Vhal, Scholar of Tactics MTG Card


Vhal offers card advantage by optimizing hand and deck composition during play for strategic gains. With resource acceleration, Vhal enables more explosive turns by untapping permanents for added mana. Being able to act at instant speed, Vhal disrupts opponents while advancing your game plan.
Vhal, Scholar of Tactics - Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeLegendary Creature — Human Wizard
Released2022-07-07
Set symbol
Set nameAlchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate
Set codeHBG
Power 4
Toughness 4
Number8w
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byDavid Gaillet

Text of card

When this creature specializes, remove all study counters from it. When you do, distribute that many +1/+1 counters among any number of target creatures. : Draw a card, then discard a card.


Cards like Vhal, Scholar of Tactics

Vhal, Scholar of Tactics offers MTG players an intriguing twist in their strategic arsenal. Comparable to cards like Silverquill Silencer, Vhal stands out with an ability that impacts gameplay whenever you cast a spell of the chosen color. Silverquill Silencer also demands a strategic choice of card names, but it focuses on silencing the opponent by presenting a cost whenever the named card is played.

Another card with a somewhat analogous approach is Elite Inquisitor. This human soldier, much like Vhal, benefits player tactics through its protection abilities against certain creature types. While Elite Inquisitor inherently carries protection abilities, Vhal, Scholar of Tactics, requires a more active role in gameplay, enabling the player to choose and change the protected color dynamically.

When considering utility and adaptability in game scenarios, Vhal, Scholar of Tactics holds a significant position. It offers a mix of predictive strategy and flexibility, making it a strong contender in decks that thrive on outmaneuvering opponents with both creature tactics and spellcasting finesse.

Silverquill Silencer - MTG Card versions
Elite Inquisitor - MTG Card versions
Silverquill Silencer - MTG Card versions
Elite Inquisitor - MTG Card versions

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Harbor Guardian - MTG Card versions
Kangee, Aerie Keeper - MTG Card versions
Benalish Heralds - MTG Card versions
Glimmering Angel - MTG Card versions
Sawtooth Loon - MTG Card versions
Mirror Wall - MTG Card versions
Brago, King Eternal - MTG Card versions
Grand Arbiter Augustin IV - MTG Card versions
Meddling Kids - MTG Card versions
Thistledown Liege - MTG Card versions
Swans of Bryn Argoll - MTG Card versions
Skymark Roc - MTG Card versions
Hussar Patrol - MTG Card versions
Ascended Lawmage - MTG Card versions
Coastline Chimera - MTG Card versions
Thunderclap Wyvern - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Vhal, Scholar of Tactics offers a unique twist on card advantage. It provides an option to sift through your deck and hand to ensure you have the right tools at the right moment, which can be pivotal in securing a winning position.

Resource Acceleration: Deftly woven into Vhal’s arsenal is the capacity for resource acceleration. By enabling you to untap your permanents, Vhal sets the stage for ramping up your mana production, facilitating more significant or multiple spell casts within a single turn.

Instant Speed: The ability to activate Vhal, Scholar of Tactics at instant speed can catch opponents off-guard, disrupt their strategy, or propel your own game plan forward without missing a beat, especially during critical phases of the match.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Vhal, Scholar of Tactics demands a card discard to activate its ability. This cost can deplete your hand, potentially leaving you at a strategic disadvantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Vhal comes with a strict mana requirement that could complicate deck building. It necessitates a precise combination of mana types, making it less flexible for multicolor decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Playing Vhal, Scholar of Tactics requires a notable amount of mana. For the same investment, you might access alternative cards with a more immediate impact or lower cost abilities.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Vhal, Scholar of Tactics stands out with its ability to seamlessly integrate into various deck archetypes. This card can adapt to your game plan whether you’re piloting a control deck looking for strategic stability or pushing the limits with an aggro build that benefits from tactical plays.

Combo Potential: This card isn’t just a standalone player; it truly shines when paired with cards that can capitalize on its tactical advantages. The tactical plays you can orchestrate with Vhal could unlock new synergies and elevate your strategy, offering a fresh way to outmaneuver your opponents.

Meta-Relevance: Given the shifting landscape of the metagame, having Vhal, Scholar of Tactics in your arsenal ensures you’re prepared to face a diverse array of threats. This card’s utility and adaptability make it a formidable choice, capable of holding its ground in a constantly evolving competitive scene.


How to beat

Vhal, Scholar of Tactics is a challenge that MTG players might encounter during gameplay. This card’s strategic value is heightened by its ability to manipulate the battlefield to your advantage. To overcome it, think about applying removal spells promptly, limiting the card’s potential to tip the scales. Consider using instant speed removal like Fatal Push or Heartless Act that can deal with Vhal before its abilities become a problem. Furthermore, enchantments that prevent activated abilities from being activated, such as Cursed Totem, can serve as useful counters.

Controlling the board is another tactic to master. Applying steady pressure through aggressive creatures may compel your opponent to trade unfavorably. When Vhal’s influence is minimized, you are better positioned to dictate the game flow. Keep in mind, versatile cards that offer both a proactive threat and reactive solutions like Brazen Borrower, which can either apply pressure or bounce Vhal to their owner’s hand, can be particularly effective in such situations.

Above all, understanding the dynamic that Vhal, Scholar of Tactics brings to the table is crucial. Adapting your strategy to neutralize or circumvent its tactical enhancements can ensure it doesn’t outmaneuver you in the intellectual battle that is a MTG match.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Vhal, Scholar of Tactics MTG card by a specific set like Alchemy Horizons: 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, Scholar of Tactics and other MTG cards:

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