Sphinx of the Chimes MTG Card


Sphinx of the Chimes excels in providing substantial draw power, offering a significant card advantage. This card integrates well into combos and can reshape the battlefield dynamic in your favor. However, its high mana cost and specific setup may pose a challenge, requiring strategic deck building.
Sphinx of the Chimes - Return to Ravnica
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Sphinx
Abilities Flying
Released2012-10-05
Set symbol
Set nameReturn to Ravnica
Set codeRTR
Power 5
Toughness 6
Number52
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byGreg Staples

Text of card

Flying Discard two nonland cards with the same name: Draw four cards.

"I've dreamt of the future, Isperia. Danger is on the horizon. You must heed my warning."


Cards like Sphinx of the Chimes

Sphinx of the Chimes presents a unique dynamic in the realm of creature-based card filtering engines in Magic: The Gathering. This card bears resemblance to creatures like Arjun, the Shifting Flame, both having the ability to churn through decks to find necessary components. Sphinx of the Chimes offers this through its discard two cards with the same name to draw four cards ability, providing an exceptional burst in card advantage when conditions are met.

Another card worth comparing is Consecrated Sphinx, a widely celebrated card drawing behemoth. While the Sphinx of the Chimes demands a specific setup to trigger its ability, Consecrated Sphinx generates value passively with each opponent’s draw, putting less conditionality on its powerful effect. On the added upside, it doesn’t require any further card disposal to trigger its ability.

Examining these card filtering options reveals that Sphinx of the Chimes fits well for those strategies that can reliably assemble card pairs, especially in formats where such tactics are viable. It shines in contrast to more passive draw engines by granting immediate and potentially game-changing card advantage.

Arjun, the Shifting Flame - MTG Card versions
Consecrated Sphinx - MTG Card versions
Arjun, the Shifting Flame - MTG Card versions
Consecrated Sphinx - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Sphinx of the Chimes by color, type and mana cost

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Deadeye Navigator - MTG Card versions
Havengul Skaab - 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
Sakashima's Protege - MTG Card versions
Shoreline Ranger - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Dismisser - MTG Card versions
Novijen Sages - MTG Card versions
Storm Elemental - MTG Card versions
Draining Whelk - MTG Card versions
Arcanis the Omnipotent - MTG Card versions
Quicksilver Dragon - MTG Card versions
Frost Titan - MTG Card versions
Deadeye Navigator - MTG Card versions
Havengul Skaab - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Sphinx of the Chimes is a compelling option for players aiming to draw multiple cards quickly. By utilizing its ability to discard two cards with the same name, it enables you to delve four cards deeper into your deck, refilling your hand and increasing your options.

Resource Acceleration: Being a potent flyer, this card can apply pressure to opponents while helping you churn through your deck at an accelerated pace. This resource acceleration means greater access to your deck’s arsenal, potentially unlocking key spells and creatures when you need them the most.

Instant Speed: Although Sphinx of the Chimes itself is not an instant, playing in a deck that contains instant speed interactions complements its card drawing ability. This synergy allows you to hold back cards until the last possible moment, maximizing strategic plays and keeping opponents guessing.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: For Sphinx of the Chimes, activating its ability necessitates the disposal of two cards with the same name. In a game where card advantage can be decisive, such requirement may force players to make unfavorable trade-offs, weakening their hand for a potential draw.

Specific Mana Cost: This MTG card demands a precise combination of four generic and two blue mana, making it less flexible and potentially cumbersome in multicolored decks that can struggle to produce the necessary blue mana consistently.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of six mana, Sphinx of the Chimes can be quite heavy on your mana resources. This can delay your game plan as there are other creatures or draw engines that can be played earlier or offer a better mana-to-effect ratio, allowing for a more efficient deck tempo. In fast-paced matches, this might leave players at a disadvantage, as they face quicker, more aggressive strategies.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Sphinx of the Chimes offers a unique skill set that fits beautifully into decks that capitalize on card drawing mechanics. Its ability to untap and potentially draw multiple cards can be a game-changer in formats where drawing equals power.

Combo Potential: This card can seamlessly integrate into combos by discarding two cards with the same name, allowing the player to delve deeper into their deck. This feature can be the foundation of unusual but highly effective deck strategies, particularly in formats where duplicates of powerful cards are abundant.

Meta-Relevance: Given the dynamic nature of the MTG landscape, Sphinx of the Chimes can serve as a potent tool against heavy control decks, breaking stalemates by offering an influx of new options to the player’s hand. It shines in metas where card advantage translates to ruling the board.


How to Beat Sphinx of the Chimes

The Sphinx of the Chimes is a unique creature card in Magic: The Gathering that appeals to players looking for card advantage. Its ability to discard two cards with the same name to draw four cards can be a powerful engine in the right deck, especially those filled with duplicates. However, overcoming the Sphinx can be both strategic and straightforward if approached correctly. One effective strategy is to limit the Sphinx’s card advantage by applying graveyard disruption. Cards like Rest in Peace or Scavenging Ooze can prevent players from utilizing their graveyard as a resource, thus weakening the Sphinx’s potential.

Control decks have an upper hand here with a plethora of counter spells to prevent the Sphinx from hitting the battlefield in the first place. A well-timed Counterspell or Thoughtseize can keep the Sphinx at bay. Removal spells are also key—after all, the Sphinx must be on the battlefield to use its ability. Instant speed removal like Path to Exile or Terminate allow players to respond swiftly. In any encounter with the Sphinx of the Chimes, proactive control and interference with your opponent’s graveyard can tip the scales in your favor.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Sphinx of the Chimes MTG card by a specific set like Return to Ravnica, 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 Sphinx of the Chimes and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Sphinx of the Chimes has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal