Riddlemaster Sphinx MTG Card


Provides card advantage through board control by sending an opponent’s creature back to their hand. Indirectly accelerates resources, causing opponents to waste mana and turns managing its threat. Utilizes flash enabling tactics for surprise plays, making the Sphinx a formidable adversary.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Sphinx
Abilities Flying
Power 5
Toughness 5

Text of card

Flying When Riddlemaster Sphinx enters the battlefield, you may return target creature an opponent controls to its owner's hand.

"Safe passage requires only a simple answer to a simple question, traveler."


Cards like Riddlemaster Sphinx

Riddlemaster Sphinx stands as a noteworthy choice for control players in Magic: The Gathering. As a flying creature, it shares similarities with other high-impact flyers like Serra Angel. Both creatures command the skies, yet Riddlemaster Sphinx provides an added tactical edge by returning a target creature an opponent controls to their hand upon entry to the battlefield. Serra Angel may offer vigilant attacks, but it lacks the tempo swing imparted by the Sphinx.

Comparatively, Aven Wind Guide exerts influence in a different manner. While not as individually dominant, this bird wizard extends its advantages to other tokens by granting flying and vigilance. This group-wide elevation becomes significant in token-heavy decks, contrasting with Riddlemaster Sphinx’s single targeted disruption. Lastly, Air Elemental is another flyer with a robust body. Although similar in stats, it doesn’t provide the immediate board presence change that Riddlemaster Sphinx does.

In an environment where influencing the battlefield is key, the Riddlemaster Sphinx garners attention. It not only presents a threat through size and flight but also subtly shifts the game’s momentum with its enter-the-battlefield effect, setting it apart from its aerial kin.

Serra Angel - MTG Card versions
Aven Wind Guide - MTG Card versions
Air Elemental - MTG Card versions
Serra Angel - MTG Card versions
Aven Wind Guide - MTG Card versions
Air Elemental - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Riddlemaster Sphinx by color, type and mana cost

Sea Serpent - MTG Card versions
Sibilant Spirit - MTG Card versions
Drifting Djinn - MTG Card versions
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Harbor Serpent - MTG Card versions
Skyline Predator - MTG Card versions
Isperia's Skywatch - MTG Card versions
Sphinx of the Chimes - MTG Card versions
Sea Serpent - MTG Card versions
Sibilant Spirit - MTG Card versions
Drifting Djinn - MTG Card versions
King Crab - MTG Card versions
Sea Monster - MTG Card versions
Sun Quan, Lord of Wu - MTG Card versions
Sliptide Serpent - MTG Card versions
Mahamoti Djinn - MTG Card versions
Deepfathom Skulker - MTG Card versions
Shoreline Ranger - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Dismisser - MTG Card versions
Novijen Sages - MTG Card versions
Draining Whelk - MTG Card versions
Arcanis the Omnipotent - MTG Card versions
Frost Titan - MTG Card versions
Deadeye Navigator - MTG Card versions
Harbor Serpent - MTG Card versions
Skyline Predator - MTG Card versions
Isperia's Skywatch - MTG Card versions
Sphinx of the Chimes - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Riddlemaster Sphinx offers a unique edge in both terms of hand and board presence. When you cast this creature, it allows you to effectively remove an opponent’s piece from the board and gives you a substantial body on the field, tipping the scales in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: The Sphinx doesn’t directly produce additional resources, but its presence can be a form of indirect resource acceleration. By forcing the opponent to deal with it, they may have to divert resources that could have been used to develop their own board, letting you stay ahead.

Instant Speed: Although Riddlemaster Sphinx itself isn’t an instant, this card’s synergy with flash enablers allows for surprise plays. This can have a considerable impact on the game since you can introduce the Sphinx during your opponent’s turn disrupting their strategies.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Riddlemaster Sphinx demands you to have another creature card to discard, potentially depleting your hand and strategically reducing future options.

Specific Mana Cost: With a precise combination of two blue and four other mana to cast, this card can be restrictive, fitting primarily into blue-centric decks which can reliably provide such resources.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a total mana value of six, Riddlemaster Sphinx enters the battlefield later in the game, which can be a setback in fast-paced matches where lower-cost creatures could provide more immediate board presence and impact.


Reasons to Include Riddlemaster Sphinx in Your Collection

Versatility: Riddlemaster Sphinx’s flying ability enables it to glide over ground-based defenses, making it a fit for decks that require a reliable airborne threat. Its ability to bounce an opponent’s creature upon entering the battlefield offers a tactical advantage no matter the matchup.

Combo Potential: When coupled with cards that capitalize on casting creatures or returning creatures to an opponent’s hand, Riddlemaster Sphinx can become a key component in controlling the board and enabling high-impact plays.

Meta-Relevance: Given its capacity to disrupt opponent’s strategies by targeting their key creatures, Riddlemaster Sphinx holds its ground in metas dominated by creature-centric decks. Having it as part of your arsenal ensures you have an answer to the creature-based threats you’re likely to face.


How to beat

Riddlemaster Sphinx, with its flash ability and knack for bouncing an opponent’s creature to their hand, can certainly put a wrench in your game plan. To effectively counteract this evasive blue creature in Magic: The Gathering, it helps to be prepared with the right strategy. Keep in mind that its ability only triggers when it enters the battlefield, so once deployed, the Sphinx itself is just another creature.

One efficient approach to outmaneuver the Riddlemaster Sphinx is by utilizing instant-speed removal spells. Cards such as Murder or Hero’s Downfall can be key, as they can dispatch the Sphinx before it has a chance to apply pressure on the board. Another tactic is to play around its ability by not overcommitting important creatures that would suffer from being returned to your hand. Additionally, employing counterspells like Cancel or Negate when the Sphinx is cast can prevent it from hitting the board in the first place.

Remember, the Sphinx’s high casting cost means your opponent is likely planning for it to have a significant impact. By anticipating its arrival and leaving mana open for a response, you can ensure that the Riddlemaster Sphinx does not disrupt your path to victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Riddlemaster Sphinx MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2019 and Core Set 2020, 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 Riddlemaster Sphinx and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Riddlemaster Sphinx Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2018-07-13 and 2020-08-13. Illustrated by Ryan Yee.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12018-07-13Core Set 2019M19 2872015NormalBlackRyan Yee
22019-07-12Core Set 2020M20 3172015NormalBlackRyan Yee
32020-08-13Arena Beginner SetANB 312015NormalBlackRyan Yee

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Riddlemaster Sphinx has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal