Riddlemaster Sphinx MTG Card
2018-07-13 - Number 287
2019-07-12 - Number 317
2020-08-13 - Number 31
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Sphinx |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Power | 5 |
| Toughness | 5 |
Key Takeaways
- Provides card advantage through board control by sending an opponent’s creature back to their hand.
- Indirectly accelerates resources, causing opponents to waste mana and turns managing its threat.
- Utilizes flash enabling tactics for surprise plays, making the Sphinx a formidable adversary.
Text of card
Flying When Riddlemaster Sphinx enters the battlefield, you may return target creature an opponent controls to its owner's hand.
"Safe passage requires only a simple answer to a simple question, traveler."
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Riddlemaster Sphinx offers a unique edge in both terms of hand and board presence. When you cast this creature, it allows you to effectively remove an opponent’s piece from the board and gives you a substantial body on the field, tipping the scales in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: The Sphinx doesn’t directly produce additional resources, but its presence can be a form of indirect resource acceleration. By forcing the opponent to deal with it, they may have to divert resources that could have been used to develop their own board, letting you stay ahead.
Instant Speed: Although Riddlemaster Sphinx itself isn’t an instant, this card’s synergy with flash enablers allows for surprise plays. This can have a considerable impact on the game since you can introduce the Sphinx during your opponent’s turn disrupting their strategies.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Riddlemaster Sphinx demands you to have another creature card to discard, potentially depleting your hand and strategically reducing future options.
Specific Mana Cost: With a precise combination of two blue and four other mana to cast, this card can be restrictive, fitting primarily into blue-centric decks which can reliably provide such resources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a total mana value of six, Riddlemaster Sphinx enters the battlefield later in the game, which can be a setback in fast-paced matches where lower-cost creatures could provide more immediate board presence and impact.
Reasons to Include Riddlemaster Sphinx in Your Collection
Versatility: Riddlemaster Sphinx’s flying ability enables it to glide over ground-based defenses, making it a fit for decks that require a reliable airborne threat. Its ability to bounce an opponent’s creature upon entering the battlefield offers a tactical advantage no matter the matchup.
Combo Potential: When coupled with cards that capitalize on casting creatures or returning creatures to an opponent’s hand, Riddlemaster Sphinx can become a key component in controlling the board and enabling high-impact plays.
Meta-Relevance: Given its capacity to disrupt opponent’s strategies by targeting their key creatures, Riddlemaster Sphinx holds its ground in metas dominated by creature-centric decks. Having it as part of your arsenal ensures you have an answer to the creature-based threats you’re likely to face.
How to beat
Riddlemaster Sphinx, with its flash ability and knack for bouncing an opponent’s creature to their hand, can certainly put a wrench in your game plan. To effectively counteract this evasive blue creature in Magic: The Gathering, it helps to be prepared with the right strategy. Keep in mind that its ability only triggers when it enters the battlefield, so once deployed, the Sphinx itself is just another creature.
One efficient approach to outmaneuver the Riddlemaster Sphinx is by utilizing instant-speed removal spells. Cards such as Murder or Hero’s Downfall can be key, as they can dispatch the Sphinx before it has a chance to apply pressure on the board. Another tactic is to play around its ability by not overcommitting important creatures that would suffer from being returned to your hand. Additionally, employing counterspells like Cancel or Negate when the Sphinx is cast can prevent it from hitting the board in the first place.
Remember, the Sphinx’s high casting cost means your opponent is likely planning for it to have a significant impact. By anticipating its arrival and leaving mana open for a response, you can ensure that the Riddlemaster Sphinx does not disrupt your path to victory.
Cards like Riddlemaster Sphinx
Riddlemaster Sphinx stands as a noteworthy choice for control players in Magic: The Gathering. As a flying creature, it shares similarities with other high-impact flyers like Serra Angel. Both creatures command the skies, yet Riddlemaster Sphinx provides an added tactical edge by returning a target creature an opponent controls to their hand upon entry to the battlefield. Serra Angel may offer vigilant attacks, but it lacks the tempo swing imparted by the Sphinx.
Comparatively, Aven Wind Guide exerts influence in a different manner. While not as individually dominant, this bird wizard extends its advantages to other tokens by granting flying and vigilance. This group-wide elevation becomes significant in token-heavy decks, contrasting with Riddlemaster Sphinx’s single targeted disruption. Lastly, Air Elemental is another flyer with a robust body. Although similar in stats, it doesn’t provide the immediate board presence change that Riddlemaster Sphinx does.
In an environment where influencing the battlefield is key, the Riddlemaster Sphinx garners attention. It not only presents a threat through size and flight but also subtly shifts the game’s momentum with its enter-the-battlefield effect, setting it apart from its aerial kin.
Cards similar to Riddlemaster Sphinx by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Riddlemaster Sphinx MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2019 and Core Set 2020, 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 Riddlemaster Sphinx and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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 Riddlemaster Sphinx Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2018-07-13 and 2020-08-13. Illustrated by Ryan Yee.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2018-07-13 | Core Set 2019 | M19 | 287 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Ryan Yee | |
| 2 | 2019-07-12 | Core Set 2020 | M20 | 317 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Ryan Yee | |
| 3 | 2020-08-13 | Arena Beginner Set | ANB | 31 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Ryan Yee |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Riddlemaster Sphinx has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
