Tundra Kavu MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Kavu |
| Released | 2001-06-04 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Apocalypse |
| Set code | APC |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
| Number | 71 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Matt Cavotta |
Text of card
oc T: Target land becomes a plains or an island until end of turn.
A cross between a jaguar and an armadillo.
Cards like Tundra Kavu
The Tundra Kavu stands as an intriguing creature in the realm of MTG. It bears some resemblance to creatures like Alpine Grizzly and Balduvian Bears, as all three are part of the bear family with a power and toughness that align at 4/2 and 2/2 respectively. Tundra Kavu, however, distinguishes itself with its ability to become a 5/3 until end of turn when a player controls a plains, echoing the tenets of domain mechanics that consider different land types for added benefits.
Another card akin to Tundra Kavu is the Rumbling Baloth, a 4/4 with a higher toughness that steadies its presence on the battlefield without the condition of a plains. While the Rumbling Baloth offers consistency without the need for specific land types, Tundra Kavu provides potential for greater power, making it alluring for players who can support its plane-dependent prowess.
Assessing these comparisons, Tundra Kavu may appeal to players who favor an aggressive gameplay style and command a diverse base of lands. Its distinct capabilities, when matched with the right deck, can make it a strong contender within MTG’s diverse catalog of creatures.
Cards similar to Tundra Kavu by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Tundra Kavu provides players with a reliable way to filter cards through its ability to trade in an unwanted card for the potential of something better from the top of the deck, which can be crucial for steering the game in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: By enabling you to potentially play an additional land during your turn, Tundra Kavu can accelerate your resource development, opening the doors for more powerful plays and earlier threats than usual.
Instant Speed: While Tundra Kavu itself is not an instant, it can be played alongside cards that interact at instant speed, allowing for strategic depth and surprise factor during critical phases of the game, such as combat or your opponent’s end step.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Tundra Kavu demands a card to be discarded in order to unlock its potential, a significant drawback when your hand is already dwindling.
Specific Mana Cost: With a mana cost requiring both green and white, Tundra Kavu asks for a commitment to a dual color combination that might not align with more flexible or single-color strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Clocking in at a combined total of four colored mana points, Tundra Kavu’s casting cost is on the heavier side. Players may find that other creatures offer comparable or superior capabilities for a less demanding investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Tundra Kavu offers flexibility in deck building, easily sliding into multi-color decks that capitalize on creature synergies or require a reliable early to mid-game presence.
Combo Potential: This creature can work well with landfall mechanics or decks that focus on manipulating land types, bolstering both offensive and defensive strategies.
Meta-Relevance: Tundra Kavu’s adaptability makes it a solid pick in a meta that values quick board set-up and efficient mana usage, providing valuable support in a variety of matchups.
How to beat
The Tundra Kavu is a unique creature card that presents a moderate challenge on the MTG battlefield. Its distinct ability to tap and give you the advantage of looking at the top card of your library can be quite beneficial when planning your next moves. However, like any formidable card, there are strategies to counter it.
One effective way to handle the Tundra Kavu is to remove it from play before it can become a recurring problem. This can be done using removal spells that specifically target creatures. Spells that can exile creatures are particularly effective, as they prevent any potential graveyard retrieval strategies that might bring the Kavu back into action.
Another strategy is to ensure your deck has counterspells ready to neutralize the Kavu as it’s being cast. In this sense, being proactive can save you the trouble of dealing with it later on. Lastly, Tundra Kavu’s effectiveness is somewhat dependent on the top card of the library, and a well-timed deck shuffle effect from cards like Evolving Wilds can disrupt this synergy.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Tundra Kavu MTG card by a specific set like Apocalypse, 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 Tundra Kavu and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Tundra Kavu has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |