# 2018 Magic: The Gathering Core Set #287

> The Riddlemaster Sphinx is a rare blue creature from the 2018 Magic: The Gathering Core Set (M19), featuring a disruptive enter-the-battlefield ability.

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## Identity

- **Year**: 2018
- **Manufacturer brand**: Magic: The Gathering
- **Set / series**: Core Set
- **Card number**: #287
- **Product type**: TCG_CARD

## Description

Identified as card number 287 in the 2018 Magic: The Gathering Core Set (M19), the Riddlemaster Sphinx is a six-mana blue creature that commands attention on the battlefield. As a Rare card illustrated by Ryan Yee, this Sphinx brings both flying and a disruptive enter-the-battlefield effect to the table. When it enters the battlefield, its controller may return a target creature an opponent controls to its owner's hand, effectively neutralizing a threat without dealing damage. This mechanic allows players to control the board state by removing key blockers or threats early in the game. The card's design and rules text reflect the classic fantasy themes present in the M19 release, making it a recognizable piece for fans of the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Collectors often seek this card to complete their M19 sets or to add a functional artifact to their collection. Its six mana value places it in the mid-to-late game curve, requiring strategic mana development to cast effectively. The interplay between its flying ability and its removal effect makes the Riddlemaster Sphinx a versatile choice for blue-based strategies. As part of the broader Magic: The Gathering ecosystem, this card represents a specific era of design that emphasized straightforward, impactful abilities. For those building a library of modern Magic cards, the Riddlemaster Sphinx offers a distinct mechanical identity within the blue color pie.

## FAQ

### What is the mana value of Riddlemaster Sphinx?

The Riddlemaster Sphinx has a mana value of 6, requiring three blue mana and four mana of any color to cast. This places it in the mid-to-late game curve, making it a significant investment that typically requires careful deck construction and mana base support.

### What does the Riddlemaster Sphinx's ability do?

When the Riddlemaster Sphinx enters the battlefield, its controller may return target creature an opponent controls to its owner's hand. This effect allows players to remove key threats or blockers without destroying them, providing strategic flexibility in controlling the board state.

### Why is the Riddlemaster Sphinx considered a rare card?

The Riddlemaster Sphinx is printed as a Rare card in the 2018 Magic: The Gathering Core Set (M19). In Magic: The Gathering, rarity indicates the frequency of a card's appearance in booster packs, with Rares being less common than Common or Uncommon cards, adding to their collectibility.

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Last verified: 2025-11-29.