Mistford River Turtle MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Turtle |
| Released | 2019-10-04 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Throne of Eldraine |
| Set code | ELD |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 5 |
| Number | 56 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Milivoj Ćeran |
Key Takeaways
- The Turtle enables creatures to become unblockable, indirectly creating card advantage by triggering abilities.
- It assists in resource acceleration by enabling unimpeded attacks that may activate additional effects.
- Despite its casting cost and specific mana requirements, the Turtle’s versatility makes it a strategic asset.
Text of card
Whenever Mistford River Turtle attacks, another target attacking non-Human creature can't be blocked this turn.
The fae raised the turtle from a tiny hatchling. They taught it whom to ferry—and whom to drown.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Mistford River Turtle may not directly let you draw cards, but its ability to make sure your other creatures are unblockable the turn it attacks ensures that those creatures with abilities tied to dealing combat damage to a player trigger reliably. This consistency can lead to indirect card advantage as you utilize those triggered abilities to draw cards or disrupt opponents.
Resource Acceleration: While the turtle itself doesn’t directly increase your mana pool, enabling your creatures to hit opponents unimpeded can be instrumental in triggering resource acceleration effects from other cards on the field, such as card draw or treasure creation, which results in a boost to your available resources.
Instant Speed: While this card operates at sorcery speed, having creatures become unblockable can allow you to take full advantage of instant speed plays post-combat. After hitting unobstructed, you’re set up to cast instant spells using resources gained during the combat phase or interact favorably during your opponent’s turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Mistford River Turtle has the potential to bolster your defense, a significant drawback is the requirement to discard a card to activate some of its abilities. This can hamper your hand advantage and force you to make tough decisions on resource management.
Specific Mana Cost: Mistford River Turtle comes with a blue mana cost that may not align with every deck’s mana base. Players utilizing decks that aren’t centered around blue might find this cost restrictive or inefficient in the context of their overall strategy.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The Turtle’s casting cost could be considered steep for its base stats and effects. In the competitive scene, there are creatures with similar or lower mana costs that offer more aggressive stats or impactful abilities, giving them a stronger presence on the board.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Mistford River Turtle offers a unique blend of defensive stats and supportive abilities that can enhance both aggressive and control decks. Its ability to possibly make another attacking non-Human creature unblockable lends itself well to strategies focused on direct damage.
Combo Potential: Coupled with cards that benefit from unblocked creatures, Mistford River Turtle can be a key component in several combos. It can synergize particularly well with cards that trigger upon dealing combat damage to a player.
Meta-Relevance: Given that evasive creatures are often a thorn in the side for opposing control decks, Mistford River Turtle can be a strategic choice in a meta where combat-related triggers or attacking with key creatures is essential.
How to beat
Mistford River Turtle may seem unassuming in the vast array of creatures in Magic: The Gathering, but its ability to make another non-Human creature unblockable on attack can be quietly powerful. Overlooking this creature could cost you the game if it consistently shields key attackers from being blocked. To counter this, the focus should be on removal spells to dispatch the turtle before it activates its ability. Direct damage spells like Shock or more versatile options like Murder are effective at ensuring the turtle’s ability doesn’t tip the balance in your opponent’s favor.
Alternatively, employing counterspells when the turtle is cast can nip the problem in the bud. Essence Scatter is a classic example, specifically countering creature spells. Board wipes can also serve as a reset button if the situation gets out of control. Beyond direct removal, keeping the opponent’s board clear of non-Human creatures will render the turtle’s ability moot. Lastly, implementing a more aggressive playstyle to reduce the time Mistford River Turtle has to impact the game can shift the odds in your favor.
Adapting your deck to include such countermeasures will enhance your preparedness against the Mistford River Turtle and similar threats, keeping your strategy on track and maintaining control of the game flow.
Cards like Mistford River Turtle
Mistford River Turtle is a unique creature in the world of Magic: The Gathering, offering subtle yet strategic advantages during gameplay. When looking at cards with akin abilities, it draws parallels to the likes of Pilgrim’s Eye. Both creatures allow players to influence the game beyond simply adding a creature to the battlefield. Mistford River Turtle, with its ability to give another non-Human creature unblockable until the end of the turn, can pair strategically with high-powered cards that lack evasion.
Comparatively, Spiketail Hatchling serves as another creature with a twist, providing a counter spell component upon sacrificing itself. While it doesn’t directly affect combat like the Turtle, it operates as a deterrent for opponents’ spells. Thieving Otter shares a somewhat similar gameplay effect, awarding the player a card draw when it deals damage to an opponent, which could be enabled effectively by the Turtle’s unblockable granting ability.
Ultimately, Mistford River Turtle stands out for its role in combat manipulation, facilitating potentially game-winning attacks with imposing allies. Among MTG creatures that provide additional tactical layers, this Turtle finds its niche by swinging the tide of battle in subtle yet significant ways.
Cards similar to Mistford River Turtle by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Mistford River Turtle MTG card by a specific set like Throne of Eldraine, 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 Mistford River Turtle and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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 Mistford River Turtle 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 |
