Spellstutter Sprite MTG Card


Spellstutter Sprite generates card advantage through its conditional, yet powerful, spell countering ability. Instant speed summoning gives flexibility in gameplay, making it a strategically timed disruptor. Its dependency on faerie count could limit effectiveness, requiring careful deck construction.
Card setsReleased in 7 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Faerie Wizard
Abilities Flying, Flash
Power 1
Toughness 1

Text of card

Flash Flying When Spellstutter Sprite comes into play, counter target spell with converted mana cost X or less, where X is the number of Faeries you control.


Cards like Spellstutter Sprite

Spellstutter Sprite shines uniquely in the realm of Magic: The Gathering. This fey has a special place among counter-spell creatures, distinctly reminiscent of cards like Faerie Seer for its flying and Faerie trait. Although Faerie Seer allows scrying, it lacks the disruptive capacity of Spellstutter Sprite, which can neutralize an opponent’s spell upon entering the battlefield based on the number of Faeries you control.

Eager to join this comparison is Mausoleum Wanderer, a spirit that also counters spells. Still, its power is tied to sacrificing it and paying mana equal to the spell’s cost, whereas Spellstutter Sprite offers a cost-free counter balanced by your Faerie count. Then there is Vendilion Clique, another Faerie with a disruptive ability. However, it centers on hand manipulation rather than directly countering spells, offering a different strategic angle for control decks.

Considering these nuanced advantages, Spellstutter Sprite holds its own as a tactical component in Faerie-themed decks. Its ability to disrupt opponents without additional mana investment is a highlight in gameplay, securing its status as a prominent option for countering strategies in Magic: The Gathering.

Faerie Seer - MTG Card versions
Mausoleum Wanderer - MTG Card versions
Vendilion Clique - MTG Card versions
Faerie Seer - MTG Card versions
Mausoleum Wanderer - MTG Card versions
Vendilion Clique - MTG Card versions

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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
Sneaky Homunculus - MTG Card versions
Coral Eel - MTG Card versions
Storm Crow - MTG Card versions
Aquamoeba - MTG Card versions
Soratami Cloudskater - MTG Card versions
Minamo Sightbender - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mono-Blue FaeriesMono-Blue Faeries PauperMono-Blue FaeriesPauper League 2024-05-01
Dimir FaeriesDimir Faeries PauperDimir FaeriesMonthly Tournament #38 @ Paper Pauper Magic Discord
Izzet FaeriesIzzet Faeries PauperIzzet FaeriesPauper League 2024-05-01
Mono-BlueMono-Blue PauperMono-BluePauper Challenge 32 2024-05-03

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The ability of Spellstutter Sprite to counter target spell with a converted mana cost equal to or less than the number of Faeries you control can effectively neutralize an opponent’s threats while keeping your hand equipped with valuable cards.

Resource Acceleration: While Spellstutter Sprite doesn’t provide direct resource acceleration in the form of mana, it does enable strategic plays that can accelerate your board position by thwarting an opponent’s plans without expending additional cards from your hand.

Instant Speed: As a creature that can be played at instant speed, Spellstutter Sprite allows you to adapt quickly to the evolving game state, offering the flexibility to counter spells when it’s most advantageous for you and maintain the element of surprise.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Spellstutter Sprite doesn’t demand a card to be discarded directly, its real cost lies in having a Faerie to trigger its counter ability. Players without Faeries on the board miss out on its full potential, akin to an informal discard.

Specific Mana Cost: Sporting both blue and generic mana in its casting cost, Spellstutter Sprite necessitates a fairly committed blue mana base which might not seamlessly fit into all deck strategies, especially those with a tight mana fixing.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite a low casting cost, the true value of Spellstutter Sprite is gauged by the mana cost of the spell it intends to counter. In a scenario where larger or multiple spells dominate, this card’s efficacy could be perceived as limited, especially when juxtaposed with alternative counter spells in MTG that lack conditional requirements.


Reasons to Include Spellstutter Sprite in Your Collection

Versatility: Spellstutter Sprite is remarkably flexible, fitting seamlessly into a variety of blue-based decks. This faerie wields the innate power to disrupt opponents by countering spells, and as such, it’s a card that thrives in control strategies as well as in tempo-oriented builds.

Combo Potential: This faerie shines brightest when paired with other cards that benefit from a tribe synergy or additional spell-casting. Its ability to counter spells scales with the number of faeries you control, making it a linchpin in faerie-themed decks that capitalize on these synergies.

Meta-Relevance: Given the ever-shifting landscape of competitive play, Spellstutter Sprite remains highly relevant in metas infested with low-cost spells. Its immediate impact on the game by thwarting an opponent’s early strategy can be a game-changer, particularly in formats like Modern or Legacy where early plays are crucial.


How to Beat Spellstutter Sprite

Spellstutter Sprite holds a unique position in MTG as a faerie creature card with a twist: its enter-the-battlefield effect that counters target spell with a converted mana cost equal to or less than the number of faeries you control. To tackle this nimble sprite, consider deploying instant-speed removal in response to the Sprite’s trigger, ideally when the faerie count is low. This can neutralize its ability before it cancels out your important spells.

A strategic move involves keeping track of your opponent’s faerie count and casting non-critical spells to bait out the Sprite’s counter. Alternatively, spells that cannot be countered or effects that strip your opponent of the ability to cast spells during your turn also serve as effective countermeasures. Remember, timing and prognostication are crucial – forecast your plays to minimize the impact of this tiny faerie’s mighty power. By maintaining a careful balance between aggression and caution, you can outmaneuver Spellstutter Sprite and safeguard your game plan from its disruptive magic.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dive into the ebb and flow of MTG deck building with insights on Spellstutter Sprite’s critical role in control strategies. Whether it’s fine-tuning a faerie deck or challenging the meta with sharp counterplays, this card offers a tactical edge. Its ability to counter key spells, heighten tribal synergy, and remain meta-relevant underscores its value. Adequate preparation and smart matchups ensure your deck’s resilience against shifting strategies. Elevate your collection and harness the Sprite’s power to outwit opponents. Curious about integrating Spellstutter Sprite into your own formidable deck? Explore more with us and cast your way to victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Spellstutter Sprite MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Lorwyn, 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 Spellstutter Sprite and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Spellstutter Sprite Magic the Gathering card was released in 7 different sets between 2007-10-12 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by 4 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 396222003NormalBlackChristopher Moeller
22007-10-12LorwynLRW 892003NormalBlackRebecca Guay
32011-01-01Friday Night Magic 2011F11 22003NormalBlackChristopher Moeller
42013-06-07Modern MastersMMA 652003NormalBlackRebecca Guay
52019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 1172015NormalBorderlessMaria Poliakova
62020-09-26The ListPLST LRW-892003NormalBlackRebecca Guay
72022-12-02Jumpstart 2022J22 652015NormalBlackSila

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Spellstutter Sprite has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2007-10-01 The value of X needs to be determined both when the ability triggers (so you can choose a target) and again when the ability resolves (to check if that target is still legal). If the number of Faeries you control has decreased enough in that time to make the target illegal, Spellstutter Sprite’s ability won’t resolve (and the targeted spell will resolve as normal).
Flash card art

Guide to Flash card ability

Explore the dynamic Flash ability in Magic: The Gathering (MTG), a feature that allows you to cast spells at lightning speed, often leaving your opponents reeling and your strategy several steps ahead. This versatile ability can turn the tide of a game, providing the element of surprise and tactical advantage. It places a premium on timing and foresight, transforming an ordinary deck into a formidable arsenal of instant threats and responses.