Shadowy Backstreet — Magic: The Gathering card

Shadowy Backstreet

Land — Plains Swamp

({T}: Add {W} or {B}.)

This land enters tapped.

When this land enters, surveil 1. (Look at the top card of your library. You may put it into your graveyard.)

Set Murders at Karlov Manor
Rarity Rare
Mana Value 0
Artist Andreas Zafiratos
Collector # 268
Scryfall

Why Play Shadowy Backstreet

Dual lands that provide immediate value upon entry are highly sought after in competitive play, and the surveil trigger makes this more than just another tapped dual land. White-black midrange and control decks benefit significantly from the card selection, helping filter draws while fixing mana in the early game. The surveil ability also enables graveyard strategies by filling your yard with key cards, making it particularly valuable in decks that can leverage their graveyard as a resource.

Format Notes

Commander sees the heaviest play for Shadowy Backstreet, where the slower pace makes tapped lands more acceptable and the card selection remains relevant throughout longer games. In competitive formats like Pioneer and Modern, it competes with faster mana fixing options but finds homes in graveyard-focused strategies that actively want the surveil trigger. The land sees moderate Standard play depending on the available mana base options and graveyard synergies in the format.

Combos & Synergies

Graveyard-based strategies get significant value from the surveil trigger, particularly with cards like Stitcher's Supplier and Faithless Looting that help build a critical mass of resources. The land pairs excellently with delve spells such as Treasure Cruise, turning the surveilled cards into immediate fuel for powerful effects. Reanimator strategies also benefit greatly, as surveiling away expensive threats like Griselbrand sets up powerful early reanimation plays.

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Land Standard Modern Pioneer