Shyft MTG Card
1995-06-03 - Number 96
2008-09-22 - Number 66
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Shapeshifter |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
During your upkeep, you may change the color of Shyft to any color or combination of colors.
"Capturing this specimen was not easy. Study it well, that you someday might be as versatile." —Gerda Äagesdotter, Archmage of the Unseen
Cards like Shyft
Shyft is an intriguing magic card that offers a unique tactical advantage in the game of MTG. It bears similarities to cards like Mirror Entity, which also has the ability to change its creature type at will. Shyft, however, distinguishes itself with its inherent blue color, allowing it to naturally dodge certain color-specific spells or abilities. Mirror Entity requires mana investment to activate its ability, while Shyft maintains its flexibility passively.
Amoeboid Changeling is another card that shares a likeness with Shyft in its ability to manipulate creature types. This card can target any creature, changing its types until end of turn. The Changeling’s utility is different as it can affect the board broadly, making it versatile in tribal strategies. Shyft’s unique trait is its self-focus, offering consistent protection and synergy within its own deck without the need for mana input on each turn.
Overall, Shyft’s place within creature type manipulation in MTG is secured by its passive nature and protective color identity, positioning it as a strategically different option for players who value adaptability and defense in their gameplay.
Cards similar to Shyft by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Shyft truly shines by offering card advantage. When it morphs, transforming it allows you to not only surprise your opponent but also draw a card, thus refilling your hand and maintaining pressure on the game.
Resource Acceleration: This card fits smoothly into strategies that revolve around mana ramp. By morphing Shyft, you effectively manage your resource allocation, ensuring you’re not set back in your game plan while adapting to the evolving battlefield.
Instant Speed: Flexibility is key in any match, and Shyft operates beautifully in this regard. The capability to morph at instant speed means you can adapt to threats or opportunities at a moment’s notice, making it a highly tactical tool in your arsenal, perfect for responding to your opponents’ actions and keeping them guessing.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Shyft magic card necessitates discarding another card from your hand, which can deplete your hand, leaving you with fewer options as the game progresses. This can be particularly problematic when you are already struggling to maintain card advantage over your opponent.
Specific Mana Cost: Shyft comes with a specific mana cost that requires blue mana, which might not be readily available in all types of decks, especially those that do not prioritize blue. Consequently, integrating Shyft into certain deck archetypes could prove challenging and may require adjustments to the mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that is somewhat high when compared to other creature cards within a similar power range, Shyft might not always provide the best value for the mana invested. This high cost can delay your game plan, especially in formats where speed and efficiency are critical for outpacing an opponent.
Reasons to Include Shyft in Your Collection
Versatility: Shyft is known for its ability to adapt to various situations on the battlefield. This card can be a game-changer due to its morphing ability, allowing it to dodge removals or surprise opponents with unexpected plays.
Combo Potential: Its unique mechanics open up a world of combo possibilities, synergizing well with cards that benefit from or interact with creature type changes and face-down gameplay.
Meta-Relevance: As the game’s environment constantly evolves, Shyft maintains relevance by fitting into decks that capitalize on flexibility and unpredictability, countering prevalent strategies decisively.
How to beat
Shyft is the kind of card that challenges players to adapt their strategies to overcome. This elusive creature can be quite the conundrum to handle due to its ability to switch from a mere artifact into a potentially game-swinging creature. To effectively counter this transformative threat, it’s important to employ removal tactics that can deal with both types of permanents or to prevent the transformation altogether.
One adept move involves targeting Shyft with spells that can exile artifacts before they shift form or using spells that destroy artifacts, such as Ancient Grudge or Abrade. Another strategy includes keeping counter magic in reserve to thwart the activation of Shyft’s changing ability. Timing is crucial; having the right response when Shyft is vulnerable is key to maintaining control of the game state.
For players willing to delve into a more proactive approach, strategies involving card types like graveyard hate that can deal with artifacts and creatures globally, such as Grafdigger’s Cage, can preemptively halt Shyft in its tracks. Ultimately, understanding the variety of available tools and recognizing the pivotal moments to use them will give players a solid advantage in confidently navigating challenges posed by transformative cards like Shyft.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Shyft MTG card by a specific set like Ice Age and Masters Edition II, 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 Shyft 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 Shyft Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1995-06-03 and 2008-09-22. Illustrated by Richard Thomas.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1995-06-03 | Ice Age | ICE | 96 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Richard Thomas | |
| 2 | 2008-09-22 | Masters Edition II | ME2 | 66 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Richard Thomas |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Shyft has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Shyft card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2008-10-01 | Shyft’s ability won’t let you make it colorless. Colorless is not a color. |
| 2008-10-01 | The ability’s effect has no duration. Shyft will remain the chosen color or colors until the game ends, it leaves the battlefield, or some other effect (such as the next time its ability resolves) changes its colors. |