Matsu-Tribe Birdstalker MTG Card

Matsu-Tribe Birdstalker - Saviors of Kamigawa

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Snake Warrior Archer
Released	2005-06-03
Set symbol
Set name	Saviors of Kamigawa
Set code	SOK
Power	2
Toughness	2
Number	137
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Heather Hudson

Key Takeaways

Its reach makes it a reliable defender against flyers, bolstering aerial defense in any deck.
Instant speed first strike activation enhances combat tactics and surprises foes.
Can be hindered by low board presence or targeted removal, affecting its combat abilities.

Text of card

Whenever Matsu-Tribe Birdstalker deals combat damage to a creature, tap that creature and it doesn't untap during its controller's next untap step. : Matsu-Tribe Birdstalker may block as though it had flying until end of turn.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Matsu-Tribe Birdstalker provides unique board presence with its ability to be both an attacker and potential blocker due to its reach attribute. By engaging in combat, it can also translate into a card advantage if it discourages opponents from attacking with flyers or trades favorably with an enemy creature.

Resource Acceleration: Although Matsu-Tribe Birdstalker doesn’t directly accelerate resources in the form of mana, its synergistic role in green decks can complement strategies that lead to quicker resource development. Its tribal affiliation may become an asset within decks that capitalize on creature types.

Instant Speed: The Birdstalker’s activated ability to gain first strike can be activated at instant speed, allowing savvy players to create surprise hindrances for opponents during combat. This reactive capability makes the Matsu-Tribe Birdstalker a versatile card in maintaining board control and outmaneuvering opponents’ combat strategies.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Matsu-Tribe Birdstalker requires you to have another green creature card on the battlefield to activate its “Tap an untapped green creature you control” ability. This can be limiting if your board presence is low or if you’re facing off against a strategy that frequently removes your creatures.

Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost of the Matsu-Tribe Birdstalker is specifically tailored to green decks, potentially restricting its inclusion in multicolored or colorless decks that might benefit from its abilities but can’t afford to adjust their mana base accordingly.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana cost sitting at three, including two green, it might be just a tad too costly compared to other cards that offer similar utility or power level. Players might opt for more cost-effective creatures to fill the same role in their decks without impacting their mana efficiency.

Reasons to Include Matsu-Tribe Birdstalker in Your Collection

Versatility: Matsu-Tribe Birdstalker brings more than just combat power to your decks. Its ability to block flying creatures gives you an edge against aerial threats, making it a solid addition to decks that lack reach or flying.

Combo Potential: This card’s untap capability pairs well with cards that trigger on untapping or require tap mechanics, enabling intricate combos and surprising your opponents with unexpected maneuvers.

Meta-Relevance: With decks that often exploit the skies, Matsu-Tribe Birdstalker could prove essential. It’s particularly practical in formats where flying creatures dominate, providing a defensive measure that is both affordable and efficient.

How to beat

Matsu-Tribe Birdstalker is an intriguing creature to face in Magic: The Gathering gameplay. This card offers a blend of offensive potential and the capacity to sidestep spells, thanks to its reach ability and the potential to gain vigilance if you have two untapped green creatures. Understanding the battlefield context is essential when dealing with this versatile adversary.

Overcoming Matsu-Tribe Birdstalker requires strategic planning. Removing it before the combat phase prevents the vigilance activation, stifling its flexibility. Utilizing spot removal spells that bypass its reach, such as Shock or Fatal Push, can neutralize the Birdstalker efficiently. Moreover, taking advantage of flying creatures can outmaneuver its capabilities, as its reach is nullified if you can clear the card responsible for its vigilance bonus. Additionally, deploying larger creatures can overshadow the Birdstalker, as it boasts a moderate power and toughness ratio.

Conclusively, while Matsu-Tribe Birdstalker can be a nuisance on the battlefield, it’s far from invincible. By employing timely removal, flying creatures, or simply bigger threats, you can navigate around its strengths and maintain control of the game.

Cards like Matsu-Tribe Birdstalker

Matsu-Tribe Birdstalker is an intriguing creature card within Magic: The Gathering, known for its blend of offensive presence and defensive utility. Its closest relatives in terms of functionality are cards like Serrated Biskelion and Thornweald Archer. Both share the deathtouch ability, making them formidable defenders capable of taking down much larger creatures. However, Matsu-Tribe Birdstalker bears the unique trait of having reach, enabling it to block flying creatures, a distinction that both Serrated Biskelion and Thornweald Archer lack.

Another comparison can be drawn with the card Sentinel Spider. While Sentinel Spider also carries vigilance along with reach, it comes at a higher mana cost, thus making Matsu-Tribe Birdstalker a more mana-efficient option for early game defense against creatures with flying. Additionally, Norwood Ranger stands as an equivalent in green creature cards that excel in blocking flying creatures. Yet, it doesn’t boast the deathtouch ability, which limits its prowess only to deterring aerial assaults rather than being a constant board threat.

Overall, Matsu-Tribe Birdstalker offers a unique package with its reach and potential for aggression, positioning itself as a versatile choice for players looking to reinforce their defenses against flying threats while maintaining the ability to counterattack effectively in MTG.

Cards similar to Matsu-Tribe Birdstalker by color, type and mana cost

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Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Matsu-Tribe Birdstalker MTG card by a specific set like Saviors of Kamigawa, 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 Matsu-Tribe Birdstalker and other MTG cards: