Tidehollow Strix MTG Card

Asset in combat, Tidehollow Strix’s deathtouch trades favorably, effectively gaining card advantage. Its efficient mana cost makes it an early-game threat, reserving mana for further plays. Immediate board impact similar to an instant, the flying and deathtouch deter attacks and shape opponents’ strategies.

Tidehollow Strix - Shards of Alara (ALA)

Shards of Alara (ALA)
2008-10-03 - Number 203

Commander 2013 (C13)
2013-11-01 - Number 222

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Artifact Creature — Bird
Abilities	Deathtouch,Flying
Power	2
Toughness	1

Text of card

Flying Deathtouch (Whenever this creature deals damage to a creature, destroy that creature.)

The scullers beneath Esper keep strixes as trained pets, and set them loose when a fare refuses to pay.

Cards like Tidehollow Strix

Tidehollow Strix is a compelling artifact creature in MTG, standing out due to its blend of evasion and deathtouch. This affinity for stealth and danger is reminiscent of cards like Baleful Strix, which also offers a flying and deathtouch combination. Baleful Strix edges out, however, with its card draw ability upon entering the battlefield, providing an additional advantage for card advantage strategies.

Another card that players might consider alongside Tidehollow Strix is Vampire Nighthawk. The Nighthawk offers a similar feature set, including flying and deathtouch, but ups the ante with lifelink, replenishing your life total with every strike it delivers.

Evaluating these cards alongside Tidehollow Strix highlights the multifaceted nature of these crafty creatures in MTG. Each plays a distinct role within their respective strategies, and choosing one over the other often boils down to the synergies they create within your deck’s overarching game plan.

Cards similar to Tidehollow Strix by color, type and mana cost

Talisman of Dominance - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Though Tidehollow Strix does not directly allow you to draw cards, its potential to eliminate an opponent’s creature in combat can effectively act as a form of card advantage. The ability to trade with higher-cost creatures can tilt the balance in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: While Tidehollow Strix does not provide mana or treasure tokens, its low casting cost serves as a form of resource acceleration. By spending just two mana, one black and one blue, you efficiently deploy a threat and leave resources open for other spells in your turn.

Instant Speed: Despite not being an instant, the flying and deathtouch abilities of Tidehollow Strix enable it to impact the game immediately upon entering the battlefield, much like an instant would. It can deter opponents from attacking and requires an immediate answer, affecting their tempo and planning.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Although working as an efficient disruption tool, Tidehollow Strix demands you to reveal and exile a nonland card from your opponent’s hand. This can be less impactful if the opponent has already played their key cards or if the card chosen does not fit the current game situation, potentially reducing the card’s efficacy.

Specific Mana Cost: With its hybrid black and white mana cost, Tidehollow Strix can be difficult to cast in a deck that isn’t tailored to a strict Orzhov (black-white) mana base. This often restricts it to specific archetypes, which can limit deck-building options and overall flexibility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For a 2/2 creature, the combined cost of two mana might seem economical, but considering the competitive landscape of MTG, other cards could provide greater utility or a more substantial board presence for a similar investment. This is particularly notable in more aggressive decks that prioritize a quick build-up of on-field pressure.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Tidehollow Strix is a multi-faceted card that can integrate seamlessly into a wide array of deck styles. Its artifact creature type coupled with its deathtouch ability makes it an excellent defender as well as a potent threat against larger creatures.

Combo Potential: Due to its artifact nature, Tidehollow Strix works well with cards that capitalize on artifact synergy. Additionally, its evasion in the form of flying allows for various combat trick combinations that can be unexpected and game-changing.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta that values the ability to block effectively or take down significant threats, Tidehollow Strix shines. Its low cost and valuable abilities keep it relevant and often indispensable in the evolving tactical landscape of MTG.

How to beat

Tidehollow Strix stands out in the MTG universe as a combination of disruption and evasion on a flying body. As an artifact creature, it effortlessly slots into multiple deck archetypes. Let’s unpack how to dismantle its advantages and maintain an edge during gameplay. While the Strix might snatch a card from your hand when it enters the battlefield, its presence is fragile due to its low toughness.

One effective strategy is to employ cheap removal spells. Options like Fatal Push or Shock can make quick work of the Strix, ensuring that it’s off the board before it can begin to deliver consistent damage or block favorably. Ensuring your deck has ample instant-speed responses will mitigate Tidehollow Strix’s impact and let you reclaim control of the match.

Another approach is to focus on non-targeted removal or board wipes, such as Supreme Verdict or Damnation. These will not only handle the Strix but also deal with any other threats on the battlefield. Additionally, leveraging graveyard retrieval mechanics can offset the temporary set back from its enter-the-battlefield ability, turning a potential disadvantage into mere speed bumps on your way to victory.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Tidehollow Strix MTG card by a specific set like Shards of Alara and Commander 2013, 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 Tidehollow Strix and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Tidehollow Strix Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2008-10-03 and 2013-11-01. Illustrated by Cyril Van Der Haegen.

#	Released	Name	Code	Symbol	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2008-10-03	Shards of Alara	ALA		203	2003	Normal	Black	Cyril Van Der Haegen
2	2013-11-01	Commander 2013	C13		222	2003	Normal	Black	Cyril Van Der Haegen

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Tidehollow Strix has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal