Paperfin Rascal MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Merfolk Rogue
Abilities	Clash
Released	2007-10-12
Set symbol
Set name	Lorwyn
Set code	LRW
Power	2
Toughness	2
Number	77
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Zoltan Boros & Gabor Szikszai

Key Takeaways

Imparts card advantage via peeking at library cards, enhancing hand options during play.
Facilitates quick spellcasting and fits into diverse decks without ramping mana.
Offers valuable combo setup and meta play for a nuanced competitive edge.

Text of card

When Paperfin Rascal comes into play, clash with an opponent. If you win, put a +1/+1 counter on Paperfin Rascal. (Each clashing player reveals the top card of his or her library, then puts that card on the top or bottom. A player wins if his or her card had a higher converted mana cost.)

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Paperfin Rascal acts a fantastic addition for players focused on hand optimization. It not only becomes a creature with a decent body on the board but also allows you to peek at the top card of your library. If it’s a nonland card that you can cast, Paperfin Rascal enables you to draw it, beefing up your hand and providing strategic flexibility during gameplay.

Resource Acceleration: While Paperfin Rascal itself doesn’t directly create additional mana, it does complement decks that thrive on casting multiple spells within short succession. By potentially drawing that nonland card, you effectively expedite your game plan. Also, being a low-cost card, it preserves your mana sources for other use, aligning with an efficient resource acceleration strategy.

Instant Speed: Paperfin Rascal might not be cast at instant speed, but it synergizes well with instant speed spells in your deck. This is because it works with your overall strategy without interfering with your ability to respond to your opponent’s moves. Having Paperfin Rascal on the field means any card drawn during your upkeep could be an instant, setting you up for perfect timing and unexpected tricks during your opponent’s turn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Paperfin Rascal requires players to discard another card to fully utilize its abilities. This can be a significant setback in game stages where maintaining hand advantage is critical.

Specific Mana Cost: This creature card demands both blue and red mana, necessitating a commitment to two colors which may not fit smoothly into all deck strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that includes three mana of any color plus one blue and red, Paperfin Rascal may seem expensive when there are alternative cards with lower mana requirements offering similar or better effects.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Paperfin Rascal works well in a wide array of deck types, especially those that lean on synergy between creature types or require specific card arrangements for success.

Combo Potential: This card’s ability to let players look at the top card of their deck can be leveraged to set up the perfect draw or rearrange the top card to maximize the impact of library manipulation strategies.

Meta-Relevance: Within the meta, where game knowledge and board state anticipation are critical, Paperfin Rascal serves as a subtle yet powerful tool to gain that competitive edge.

How to Beat Paperfin Rascal

Paperfin Rascal introduces a unique blend of decision-making and chance to the gameplay of Magic: The Gathering. The ability to manipulate the top card of your library can be potent, especially in formats that cherish library interaction. This nimble creature might beckon players to tailor a strategy around this particular mechanic. Nevertheless, there are numerous ways to counter this seemingly innocuous threat.

The key to overcoming the Paperfin Rascal lies within your ability to control board states and manage resources wisely. Removal spells are your first line of defense—consider using efficient one-for-one spells like Fatal Push or Path to Exile to quickly dispatch of the Rascal before its controller can gain significant advantage. Furthermore, make use of cards that alter deck composition such as Grafdigger’s Cage to stifle strategies reliant on library manipulation. Reducing the options available for the rascal’s controller makes it less likely that they’ll find the cards they need.

Adaptability is paramount—your deck should be flexible enough to contend with a variety of threats. As such, Paperfin Rascal requires immediate attention but should not derail your overarching game plan. With the correct tools and a proactive approach, you can ensure the rascal’s tricks are short-lived, maintaining dominance over the game’s flow and progressing towards your ultimate victory.

Cards like Paperfin Rascal

Paperfin Rascal is a unique creature card in MTG which stands out due to its ability to peek at the top card of the deck anytime. It shares this glimpse capability with the likes of Mystic Speculation, an intriguing spell that allows a player to scry 3, offering a limited yet potent forecast of the plays to come. While Mystic Speculation offers a deeper look into the deck with a single use, Paperfin Rascal provides a continuous albeit shallower deck awareness.

Another card that invites comparison is Sigiled Starfish, affectionately known as ‘scryfish’ by the community. Similar to our finned friend, the starfish lets a player scry 1 each turn, once again providing consistent deck manipulation, although it operates on a fixed schedule, during your upkeep. Contrary to the Rascal’s anytime trigger, ‘scryfish’ demands timing and forward planning.

In evaluating these cards, Paperfin Rascal offers an interesting balance between accessible knowledge and a flexible trigger mechanism. It may not dig as deep as other scry actions, but what it lacks in depth it makes up for in versatility, making it a worthy consideration for players who value adaptability and constant insight.

Cards similar to Paperfin Rascal by color, type and mana cost

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Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Paperfin Rascal 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 Paperfin Rascal and other MTG cards: