A very interesting card and one that well-illustrates how far Magic has evolved.
I remember years ago this card was considered amazing because "you couldn't lose while it was in play." While not strictly true (you could still be decked, etc.) very few people outside of the developing tournament community at the time realized the folly of playing cards that "prevent you from losing" vs. those that actively help you win the game. Casting Ali from Cairo and hiding behind him for the rest of the game worked well in casual games back in the 1990's, but it was never really the way to win.
These days, there's far more that can be done with this guy: make him untargetable, indestructible, etc. There are probably even some decent ways to turn his "you can't lose" ability into a win through damaging yourself (Pestilence and similar effects, provided you can keep Ali alive, etc.)
Summary: An excellent card that helps clarify the difference between winning and "not losing."
Posted By:
Radagast
(12/19/2010 8:42:10 AM)
From a flavor perspective: What the HELL is going on here?
Posted By:
DacenOctavio
(1/24/2011 10:46:41 AM)
I love how the printed text makes his creature type his name.
also, Near-Death Experience
Posted By:
bijart_dauth
(2/5/2011 8:08:21 PM)
From Shandalar:
"Ali from Cairo is doing his thing."
Hillarious, but the card is incredibly cheesy in Shandalar since the AI doesn't know how to deal with it.
Posted By:
Studoku
(8/1/2011 9:53:41 AM)
The old classic from Arabian Nights. Epic and always worth a try in the early expansions, especially with the new equipments we've got.
Posted By:
NARFNra
(11/20/2010 6:37:01 PM)
Should be a legend too. :|
Posted By:
majinara
(12/5/2010 8:37:52 AM)
Goes wonderfully in my Ali from Cairo tribal deck.
Posted By:
SirLibraryEater
(6/5/2013 4:55:28 PM)
"I have purred long enough. Now hear me roar!"
Posted By:
Kryptnyt
(6/7/2012 1:29:25 PM)
Terror, swords to plowshares, unsummon, lightning bolt, lure. Even in Alpha, there was a way to deal with him in every color.
Posted By:
TheWrathofShane
(10/16/2012 5:07:33 AM)
@DacenOctavio: Go check out Fortune Thief, this is basically the same flavour I believe. As for "not losing", I'm inclined to agree but only because of the lack of surprise value. Fortune Thief is blessed with the ability to flip up and suddenly save you, giving you a turn you might well not have had. Ali can potentially do the same if you can foil removal attempts such that your opponent doesn't kill him when they expected to.
Posted By:
LordRandomness
(5/7/2013 6:53:28 AM)