Shadowy Backstreet

Description

Shadowy Backstreet, card number 268, is a rare dual-land from the 2024 Murders at Karlov Manor expansion in the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. Designed by Andreas Zafiratos, this card functions as both a Plains and a Swamp, allowing players to produce either white or black mana. As a land card, it enters the battlefield tapped, requiring strategic timing during the early turns of a match. Upon entering, it triggers a surveil effect, enabling the player to look at the top card of their library and optionally place it into their graveyard. This mechanic provides valuable card selection and graveyard interaction, making it a functional inclusion for decks requiring both colored mana sources. Collectors of Magic: The Gathering often seek out cards from the Murders at Karlov Manor set for their thematic design and gameplay utility. As a rare print, Shadowy Backstreet holds interest for those building complete sets or looking for specific mana bases. Its identity as a dual-land with a unique entry effect distinguishes it within the broader catalog of Magic cards. For investors and hobbyists alike, understanding the card's role in the set's ecosystem is key to appreciating its place in the TCG landscape. The card's dual subtype and surveil trigger offer a distinct mechanical identity compared to basic lands or simpler duals.