Tsabo's Assassin MTG Card
2000-10-02 - Number 128
2001-08-08 - Number ar128sb
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Phyrexian Zombie Assassin |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
oc T: Destroy target creature if it shares a color with the most common color among all permanents or the color tied for most common. A creature destroyed this way can't be regenerated.
Cards like Tsabo's Assassin
Tsabo’s Assassin brings a unique strategy to the table within the realm of creature removal in MTG. It’s often juxtaposed with cards like Royal Assassin, which shares the same ability to destroy tapped creatures. Yet, Tsabo’s Assassin offers more flexibility with its potential to target creatures based on their color, something that Royal Assassin doesn’t provide.
Looking at Avatar of Woe, we see another creature with killing capabilities akin to Tsabo’s Assassin. Still, Avatar of Woe is not bound to color constraints and can eliminate any creature without regeneration, presenting an advantage in broader scenarios. Nonetheless, it carries a significantly higher mana cost which can be a deterrent compared to the more accessible Tsabo’s Assassin.
Nekrataal, another creature with a similar flavor, enters the battlefield with destruction in mind, eliminating nonartifact, nonblack creatures. Though it acts swiftly with its enter-the-battlefield effect, different from Tsabo’s Assassin’s ongoing threat to particular creatures. In viewing these removal options, Tsabo’s Assassin holds a distinctive stance given its selective yet recurring elimination ability.
Cards similar to Tsabo's Assassin by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Tsabo’s Assassin can potentially remove multiple threats over the course of a game without losing card equity. Its targeted ability may compel opponents to withhold deploying key creatures, indirectly preserving your hand while diminishing theirs.
Resource Acceleration: Although Tsabo’s Assassin itself does not directly accelerate resources, eliminating opposing mana dorks or creatures with tap abilities can stall an opponent’s resource engine, effectively tipping the scales of mana flow in your favor.
Instant Speed: Tsabo’s Assassin’s activated ability can be used at instant speed, granting you the flexibility to disrupt opponents on their turn. This strategic timing can force opponents to play around your open mana, potentially causing them to alter their game plan or walk into a trap.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One detraction of Tsabo’s Assassin is its activated ability. This ability requires the player to discard a card, potentially putting you at a disadvantage if your hand is already depleted or if discarding diminishes your strategic options.
Specific Mana Cost: Tsabo’s Assassin necessitates a precise combination of mana to cast—two black and two generic mana. This specificity restricts its integration to decks that can reliably produce the required black mana, possibly excluding it from more varied mana base decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana and an additional activation cost needed to utilize its ability, this card’s overall mana investment is considerable when compared to other creatures or removal options available. Players might find that there are more cost-effective alternatives for creature control or board influence while constructing their decks.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Tsabo’s Assassin provides a distinct advantage in enabling targeted removal, which can be seamlessly incorporated into decks that are focused on control or attrition strategies. Its ability to deal with problem creatures on the board makes it a flexible choice for various game scenarios.
Combo Potential: With the capability to execute a creature each turn, Tsabo’s Assassin synergizes well with cards that benefit from death triggers or that can manipulate counters to ensure that the creature you need gone meets its untimely end.
Meta-Relevance: If creatures with regeneration abilities or ones that are difficult to target are prevalent in the meta, Tsabo’s Assassin can serve as a dedicated solution, bypassing conventional defenses to maintain board control.
How to beat
Tsabo’s Assassin is a niche card in the landscape of Magic: The Gathering, presenting a unique set of challenges. Famed for its ability to target and eliminate creatures with precision, understanding how to counter this ability is key. Cards with hexproof or shroud provide a direct counter as they prevent Tsabo’s Assassin from targeting them for its lethal ability. Indestructible creatures pose another formidable wall, surviving the assassination attempt and maintaining board presence.
In scenarios where hexproof or indestructibility isn’t an option, speed can be your ally. Aggressive strategies that outpace the slower, controlling nature of Tsabo’s Assassin can overwhelm before it has the opportunity to take control of the game. Efficient removal spells prove to be necessary answers, swiftly clearing the path by removing Tsabo’s Assassin from the battlefield. Keep in mind, patience and knowing when to deploy these answers is crucial, as premature action could leave you vulnerable to more dire threats.
Ultimately, while Tsabo’s Assassin can shape the battlefield with its targeted removal, it’s by no means unbeatable. By incorporating specific strategies and cards that either shield your creatures or expedite your victory, you can navigate around the constraints it imposes and claim victory on the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Tsabo's Assassin MTG card by a specific set like Invasion and World Championship Decks 2001, 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 Tsabo's Assassin 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
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Printings
The Tsabo's Assassin Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2000-10-02 and 2001-08-08. Illustrated by Glen Angus.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2000-10-02 | Invasion | INV | 128 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Glen Angus | |
| 2 | 2001-08-08 | World Championship Decks 2001 | WC01 | ar128sb | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Glen Angus |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Tsabo's Assassin has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |