Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher MTG Card
2022-06-10 - Number 387
2022-06-10 - Number 490
2022-06-10 - Number 102
Text of card
Vigilance : Add an amount of equal to Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher's toughness. This mana can't be spent to cast spells from your hand. Choose a Background
Cards like Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher
Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher presents intriguing utility for deck-builders in Magic: The Gathering. This character stands out as both a creature and a source of card advantage. When looking at creatures with card draw capabilities, Vhal shares features with the likes of Sea Gate Oracle. Both cards allow you to look at the top cards of your library upon entering the battlefield. However, Vhal’s ability offers greater selection, albeit with a higher mana cost and the added bonus of placing the card into your hand if it’s a legendary spell.
Another similar creature is Augur of Bolas, which lets you look at the top three cards of your library when it enters the battlefield, although you may only reveal an instant or sorcery card and put it into your hand. In contrast, Vhal can provide access to any nonland card, granting a broader range of strategic options. Vhal also stands in comparison to Fibblethip, the Lost, which when it becomes the target of a spell, shuffles into your library and draws you two cards. While Fibblethip offers less control over the cards you receive, it comes at a lower casting cost and can be a trickier card for opponents to handle due to its unique shuffle ability.
Overall, Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher is a valuable card for players seeking to maintain card advantage while developing a board presence. It is a versatile option that complements a variety of strategies, distinguishing itself among creatures with card selection abilities.
Cards similar to Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher shines in its ability to repeatedly provide card selection, letting you sift through your deck for the answers or threats you need. This process ensures that you maintain a healthy flow of options throughout the match, potentially outpacing your opponents by always having the right card at the right time.
Resource Acceleration: This card not only contributes to your hand but can also accelerate your resources. By offering an investigation mechanism, it generates Clue tokens which can later be transformed into additional card draws or other strategic actions, depending on how you utilize those clues.
Instant Speed: One of Vhal’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to operate at instant speed. This capability allows you to adapt to the developing game state, using Vhal’s abilities reactively to the actions of your opponents. Waiting to take the best course of action right before your turn starts can be a game-changer, and Vhal excels in this aspect.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher necessitates parting with another card to activate its notable ability. This condition could set you back, especially when your hand is already depleting, and each card holds pivotal importance in your strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: Summoning this card requires a precise blend of mana, including at least one blue, making it potentially challenging to incorporate into multicolor decks that may have a more complex mana base or those that are not heavy on blue mana sources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that is on the upper end for its effects, other options available may outshine Vhal when it comes to fitting seamlessly into your game plan without constraining your mana economy.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher offers a wide array of utility for deck builders. Its ability to manipulate the draw and peek into an opponent’s next moves makes it a valuable addition to control and combo decks alike.
Combo Potential: This card comes into play when thinking about synergies in a deck. Vhal’s insight into upcoming plays can set up powerful combos, ensuring that players can prepare the perfect hand for executing game-winning strategies.
Meta-Relevance: In an evolving meta, adaptability is key. Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher remains relevant by giving its controller an edge in predicting and countering the opponent’s plans, making it an indispensable ally against a variety of popular deck archetypes.
How to beat Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher
Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher is a compelling card that has the power to shift the dynamics of any MTG game. Its ability to scry and potentially draw extra cards provides the user with a significant advantage in terms of card quality and selection. This card, however, is not unbeatable. Like any potent card, strategies exist to minimize its impact on the game.
One approach is to focus on removing Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher from the battlefield. Spell-based removal or creature abilities that target creatures can swiftly deal with Vhal before its abilities have the chance to benefit the opponent. Additionally, implementing strategies to limit card draw, such as using hand disruption tactics, can mitigate the advantage provided by Vhal. It’s also wise to pressure your opponent to prevent them from gaining too much of a foothold with Vhal’s scrying ability. Fast, aggressive decks can outpace the value generated by Vhal, while control decks can keep it in check with counterspells or bounce effects.
Ultimately, adapting your strategy to handle cards like Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher is essential. By understanding your deck’s strengths and weaknesses, you can fine-tune your approach to maintain the upper hand and ensure that powerful cards like Vhal do not dominate the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher MTG card by a specific set like Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate and Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate, 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 Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher 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
Printings
The Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2022-06-10 and 2022-06-10. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2022-06-10 | Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate | CLB | 387 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mark A. Nelson | |
| 2 | 2022-06-10 | Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate | CLB | 490 | 2015 | Normal | Black | David Gaillet | |
| 3 | 2022-06-10 | Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate | CLB | 102 | 2015 | Normal | Black | David Gaillet |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Vhal, Candlekeep Researcher card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2022-06-10 | An effect that checks whether you control your commander is satisfied if you control one or both of your two commanders. |
| 2022-06-10 | Both commanders start in the command zone, and the remaining 98 cards (or 58 cards in a Commander Draft game) of your deck are shuffled to become your library. |
| 2022-06-10 | Choose a Background is a variant of the partner ability. You may have two commanders if one of them is a legendary creature with the choose a background ability and the other is a legendary Background enchantment. Backgrounds and cards with choose a Background do not interact with cards which have any other partner ability. |
| 2022-06-10 | If a card refers to a commander creature you own, a Background won't usually be counted or included for that effect. If another spell or ability causes your Background to become a creature, however, it will be included. Any effect that refers to your commander or a commander you own or control without specifying creature will apply to a Background that is your commander, as appropriate. |
| 2022-06-10 | If something refers to your commander while you have two commanders, it refers to one of them of your choice. If you are instructed to perform an action on your commander (e.g. put it from the command zone into your hand due to Command Beacon), you choose one of your commanders at the time the effect happens. |
| 2022-06-10 | If you control a Background that grants an ability to commander creatures you own, and you own more than one commander creature, each of them will have that ability. |
| 2022-06-10 | If your Commander deck has two commanders, you can include only cards whose own color identities are also found in your commanders’ combined color identities. |
| 2022-06-10 | If your commander loses the choose a Background ability or stops being a Background during the game, as appropriate, it is still your commander. |
| 2022-06-10 | Once the game begins, your two commanders are tracked separately. If you cast one, you won’t have to pay an additional the first time you cast the other. A player loses the game after having been dealt 21 combat damage from any one of them, not from both of them combined (although your Background won’t usually be a creature anyway). |
| 2022-06-10 | You can choose two commanders that are the same color or colors. |
Guide to Vigilance card ability
In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the vigilance ability stands out as a powerful tool for players. This potent keyword allows creatures to attack without tapping, keeping them ready and alert to defend against incoming threats. It represents a perfect balance between aggression and defense, offering a dynamic approach to gameplay. Lets dive deeper into how vigilance shapes the battlefield.