Smoke Teller MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Shaman |
| Released | 2014-09-26 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Khans of Tarkir |
| Set code | KTK |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 151 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Min Yum |
Text of card
: Look at target face-down creature.
"See your enemies from a thousand sides. Then you will find a thousand ways to kill them."
Cards like Smoke Teller
Smoke Teller serves as an intriguing utility creature within MTG, slipping into the realm of information gatherers like Peek and Gitaxian Probe. Smoke Teller uniquely allows players to uncover the secrets of face-down creatures for an accessible two mana cost. While Peek and Gitaxian Probe do not interact directly with face-down creatures, they offer the broader capability to view an opponent’s hand, but they lack a physical presence on the battlefield, unlike the creature prowess Smoke Teller brings to the table.
Comparably, Krosan Vorine provides a more proactive take on managing face-down creatures with its ability to engage in combat without being blocked by them. While sharing the same mana cost as Smoke Teller, Krosan Vorine is more than just an informational asset, doubling as a combat trick against morph strategies. However, it doesn’t give the continuous advantage of revealing those creatures at will.
Ultimately, Smoke Teller is distinguished by its dual role, facilitating insight into elusive morph strategies while also providing a creature that contributes to board presence. This balance between knowledge and tactical advantage makes it an essential card for players looking to mitigate the unpredictability of hidden creature abilities in MTG.
Cards similar to Smoke Teller by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Smoke Teller may not directly draw cards, it allows players to access valuable information by revealing a face-down creature to all players, which can strategically influence gameplay decisions.
Resource Acceleration: Smoke Teller requires only a small mana investment of two mana, enabling players to deploy other resources more efficiently while still developing their board presence with a utility creature.
Instant Speed: The ability to use Smoke Teller’s creature reveal ability at instant speed gives players the flexibility to gather information at the most opportune time during either their turn or the opponent’s, balancing the scales in their favor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Smoke Teller’s ability to reveal a face-down creature may seem beneficial, the card itself does not provide any advantage or compensation for doing so. This passive ability might not always impact the game’s outcome especially if you are facing a deck without morph mechanics.
Specific Mana Cost: Smoke Teller requires both green and blue mana for a two-color deck. This specificity can make it less attractive for mono-colored decks or those that do not support the green and blue mana base, thereby restricting its versatility across various deck types.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Even though Smoke Teller’s converted mana cost is two, which is relatively low, its ability is narrow and situational. Formatting the mana for a potentially low impact card can put players at a strategic disadvantage. Players might prefer investing their mana into creatures or spells with more immediate board influence or flexible utilities.
Reasons to Include Smoke Teller in Your Collection
Versatility: Smoke Teller is a flexible card that can be easily slotted into various deck builds. Its ability to reveal face-down cards is particularly useful in formats where morph or manifest mechanics are prevalent.
Combo Potential: This card has synergy with strategies that exploit knowledge of the opponent’s hand or library, enabling more informed decisions and allowing players to plan around potential threats.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where players frequently utilize face-down creatures and surprise tactics, including Smoke Teller can provide a significant advantage by unveiling hidden information and keeping you one step ahead.
How to beat
Smoke Teller may not be the flashiest card in Magic: The Gathering but it offers a unique advantage by revealing face-down creatures that opponents play, which can be crucial in battles involving morph or manifest strategies. In the world of MTG, cards such as Ixidron are known to turn the tide by flipping all creatures face down, which can severely inhibit an opponent’s game plan. This ability to unveil hidden information enables players to make informed decisions and plan their strategies accordingly.
When facing Smoke Teller, it’s important to recognize that while its ability can give an edge, it primarily shines in games with a heavy focus on face-down mechanics. If your MTG deck doesn’t rely on such elements, consider Smoke Teller a low-threat card. Nevertheless, maintaining a deck with versatile removal spells like Swords to Plowshares or Abrupt Decay can easily mitigate the impact of Smoke Teller, should it pose a potential threat. This ensures you have the upper hand, ready to dispatch it efficiently and continue with your well-crafted game plan unhindered.
Ultimately, countering Smoke Teller comes down to acknowledging its niche role and preparing accordingly. With a balanced deck and strategic removal, overcoming it is a simple task, letting you focus on prevailing in the match.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Smoke Teller MTG card by a specific set like Khans of Tarkir, 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 Smoke Teller 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Smoke Teller has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Smoke Teller card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2014-09-20 | Smoke Teller’s ability lets you look at the creature as the ability resolves. It doesn’t let you look at it later, although you should be given a reasonable amount of time to look at it. In a multiplayer game, be sure not to reveal the card to other players. |
| 2014-09-20 | You could target a creature you control with Smoke Teller’s ability, but there’s no benefit to doing so. Remember, you may look at face-down spells you control on the stack and face-down permanents you control at any time. |