Merfolk of the Pearl Trident MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 25 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Merfolk
Power 1
Toughness 1

Key Takeaways

  1. Merfolk of the Pearl Trident bolsters tribal decks, enabling synergistic card advantage and board presence.
  2. Its utility in resource acceleration strategies is amplified within Merfolk synergies, increasing play speed.
  3. A one-drop creature that complements instant speed strategies, maintaining reactive play while building the board.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Merfolk of the Pearl Trident is a classic example of a card that integrates well with deck themes to synergize and create card advantage. While it may not draw cards directly, its Merfolk type allows it to benefit from tribal support cards, often yielding indirect card advantage through empowerment of your board presence.

Resource Acceleration: In the realm of resource acceleration, this card alone may not generate additional mana. However, when it’s part of a Merfolk deck featuring cards that untap lands or other Merfolk, it contributes to an overall strategy of ramping up your resources, allowing you to play your hand at a quicker pace.

Instant Speed: Though Merfolk of the Pearl Trident is not an instant itself, it pairs excellently with cards that operate at instant speed. As part of a strategy that keeps mana open for counterspells or instant speed interaction, playing this one-drop creature early on allows you to establish a board while still keeping options open to react to an opponent’s actions.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While this card doesn’t have a discard requirement per se, it’s important for players to weigh the card slot it occupies against potential alternatives. This can be especially critical when considering the overall deck synergy and card draw opportunities, as it may not always contribute effectively to your hand or battlefield presence.

Specific Mana Cost: Merfolk of the Pearl Trident comes with a mono blue mana cost. Although this can seamlessly fit into blue-themed decks, it may be less desirable for multi-colored decks where mana flexibility is key. It means that this card can occasionally restrict deck-building options and hinder the inclusion of more versatile or powerful creatures.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Sporting a mana cost for a 1/1 vanilla creature, many players find that Merfolk of the Pearl Trident doesn’t provide a cost-effective benefit when compared to other cards with the same cost. More impactful creatures or spells might offer greater utility or combat prowess, which can sway the balance of the game more in your favor than the humble Merfolk can.


Reasons to Include Merfolk of the Pearl Trident in Your Collection

Versatility: As a classic creature card, Merfolk of the Pearl Trident slides easily into mono-blue or multicolored decks that capitalize on tribal synergies. With the right support, this card can reinforce your battlefield presence from the early game.

Combo Potential: This card works well with strategies focused on discounting creature spells or those that trigger effects based on the number of creatures you control. It’s also a fitting choice for decks that profit from tap and untap mechanics.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta that heavily favors creature-based tactics, having a cost-effective creature like this merfolk can be beneficial to outpace opponents with aggressive starts or to enable larger strategies for creature-based combos.


How to beat

Merfolk of the Pearl Trident, while iconic, is a fundamental creature card in the expansive world of Magic: The Gathering. As a card that’s been around since the game’s inception, it has a simple structure: a single blue mana for a modest 1/1 creature. Its strength lies not in its individual power but in its potential to bolster the might of a Merfolk deck synergistically.

To outplay this card, focus on removal spells that can handle multiple creatures at once. A card like Pyroclasm or Electrickery can be excellent choices to sweep away these small creatures before they can be buffed by other Merfolk or enchantments. Additionally, keeping a counter strategy ready for Merfolk lords—cards that strengthen other Merfolk—can prevent your opponent’s Merfolk from becoming too overwhelming. Lastly, implementing flying or other evasive creatures can often bypass the Merfolk’s defensive lines, offering an avenue to victory against decks that feature Merfolk of the Pearl Trident.

Overcoming a Merfolk deck requires tactical response and preemptive control to ensure these sea dwellers do not take over the game with their camaraderie and numbers.


Cards like Merfolk of the Pearl Trident

Merfolk of the Pearl Trident brings the classic flavor of oceanic influence into MTG as an archetype of the merfolk tribe. Its simplicity is mirrored by other one-mana creatures like Silvergill Adept, yet the latter offers more as it combines the potential to draw a card when it enters the battlefield, provided you reveal a merfolk or pay additional mana. In contrast, the Merfolk of the Pearl Trident stands as a straightforward creature, lacking additional abilities or triggers.

Exploring the family of modestly costed blue creatures, we find Zephyr Sprite, which shares the same mana cost. However, Zephyr Sprite boasts flying, allowing it to evade many defenders and get in those key early hits. While Merfolk of the Pearl Trident may appeal due to its tribal synergies, other cards in the category seem to offer more dynamic play options and strategic depth. Another card worth mentioning is Mist-Cloaked Herald which can’t be blocked, ensuring it can press damage through congested boards where Merfolk of the Pearl Trident might falter.

All considered, for those building a deck centered around merfolk or requiring a broad number of creatures, Merfolk of the Pearl Trident can serve as a foundational card, although there are stronger alternatives for those seeking impactful abilities or more nuanced card interactions.

