Karplusan Strider MTG Card


Karplusan Strider offers consistent board presence, deterring opponents with its protective nature. Strider’s immunity to usual removal spells allows for varied and fearless mana investments. Key in instant-speed strategies, remaining unaffected by many sorcery-speed removals.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Yeti
Power 3
Toughness 4

Text of card

Karplusan Strider can't be the target of blue or black spells.

The strider's long, loping gait is an adaptation that allows it to move quickly in deep snow.


Cards like Karplusan Strider

The Karplusan Strider may not be the most recognizable card in the Magic: The Gathering universe, but it’s a solid creature card with a straightforward purpose. Unaffected by instants due to its “can’t be the target of instants” ability, it reminds seasoned players of the classic feature found on Troll Ascetic. Troll Ascetic also comes with hexproof from instants, allowing it to evade such targeted spells, although it boasts a regeneration ability as well, providing even greater resilience.

Thrun, the Last Troll is another creature that can be pitted against the Strider for its similar qualities – it’s also impervious to sorcery and instant spells and features regeneration. However, Thrun sets itself apart by making himself uncounterable, offering a reliable creature presence on the battlefield in any circumstance.

When reflecting on this card’s role, Karplusan Strider stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness in environments where instant spells are prevalent. It’s a creature that can reliably stay on the board and challenge opponents without the fear of instant-speed removal, offering a strategic advantage for players who favor sturdy and straightforward gameplay.

Troll Ascetic - MTG Card versions
Thrun, the Last Troll - MTG Card versions
Troll Ascetic - MTG Card versions
Thrun, the Last Troll - MTG Card versions

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Card Pros

Card Advantage: While the Karplusan Strider does not directly contribute to drawing additional cards, its resilience to certain control spells means it’s more likely to stay on the battlefield longer, hence providing its owner with prolonged board presence and tactical advantages.

Resource Acceleration: Although the Karplusan Strider isn’t designed to directly accelerate resources in terms of mana, having a reliable creature that withstands sorcery-speed removal can allow players to confidently invest their mana in other spells and strategies without the fear of losing board state.

Instant Speed: The Karplusan Strider itself isn’t an instant, but its inherent protections can make it a critical piece in strategies that revolve around deploying threats at instant speed. Players can focus on instant-speed interactions knowing that their Strider is likely safe from many sorcery-speed removal spells.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Karplusan Strider lacks this downside, offering a seamless inclusion in decks without the need to lose card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: The Karplusan Strider demands a precise mana combination to cast, making it less flexible for multicolored decks that may struggle with the required green mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana, the Karplusan Strider may compete with other four-drop slots that provide additional utility or immediate board impact.


Reasons to Include Karplusan Strider in Your Collection

Versatility: Karplusan Strider may not appear flashy, but its immunity to blue spells makes it a resilient choice in formats where control decks with heavy blue influence dominate.

Combo Potential: Its inherent protection allows the Strider to be a reliable component in combos without the fear of being countered or targeted by common blue disruptions, making it a steadfast ally on the board.

Meta-Relevance: Given that blue control decks often play a significant role in the current meta, Karplusan Strider’s ability to slip through their defenses makes it an underrated yet strategically valuable creature to have in one’s arsenal.


How to beat

The Karplusan Strider in Magic: The Gathering stands out with its immunity to blue and black spells, which often leaves opponents in a lurch when trying to deal with it through targeted removal. Although this may seem daunting, there are effective strategies players can employ to overcome this resilient creature. Cards with colorless effects, such as those found on artifacts or eldrazi spells, can bypass the Strider’s protective ability. Board wipes that don’t target, like “Wrath of God” or “Damnation,” can sweep it away regardless of its protections.

Another angle of approach is utilizing red spells that deal damage to multiple creatures; these can be especially efficient if the Strider is part of a wider creature strategy. Finally, don’t overlook the power of combat tricks to outmaneuver this four-legged creature. Boosting your creatures’ power or leveraging deathtouch can turn a blocking situation in your favor, removing the Strider without the need for spells. By considering these tactics and maintaining a versatile deck, you can ensure the Karplusan Strider doesn’t stride over your chances of victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Karplusan Strider MTG card by a specific set like Coldsnap and Tenth Edition, 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 Karplusan Strider and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Karplusan Strider Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2006-07-21 and 2015-05-22. Illustrated by Dan Scott.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12006-07-21ColdsnapCSP 1122003NormalBlackDan Scott
22007-07-13Tenth Edition10E 2722003NormalBlackDan Scott
32015-05-22Modern Masters 2015MM2 1452015NormalBlackDan Scott

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Karplusan Strider has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal