Stromgald Spy MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Rogue |
| Released | 1996-06-10 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Alliances |
| Set code | ALL |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 4 |
| Number | 62 |
| Frame | 1993 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Zak Plucinski |
Text of card
If Stromgald Spy attacks and is not blocked, you may choose to have it deal no damage to defending player this turn. If you do so, defending player must play with his or her hand face up on the table until Stromgald Spy leaves play.
Cards like Stromgald Spy
Stromgald Spy makes a subtle entrance into the field of creature cards with evasive abilities in Magic: The Gathering. A close comparison is Shadowmage Infiltrator, which not only evades most blockers with its fear ability but also provides card draw on successful damage to a player. While Shadowmage Infiltrator needs both blue and black mana, Stromgald Spy requires only black.
Another card that shares similarities with Stromgald Spy is the infamous Skulk mechanic featured on cards like Heir of Falkenrath. Skulk, much like the Spy’s ability to be unblockable when facing a wall of creatures with greater power, allows creatures to slip past defenses undetected by creatures with greater power. The Spy, however, is not restricted by power difference when the condition of an opponent controlling four or more lands is met.
In instances where deck building revolves around creature evasion, Stromgald Spy holds its own by providing an alternative and specific condition for becoming unblockable, potentially swaying a game’s direction when an opponent is land-rich. Within the realm of evasive attackers, Stromgald Spy offers a strategic edge in certain game states.
Cards similar to Stromgald Spy by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Stromgald Spy opens opportunities to peek at your opponent’s hand, providing valuable information and giving you a strategic upper hand. Knowing your opponent’s options can dramatically sway the decisions you make and bolster your game plan.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly generating mana or treasure, the knowledge gained from Stromgald Spy can guide you in resource management. It helps in making more informed plays and optimizing the use of your mana and other resources each turn.
Instant Speed: As a creature, Stromgald Spy doesn’t have instant speed itself, but the information it provides can significantly influence your instant speed responses. With a clearer idea of what’s in your opponent’s hand, you can time your instant speed spells and abilities more effectively, disrupting their plays and maintaining control of the game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Stromgald Spy demands that players discard a card to utilize its ability. This can lead to a depletion of valuable hand resources, putting players at a disadvantage, especially in game stages where maintaining a healthy hand size is crucial for strategic flexibility.
Specific Mana Cost: With a mana cost that requires one black and one generic mana, Stromgald Spy’s deployment is restricted within decks aligning to those colors. This limitation may discourage its inclusion in multicolor decks that might struggle with mana consistency.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At a total cost of two mana, its stats and effect might not stack up when compared to other creatures or spells at similar or lower costs. Cards that offer more impactful board presence or immediate value could be preferred over Stromgald Spy in deck building.
Reasons to Include Stromgald Spy in Your Collection
Versatility: Stromgald Spy has a unique ability to suit various deck builds, fitting well into strategies that want to manipulate the top card of an opponent’s library. This flexibility can be a key asset in both casual and more competitive play formats.
Combo Potential: The information provided by Stromgald Spy about the top card of an opponent’s deck can be combined with cards that benefit from knowledge of the opponent’s hand or library, enabling intricate deck control combos and potentially sabotaging the opponents next draw.
Meta-Relevance: In a game where the right information can turn the tides, Stromgald Spy has potential in the current game environment, particularly if the meta favours decks that rely heavily on the element of surprise or top deck strategies. Its presence ensures you’re one step ahead, disrupting your opponent’s plans.
How to beat
Stromgald Spy brings a unique strategic element to the table in Magic: The Gathering with its ability to grant your creatures the power to slip past your opponent’s defenses unperceived. This card, reminiscent of similar stealth mechanics found within the game’s expansive card pool, nudges players to reconsider their board tactics. Comparable mechanics appear on cards like Whispersilk Cloak, which not only make a creature unblockable but also grant shroud, providing formidable protection against targeted spells or abilities.
Yet, facing off against Stromgald Spy requires a distinct approach. Utilizing removal spells such as Path to Exile or Doom Blade can prove effective, circumventing the need to block. Similarly, employing board wipes like Wrath of God can reset the playing field, nullifying the advantage the Spy provides. Moreover, opting for creatures with reach or those that can be flashed in can disrupt your opponent’s unblockable strategy, offering a line of defense even if traditional blocking is off the table.
In essence, countering Stromgald Spy hinges on staying one step ahead of the evasion game. Through well-timed removal and alternative defensive strategies, players can overcome the challenges posed by this cunning card, maintaining control of the battlefield’s ebb and flow.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Stromgald Spy MTG card by a specific set like Alliances, 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 Stromgald Spy 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Stromgald Spy has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Stromgald Spy card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2013-04-15 | An ability that triggers when something “attacks and isn’t blocked” triggers in the declare blockers step after blockers are declared if (1) that creature is attacking and (2) no creatures are declared to block it. It will trigger even if that creature was put onto the battlefield attacking rather than having been declared as an attacker in the declare attackers step. |