Cephalid Constable MTG Card


Cephalid Constable’s combat damage effect can turn the tide by returning multiple permanents to an opponent’s hand. Boosting its power can enhance the bounce effect, aligning with control strategies for assured board advantage. Despite the utility, its higher mana cost and specific color requirement may limit deck versatility.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Cephalid Wizard
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

Whenever Cephalid Constable deals combat damage to a player, return up to X target permanents that player controls to their owners' hands, where X is the damage it dealt to that player.

Cephalids don't police people. They police loyalties.


Cards like Cephalid Constable

Cephalid Constable is a unique creature in the world of Magic: The Gathering, bringing a distinctive effect to the battlefield that’s hard to compare. Its ability to return a number of permanents to an opponent’s hand equal to damage dealt makes it a formidable utility in the right deck. While there are other creatures that provide bounce effects, such as Man-o’-War or Venser, Shaper Savant, these cards offer one-time effects, while the Constable can repeatedly clear the board each time it deals combat damage to a player.

Another peer in the realm of repeatable bounce effects is Tradewind Rider. Although requiring teamwork with other creatures to tap and activate, it can also disrupt opponents turn after turn. But while the Rider requires more strategic setup, Cephalid Constable boasts an independent operation, relying solely on its own power, potentially amplified by auras or equipment, to wreak havoc.

Analyzing the versatility of Cephalid Constable in comparison with its counterparts, it shines in its niche, particularly in decks designed around unblockable creatures or spells that increase creature power. This synergy allows the Constable to become not just a temporary obstacle, but a recurring nightmare for opponents, making it a standout option in blue decks that seek to control the board.

Man-o'-War - MTG Card versions
Venser, Shaper Savant - MTG Card versions
Tradewind Rider - MTG Card versions
Man-o'-War - MTG Card versions
Venser, Shaper Savant - MTG Card versions
Tradewind Rider - MTG Card versions

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Wall of Water - MTG Card versions
Prodigal Sorcerer - MTG Card versions
Apprentice Wizard - MTG Card versions
Homarid - MTG Card versions
Daring Apprentice - MTG Card versions
Time Elemental - MTG Card versions
Rootwater Shaman - MTG Card versions
Wind Drake - MTG Card versions
Volrath's Shapeshifter - MTG Card versions
Stronghold Biologist - MTG Card versions
Quicksilver Wall - MTG Card versions
Wall of Air - MTG Card versions
Phantom Warrior - MTG Card versions
Wormfang Drake - MTG Card versions
Animating Faerie // Bring to Life - MTG Card versions
Ghost of Ramirez DePietro - MTG Card versions
Grazilaxx, Illithid Scholar - MTG Card versions
Queen of Ice // Rage of Winter - MTG Card versions
Mistform Warchief - MTG Card versions
Horned Turtle - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Cephalid Constable. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Simic TempoSimic Tempo Legacy$1K - Legacy - SCG CON Atlanta - Sunday - 9:30 am

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Cephalid Constable can be a powerful tool for gaining card advantage. When it deals combat damage to a player, you may return up to that many target permanents that player controls to their hand. This disrupts the opponent’s board state and generates a potential card advantage by making them replay their resources.

Resource Acceleration: While this card itself doesn’t directly provide resource acceleration, bouncing numerous permanents can set your opponent back significantly, essentially accelerating your position relative to theirs. In combination with spells or effects that increase its power, Cephalid Constable can clear the way for your continued development unimpeded by an opponent’s defenses.

Instant Speed: Abilities at instant speed enhance the versatility of any strategy. Though Cephalid Constable’s ability activates upon dealing combat damage, pairing it with instant speed tricks or equipments that can sneak it through defenses or protect it can be instrumental, aligning with instant speed’s philosophy of keeping your options open and reacting to your opponent’s moves effectively.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Playing Cephalid Constable requires a strategic hand because it necessitates having other cards to play that enable its bounce ability. If your hand is depleted or low on cards, you might not exploit its full potential, which can sometimes lead to unfavorable situations on the battlefield.

Specific Mana Cost: The Constable’s casting cost includes two blue mana symbols, which means it fits predominantly into blue-themed decks or those with a reliable mana base that can accommodate blue mana. This requirement can restrict the card’s adaptability across various deck types, especially in formats where mana flexibility is key.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a three mana value where two must be blue, Cephalid Constable’s cost may be significant when considering deck tempo, especially given that its 1/1 stats do not immediately impact the board. Players often gauge the value of a card by its immediate presence or ability to change the game state, and in high-paced games, investing three mana for a small creature may not always be the most efficient move.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Cephalid Constable offers a unique approach to control strategies, being able to bounce multiple permanents with just one successful attack. This trait makes it a flexible fit in decks that can enhance its power or protect it on the battlefield.

Combo Potential: When paired with spells or effects that increase its power, Cephalid Constable can become a key piece in a combo that clears the opponent’s board and paves the way for victory. Its ability to return a growing number of permanents to the opponent’s hand makes it a threat that can escalate quickly.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta-game where tempo plays a crucial role, Cephalid Constable shines by disrupting the opponent’s plays and gaining significant board advantage. This can be particularly effective in formats where creatures and permanents play a pivotal role in the game’s outcome.


How to beat

Cephalid Constable is a unique creature card that can pose a real challenge in Magic: The Gathering due to its ability to bounce a number of target permanents back to their owner’s hand equal to the damage it deals to a player. However, a reliable strategy to overpower this card is to control the battlefield and limit its damage potential. Cards that can disable, tap down, or Grant your creatures protection from blue are excellent for stopping the Constable in its tracks before it can become a nuisance.

Another effective strategy is to use removal spells. Since Cephalid Constable has low toughness, it’s susceptible to a range of common removal spells like Lightning Bolt or Doom Blade. These cards can dispose of the Constable quickly and efficiently. Lastly, employing creatures with the ability to block and kill the Constable, or using instant-speed spells to disrupt combat, can also ensure the Constable’s triggered ability never gets the chance to activate, keeping your permanents safe and maintaining control over the game state.

Understanding how to deploy these tactics flexibly during gameplay can make the difference between a frustrating defeat and a triumphant victory against Cephalid Constable and its bounce effect. The key lies in preparation and timing, ensuring you have the answers when you need them.


BurnMana Recommendations

MTG players who thrive on strategic board control can find Cephalid Constable to be an intriguing addition to their lineup. Its potential to reset your opponent’s battlefield by returning permanents to hand lends itself to creative and controlling blue decks. Perfect for players who enjoy intricate play patterns and have a knack for combining cards that enhance creature power. If you’re interested in seeing how this card can turn the tide of a game and want to deepen your understanding of nuanced MTG strategies, we encourage you to join our community where insights, tips, and in-depth discussions await to take your gameplay to new heights.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Cephalid Constable MTG card by a specific set like Judgment and Salvat 2005, 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 Cephalid Constable and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Cephalid Constable Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2002-05-27 and 2007-07-13. Illustrated by Alan Pollack.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-05-27JudgmentJUD 351997NormalBlackAlan Pollack
22005-08-22Salvat 2005PSAL E252003NormalWhiteAlan Pollack
32007-07-13Tenth Edition10E 722003NormalBlackAlan Pollack

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Cephalid Constable has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal