Zhalfirin Decoy MTG Card
2019-06-14 - Number 39
2021-08-26 - Number 162
2019-06-05 - Number 12
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Soldier |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 3 |
Text of card
: Tap target creature. Activate this ability only if you had a creature enter the battlefield under your control this turn.
"Never let them take their eyes off you." —Sidar Jabari
Cards like Zhalfirin Decoy
Zhalfirin Decoy presents players with a tactical option in creature-based strategies in Magic: The Gathering. It draws a parallel to cards like Blinding Mage, which also allows players to tap an opponent’s creature. However, Zhalfirin Decoy takes this effect a step further by including an ability that forces creatures to block it if able, a feature not seen on Blinding Mage. This can orchestrate favorable combat scenarios or clear the way for other threats.
Comparing it to other cards with tapping abilities, Gideon’s Lawkeeper is another notable mention. Like Zhalfirin Decoy, it requires just one white mana to activate the tapping ability, yet it lacks the compulsory block mechanic that can centralize enemy forces. There’s also Master Decoy, which shares the same ability cost and tapping effect but fails to provide the same tactical depth found in Zhalfirin Decoy’s blocking requirement.
Overall, while there are other cards in Magic: The Gathering with tap abilities, Zhalfirin Decoy’s unique combination of tapping and forcing blocks establishes it as a distinct choice for players, especially those looking to exploit creature combat to their advantage.
Cards similar to Zhalfirin Decoy by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Zhalfirin Decoy, with its ability to tap an opponent’s creature each turn, can effectively exhaust an opposing player’s resources. This opens the door to more favorable trades or direct attacks, potentially leading to a card advantage as you whittle down your adversary’s defenses.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly impacting mana, Zhalfirin Decoy can be a tool for resource acceleration in decks that benefit from having tapped creatures, whether for enabling convoke spells quicker or for activating abilities that require a tapped creature as part of the cost.
Instant Speed: The tactical advantage of Zhalfirin Decoy comes into play with its activated ability that can be used at instant speed. This allows savvy players to disrupt an opponent’s combat plans during their turn, forcing unexpected taps just before the declare attackers step, which could swing the momentum of the game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing Zhalfirin Decoy requires you to tap an additional creature you control, which is similar to discarding a card in terms of resource management. This can be a drawback when you’re trying to maintain a strong board presence.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost for Zhalfirin Decoy includes one white mana, making it a potentially awkward fit in multicolored decks that might require mana of different types more frequently for flexibility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For three mana, Zhalfirin Decoy’s ability to only tap an opponent’s creature without providing any immediate board advantage can be seen as inefficient. There may be lower cost cards with abilities that offer a more direct impact during the game.
Reasons to Include Zhalfirin Decoy in Your Collection
Versatility: Zhalfirin Decoy serves as an excellent tool in control decks or those looking to manage the battlefield. With its ability to tap an opponent’s creature, it can adapt to various situations, helping to keep threats at bay.
Combo Potential: The card has the potential to create synergies with strategies reliant upon tapping or untapping creatures. Its tap ability can also be used to advantageously manipulate combat or enable convoluted combos.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where creature-based strategies are prevalent, Zhalfirin Decoy can take center stage. Its capability to disrupt opponent attacks and fortify your defensive line gives it a respectable place in the meta, making it a smart addition for savvy players.
How to beat
Zhalfirin Decoy is a tactical piece in the game of Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to tap an opponent’s creature each turn can be an annoyance, particularly in limited formats. To outmaneuver this card, it’s crucial to manage your battlefield wisely. Deploy creatures with vigilance so they can still swing back despite being tapped or summon creatures with activated abilities that don’t require tapping.
Another strategy is to eliminate the decoy swiftly. Utilize removal spells that can target it directly, or capitalize on board wipes to clear multiple threats, including the decoy. Moreover, playing enchantments or artifacts that prevent abilities from activating can negate the decoy’s tap power, rendering it just another creature on the battlefield.
Lastly, if Zhalfirin Decoy is central to your opponent’s defense, use this to your advantage. Force unfavorable taps and then exploit those openings with strategic attacks or spells. By understanding and countering the decoy’s influence in the game, you can maintain control and edge towards victory against decks utilizing this nuanced card.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Zhalfirin Decoy // Zhalfirin Decoy MTG card by a specific set like Modern Horizons Art Series and Modern Horizons, 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 Zhalfirin Decoy // Zhalfirin Decoy and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
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Printings
The Zhalfirin Decoy // Zhalfirin Decoy Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2019-06-14 and 2021-08-26. Illustrated by Paul Scott Canavan.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Modern Horizons Art Series | AMH1 | 12 | 2015 | Art series | Borderless | Paul Scott Canavan | ||
| 2 | 2019-06-14 | Modern Horizons | MH1 | 39 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Paul Scott Canavan | |
| 3 | 2021-08-26 | Jumpstart: Historic Horizons | J21 | 162 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Paul Scott Canavan |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Zhalfirin Decoy has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Zhalfirin Decoy card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2019-06-14 | Zhalfirin Decoy’s ability can be activated even if a creature entered the battlefield under your control only before Zhalfirin Decoy entered the battlefield, and even if that creature has left the battlefield. |