Tempest Efreet MTG Card
1994-06-01 - Number 166
1995-04-01 - Number 225
1995-04-01 - Number 225
1995-08-01 - Number 95
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Efreet |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
oc T: Pick a card at random from opponent's hand and place it in yours. Bury Tempest Efreet in opponent's graveyard. The change in ownership is permanent. Play as an interrupt, but opponent may prevent effect by paying 10 life or conceding game before the card to be switched is chosen—if this is done, Tempest Efreet is buried. Effects that prevent or redirect damage may not be used to counter this loss of life. Remove this card from deck if not playing for ante.
Cards like Tempest Efreet
Tempest Efreet stands out among Magic: The Gathering cards for its unique ability to engage players in a game of chance through its ante-changing effect. It’s reminiscent of the card Bronze Tablet, which can also alter the ante, but Tempest Efreet does so by allowing a player to force an ante exchange, presenting a high-risk, high-reward strategy. Bronze Tablet requires an additional payment if the exchange is to take place, whereas Tempest Efreet’s exchange comes at the cost of its own sacrifice.
Another card that enters the conversation is Jeweled Bird. While not directly influencing the ante by its default ability, it provides a safety net for those engaging with ante cards by swapping itself with a card in the ante, mitigating high stakes. Tempest Efreet lacks this cautionary feature but makes up for it with its direct attack on the opponent’s resources.
In light of these comparisons, Tempest Efreet certainly earns its place in MTG as a daring choice for players who enjoy manipulating matches in an unconventional manner. Its playstyle is not found in standard play but it carved out a niche during its time, reflecting a fascinating aspect of the game’s history.
Cards similar to Tempest Efreet by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Tempest Efreet offers a unique approach to card advantage by giving players the potential to disrupt their opponent’s hand. By exchanging a card from hand with a random one from the opponent’s, it opens up the possibility to gain access to higher-quality spells or key pieces of the opponent’s strategy, possibly turning the tide in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: While Tempest Efreet itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources in the traditional sense of providing additional mana, its ability to interfere with your opponent’s hand can function as indirect resource acceleration. By potentially removing integral cards from the opponent’s game plan, you can effectively accelerate your positional advantage on the board.
Instant Speed: Tempest Efreet’s ability to trade cards at instant speed adds a layer of strategy and unpredictability to your gameplay. This allows you to wait for the most opportune moment during your opponent’s turn to swap a less valuable card for a chance at one of their key plays, possibly disrupting their plan right before they get a chance to execute it.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Tempest Efreet asks players to discard a random card from their hand, which could result in the loss of crucial strategic options during gameplay. This unpredictable element can be particularly detrimental during the late stages of a match when every card in hand counts.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both red and generic mana to cast, Tempest Efreet’s mana cost can restrict its inclusion to decks that can reliably produce both types of mana, potentially limiting its playability across various deck archetypes.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that can be considered steep for its potential impact on the game, there are alternatives that might provide a more consistent advantage or be more versatile for the same or less investment, improving overall deck efficiency.
Reasons to Include Tempest Efreet in Your Collection
Versatility: Tempest Efreet holds a unique place in MTG as a card capable of integrating with various deck themes, adding an unpredictable element to game play. Its ability to manipulate the ante resonates with players who enjoy adding a vintage flair to their game or those crafting a deck with old-school rules.
Combo Potential: While not a combo enabler in the traditional sense, this card’s interaction with ante cards can shift the balance of a game. For collector’s decks, or in casual circles where ante play is embraced, it can create moments of unexpected excitement.
Meta-Relevance: In niche play groups or retro MTG tournaments where cards like Tempest Efreet are allowed, it can serve as a meta-disruptor. Despite not seeing mainstream play, its presence in a collection can signify a player’s appreciation for MTG’s history and the depth of their strategic toolkit.
How to Beat
Tempest Efreet is a unique Magic: The Gathering card that brings an element of risk to the gameplay. Facing this card, your strategy should be focused on maintaining card advantage and controlling the pace of the game. A card like Relic of Progenitus can effectively exile Tempest Efreet from the graveyard, nullifying any chances for your opponent to reanimate it or repeatedly use its effect.
Moreover, employing instant-speed removal such as Path to Exile or Swords to Plowshares can dispose of the Efreet before its ability becomes a problem. Always be ready to eliminate the threat the moment it hits the battlefield. Also, having counter spells in hand can prevent Tempest Efreet from ever seeing play if you’re operating within blue’s control-oriented colors.
Ultimately, dealing with Tempest Efreet boils down to being proactive and ready to disrupt your opponent’s plans. While the card can be formidable under the right circumstances, with careful planning and the right removal tools, you can easily overcome this challenge and protect your deck’s integrity.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Tempest Efreet MTG card by a specific set like Legends and Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border, 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 Tempest Efreet 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 Tempest Efreet Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 1994-06-01 and 1995-08-01. Illustrated by NéNé Thomas.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1994-06-01 | Legends | LEG | 166 | 1993 | Normal | Black | NéNé Thomas | |
| 2 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border | 4BB | 225 | 1993 | Normal | Black | NéNé Thomas | |
| 3 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition | 4ED | 225 | 1993 | Normal | White | NéNé Thomas | |
| 4 | 1995-08-01 | Renaissance | REN | 95 | 1993 | Normal | Black | NéNé Thomas |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Tempest Efreet has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Banned |
| Commander | Banned |
| Legacy | Banned |
| Paupercommander | Banned |
| Oathbreaker | Banned |
| Premodern | Banned |
| Vintage | Banned |
| Duel | Banned |
| Predh | Banned |