Deeptread Merrow MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Merfolk Rogue
Released	2007-10-12
Set symbol
Set name	Lorwyn
Set code	LRW
Power	2
Toughness	1
Number	57
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Terese Nielsen & Philip Tan

Key Takeaways

Enhances Merfolk decks with consistent card advantage and strategic untap abilities.
Enables instant speed plays, adding tactical depth to blue-centered strategies.
Demands careful play due to discard requirements and specific mana cost constraints.

Text of card

: Deeptread Merrow gains islandwalk until end of turn.

"My success at navigating the Dark Meanders irritates the Inkfathom school. They consider themselves peerless divers, but I try to remind them that they cannot own commodities like bravery and cunning."

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Deeptread Merrow excels at offering consistent card advantage, particularly in decks centered around Merfolk synergies or those that benefit from card selectors.

Resource Acceleration: This card facilitates resource acceleration through its untap ability, which can be leveraged to reuse mana-generating creatures or artifacts, effectively ramping up your available resources.

Instant Speed: The activation of Deeptread Merrow’s ability at instant speed provides strategic flexibility, allowing you to react to your opponent’s moves by setting up advantageous blocks or enabling surprise combos during their turn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Deeptread Merrow presents a challenge with its activation fee, demanding you to pitch another card. This can backfire when you’re clinging to a lean hand, potentially undermining your late-game strategies.

Specific Mana Cost: Locked into blue hues, Deeptread Merrow’s mana cost necessitates a dedicated slot in a blue-oriented or compatible two-color deck. This can narrow deckbuilding choices and may not fit easily into more diverse mana bases.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Tapping for three mana, including double blue, makes the Merrow a weighty investment. Aggressive or tempo decks might balk at such a cost, especially when more economical creatures could fill the slot.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Deeptread Merrow offers adaptability in numerous deck archetypes, as it seamlessly slots into blue-centric strategies that emphasize creature utility and stealthy tactics. Its potential to manipulate attack opportunities elevates gameplay dynamics.

Combo Potential: This creature’s untap ability pairs excellently with cards that have beneficial tap effects. Utilizing Deeptread Merrow to maximize these effects each turn can be a cornerstone in synergistic combo decks.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where tempo and board presence are key, Deeptread Merrow can consistently apply pressure while evading common removal methods. Its relevance is heightened in formats that value both creature-based strategies and intricate play patterns.

How to beat

Deeptread Merrow adds an intriguing twist to blue’s creature roster in Magic: The Gathering. While it may not be a powerhouse on its own, it can become problematic if left unchecked due to its ability to become unblockable. This ability to slip through defenses and repeatedly chip away at an opponent’s life total makes it a sneaky threat, especially in decks that capitalize on such evasive tactics.

However, there are strategies to tackle this slippery creature. One effective method is through board wipes that clear all creatures off the field, such as Wrath of God or Damnation. Targeted removal spells like Path to Exile or Fatal Push offer a more direct solution, disposing of the Merrow without much fuss. Pile on any enchantments that prevent creatures from attacking, and this merfolk’s threat can be neutralized. Remember that while it can evade creatures, it can’t dodge every spell thrown its way.

In essence, as disruptive as Deeptread Merrow can be in a game of Magic: The Gathering, there are numerous countermeasures players can deploy. By using the right mix of removal and control spells, you can ensure that this merfolk’s deep treks come to a swift end, maintaining the balance of the tides in your favor.

Cards like Deeptread Merrow

Deeptread Merrow brings a unique twist to creature cards in MTG. It echoes the abilities of classic unblockable creatures such as Triton Shorestalker, providing an edge in ensuring crucial hits land on the opponent. Unlike its counterparts, Deeptread Merrow also has a notable synergy with other Merfolk, allowing it to sneak into the battlefield mid-game, which can catch opponents off-guard.

In comparison, consider the Mist-Cloaked Herald, another straightforward unblockable card. This one, however, stands out for its simplicity and lower cost, making it a staple in aggressive blue decks. They both share the ability to evade blockers, but Deeptread Merrow takes it one step further by offering tactical flexibility. Also in this category is the slippery Inkfathom Infiltrator. It’s unblockable like Deeptread Merrow, yet it offers double the strike with its dual creature type advantage but lacks the direct Merfolk synergy.

All in all, Deeptread Merrow finds its niche among MTG cards that specialize in evasiveness. It may not be the cheapest or fastest option, but when paired effectively with other Merfolk, its strategic value becomes evident, giving players an alternative avenue to apply pressure on the battlefield.

Inkfathom Infiltrator - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Deeptread Merrow by color, type and mana cost

Soratami Cloudskater - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Deeptread Merrow MTG card by a specific set like Lorwyn, 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 Deeptread Merrow and other MTG cards: