Taoist Hermit MTG Card


The Hermit can untap permanents, granting tactical surprises and mana advantage on the battlefield. Its demand for a discarded card can challenge players with limited resources or valuable hands. Despite a higher mana cost, its diverse utility makes it a potent addition to various deck strategies.
Taoist Hermit - Portal Three Kingdoms
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Human Mystic
Abilities Hexproof
Released1999-05-01
Set symbol
Set namePortal Three Kingdoms
Set codePTK
Power 2
Toughness 2
Number150
Frame1997
LayoutNormal
BorderWhite
Illustred byWang Yuqun

Text of card

Whenever your opponent chooses a creature in play, he or she can't choose Taoist Hermit.

Taoists chose to be hermits for many reasons, but all shared one unchanging goal: to follow the Tao.


Cards like Taoist Hermit

Exploring the strategic depths of MTG, Taoist Hermit emerges as a unique presence in the realm of utility creatures. Its kinship with cards like Sakura-Tribe Elder is evident, as both function as mana accelerators while providing synergy within their respective decks. However, Taoist Hermit extends its utility by evading direct spells and abilities, courtesy of shroud. Unlike the Elder, which offers a one-time land fetching ability, the Hermit can persist as a thorny obstacle for opponents.

Another comparable card is Birds of Paradise, known for its mana-fixing prowess. Both creatures are valuable for the colour diversity they inject into gameplay. Yet, their methodologies differ; Birds of Paradise demands no mana for its ability, while Taoist Hermit compensates for its two-mana activation cost with its defensive shroud trait. Then, considering Silent Arbiter, the emphasis shifts from mana generation to combat control. Though the Hermit does not directly influence combat like the Arbiter, it indirectly affects the board by enabling more plays with its mana acceleration.

In evaluating these parallels, Taoist Hermit stands out as a multifaceted asset in MTG, blending the advantages of mana ramp and self-protection into a single creature. Such attributes make it a noteworthy option for players seeking both stability and resilience within their creature base.

Sakura-Tribe Elder - MTG Card versions
Birds of Paradise - MTG Card versions
Silent Arbiter - MTG Card versions
Sakura-Tribe Elder - MTG Card versions
Birds of Paradise - MTG Card versions
Silent Arbiter - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Taoist Hermit by color, type and mana cost

Cat Warriors - MTG Card versions
Rysorian Badger - MTG Card versions
Sabertooth Cobra - MTG Card versions
Quirion Druid - MTG Card versions
Hungry Hungry Heifer - MTG Card versions
Titania's Chosen - MTG Card versions
Taoist Mystic - MTG Card versions
Femeref Archers - MTG Card versions
Steel Leaf Champion - MTG Card versions
Realmwalker - MTG Card versions
Topiary Stomper - MTG Card versions
Territorial Scythecat - MTG Card versions
Wirewood Savage - MTG Card versions
Reki, the History of Kamigawa - MTG Card versions
Timberwatch Elf - MTG Card versions
Pincher Beetles - MTG Card versions
Awakener Druid - MTG Card versions
Brindle Boar - MTG Card versions
Wood Elves - MTG Card versions
Rot Wolf - MTG Card versions
Cat Warriors - MTG Card versions
Rysorian Badger - MTG Card versions
Sabertooth Cobra - MTG Card versions
Quirion Druid - MTG Card versions
Hungry Hungry Heifer - MTG Card versions
Titania's Chosen - MTG Card versions
Taoist Mystic - MTG Card versions
Femeref Archers - MTG Card versions
Steel Leaf Champion - MTG Card versions
Realmwalker - MTG Card versions
Topiary Stomper - MTG Card versions
Territorial Scythecat - MTG Card versions
Wirewood Savage - MTG Card versions
Reki, the History of Kamigawa - MTG Card versions
Timberwatch Elf - MTG Card versions
Pincher Beetles - MTG Card versions
Awakener Druid - MTG Card versions
Brindle Boar - MTG Card versions
Wood Elves - MTG Card versions
Rot Wolf - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Taoist Hermit brings a unique edge to the battlefield with its ability to untap another target permanent when it enters play. This feature can become a significant advantage as it effectively serves to bypass summoning sickness for new creatures or reuse an influential land or artifact for additional benefit, keeping your hand well-resourced.

Resource Acceleration: Featuring the aspect of resource acceleration, the Taoist Hermit can synergize with cards that generate mana when tapped. By untapping these cards, the Hermit effectively doubles their usefulness, allowing for a rapid escalation in mana generation which can be pivotal in outpacing your opponent through swift deployment of your strategy.

Instant Speed: Boasting flash, the Hermit can be summoned at instant speed, giving you the flexibility to respond to an opponent’s move or end-of-turn scenarios. This strategic advantage helps keep your opponents guessing and enables you to maximize your mana each turn by holding back the Hermit until the moment is just right.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Taoist Hermit requires the player to discard a card to activate its abilities, making it a challenging choice when hand size is already diminished or the quality of held cards is too valuable to lose.

Specific Mana Cost: With a demand for specific mana types, the Taoist Hermit may not seamlessly integrate into multicolored decks, potentially causing delays or even a complete inability to cast it in a timely fashion.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The overall cost to get the Taoist Hermit into play and utilize its full potential can be steep in comparison to other creatures or spells that may provide a similar or greater impact for less of a mana investment.


Reasons to Include Taoist Hermit in Your Collection

Versatility: Taoist Hermit can adapt to varying playstyles, easily finding its place in decks that capitalise on creature synergies or require flexible defenders.

Combo Potential: This card interacts favorably with several mechanics, giving players the opportunity to devise intricate combos that leverage its unique abilities.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where creature-based strategies are prevalent, the Taoist Hermit’s role can be critical, making it a timely addition to decks contending with the ever-shifting competitive landscape.


How to Beat

The Taoist Hermit card from Magic: The Gathering presents a distinctive challenge on the battlefield due to its elusive and defensive nature. This creature is hard to target, which makes direct removal spells ineffective. Overcoming this obstacle requires a strategic approach. Cards that change the rules of engagement, like board wipes or global effects, are key as they do not target specifically and thus bypass the Hermit’s protection. Sweepers such as Wrath of God can effectively remove the Taoist Hermit from the board without having to target it directly.

Another method to beat the Taoist Hermit involves using spells or abilities that force your opponent to sacrifice creatures. Since these do not target individual creatures, the Hermit’s defenses are irrelevant. Additionally, utilizing cards with hexproof or shroud can prevent the Hermit’s controller from targeting their own creature for any beneficial effects. Winning the game may also come down to switching gears from trying to remove the Hermit to overwhelming your opponent with a strategy they can’t easily disrupt, such as ramping up to powerful, game-ending plays.

In essence, adapting your strategy to handle indirect threats is crucial when facing off against the Taoist Hermit card. Employing a broader plan that affects every creature or shifts the focus away from targeting can effectively neutralize the Hermit’s advantage and swing the game in your favor.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Taoist Hermit MTG card by a specific set like Portal Three Kingdoms, 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 Taoist Hermit and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Taoist Hermit has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal