Merfolk Looter MTG Card


Merfolk Looter excels in card selection, enhancing hand quality and resource flow during play. The looter’s ability aids in deck penetration, increasing the likelihood of drawing key spells or lands. Its synergy with various deck types makes it a valuable addition to any MTG collection.
Card setsReleased in 18 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Merfolk Rogue
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

oc T: Draw a card, then choose and discard a card.

In the depths of Rootwater, salvage and sewage differ only in texture.


Cards like Merfolk Looter

Merfolk Looter has carved out its niche in Magic: The Gathering as a quintessential card selection tool. This creature weaves its spell by tapping to draw and discard, opening a path for players to churn through their decks with finesse. Looking across the spectrum, Thought Courier bears striking resemblance to our aquatic friend. Stepping into the same waters, it allows a player to draw and discard a card, yet without the Merfolk tribal synergies that Merfolk Looter offers.

We also find Jace’s Archivist in this lineup, which broadens the draw-discard horizon to affect all players with its ability to rotate hands completely. However, it comes at a higher mana cost and operates on a different axis than the targeted, single-use ability of Merfolk Looter. Moreover, its wheel effect is not an easy substitute for the controlled, gradual filtration that Merfolk Looter affords.

Thus, Merfolk Looter remains a standout choice in its role, artfully balancing card selection with potential tribal interactions. Within the realm of draw-discard effects in Magic: The Gathering, Merfolk Looter’s precision and legacy ensure it continues to be a relevant player favorite in various formats.

Thought Courier - MTG Card versions
Jace's Archivist - MTG Card versions
Thought Courier - MTG Card versions
Jace's Archivist - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Merfolk Looter by color, type and mana cost

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Aquamoeba - MTG Card versions
Soratami Cloudskater - MTG Card versions
Vodalian Soldiers - MTG Card versions
Zephyr Falcon - MTG Card versions
Lord of Atlantis - MTG Card versions
Giant Albatross - MTG Card versions
Phantasmal Sphere - MTG Card versions
Skyshroud Condor - MTG Card versions
School of Piranha - MTG Card versions
Coral Merfolk - MTG Card versions
Wu Light Cavalry - MTG Card versions
Sea Eagle - MTG Card versions
Overtaker - MTG Card versions
Hazy Homunculus - MTG Card versions
Darting Merfolk - MTG Card versions
Thought Eater - MTG Card versions
Spellstutter Sprite - MTG Card versions
Sneaky Homunculus - MTG Card versions
Coral Eel - MTG Card versions
Storm Crow - MTG Card versions
Aquamoeba - MTG Card versions
Soratami Cloudskater - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
MadnessMadness Premodern$1K - Pre-Modern - SCG CON Atlanta - Saturday - 9:30 am
DecklistDecklist Free form80#CS

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Merfolk Looter represents a powerful engine for card selection, as it permits players to draw a card and then discard a card as part of its tap ability. This can be crucial in maintaining the flow of needed resources throughout the match, providing access to key spells while discarding less useful ones.

Resource Acceleration: Although indirectly, the Looter helps to accelerate resources by filtering cards efficiently. By enabling a player to sift through their deck, the card increases the chances of drawing into lands or spells necessary for advancing the game state at the pace the player desires.

Instant Speed: While Merfolk Looter’s ability isn’t used at instant speed, it still contributes to the player’s instant-speed game plan. It frees up mana on one’s own turn, allowing for a more reactive approach with instant-speed spells. Moreover, it can be used at the end of an opponent’s turn, right before the controller’s untap step, optimizing card usage with precision.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Merfolk Looter’s ability necessitates discarding a card, which could deplete your hand and be detrimental if you don’t have a strategized plan for card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: To activate Merfolk Looter’s ability, a blue mana is needed. This requirement restricts the card to decks that can produce blue mana, thus limiting its versatility in multicolored or off-theme decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the initial casting cost is reasonable, continuous use of its ability could be costly in terms of mana efficiency. Especially when evaluating Merfolk Looter against other card draw options available in blue, which may offer more impactful effects with better mana investment.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Merfolk Looter offers a flexible role in many kinds of decks. As a creature that can selectively draw and discard cards, it can fine-tune your hand and help you dig through your deck to find the resources you need.

Combo Potential: This card can be an integral piece in combo strategies. By discarding key cards at the right time, Merfolk Looter enables graveyard mechanics, while helping you cycle through your deck to assemble your win conditions quicker.

Meta-Relevance: In metas with a high reliance on strategic card plays and adaptability, Merfolk Looter shines by providing ongoing card selection which is crucial for outmaneuvering opponents.


How to beat

Merfolk Looter presents a persistent challenge as a resourceful creature in Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to draw and discard cards allows players to filter their deck for better options, making it an asset in strategies aiming for card advantage. To come out ahead against a Merfolk Looter, smart removal decisions are crucial. Promptly targeting it with removal spells before the opponent can capitalize on the card selection it offers should be a priority. Cards like Fatal Push or Lightning Bolt are efficient answers, handling the looter without expending excessive resources.

Additionally, cards that hinder activated abilities can be effective. Pithing Needle, named after Merfolk Looter, prevents it from utilizing its draw-discard feature and can drastically reduce its impact. Furthermore, graveyard strategies that take advantage of a filled graveyard, like Tormod’s Crypt or Rest in Peace, can be key. These not only disrupt the synergy but also nullify any potential advantage gained through the looter’s effect. Therefore, assessing your own strategy to include preemptive or reactive answers should provide a robust game plan against the Merfolk Looter’s capacity to shape the battlefield.

Keeping in mind the evolving nature of a match in Magic: The Gathering, staying one step ahead by neutralizing threats like Merfolk Looter can have a significant influence on the outcome, crafting a successful path to victory.


BurnMana Recommendations

Merfolk Looter stays a steadfast option for any MTG player looking to refine their deck and strategy. Its ability to sift through your deck affords a level of control that can tip the scales in your favor. Understanding its strengths and limitations, from ensuring card advantage to facing potential cons, is key to leveraging its power efficiently. Whether you’re looking to complement your existing setup or build a new strategy around its card selection capability, including the Merfolk Looter in your collection can be a game-changer. Learn more and optimize your gameplay with this versatile card.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Merfolk Looter MTG card by a specific set like Exodus and Seventh 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 Merfolk Looter and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Merfolk Looter Magic the Gathering card was released in 17 different sets between 1998-06-15 and 2021-07-23. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11998-06-15ExodusEXO 391997NormalBlackRon Spencer
22001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 89★1997NormalBlackTristan Elwell
32001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 891997NormalWhiteTristan Elwell
42001-08-08World Championship Decks 2001WC01 ab891997NormalGoldTristan Elwell
52002-08-14World Championship Decks 2002WC02 shh891997NormalGoldTristan Elwell
62007-07-13Tenth Edition10E 922003NormalBlackTristan Elwell
72009-07-17Magic 2010M10 612003NormalBlackAustin Hsu
82010-11-08Magic Online Theme DecksTD0 A271997NormalBlackRon Spencer
92011-07-15Magic 2012M12 652003NormalBlackAustin Hsu
102015-05-06Tempest RemasteredTPR 612015NormalBlackRon Spencer
112016-06-10Eternal MastersEMA 612015NormalBlackAustin Hsu
122016-08-26Conspiracy: Take the CrownCN2 1142015NormalBlackAustin Hsu
132017-10-24Duel Decks: Merfolk vs. GoblinsDDT 102015NormalBlackAustin Hsu
142018-03-16Masters 25A25 652015NormalBlackTristan Elwell
152019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 4262015NormalBlackAustin Hsu
162020-09-26The ListPLST DDT-102015NormalBlackAustin Hsu
172021-05-27Historic Anthology 5HA5 62015NormalBlackAustin Hsu
182021-07-23Forgotten Realms CommanderAFC 862015NormalBlackTristan Elwell

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Merfolk Looter has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2018-03-16 You can't do anything in between drawing a card and discarding a card, including casting or cycling the card you drew.