Elves of Deep Shadow MTG Card


Elves of Deep Shadow enables enhanced play by increasing mana availability, crucial for early game progression. It requires proper mana setup with specific color needs, curbing its flexibility in non-Golgari decks. This card is an asset in MTG collections for its mana acceleration and combo potential in multi-color decks.
Card setsReleased in 8 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Elf Druid
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

oc T: Add o B to your mana pool, and Elves of Deep Shadow do 1 damage to you. This ability is played as an interrupt.

"They are aberrations who have turned on everything we hold sacred. Let them be cast out." —Ailheen, Speaker of the Council


Cards like Elves of Deep Shadow

Elves of Deep Shadow stands as a unique fixture in the roster of mana-generating creatures within Magic: The Gathering. It draws a parallel with Llanowar Elves, widely recognized for its straightforward single green mana production. Elves of Deep Shadow, on the flip side, forgoes the simplicity, providing a black mana at the cost of a single life point—a small price for color fixing.

Exploring further, Birds of Paradise adds another dimension to the comparison. This feathered friend also taps for a wide array of mana, but without the life loss, showcasing its advantage in decks concerned with life total. Elves of Deep Shadow, however, boasts a toughness advantage, potentially influencing board stability.

Analysing Elves of Deep Shadow alongside its counterparts reveals its unique niche in MTG. Offering an alternative to primarily green mana decks, the card enables a splash for black mana, which might be critical in certain strategies that require such versatility. This close look allows players to weigh the pros and cons of including Elves of Deep Shadow in their decks, evaluating its synergies and potential trade-offs in game play.

Llanowar Elves - MTG Card versions
Birds of Paradise - MTG Card versions
Llanowar Elves - MTG Card versions
Birds of Paradise - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Elves of Deep Shadow by color, type and mana cost

Valentin, Dean of the Vein // Lisette, Dean of the Root - MTG Card versions
Odious Trow - MTG Card versions
Slitherhead - MTG Card versions
Deathrite Shaman - MTG Card versions
Gnarlroot Trapper - MTG Card versions
Ravenous Squirrel - MTG Card versions
Valentin, Dean of the Vein // Lisette, Dean of the Root - MTG Card versions
Odious Trow - MTG Card versions
Slitherhead - MTG Card versions
Deathrite Shaman - MTG Card versions
Gnarlroot Trapper - MTG Card versions
Ravenous Squirrel - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
DecklistDecklist Free formCanadian Highlander for Duals - Underground Sea Guaranteed - Proxies Allowed
Golgari ElvesGolgari Elves ModernGolgari Elves$5K RCQ - Modern - SCG CON Philadelphia - Sunday - 9:00 am

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Elves of Deep Shadow may not directly allow you to draw cards, but by providing an additional mana source, it effectively increases your ability to play more of your hand, thus maintaining card presence on the board.

Resource Acceleration: As a one-drop creature, it accelerates your mana resources, enabling you to cast spells above your current land count. This can be crucial for outpacing your opponent in the early game stages.

Instant Speed: While Elves of Deep Shadow itself isn’t an instant, the mana it provides can be used during any phase of your turn or your opponent’s, allowing for flexibility with instant-speed spells in your deck.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Elves of Deep Shadow does not directly impose a discard requirement on the user. However, its ability to help ramp and fix mana might lead players to prematurely discard cards in hopes of deploying higher-cost spells sooner, potentially leaving them short on options later in the game.

Specific Mana Cost: Although cost-effective, Elves of Deep Shadow demands a particular mana setup. Requiring both green for casting and producing black mana with its tapping ability, it is most at home in Golgari decks or those that comfortably incorporate both colors, potentially restricting the card’s versatility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While one mana is generally low, when talking about mana dorks in MTG, the self-inflicted damage incurred when tapping Elves of Deep Shadow for black mana is significant. This cost is higher compared to other mana dorks like Llanowar Elves, which taps for green mana without any drawback, making turn-to-turn decisions about resource management more critical for the user.


Reasons to Include Elves of Deep Shadow in Your Collection

Versatility: Elves of Deep Shadow is a dynamic addition to any deck requiring early mana acceleration and color fixing. Its ability to tap for black mana makes it a valuable asset in multi-color decks, particularly those that run Golgari colors.

Combo Potential: As a one-drop creature, it can be essential for setting up game-winning combos. It’s not just mana ramp—its ability to tap for mana the same turn it’s played can be crucial for quick combo execution.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where speed can dictate the victor, Elves of Deep Shadow provides an edge. It’s especially relevant in formats like Commander, where mana efficiency and early board presence are pivotal.


How to beat Elves of Deep Shadow

Elves of Deep Shadow, a staple in green-black decks, provides a unique duality as both a mana duff and a low-cost creature. Unlike its counterparts such as Llanowar Elves or Birds of Paradise, Elves of Deep Shadow damages its controller in exchange for tapping for black mana, offering a nuanced edge in multicolored decks.

To thwart this pesky one-drop, targeted removal is key. Early-game spells like Shock or Fatal Push can eliminate it swiftly, hindering your opponent’s mana development and pace. Additionally, spells that deal damage to each creature, like Pyroclasm, can clear Elves of Deep Shadow alongside other creatures without the need to target individually. Therefore, keeping removal in hand and prioritizing threats like Elves of Deep Shadow can maintain pressure on your opponent and disrupt their strategy effectively.

A strategic approach against decks employing Elves of Deep Shadow includes managing resources to deal with both the creature and the potential mana acceleration it provides. Be mindful of your opponent’s mana base and aim to disrupt it while bolstering your own board state to gain the upper hand and counteract the early advantage Elves of Deep Shadow might provide.


BurnMana Recommendations

Embracing the strategic nuances of MTG is crucial for any player looking to gain an advantage. With cards like Elves of Deep Shadow offering unique benefits for mana acceleration and color fixing, understanding the role such cards play in your deck is pivotal. If you’re keen on refining your strategy and building a collection that shines in versatility and efficiency, we’re here to aid your journey. From the intricacies of single-card dynamics to the broader strokes of deck building, our insights will help you harness the true potential of your arsenal. Join us on BurnMana, where the path to becoming an adept MTG tactician unfolds.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Elves of Deep Shadow MTG card by a specific set like The Dark and Magic Online Promos, 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 Elves of Deep Shadow and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Elves of Deep Shadow Magic the Gathering card was released in 8 different sets between 1994-08-01 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11994-08-01The DarkDRK 761993NormalBlackJesper Myrfors
22002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 359742003NormalBlackJesper Myrfors
32005-10-07Ravnica: City of GuildsRAV 1612003NormalBlackJustin Sweet
42009-09-07Masters Edition IIIME3 1161997NormalBlackJesper Myrfors
52012-09-07Duel Decks: Izzet vs. GolgariDDJ 472003NormalBlackJustin Sweet
62018-11-02GRN Guild KitGK1 562015NormalBlackJustin Sweet
72019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 11932015NormalBlackJustin Sweet
82020-09-26The ListPLST GK1-562015NormalBlackJustin Sweet

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Elves of Deep Shadow has restrictions

FormatLegality
OldschoolLegal
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal