Thrull Surgeon MTG Card
1998-06-15 - Number 76
1998-08-12 - Number bs76
2007-07-13 - Number 183
2015-05-06 - Number 121
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Thrull |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
o1o B, Sacrifice Thrull Surgeon: Look at target player's hand and choose one of those cards. That player discards that card. Play this ability as a sorcery.
"Just take a little off the top."
Cards like Thrull Surgeon
Thrull Surgeon offers a unique twist in the realm of creature-based control in MTG. This card harkens back to the functionality of classics like Mesmeric Fiend, which allows players to peek at an opponent’s hand and discard a card. However, Thrull Surgeon stands out with its repeatable effect, demanding a sacrifice in exchange for the liberty to disrupt an adversary’s strategy at any time.
Considering alternatives, Brain Maggot presents a similar effect without the need for a sacrifice, but its ability is a one-time event linked to its entrance on the battlefield. Oppositely, the repeatability of Thrull Surgeon can be a game-changer in drawn-out matches. Another comparison could be drawn with Sin Collector, a creature that targets only instant and sorcery cards but offers a body that can affect the battlefield beyond its enter-the-battlefield effect.
In the end, Thrull Surgeon resonates well with players who enjoy resource denial and strategizing for the long game. It’s a niche character within MTG that can continually shape the flow of the game, as long as you have the thrulls to sacrifice and the mana to spare.
Cards similar to Thrull Surgeon by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Thrull Surgeon offers a unique form of card advantage by disrupting your opponent’s hand, potentially removing key components and gaining you a strategic edge in the match. This selective discard method can be pivotal in controlling the flow of the game.
Resource Acceleration: While Thrull Surgeon itself does not directly accelerate your resources, it effectively works towards resource acceleration by costing your opponent valuable cards, indirectly tipping the resource balance in your favor and slowing down their game plan.
Instant Speed: The ability of Thrull Surgeon to activate at instant speed provides flexibility, allowing you to wait until the most opportune moment to peek into an opponent’s hand and determine what threats or responses they might be holding. This can strategically force your opponent to play around an activation they know could come at any time, adding a layer of psychological advantage.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Thrull Surgeon necessitates the relinquishment of another card from your hand to activate its ability. This can lead to a disadvantageous depletion of your hand, particularly when the cards you hold are vital to your strategy or if you’re already struggling with card availability.
Specific Mana Cost: Thrull Surgeon’s activation cost is locked into black mana. This specificity demands a dedicated slot in black-oriented or multicolor decks that can accommodate such mana requirements, thereby restricting its versatility across various deck types.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The activation fee of two mana may seem steep when weighed against other options in the game. For a function that offers insight into an opponent’s hand and potential card removal, there are more mana-efficient cards available that can execute similar actions or provide greater utility with less resource investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Thrull Surgeon offers a unique form of hand disruption that can be integrated into various deck types. Its low casting cost makes it accessible early in the game, allowing players to disrupt opponents’ strategies from the onset.
Combo Potential: This card works exceptionally well within strategies that capitalize on sacrificing creatures. It pairs seamlessly with effects that trigger on creature death or when utilizing creatures as resources, amplifying the strategic depth of your plays.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state where information and disruption are keys to victory, Thrull Surgeon’s ability to pry into opponents’ hands and eliminate threats before they hit the board keeps it relevant. It serves as a strategic tool against combo decks that rely on specific cards to win the game.
How to beat
Thrull Surgeon is a unique creature card that allows players to disrupt their opponent’s strategy by forcing them to discard a card of the Thrull Surgeon player’s choosing. While this may seem daunting, there are strategies to mitigate its impact on your game. Maintaining a prolific hand size can reduce the effectiveness of Thrull Surgeon’s ability. Cards that generate draw, like Opt or Serendib Efreet, can replenish your hand quickly, making it hard for the opponent to deplete your resources.
Furthermore, instant-speed spells are your ally against Thrull Surgeon. Having the capacity to cast spells in response to the activation of its ability lets you utilize the cards in your hand before they can be targeted. Sneak in spells like Lightning Bolt or Cast Down before the surgeon can operate. Additionally, graveyard synergies can turn the tables on discard effects. With cards that benefit from being in the graveyard like Flashback spells or creatures with Unearth, what’s lost from your hand can become a boon on the battlefield.
Ultimately, to persevere against Thrull Surgeon, adapt your play to be reactive and utilize graveyard-friendly cards that can turn the tide in your favor, ensuring that even targeted discards won’t hinder your plan to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Thrull Surgeon MTG card by a specific set like Exodus and World Championship Decks 1998, 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 Thrull Surgeon 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 Thrull Surgeon Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 1998-06-15 and 2015-05-06. Illustrated by rk post.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1998-06-15 | Exodus | EXO | 76 | 1997 | Normal | Black | rk post | |
| 2 | 1998-08-12 | World Championship Decks 1998 | WC98 | bs76 | 1997 | Normal | Gold | rk post | |
| 3 | 2007-07-13 | Tenth Edition | 10E | 183 | 2003 | Normal | Black | rk post | |
| 4 | 2015-05-06 | Tempest Remastered | TPR | 121 | 2015 | Normal | Black | rk post |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Thrull Surgeon has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |