Sinuous Benthisaur MTG Card


Card selection is enhanced, providing strategic hand management and maintaining a continuous flow of options. Mana ramping capability with combat prowess could lead to casting powerful threats earlier in the game. Instant speed interaction offers flexibility, allowing players to adapt to the game dynamically.
Sinuous Benthisaur - The Lost Caverns of Ixalan
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Dinosaur
Released2023-11-17
Set symbol
Set nameThe Lost Caverns of Ixalan
Set codeLCI
Power 4
Toughness 4
Number76
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byJohn Tedrick

Text of card

When Sinuous Benthisaur enters the battlefield, look at the top X cards of your library, where X is the number of Caves you control plus the number of Cave cards in your graveyard. Put two of those cards into your hand and the rest on the bottom of your library in a random order.


Cards like Sinuous Benthisaur

Sinuous Benthisaur offers a unique proposition when evaluating creature cards within Magic: The Gathering. It can be compared to fellow aquatic creature Lorthos, the Tidemaker, where both command a significant presence on the battlefield. However, the Sinuous Benthisaur introduces an interesting twist with its potential for adaptation under certain conditions, allowing it to evolve and become stronger.

Another comparable card would be the Serpent of Yawning Depths, which shares a thematic and mechanical similarity, enhancing the potential of sea creatures in your deck. While the Serpent affects the whole playstyle around sea monsters, the Sinuous Benthisaur’s adaptability caters more to a single-card focus strategy with incremental growth. Then there is Whelming Wave, which, although not a creature, provides creature control with a sea-creature exemption, potentially leaving the Sinuous Benthisaur unscathed on the board.

To sum it up, the Sinuous Benthisaur can be a solid pick within the sea-monster archetype in Magic: The Gathering. It carves its niche with the ability to scale up in strength while remaining competitively costed and can synergize effectively with cards that support sea-bound allies.

Lorthos, the Tidemaker - MTG Card versions
Serpent of Yawning Depths - MTG Card versions
Whelming Wave - MTG Card versions
Lorthos, the Tidemaker - MTG Card versions
Serpent of Yawning Depths - MTG Card versions
Whelming Wave - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Sinuous Benthisaur by color, type and mana cost

Sea Serpent - MTG Card versions
Sibilant Spirit - MTG Card versions
Drifting Djinn - MTG Card versions
King Crab - MTG Card versions
Sea Monster - MTG Card versions
Sun Quan, Lord of Wu - MTG Card versions
Sliptide Serpent - MTG Card versions
Mahamoti Djinn - MTG Card versions
Deepfathom Skulker - MTG Card versions
Sakashima's Protege - MTG Card versions
Shoreline Ranger - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Dismisser - MTG Card versions
Novijen Sages - MTG Card versions
Storm Elemental - MTG Card versions
Draining Whelk - MTG Card versions
Arcanis the Omnipotent - MTG Card versions
Quicksilver Dragon - MTG Card versions
Frost Titan - MTG Card versions
Deadeye Navigator - MTG Card versions
Harbor Serpent - MTG Card versions
Sea Serpent - MTG Card versions
Sibilant Spirit - MTG Card versions
Drifting Djinn - MTG Card versions
King Crab - MTG Card versions
Sea Monster - MTG Card versions
Sun Quan, Lord of Wu - MTG Card versions
Sliptide Serpent - MTG Card versions
Mahamoti Djinn - MTG Card versions
Deepfathom Skulker - MTG Card versions
Sakashima's Protege - MTG Card versions
Shoreline Ranger - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Dismisser - MTG Card versions
Novijen Sages - MTG Card versions
Storm Elemental - MTG Card versions
Draining Whelk - MTG Card versions
Arcanis the Omnipotent - MTG Card versions
Quicksilver Dragon - MTG Card versions
Frost Titan - MTG Card versions
Deadeye Navigator - MTG Card versions
Harbor Serpent - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
DecklistDecklist Free formTorino Tournament - Lost Caverns of Ixalan

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Sinuous Benthisaur gives you an edge with card selection, as it helps sift through your deck to find essential pieces for your game plan. For players keen on maintaining a strategic hand, this creature’s ability can be a reliable tool in ensuring you’re never short on options.

Resource Acceleration: The Sinuous Benthisaur not only plays a role on the board but also bolsters your mana resources. Whenever it exhibits its prowess in combat, you get an opportunity to ramp, paving the way for larger threats or pivotal spells that can turn the tide of the match in your favor.

Instant Speed: One of its noteworthy traits is its ability to interact with the game at instant speed. This characteristic provides a substantial tactical advantage, allowing you to adapt to the evolving state of play without committing to a set strategy too early. The flexibility to respond to an opponent’s moves as they happen can make the Sinuous Benthisaur a surprise factor in many games.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Playing Sinuous Benthisaur demands that you discard another card, potentially putting you at a resource disadvantage if your hand is already dwindling.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both green and blue mana, this card might not seamlessly fit into multicolored decks that lack a strong mana base to support these colors.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Sinuous Benthisaur comes with a mana value that might be considered steep for its abilities, particularly when compared to other creatures in its category that could be played sooner or offer a greater board presence for a similar cost.


Reasons to Include Sinuous Benthisaur in Your Collection

Versatility: Sinuous Benthisaur offers a flexible role in decks that thrive on creature synergies and damage mitigation. Its ability to add board presence while possibly buffing itself makes it well-suited for a variety of match-ups.

Combo Potential: With its proliferate trigger, Sinuous Benthisaur has the potential to be a key piece in decks that capitalize on +1/+1 counters or that include permanents with counters that can be increased for greater effects.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where creature-based strategies are prevalent, Sinuous Benthisaur could perform as a formidable blocker and enabler, contributing to the resilience and adaptability of your deck.


How to beat

Sinuous Benthisaur can be a real tide-turner in any MTG deck relying on aquatic synergy. Its presence can unlock potential buffs for other sea-dwelling creatures, thereby escalating the threat level with each turn. To overcome this Leviathan, consider applying removal spells before it can delve too deep into its tribal benefits. Direct damage spells or exile-based removals can be very effective before your opponent gets a chance to fully exploit Sinuous Benthisaur’s prowess. Board wipes also help to reset the aquatic battlefield dominance, providing you with a breather and a chance to take the reins of the match.

Additionally, don’t underestimate the power of counter spells. Nipping the Benthisaur in the bud before it even reaches the battlefield can save you from the need to address a larger-scale sea problem later on. Negate or Essence Scatter are effective here, keeping the playing field level. It’s all about timing and preemptive control. By acknowledging and preparing for the presence of such a creature, you maintain superiority over the board, keeping your opponent’s sea monsters at bay, and steering your strategy towards victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Sinuous Benthisaur MTG card by a specific set like The Lost Caverns of Ixalan, 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 Sinuous Benthisaur and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Sinuous Benthisaur has restrictions

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

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Sinuous Benthisaur card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2023-11-10 If X is 1, you'll look at the top card of your library and put it into your hand. If X is 0, you won't look at any cards from the top of your library.