Azorius Guildmage MTG Card


Control opponents with Azorius Guildmage’s abilities to tap creatures and block activated abilities at instant speed. Mana requirement limits flexibility but strategic use in blue-white decks can provide a substantial advantage. Offers versatile gameplay options, crucial in reacting to opponents’ strategies and maintaining board control.
Card setsReleased in 7 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Vedalken Wizard
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

({WU} can be paid with either or .) : Tap target creature. : Counter target activated ability. (Mana abilities can't be targeted.)


Understanding Azorius Guildmage

Azorius Guildmage stands as a notable fixture in control decks within the Magic universe. With its ability to stall opponents by locking down their key creatures or negating their spells, it’s a card that can swing the tempo of gameplay in your favor. Its closest relatives include cards like Deputy of Detention, which offers a similar creature lockdown. However, the Guildmage’s instant-speed abilities give it a tactical edge during the game’s critical moments.

Cards like Azorius Guildmage

Azorius Guildmage is a versatile card that shares traits with a collection of other control-oriented options in Magic: The Gathering. Cards like Vedalken Orrery empower players to cast spells as though they were instants, a feature that aligns with the Guildmage’s flexible utility. Yet, the Guildmage’s specific targeting abilities set it apart. Another analog is Silence, which disrupts opponents’ plays, akin to the Guildmage’s spell-countering capability. Silence blocks a turn’s worth of spell casting, whereas the Guildmage can repeatedly silence individual spells or abilities, given enough mana resources.

Comparative analysis with Meddling Mage reveals differences in prevention strategy. While Meddling Mage prevents specific spells from being cast at all, Azorius Guildmage allows for more dynamic gameplay, selectively intervening on the fly. This nuanced control can be pivotal in matches, making Azorius Guildmage a unique tool for players who value precision and adaptability in their deck-building strategies.

Deputy of Detention - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Orrery - MTG Card versions
Silence - MTG Card versions
Meddling Mage - MTG Card versions
Deputy of Detention - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Orrery - MTG Card versions
Silence - MTG Card versions
Meddling Mage - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Azorius Guildmage by color, type and mana cost

Crystalline Sliver - MTG Card versions
Galina's Knight - MTG Card versions
Niambi, Esteemed Speaker - MTG Card versions
Meddling Mage - MTG Card versions
Pride of the Clouds - MTG Card versions
Mistmeadow Witch - MTG Card versions
Deft Duelist - MTG Card versions
Sighted-Caste Sorcerer - MTG Card versions
New Prahv Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Deputy of Acquittals - MTG Card versions
Battlewise Hoplite - MTG Card versions
Dauntless River Marshal - MTG Card versions
Temmet, Vizier of Naktamun - MTG Card versions
Lavinia, Azorius Renegade - MTG Card versions
Unsettled Mariner - MTG Card versions
Skycat Sovereign - MTG Card versions
Watcher of the Spheres - MTG Card versions
Dennick, Pious Apprentice // Dennick, Pious Apparition - MTG Card versions
Kwain, Itinerant Meddler - MTG Card versions
Devoted Grafkeeper // Departed Soulkeeper - MTG Card versions
Crystalline Sliver - MTG Card versions
Galina's Knight - MTG Card versions
Niambi, Esteemed Speaker - MTG Card versions
Meddling Mage - MTG Card versions
Pride of the Clouds - MTG Card versions
Mistmeadow Witch - MTG Card versions
Deft Duelist - MTG Card versions
Sighted-Caste Sorcerer - MTG Card versions
New Prahv Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Deputy of Acquittals - MTG Card versions
Battlewise Hoplite - MTG Card versions
Dauntless River Marshal - MTG Card versions
Temmet, Vizier of Naktamun - MTG Card versions
Lavinia, Azorius Renegade - MTG Card versions
Unsettled Mariner - MTG Card versions
Skycat Sovereign - MTG Card versions
Watcher of the Spheres - MTG Card versions
Dennick, Pious Apprentice // Dennick, Pious Apparition - MTG Card versions
Kwain, Itinerant Meddler - MTG Card versions
Devoted Grafkeeper // Departed Soulkeeper - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Azorius Guildmage provides strategic abilities that can aid in maintaining board control. Its ability to lock down opponent’s creatures or negate activated abilities creates a consistent form of disruption, allowing a player to gain significant card advantage by neutralizing key opponent’s threats.

