Dogged Detective MTG Card


Analyzing Dogged Detective reveals it as a card draw engine that can tip game balance subtly over time. Clues from Dogged Detective offer flexibility, complementing instant speed plays and resource acceleration. Savvy MTG players can counter Dogged Detective’s impact with precise removal spells and counterspells.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Human Rogue
Abilities Surveil
Power 2
Toughness 1

Text of card

When Dogged Detective enters the battlefield, surveil 2. (Look at the top two cards of your library, then put any number of them into your graveyard and the rest on top of your library in any order.) Whenever an opponent draws their second card each turn, you may return Dogged Detective from your graveyard to your hand.


Cards like Dogged Detective

The introduction of Dogged Detective into the world of Magic: The Gathering draws comparisons to other creatures that embody the essence of inquisition. Much like the Tireless Tracker, Dogged Detective offers a way to draw more cards which is crucial for maintaining momentum in the game. Both creatures thrive on the investigative gameplay, turning actions into valuable clues, but the Tracker gains power and toughness with each clue it investigates. This slight edge makes the Tracker a robust choice for many players.

Another card with an analogous mechanic is Bygone Bishop, which also rewards players with a clue for casting creatures of lower power. However, Dogged Detective is uniquely positioned for those who favor control strategies that benefit from observational tactics rather than solely creature-based strategies.

Overall, Dogged Detective finds its niche among MTG creatures that synergize with clue-generation. Its ability to become a repeating source of card advantage can be likened to that of other detective-themed cards, but its own merits lie in its unyielding commitment to the truth—unearthing clues with every untapped opportunity.

Tireless Tracker - MTG Card versions
Bygone Bishop - MTG Card versions
Tireless Tracker - MTG Card versions
Bygone Bishop - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Dogged Detective by color, type and mana cost

Drudge Skeletons - MTG Card versions
Nether Shadow - MTG Card versions
Erg Raiders - MTG Card versions
Cyclopean Mummy - MTG Card versions
Cuombajj Witches - MTG Card versions
Order of the Ebon Hand - MTG Card versions
Bog Imp - MTG Card versions
Wall of Corpses - MTG Card versions
Blighted Shaman - MTG Card versions
Rabid Rats - MTG Card versions
Dakmor Bat - MTG Card versions
Ravenous Rats - MTG Card versions
Flesh Reaver - MTG Card versions
Bloodcurdler - MTG Card versions
Nantuko Shade - MTG Card versions
Piper of the Swarm - MTG Card versions
Undead Augur - MTG Card versions
Black Knight - MTG Card versions
Shepherd of Rot - MTG Card versions
Swarm of Rats - MTG Card versions
Drudge Skeletons - MTG Card versions
Nether Shadow - MTG Card versions
Erg Raiders - MTG Card versions
Cyclopean Mummy - MTG Card versions
Cuombajj Witches - MTG Card versions
Order of the Ebon Hand - MTG Card versions
Bog Imp - MTG Card versions
Wall of Corpses - MTG Card versions
Blighted Shaman - MTG Card versions
Rabid Rats - MTG Card versions
Dakmor Bat - MTG Card versions
Ravenous Rats - MTG Card versions
Flesh Reaver - MTG Card versions
Bloodcurdler - MTG Card versions
Nantuko Shade - MTG Card versions
Piper of the Swarm - MTG Card versions
Undead Augur - MTG Card versions
Black Knight - MTG Card versions
Shepherd of Rot - MTG Card versions
Swarm of Rats - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Dogged Detective empowers your deck by offering consistent card draw each time you investigate. This mechanic gradually tips the scales in your favor, ensuring you have access to more options as the game progresses.

Resource Acceleration: While Dogged Detective doesn’t directly produce mana or treasure tokens, it gives you clues—objects that can be sacrificed for cards, effectively speeding up your ability to find your resources and key spells.

Instant Speed: As a creature, Dogged Detective doesn’t operate at instant speed itself. However, the clues it generates can be sacrificed at instant speed, allowing you to draw cards on your opponent’s turn and keep up the pace even when playing reactively.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Playing Dogged Detective asks you to discard a card, potentially depleting your hand and putting you at a disadvantage, especially if your deck relies on maintaining card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Dogged Detective’s mana cost includes white, which may not mesh well with all deck strategies, particularly those that don’t feature white or multicolor synergies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Needing three mana to cast, Dogged Detective may not seem like the best investment, considering there are other creatures or spells that might provide more immediate tactical benefits for the same or even lower mana investment.


Reasons to Include Dogged Detective in Your Collection

Versatility: Dogged Detective is a card that lends itself well to a variety of deck types, notably those that capitalize on creature-based strategies or information gathering mechanics.

Combo Potential: The clues obtained from Dogged Detective’s abilities can be leveraged for draw effects or synergized with other cards that thrive on artifact manipulation, offering diverse avenues for creative combos.

Meta-Relevance: In a game landscape where understanding opponent’s strategies is key, Dogged Detective offers insights into your adversary’s hand, potentially steering the match in your favor by anticipating and disrupting their tactics.


How to beat

Dogged Detective makes a unique mark within Magic: The Gathering as a creature that thrives on the game’s investigative mechanics. Its ability to collect Clues and then use those to draw cards sets it apart from routine creatures, as it turns resource accumulation into potential game-winning card advantage. This creature becomes a thread in the tapestry of control and tempo strategies, often requiring a different approach to tackle effectively.

To counter this savvy sleuth, prioritize removal spells that can bypass its Clue-gathering abilities or prevent it from hitting the field in the first place. Fast, targeted removals like Fatal Push or Path to Exile are efficient ways to deal with it before it can become a problem. Alternatively, utilizing counterspells such as Counterspell or Negate can ensure that Dogged Detective never starts its investigation on your game plan. Moreover, implementing graveyard disruption tools can negate the benefits gained from the Clues amassed, stalling an opponent’s card draw engine.

Hence, adeptly dealing with Dogged Detective relies on understanding its strengths within clue strategies and smartly integrating removals or counters, ensuring the detective’s case remains unsolved and your path to victory undeterred.


BurnMana Recommendations

With Dogged Detective carving its niche in the MTG metagame, players have compelling reasons to add this inquisitive creature to their arsenal. Its consistent clue generation can bolster your strategic edge, transforming every match into a treasure trove of opportunities. Whether you’re honing a control strategy or fine-tuning a deck that thrives on card synergy, Dogged Detective’s utility can’t be overlooked. Keen to uncover the full potential of this card and how it could revolutionize your gameplay? Dive into an in-depth analysis with us, where we decrypt the secrets to leveraging Dogged Detective’s abilities for maximum impact on the battlefield. Join the BurnMana community for richer insights and strategies tailored to elevate your MTG experiences.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Dogged Detective MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and New Capenna Commander, 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 Dogged Detective and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Dogged Detective Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2022-04-29 and 2024-02-09. Illustrated by Caroline Gariba.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 998192015NormalBlackCaroline Gariba
22022-04-29New Capenna CommanderNCC 352015NormalBlackCaroline Gariba
32022-04-29New Capenna CommanderNCC 1362015NormalBlackCaroline Gariba
42024-02-09Murders at Karlov Manor CommanderMKC 1272015NormalBlackCaroline Gariba

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Dogged Detective has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Dogged Detective card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2022-04-29 Dogged Detective doesn't need to be in the graveyard when the first card is drawn for its last ability to trigger. As long as it is in the graveyard when an opponent draws their second card in a turn, it will trigger.