Windrider Eel MTG Card
2009-10-02 - Number 78
2017-06-16 - Number 30
2019-11-07 - Number 551
2020-09-26 - Number E01-30
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Fish |
| Abilities | Flying,Landfall |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
Flying Landfall — Whenever a land enters the battlefield under your control, Windrider Eel gets +2/+2 until end of turn.
"The best spot to hook one is right behind the gills." —Rana Cloudwake, kor skyfisher
Cards like Windrider Eel
Windrider Eel is an intriguing creature card in Magic: The Gathering, possessing a unique set of abilities that find comparisons within the blue domain of flying creatures. Bearing similarities to cards like Sky-Eel School, which also provides a flying creature at a modest mana cost, Windrider Eel differentiates itself with the potential for a significant power boost. With Landfall, each land drop has the potential to give Windrider Eel a temporary but substantial power and toughness increase.
Examining another kin, the Cloud Elemental, we see a steadfast flying creature with a similar mana cost, yet it cannot block creatures with flying unlike the flexible Windrider Eel. In contrast, Windrider Eel’s Landfall ability provides it a more aggressive edge, enabling it to scale in threat level as the game progresses and more land is played.
Therefore, in the blue creature lineup, Windrider Eel offers a blend of aerial prowess and potential size escalation. These elements make it a variable threat capable of adapting to the flow of the game, especially in Landfall-centric decks that maximize the implementation of lands.
Cards similar to Windrider Eel by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When Windrider Eel makes a splash in the playing field, it has the potential to soar over opponents’ defenses. Casting it during the late game with mana open for its ability can swiftly turn the tides, providing not just a threat in the air but also a decisive edge in card efficiency as you maintain pressure without depleting your hand.
Resource Acceleration: While Windrider Eel itself does not directly accelerate resources, its synergies with cards that untap lands or provide cost reductions can expedite your game plan. Leveraging those interactions allows you to maximize your mana each turn, potentially activating Windrider Eel’s ability multiple times and propelling you ahead of your adversary.
Instant Speed: In the vast sea of gameplay strategies, Windrider Eel gives its controller an undercurrent of versatility with its ability to be boosted at instant speed. This means you can adeptly navigate through your opponent’s turns, making strategic decisions to pump up the Eel when they least expect it, keeping them perpetually on guard against its looming presence.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Windrider Eel requires a certain setup to fulfill its potential. Holding onto the card until you have lands to activate its ability might force you to discard other valuable cards in the meantime.
Specific Mana Cost: This creature card comes with a blue-specific mana requirement, which may not align with all deck types. Decks not focusing on blue mana may find it challenging to cast this card efficiently.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Casting Windrider Eel requires a notable investment of four mana, which is significant, especially when you consider the cost needed to activate its landfall ability. There are alternatives available that could fit into your curve more seamlessly and provide comparable or better benefits.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Windrider Eel has the flexibility to adapt to various blue-based decks that focus on card draw and evasive creatures. As a flyer, it easily slots into aerial assault themes or can serve as a robust block in decks that need more defensive options.
Combo Potential: Landfall is a recurring theme in MTG, and Windrider Eel thrives alongside cards that allow you to play multiple lands per turn or cards that benefit from land drops. The synergy with such mechanics can turn it into a significant threat.
Meta-Relevance: In a game where aerial superiority can often tip the balance, Windrider Eel’s potential to become a 4/4 flyer each turn makes it a relevant creature in matchups that struggle with dealing with consistent fliers.
How to Beat Windrider Eel
Windrider Eel, a creature card from the Magic: The Gathering world, soars above players with its flying ability and potential for a boosted attack. Primarily played in decks that embody blue mana’s philosophy, this card thrives in environments rich with Islands. The Eel’s power increases when you play a land card, making it a valuable addition to any deck focused on Island plays.
To effectively counter Windrider Eel, one should consider strategies that do not rely solely on ground creatures. Removal spells that can target creatures in the air—such as Doom Blade or Path to Exile—offer a direct and efficient solution. Additionally, employing cards that restrict the opponent from playing lands or drawing cards will limit the Eel’s chances to activate its landfall ability, thereby keeping its power at bay. Ensnaring the Eel with enchantments like Pacifism also prevents it from attacking or blocking, rendering it harmless.
In essence, countering Windrider Eel requires a proactive approach that considers not only the immediate threat of a flying creature but also the underlying mechanics that allow it to excel. With the right mix of removal, control, and disruption, the Eel can be managed effectively, ensuring it never gets the chance to rule the skies.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Windrider Eel MTG card by a specific set like Zendikar and Archenemy: Nicol Bolas, 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 Windrider Eel 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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Printings
The Windrider Eel Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2009-10-02 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Austin Hsu.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2009-10-02 | Zendikar | ZEN | 78 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Austin Hsu | |
| 2 | 2017-06-16 | Archenemy: Nicol Bolas | E01 | 30 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Austin Hsu | |
| 3 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 551 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Austin Hsu | |
| 4 | The List | PLST | E01-30 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Austin Hsu |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Windrider Eel has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Windrider Eel card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2009-10-01 | The landfall ability triggers whenever a land enters the battlefield under your control for any reason. It triggers whenever you play a land, as well as whenever a spell or ability (such as Rampant Growth) causes you to put a land onto the battlefield under your control. It will even trigger when a spell or ability causes another player to put a land onto the battlefield under your control (as can happen with Yavimaya Dryad’s ability, for example). |
| 2009-10-01 | When a land enters the battlefield under your control, each landfall ability of the permanents you control will trigger. You can put them on the stack in any order. The last ability you put on the stack will be the first one that resolves. |