Silvergill Adept - MTG Card versions
Zephyr Sprite - MTG Card versions
Mist-Cloaked Herald - MTG Card versions
Silvergill Adept - Lorwyn (LRW)
Zephyr Sprite - Magic 2010 (M10)
Mist-Cloaked Herald - Rivals of Ixalan (RIX)

Cards similar to Merfolk of the Pearl Trident by color, type and mana cost

Flying Men - MTG Card versions
Shrieking Drake - MTG Card versions
Cloud Pirates - MTG Card versions
Rootwater Diver - MTG Card versions
Fledgling Osprey - MTG Card versions
Manta Riders - MTG Card versions
Faerie Squadron - MTG Card versions
Faerie Seer - MTG Card versions
Ruin Crab - MTG Card versions
Fugitive Wizard - MTG Card versions
Wandering Ones - MTG Card versions
Teardrop Kami - MTG Card versions
Dreamcatcher - MTG Card versions
Drifter il-Dal - MTG Card versions
Sage of Epityr - MTG Card versions
Screeching Sliver - MTG Card versions
Timebender - MTG Card versions
Cloud Sprite - MTG Card versions
Merrow Witsniper - MTG Card versions
Cursecatcher - MTG Card versions
Flying Men - Time Spiral Timeshifted (TSB)
Shrieking Drake - Media Inserts (PMEI)
Cloud Pirates - Portal (POR)
Rootwater Diver - Tempest (TMP)
Fledgling Osprey - Urza's Destiny (UDS)
Manta Riders - Battle Royale Box Set (BRB)
Faerie Squadron - Invasion (INV)
Faerie Seer - Wilds of Eldraine Commander (WOC)
Ruin Crab - Zendikar Rising (ZNR)
Fugitive Wizard - Ninth Edition (9ED)
Wandering Ones - Champions of Kamigawa (CHK)
Teardrop Kami - Betrayers of Kamigawa (BOK)
Dreamcatcher - Saviors of Kamigawa (SOK)
Drifter il-Dal - Time Spiral (TSP)
Sage of Epityr - Time Spiral (TSP)
Screeching Sliver - Secret Lair Drop (SLD)
Timebender - Planar Chaos (PLC)
Cloud Sprite - Tenth Edition (10E)
Merrow Witsniper - Morningtide (MOR)
Cursecatcher - Shadowmoor (SHM)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Merfolk of the Pearl Trident MTG card by a specific set like Limited Edition Alpha and Limited Edition Beta, 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 Merfolk of the Pearl Trident and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Merfolk of the Pearl Trident Magic the Gathering card was released in 22 different sets between 1993-08-05 and 2022-11-28. Illustrated by 5 different artists.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11993-08-05Limited Edition AlphaLEA 661993normalblackJeff A. Menges
21993-10-04Limited Edition BetaLEB 671993normalblackJeff A. Menges
31993-12-01Unlimited Edition2ED 671993normalwhiteJeff A. Menges
41993-12-10Collectors' EditionCED 671993normalblackJeff A. Menges
51993-12-10Intl. Collectors' EditionCEI 671993normalblackJeff A. Menges
61994-04-01Revised Edition3ED 681993normalwhiteJeff A. Menges
71994-04-01Foreign Black BorderFBB 681993normalblackJeff A. Menges
81994-06-21Summer Magic / EdgarSUM 681993normalwhiteJeff A. Menges
91995-04-01Fourth Edition4ED 861993normalwhiteJeff A. Menges
101995-04-01Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border4BB 861993normalblackJeff A. Menges
111996-07-01Rivals Quick Start SetRQS 101993normalwhiteJeff A. Menges
121996-12-31Introductory Two-Player SetITP 101993normalwhiteJeff A. Menges
131997-03-24Fifth Edition5ED 1041997normalwhiteJohn Matson
141997-05-01PortalPOR 601997normalblackDiTerlizzi
151999-04-21Classic Sixth Edition6ED 821997normalwhiteDiTerlizzi
161999-07-01Starter 1999S99 421997normalwhiteDiTerlizzi
172001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 901997normalwhiteRay Lago
182001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 90★1997normalblackRay Lago
192001-08-08World Championship Decks 2001WC01 ab901997normalgoldRay Lago
202005-08-22Salvat 2005PSAL E422003normalwhiteRay Lago
212005-08-22Salvat 2005PSAL E432003normalwhiteRay Lago
222012-07-13Magic 2013M13 602003normalblackRay Lago
232019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 7142015normalborderlessDani Pendergast
242022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 3631997normalblackJeff A. Menges
252022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 662015normalblackJeff A. Menges

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Merfolk of the Pearl Trident has restrictions

FormatLegality
OldschoolLegal
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

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