Sly Instigator MTG Card


Shifts combat dynamics by controlling opponents’ creatures, altering the course of the game. Enables strategic resource management and tempo advantage in blue decks. Demands careful consideration of hand resources due to its discard requirement.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Human Wizard
Abilities Goad
Power 2
Toughness 4

Text of card

, : Until your next turn, target creature an opponent controls can't be blocked. Goad that creature. (Until your next turn, that creature attacks each combat if able and attacks a player other than you if able.)

"Me? I'm just an innocent bystander!"


Cards like Sly Instigator

Sly Instigator is a blue creature card with the capacity to turn the tide of battle in Magic: The Gathering. As a point of comparison, it bears resemblances to cards like Puppeteer, which can similarly manipulate control of combat by tapping an opponent’s creature. However, the Instigator’s uniqueness lies in its ability to grant unblockable status through its activated ability for a single turn—something that Puppeteer cannot provide.

In relation to this, another comparable card is Daring Thief. Daring Thief also thrives on interaction with other creatures, offering a different kind of advantage—exchanging control of permanent cards. Although this mechanic does not deal directly with combat like Sly Instigator, it creates potential for disruptive strategies. The differences between these cards are subtle yet pivotal, as they delineate the tactical choices a player can make.

By analyzing functionality and strategic applications, it’s evident that Sly Instigator has its own place within the realm of MTG as a card that can decisively alter combat dynamics, creating opportunities for victories that are unattainable with other, similar cards.

Puppeteer - MTG Card versions
Daring Thief - MTG Card versions
Puppeteer - MTG Card versions
Daring Thief - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Sly Instigator by color, type and mana cost

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Phantasmal Forces - MTG Card versions
Phantom Monster - MTG Card versions
Wall of Vapor - MTG Card versions
Tradewind Rider - MTG Card versions
Archivist - MTG Card versions
Extravagant Spirit - MTG Card versions
Thieving Magpie - MTG Card versions
Inga Rune-Eyes - MTG Card versions
Sakashima of a Thousand Faces - MTG Card versions
Laboratory Drudge - MTG Card versions
Undercover Operative - MTG Card versions
Hisoka, Minamo Sensei - MTG Card versions
Johnny, Combo Player - MTG Card versions
Dream Prowler - MTG Card versions
Clone - MTG Card versions
Cytoplast Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Crookclaw Transmuter - MTG Card versions
Dreamborn Muse - MTG Card versions
Turtleshell Changeling - MTG Card versions
Sower of Temptation - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Sly Instigator opens the door for strategic plays by giving you the upper hand with its ability to temporarily gain control of an opponent’s creature. This unexpected shift can disrupt your adversary’s plans and grant you a precious advantage in card utility on the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: While Sly Instigator itself may not produce additional resources, it allows for a more robust mana curve by efficiently utilizing your blue mana. This can lead to a resource acceleration in later turns, as you’re able to deploy your hand more effectively with the tempo created.

Instant Speed: While the activation of Sly Instigator’s ability isn’t at instant speed, it pairs well with instant spells by creating open avenues for direct attacks or potentially clearing a path for damage to get through. This strategic play at sorcery speed can influence and dictate the pace of the game, aligning perfectly with the tactical demands of control-focused decks.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Sly Instigator forces a discard when activating its ability, potentially depleting your hand when you might need to hold onto key cards.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s activation requires both blue and generic mana, which can be restrictive for multicolored decks that may struggle with mana fixing.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost to activate that competes with other impactful spells or creatures, Sly Instigator can be considered a costly investment for its effect.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Sly Instigator is not limited to a single strategy; its ability to turn any creature into a forced combatant means it can disrupt opponents’ plans or clear the way for your attacks in various deck styles.

Combo Potential: This card shows promise when paired with effects that benefit from engaging multiple creatures in combat or when looking to trigger “whenever a creature attacks” synergies, amplifying the effectiveness of your tactical plays.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta teeming with creatures, Sly Instigator can become an asset by compelling unfavorable attacks or blocks from opponents, turning the tide in matches that hinge on creature-centric strategies.


How to beat

Sly Instigator can flip the tides by enabling your opponent’s creatures to become unblockable, propelling their strategy forward. As a Utility Creature card in Magic: The Gathering, its unique ability can catch players off-guard, making it crucial to have countermeasures ready. To mitigate the impact of Sly Instigator, consider using removal spells as a reliable solution. These spells, such as Murder or Path to Exile, can dispatch the Instigator before it activates its unblockable ability.

Alternatively, strategies such as creature counters like Essences Scatter or board wipes like Wrath of God can pre-emptively handle Sly Instigator and other threats on the board. It’s also beneficial to keep instant-speed interaction in your arsenal to respond directly to the activation of its ability, rendering their invested resources fruitless. To outmaneuver opponents leveraging Sly Instigator, keep control elements handy and prioritize the removal of key utility creatures to maintain a fortified position in the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

The art of mastering MTG involves recognizing unique card abilities and how they can tilt the game in your favor. Sly Instigator is a nuanced tool in your arsenal, capable of concocting surprise maneuvers that catch opponents off-guard. Considering the strategic implications of taking temporary control of enemy creatures, this card deserves a spot in decks seeking that element of surprise. Bear in mind its constraints and integrate it into a comprehensive strategy to exploit its full potential. Want to understand the deeper synergies and ways to outwit your foes using Sly Instigator? Embark on this tactical voyage with us, and refine your lineup to secure your next victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Sly Instigator MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Commander 2021, 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 Sly Instigator and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Sly Instigator Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2021-04-23 and 2022-06-10. Illustrated by Justine Cruz.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 900282015NormalBlackJustine Cruz
22021-04-23Commander 2021C21 322015NormalBlackJustine Cruz
32021-04-23Commander 2021C21 3592015NormalBlackJustine Cruz
42022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 7362015NormalBlackJustine Cruz

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Sly Instigator has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2021-04-16 Attacking with a goaded creature doesn't cause it to stop being goaded.
2021-04-16 Being goaded more than once by the same player is redundant.
2021-04-16 If a creature you control has been goaded by multiple opponents, it must attack one of your opponents who hasn't goaded it. If a creature you control has been goaded by each of your opponents, you choose which opponent it attacks.
2021-04-16 If a goaded creature can't attack for any reason (such as being tapped or having come under that player's control that turn), then it doesn't attack. If there's a cost associated with having it attack, its controller isn't forced to pay that cost, so it doesn't have to attack in that case either.
2021-04-16 If a goaded creature doesn't meet any of the above exceptions and can attack, it must attack a player other than a player who goaded it if able. It the creature can't attack any of those players but could otherwise attack, it must attack an opposing planeswalker (controlled by any opponent) or a player who goaded it.
2021-04-16 If you goad a creature you control, it must attack, and it must attack a player rather than a planeswalker.
2021-04-16 If you leave the game, any creatures you've goaded remain goaded until your next turn would have begun. They don't immediately stop being goaded and don't remain goaded indefinitely.
2021-04-16 Once a creature an opponent controls has been legally blocked, activating Sly Instigator's ability won't change or undo that block.