Cardpecker MTG Card

Unhinged (UNH)
2004-11-19 - Number 4

Unhinged (UNH)
2004-11-19 - Number 4★

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Bird
Abilities	Flying
Power	1.5
Toughness	1
Un-set :-)	This card is part of an Un-set

Key Takeaways

Cardpecker enhances strategic play by offering card advantage and disrupting opponents during your turn.
Its ability to accelerate resource advantage while being cast at instant speed provides major tactical benefits.
However, it demands careful hand management due to its discard requirement and specific mana needs.

Text of card

Flying Gotcha Whenever an opponent touches the table with his or her hand, you may say "Gotcha" If you do, return Cardpecker from your graveyard to your hand.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Cardpecker card is particularly effective for players looking to foster card superiority during gameplay. Its ability to potentially disrupt opponents while also drawing into more options is a boon for those seeking to outmaneuver their rivals.

Resource Acceleration: For players keen on building their resources swiftly, Cardpecker can offer an indirect form of acceleration. By potentially chipping away at the opponent’s resources while preserving one’s own, it creates advantageous conditions for future turns.

Instant Speed: The versatility of playing Cardpecker at instant speed cannot be understated. It grants the agility to respond to an opponent’s actions during their turn, which keeps them on their toes and allows strategic depth for the player holding the card.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One downside of Cardpecker is that it may necessitate the player to discard another card to activate its key abilities. This can deplete your hand, making it less optimal when you’re already struggling to maintain card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: With a casting cost that includes color-specific mana, Cardpecker can be restrictive for multi-colored decks. Players might find it challenging to garnish the neccessary mana consistently, leading to potential delays in playing the card when needed.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana investment required to play Cardpecker is significant when compared to other cards with similar effects. This might not always translate to equivalent value on the battlefield, potentially making other options more attractive for deck building strategies.

Reasons to Include Cardpecker in Your Collection

Versatility: Cardpecker is an adaptable addition to decks that capitalizes on flying creatures or those aiming for evasion tactics. Its low casting cost also makes it easy to weave into a plethora of game plans.

Combo Potential: This card can synergize with effects that care about dealing damage, drawing cards, or even bird-themed strategies, enabling creative and potentially powerful interactions.

Meta-Relevance: Particularly in a playing environment that favors incremental advantages and combat tricks, Cardpecker’s capabilities can be undervalued—making it a sneaky asset against unsuspecting opponents.

How to Beat

Overcoming Cardpecker in MTG can be challenging due to its quirky ability tied to Unhinged’s unique “Gotcha” mechanic. This little bird gains strength by exploiting player patterns, particularly the physical action of touching the table or cards beyond the immediate game mechanics. The key to beating Cardpecker lies in mindful play. Strategic foresight and a keen awareness of your actions can nullify Cardpecker’s advantage.

Rely on spells or abilities that clear multiple creatures at once, such as board wipes or removal spells that bypass the typical targeting, thus sidestepping the Gotcha trigger. Cards with “Can’t be countered” and hexproof also serve as solid defenses, ensuring your crucial spells and creatures stay on the battlefield. Additionally, focus on strengthening your position without triggering its Gotcha, leaning on non-verbal communication and minimizing unnecessary movements while managing your board.

Ultimately, besting Cardpecker comes down to a combination of mental discipline and smart deck construction. With the right strategies and a composed approach to the game, you can diminish Cardpecker’s potential impact and continue on the path to victory.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Cardpecker MTG card by a specific set like Unhinged and Unhinged, 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 Cardpecker and other MTG cards: