Sleeper Agent MTG Card
1998-10-12 - Number 159
2007-07-13 - Number 178
2020-09-26 - Number 10E-178
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Phyrexian Minion |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
When Sleeper Agent comes into play, target opponent gains control of it. During your upkeep, Sleeper Agent deals 2 damage to you.
Cards like Sleeper Agent
Sleeper Agent is a unique and intriguing card that invites interesting strategies in MTG. Its closest relatives on the battlefield often involve unexpected interactions, much like Forbidden Orchard. This card provides mana of any color but grants opponents a token creature in return, mirroring the idea of a gift with strings attached. The comparison deepens as both cards introduce elements of risk and reward, challenging players to leverage these exchanges to their advantage.
Another card that plays with dangerous alliances is Treacherous Pit-Dweller. Upon resurrection, it shifts control to an adversary, akin to how Sleeper Agent switches sides once entering the battlefield. Both cards tempt players with powerful effects at a low cost, but with the caveat of potentially bolstering the enemy’s forces. The connecting thread is the theme of subterfuge and the careful balance of granting power to an opponent while aiming to ultimately snatch victory.
Overall, Sleeper Agent embodies a cunning blend of tactical generosity and potential peril, making it stand out in the spectrum of MTG cards that involve playing both sides of the field. Its uncanny ability to be a boon and a bane provides a compelling challenge that seasoned MTG strategists can appreciate.
Cards similar to Sleeper Agent by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Sleeper Agent. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | BRG | Modern | Modern Showcase Challenge 2024-03-09 | |
| Orchard Burn | Free form | d00mwake's Pure Modern 5 | |
 | Jund Burn | Modern | Jund Burn | Modern League 2023-11-17 |
| Rakdos Burn | Modern | Rakdos Burn | Modern League 2023-11-21 |
 | Orzhov Stoneblade | Legacy | Orzhov Stoneblade | Legacy Preliminary 2024-02-14 |
| Golgari Burn | Modern | Golgari Burn | Modern Challenge 64 2024-02-05 |
| Mono-Black Burn | Modern | Jund Burn | $10K RCQ - Modern - SCG CON Hartford - Saturday - 9:00 am |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Sleeper Agent card offers a unique take on card advantage by compelling your opponent to manage an additional threat. This shifts the balance, forcing them to spend resources or make strategic plans around the unexpected minion on their board.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing resource acceleration, Sleeper Agent disrupts the tempo by allocating an enemy creature to your opponent’s side. If deployed early, it can serve as an indirect form of acceleration, bogging down your opponent while you develop your board untapped.
Instant Speed: Sleeper Agent’s strength lies in its sorcery speed, which strategically requires plan-ahead deployment. While it lacks the flexibility of instant speed, this card weaves a layer of depth into the turn-by-turn tactics, challenging players to discern the optimal moment for unleashing this double-edged sword.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Sleeper Agent demands a card discard from your hand when the targeted opponent decides to pay its activation cost. This mechanic can be a serious setback, especially when you find yourself clutching a handful of valuable cards you’d rather keep.
Specific Mana Cost: Sleeper Agent carries a unique mana requirement, which can sometimes clash with your deck’s mana base. This could limit the flexibility of your deck, particularly if you are not running a deck optimized for these colors.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Sleeper Agent offers a unique twist to gameplay, its mana cost is significantly higher than some other creature options available at lower costs. This can slow down your game plan, making it an expensive investment for the effect it provides.
Reasons to Include Sleeper Agent in Your Collection
Versatility: Sleeper Agent’s unique ability to become an opponent’s creature presents an intriguing dynamic to any game. It can fit into various strategies, catering especially to those decks that aim to manipulate opponents’ resources.
Combo Potential: This card excels in combinations with strategies that capitalize on having creatures enter the battlefield under an opponent’s control or that can take advantage of the life loss it causes each turn.
Meta-Relevance: Sleeper Agent remains relevant in metas where psychological tactics and long-term game plans prevail. Its capacity to unsettle opponents and disrupt their calculations can be a subtle yet powerful asset in your gameplay arsenal.
How to beat
Sleeper Agent is a unique card in Magic the Gathering that can turn tables when it hits the battlefield. When deployed, this creature immediately goes under an opponent’s control and can become a ticking time bomb for them. To counter its deceptive nature, focus on strategies that can nullify its attack potential. You might consider cards that prevent it from attacking or utilise effects that neutralize its abilities.
Another effective tactic is taking advantage of its forced attack. You could craft a defensive lineup that benefits from being attacked, such as creatures with deathtouch or ones that deal damage to attacking creatures. Alternatively, you could use spot removal or pacifism effects to remove its impact altogether. Knowing how to manage and manipulate Sleeper Agent’s presence will pivot the odds in your favor, making you the puppet master in what appears to be an unwinnable deceit.
Remember, in essence, Sleeper Agent is a risk versus reward card that can backfire if not dealt with correctly, so keeping control cards in your deck and maintaining board presence are key to ensuring it doesn’t turn into an unforeseen liability.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Sleeper Agent MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Saga and Tenth Edition, 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 Sleeper Agent 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Sleeper Agent Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1998-10-12 and 2007-07-13. Illustrated by Randy Gallegos.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1998-10-12 | Urza's Saga | USG | 159 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Randy Gallegos | |
| 2 | 2007-07-13 | Tenth Edition | 10E | 178 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Randy Gallegos | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | 10E-178 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Randy Gallegos |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Sleeper Agent has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Sleeper Agent card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | This card is a bit weird. When it enters the battlefield under your control, you give control of it to an opponent. After that it damages them each turn because the “you” on the card means its controller. |