Resource Acceleration: While this card does not directly accelerate resources, controlling the game tempo can effectively inhibit opponents from accelerating, maintaining a balance in resource development and sometimes indirectly leading to advantage when played thoughtfully within the context of the match.

Instant Speed: Azorius Guildmage’s abilities operate at instant speed, giving players the flexibility to respond to an opponent’s actions or end-of-turn decisions, which is critical in the dynamic gameplay of MTG. This instantaneity provides a tactical edge by enabling players to adapt swiftly to the evolving state of the game.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Azorius Guildmage lacks a discard requirement. This means that while the card doesn’t force a player to lose card advantage, it also misses potential synergies with graveyard-based strategies or cards that benefit from discarding.

Specific Mana Cost: This card requires white and blue mana for casting, which makes it specifically suited for Azorius or other blue-white decks. This inherent color limitation restricts its inclusion in many deck types, especially in a format with a diverse meta-game.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: To leverage the abilities of Azorius Guildmage effectively, a significant amount of mana is required. With a casting cost of two mana and additional costs for each activated ability, it competes for mana resources against other impactful spells and creatures that may offer a greater immediate effect on the game state.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Azorius Guildmage is an adaptable card that suits various deck strategies in the format. Its ability to counter spells or tap down opposing creatures allows for both offensive and defensive plays, fitting smoothly into control or tempo decks looking for flexible answers to in-game situations.

Combo Potential: This card shines when paired with cards that untap creatures or provide additional mana, enabling multiple uses of its abilities in a single turn. Its synergy with such mechanics can escalate its impact on the game, setting up for potential lockouts or combo finishes.

Meta-Relevance: Given its disruptive capabilities, the Guildmage remains a relevant choice, particularly in metas where triggered abilities and combat phases are pivotal. Being able to interfere with opponent’s plans proactively or during their turn grants you a significant level of control over the flow of the game.


How to beat

Azorius Guildmage stands as a notable utility creature in Magic the Gathering, wielding the power to both stifle opponent’s plays and tap down threatening creatures. Its first ability can be a formidable weapon, shutting down activated abilities that other decks heavily rely on. The second ability, which taps a target creature, can be equally disruptive, especially in preventing attackers or blockers from engaging in combat.

Confronting Azorius Guildmage efficiently involves deploying cheap removal spells to eliminate it before its controller can make full use of its abilities. Cards like Fatal Push or Lightning Bolt can dispatch the Guildmage with minimal mana investment. Additionally, it’s crucial to maintain priority and resolve key spells or abilities before the Guildmage’s controller has the opportunity to utilize its disruptive powers. Another effective strategy is to overrun the battlefield with multiple threats, diluting the impact of Guildmage’s tapping ability and forcing your opponent to choose targets strategically. By applying these techniques, the challenges posed by Azorius Guildmage are manageable, allowing you to maintain control of the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dive deeper into your MTG journey and discover the strategic depth Azorius Guildmage brings to the table. Understanding its potential to disrupt your opponent’s plays and maintain board control is vital for any competitive player. Unleash the full power of this versatile creature in your deck to outpace adversaries and take advantage of instant-speed interactions. Our insight on Azorius Guildmage delves into techniques that will refine your gameplay and decisions. Mastery awaits—join us at BurnMana to enhance your strategies and integrate this card into your winning arsenal. Ready for the next level? Learn more with us.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Azorius Guildmage MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Dissension, 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 Azorius Guildmage and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Azorius Guildmage Magic the Gathering card was released in 7 different sets between 2006-05-05 and 2024-01-12. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 325852003NormalBlackChristopher Moeller
22006-05-05DissensionDIS 1412003NormalBlackChristopher Moeller
32006-05-05Dissension PromosPDIS 141★2003NormalBlackChristopher Moeller
42010-11-08Magic Online Theme DecksTD0 A952003NormalBlackChristopher Moeller
52011-06-17Commander 2011CMD 1832003NormalBlackChristopher Moeller
62019-02-15RNA Guild KitGK2 92015NormalBlackChristopher Moeller
72024-01-12Ravnica RemasteredRVR 1652015NormalBlackDavid Astruga

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Azorius Guildmage has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Azorius Guildmage card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2016-06-08 Activated abilities contain a colon. They’re generally written “
-ost:
-ffect].” Some keywords are activated abilities and will have colons in their reminder text.