeted removal like Path to Exile can be efficient tools to clear the way. Additionally, enchantment removal like Disenchant or Return to Nature will eliminate the troublesome backstreet from play directly, squandering your opponent’s avenue to an empowered offense.
Counterplay is equally viable. Playing your own creatures with reach or flying can circumvent ground-based aggression, keeping your life total safe. Lastly, stay vigilant and maintain card advantage when possible to be prepared for the creatures that emerge from the shadows. Although Shadowy Backstreet can bolster an opponent’s game plan, it’s far from unbeatable with thoughtful strategy and timely removal.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Shadowy Backstreet MTG card by a specific set like Murders at Karlov Manor and 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 Shadowy Backstreet 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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Printings
The Shadowy Backstreet Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2024-02-09 and 2024-02-10. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2024-02-09 | Murders at Karlov Manor | MKM | 268 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Andreas Zafiratos | |
| 2 | 2024-02-09 | Murders at Karlov Manor | MKM | 330 | 2015 | Normal | Borderless | Sergey Glushakov | |
| 3 | 2024-02-10 | Murders at Karlov Manor Promos | PMKM | 268p | 2015 | Normal | Black | Andreas Zafiratos | |
| 4 | 2024-02-10 | Murders at Karlov Manor Promos | PMKM | 268s | 2015 | Normal | Black | Andreas Zafiratos |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Shadowy Backstreet has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Standardbrawl | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |