Undercover Crocodelf MTG Card
2024-02-09 - Number 239†
2024-02-09 - Number 239
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Elf Crocodile Detective |
| Abilities | Disguise,Investigate |
| Power | 5 |
| Toughness | 5 |
Key Takeaways
- The flip ability of Undercover Crocodelf can swing games by transforming from enchantment to creature unexpectedly.
- It provides versatility but requires careful hand management due to the discard condition upon transformation.
- Despite its higher mana cost, it adds adaptability to decks and remains relevant in various metagames.
Text of card
Whenever Undercover Crocodelf deals combat damage to a player, investigate. (Create a Clue token. It's an artifact with ", Sacrifice this artifact: Draw a card.") Disguise {G/U}{G/U} (You may cast this card face down for as a 2/2 creature with ward . Turn it face up any time for its disguise cost.)
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The enchantment-to-creature flip for Undercover Crocodelf presents an opportunity to catch opponents by surprise, potentially leading to advantageous battles and board state control.
Resource Acceleration: Undercover Crocodelf helps streamline your board presence, morphing from a less conspicuous enchantment into a potent creature, potentially freeing up resources to deploy further threats.
Instant Speed: While Undercover Crocodelf itself may not be an instant, it supports instant-speed strategies by enabling you to maintain a threat on the board without committing to a cast, keeping mana and options open until absolutely necessary.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Undercover Crocodelf necessitates the player to discard another card, which can be a significant setback, particularly when your hand is already depleted or containing vital cards for your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: This creature card demands a precise blend of mana, which includes green. This requirement can be restrictive and may not seamlessly fit into multicolored deck schemes that do not prioritize green mana sources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Boasting a casting cost that some might deem steep for its base stats, the Undercover Crocodelf could potentially consume resources that might be more effectively used on lower-cost creatures or impactful spells that provide immediate advantages on the battlefield.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Undercover Crocodelf can be a game-changer in various deck builds, adept at both surprising opponents with its flip ability and serving as a consistent blocker while undercover.
Combo Potential: This card is excellent for synergizing with decks that focus on creature-based strategies or those that utilize convert mechanics. Its ability to flip and become a creature can be timed perfectly to optimize your battlefield state.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta that prioritizes adaptability, Undercover Crocodelf thrives. It serves as a sneaky ally against unsuspecting players, aligning well with decks that aim to outwit and outlast opponents.
How to beat
Devising a strategy to handle Undercover Crocodelf in your MTG battles requires a solid understanding of its mechanics. This creature, while seemingly unassuming, can pack a punch if left unchecked. One effective tactic is to minimize the opportunities for it to leverage its transform ability. This means controlling the number of creatures or permanents that can be sacrificed or dealing with the Crocodelf before it flips.
Removal spells that don’t target, such as board wipes like Wrath of God or Doomskar, can clear the Crocodelf without its ability becoming a concern. Moreover, counter spells can nip the problem in the bud by never allowing the Crocodelf to hit the battlefield in the first place. For a more direct approach, instant-speed removal such as Path to Exile or Rapid Hybridization can effectively dispatch the creature before it transforms.
Overall, being prepared with a versatile removal suite in your deck and maintaining board control are your best bets against Undercover Crocodelf. By handling it efficiently and preventing the transform trigger, you’ll capably mitigate the threat it poses during gameplay.
Cards like Undercover Crocodelf
Undercover Crocodelf enters the lineup of creature cards in Magic: The Gathering with a unique twist. It shares some similarities with Lorescale Coatl, another scaly contender known for growing in power whenever you draw a card. However, Undercover Crocodelf brings an espionage aspect to the table, with the ability to become unblockable when you have eight or more cards in your hand, echoing the cunning required in stealth missions.
Another reptilian relation could be drawn with Chameleon Colossus. This creature is also known for its shapeshifter capabilities and protective feature from black spells, akin to the Crocodelf’s sneaking past defenses. While the Colossus doesn’t require a full grip of cards for its power-up, it demands a mana investment to double its size, contrasting the hand-size strategy of the Crocodelf.
In essence, Undercover Crocodelf’s distinct combination of hand-size synergy and elusiveness carves a niche in MTG, offering tactical advantages for those players who are adept at maintaining a substantial hand. This adept blending of guile and growth potential makes Undercover Crocodelf a card that might just slither its way into the favor of many strategists.
Cards similar to Undercover Crocodelf by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Undercover Crocodelf MTG card by a specific set like Murders at Karlov Manor and Murders at Karlov Manor, 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 Undercover Crocodelf 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
Printings
The Undercover Crocodelf Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2024-02-09 and 2024-02-09. Illustrated by Nicholas Gregory.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2024-02-09 | Murders at Karlov Manor | MKM | 239† | 2015 | Normal | Black | Nicholas Gregory | |
| 2 | 2024-02-09 | Murders at Karlov Manor | MKM | 239 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Nicholas Gregory |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Undercover Crocodelf has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Standardbrawl | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |