Veiled Sentry MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Enchantment |
| Released | 1998-10-12 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Urza's Saga |
| Set code | USG |
| Number | 109 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Ron Spears |
Text of card
When one of your opponents successfully casts a spell, if Veiled Sentry is an enchantment, Veiled Sentry becomes a creature with power and toughness each equal to the total casting cost of that spell and that counts as an Illusion.
Cards like Veiled Sentry
Veiled Sentry is a unique enchantment card in Magic: The Gathering with an ability to morph into a creature upon an opponent’s spell resolving. It stands in a fascinating niche similar to that of other transformable cards like Lurking Skirge. While Lurking Skirge turns into a creature when a player plays a creature spell, Veiled Sentry’s trigger is more generous, reacting to any kind of spell, offering broader defensive versatility.
Another relative is Unstable Shapeshifter which, much like Veiled Sentry, transforms in response to other creature spells, taking their form. The Sentry, though, surprises opponents without mirroring, which can be advantageous in games. Moreover, the cost of Veiled Sentry aligns with the economic Mystifying Maze, which, instead of transforming, temporarily neutralizes threats by exiling attacking creatures until end of turn, serving a parallel protective function.
To conclude, Veiled Sentry holds its ground in a deck looking for reactive defense mechanisms. Its broad trigger condition and ability to become a creature lends a strategic edge over similar cards, fitting various game plans and enhancing board control in the ever-evolving world of Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Veiled Sentry by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Veiled Sentry can become a creature with power and toughness equal to the number of cards in an opponent’s hand, possibly granting you a large creature for minimal cost. This unexpected shift can serve as both a defensive and offensive advantage.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing resource acceleration, the mere presence of Veiled Sentry on the field can deter opponents from playing additional spells or overcommitting to the board, indirectly preserving your resources.
Instant Speed: As an enchantment, Veiled Sentry allows for strategic flexibility. Though not played at instant speed, its transformation into a creature can occur at any time during an opponent’s turn when they cast a spell, effectively making it a surprise blocker or an attacker on your next turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Veiled Sentry card’s function hinges on the need to discard another card, potentially depleting your hand when you might be aiming to keep your options open.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a precise combination of mana to be played. Requiring both blue and colorless mana, it may not be as versatile for decks that don’t focus on these mana types.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Veiled Sentry might bring a sense of anticipation to the game, its mana cost is seen by some as steep relative to its impact on gameplay, thereby making it less attractive compared to other options that could be more impactful for the same or lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Veiled Sentry is a unique card that can adapt to various situations on the battlefield. As a card that transforms in response to opponents’ spells, it becomes a creature with power and toughness equal to the casting cost of the triggering spell, making it a dynamic defender and a surprise element during gameplay.
Combo Potential: This card shines in strategies that exploit the transformation mechanic. It synergizes well with deck setups aiming to control or manipulate spell costs, allowing for unpredictable and potentially game-changing creature statistics, and thus it can be a key piece in inventive combo decks.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where high-cost spells are prevalent, Veiled Sentry could become a formidable creature. Its metamorphosis hinges on the evolving landscape of matches, giving it relevance in environments filled with powerful sorceries and instants.
How to beat
Veiled Sentry is a unique enchantment from Magic: The Gathering that can catch opponents by surprise, transforming into a creature when an opponent plays a spell. If this elusive card is causing you trouble in your matches, understanding its mechanics is key to overcoming it.
To effectively counter Veiled Sentry, it’s important to bait out its transformation under your terms. Play a less threatening spell first to trigger its morphing ability. Once it becomes a creature, it is susceptible to common removal spells or can be easily blocked and defeated in combat. Another strategy is to exhaust your opponent’s resources, making the Veiled Sentry less of a threat when it finally turns into a creature. You can also hold onto your spells until you have the means to deal with the Sentry post-transformation, thereby mitigating its impact on the game.
Remember, patience and smart play are your allies against Veiled Sentry. Gauge the game state and only proceed with significant spells when you’re ready to address the creature that Sentry becomes. Successfully navigating around this card’s quirks will neutralize its potential and secure your position in the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Veiled Sentry MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Saga, 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 Veiled Sentry 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Veiled Sentry has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Veiled Sentry card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | If the spell is no longer on the stack when the triggered ability resolves, the converted mana cost of the spell is still remembered. |
| 2004-10-04 | It changes into a creature even if the spell is countered. |
| 2004-10-04 | It triggers when the spell is cast, which means it becomes a creature before that spell resolves. |
| 2004-10-04 | When it turns into a creature, it is no longer an enchantment. |