Stealer of Secrets MTG Card
2009-02-09 - Number 7
2012-10-05 - Number 53
2014-03-14 - Number 11
2017-04-15 - Number 13
2002-06-24 - Number 52310
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Human Rogue |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Whenever Stealer of Secrets deals combat damage to a player, draw a card.
www.MagicTheGathering.com
Cards like Stealer of Secrets
Stealer of Secrets carves its niche in the world of Magic: The Gathering as an intriguing creature with an ability to draw cards. What makes this card unique is its synergy with blue decks that focus on unblocked attackers. Where Stealer of Secrets shines is in its ability to turn every successful hit into a card draw, reminiscent of the prowess of cards like Scroll Thief. The latter also rewards a player with a card for dealing combat damage to a player, making them quite parallel in functionality.
On the other hand, we see creatures like Looter il-Kor, falling into a similar category. Looter il-Kor, though it draws cards as well, does so with the added requirement of discarding a card, slightly reframing its utility. Another comparable card is Quickling. While not directly related to card drawing, it offers a degree of utility with its flash ability, allowing for more reactive play compared to Stealer of Secrets which emphasizes strategic planning for direct attacks.
Evaluating the attributes and utilities of Stealer of Secrets amidst its counterparts, it stands out for providing consistent card advantage for aggressive blue strategies in Magic: The Gathering. The card’s simplicity in granting direct and unconditional draw power post-combat can greatly bolster a deck’s momentum during play.
Cards similar to Stealer of Secrets by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When Stealer of Secrets connects with an opponent, it lets you draw a card, enhancing your hand while depleting your opponent’s resources.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing mana, the card drawn off Stealer of Secrets could potentially lead to more mana sources, thus indirectly contributing to your resource acceleration.
Instant Speed: Although Stealer of Secrets itself is not an instant, playing it strategically alongside instant-speed spells allows you to keep opponents guessing and minimize risks as you aim for a successful hit and card draw.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Stealer of Secrets does not require upfront discards, but its card advantage depends on successful combat damage to a player, which is not always guaranteed.
Specific Mana Cost: Being a blue creature card, Stealer of Secrets demands a dedicated mana base, potentially constraining deck-building choices and making it less versatile in multi-color decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For three mana, this creature’s stats and abilities may be overshadowed by other cards offering immediate impact without the need for combat, leading to potentially more strategic plays in a game.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Stealer of Secrets fits well in decks that reward drawing cards and those centered around unblockable creatures. Its ability to generate card advantage every time it deals combat damage to a player allows it to be a valuable addition to any blue-based offensive strategy.
Combo Potential: This card can serve as a key piece in combos that revolve around dealing combat damage and drawing cards. It pairs effectively with equipment or spells that increase its damage output or protect it, thus maximizing its ability to draw additional cards.
Meta-Relevance: With an ever-evolving meta, having a creature that can consistently provide card draw can be a game-changer. In scenarios where tempo and card advantage are crucial, Stealer of Secrets becomes an important asset, helping to maintain hand superiority over your opponent.
How to Beat Stealer of Secrets
Stealer of Secrets is an intriguing creature card that presents a unique challenge in MTG matches. As a card that rewards players with card advantage upon dealing combat damage to an opponent, it can quickly snowball if left unchecked. However, there are several effective strategies for handling Stealer of Secrets to prevent it from tipping the scales.
Firstly, consider using removal spells to dispatch Stealer of Secrets before it can trigger its ability. Spells like Doom Blade or Lightning Bolt offer efficient solutions to remove this threat from the board. Additionally, countering Stealer of Secrets as it’s being cast with spells like Counterspell or Essence Scatter can nip the problem in the bud, saving you from future complications.
Another strategy is to employ creatures with higher toughness to block Stealer of Secrets, preventing it from dealing combat damage. Defensive measures such as deploying creatures with reach or those that can generate tokens to serve as blockers will mitigate the risks associated with this card. Ultimately, while Stealer of Secrets has the potential to be a problematic card, with the right approach and tactical foresight, it can be rendered ineffective, maintaining the balance in your favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Stealer of Secrets MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and URL/Convention Promos, 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 Stealer of Secrets and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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 Stealer of Secrets Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2009-02-09 and 2017-04-15. Illustrated by Michael C. Hayes.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 52310 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Michael C. Hayes | ||
| 2 | 2009-02-09 | URL/Convention Promos | PURL | 7 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Michael C. Hayes | |
| 3 | 2012-10-05 | Return to Ravnica | RTR | 53 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Michael C. Hayes | |
| 4 | 2014-03-14 | Duel Decks: Jace vs. Vraska | DDM | 11 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Michael C. Hayes | |
| 5 | 2017-04-15 | Welcome Deck 2017 | W17 | 13 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Michael C. Hayes |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Stealer of Secrets has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |