Dimir Guildmage MTG Card


Card advantage and instant speed make Dimir Guildmage a game-changing force in sustained play. Mana requirements and the need to discard can limit the Guildmage’s versatility in some decks. Versatility and combo potential make it a valuable inclusion in blue-black controlled strategies.
Card setsReleased in 9 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Human Wizard
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

({U/B} can be paid with either or .) : Target player draws a card. Activate only as a sorcery. : Target player discards a card. Activate only as a sorcery.


Cards like Dimir Guildmage

Dimir Guildmage stands out in the world of multitasking Magic: The Gathering cards. It shares traits with creatures like Merfolk Looter for its ability to draw and then discard a card. However, Dimir Guildmage’s flexibility shines as it can also force an opponent to draw and discard, potentially disrupting their game plan. Unlike Merfolk Looter, which operates solely on the draw-discard mechanism for the controller, the Guildmage adds another layer of strategy with its opponent-focused ability.

Another peer within its ranks is Duskmantle Guildmage, which, like Dimir Guildmage, serves the blue-black color pair and offers two separate abilities. While Duskmantle Guildmage focuses more on a mill and damage strategy, Dimir Guildmage excels in its dual roles of deck manipulation and opponent hand disruption – a critical advantage in control decks.

Considering these comparisons, Dimir Guildmage provides a versatility that is valuable across various gameplay scenarios in Magic: The Gathering. It’s not only a creature but a utility card that can adapt to the changing tides of a match, making it a strong consideration for decks that value flexibility and control.

Merfolk Looter - MTG Card versions
Duskmantle Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Merfolk Looter - MTG Card versions
Duskmantle Guildmage - MTG Card versions

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

Vodalian Hypnotist - MTG Card versions
Metathran Zombie - MTG Card versions
Dimir Infiltrator - MTG Card versions
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Shipwreck Singer - MTG Card versions
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House Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Lazav, the Multifarious - MTG Card versions
Soul Diviner - MTG Card versions
Cunning Nightbonder - MTG Card versions
Sygg, River Cutthroat - MTG Card versions
Inkfathom Infiltrator - MTG Card versions
Krydle of Baldur's Gate - MTG Card versions
Vodalian Hypnotist - MTG Card versions
Metathran Zombie - MTG Card versions
Dimir Infiltrator - MTG Card versions
Inkfathom Witch - MTG Card versions
Zombie Outlander - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Ghoul - MTG Card versions
Hibernation Sliver - MTG Card versions
Woodlot Crawler - MTG Card versions
Returned Phalanx - MTG Card versions
Shipwreck Singer - MTG Card versions
Disciple of Deceit - MTG Card versions
Fathom Feeder - MTG Card versions
Shadowstorm Vizier - MTG Card versions
House Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Lazav, the Multifarious - MTG Card versions
Soul Diviner - MTG Card versions
Cunning Nightbonder - MTG Card versions
Sygg, River Cutthroat - MTG Card versions
Inkfathom Infiltrator - MTG Card versions
Krydle of Baldur's Gate - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Dimir Guildmage shines in its ability to grant sustained card draw, offering a chance to filter through your deck and ensure you have the right answers or threats. This can be pivotal in outpacing opponents over the long game.

Resource Acceleration: With Dimir Guildmage, your deck gains subtle but powerful resource acceleration. By controlling the flow of the game and disrupting opponent strategies, you effectively set a pace that can put you ahead without the need for additional mana sources.

Instant Speed: The Guildmage’s abilities can be activated at instant speed, giving you the flexibility to adapt to the unfolding game. Whether you’re digging for an answer on your opponent’s turn or quietly disrupting their plans, the instantaneous nature of this card is a potent weapon in any player’s arsenal.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Dimir Guildmage requires a card to be discarded when utilizing its card draw ability. This can be a downside for players who are already struggling to maintain card advantage or when every card in hand is vital to upcoming strategies.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s abilities are dependent on blue and black mana, necessitating a strict adherence to the Dimir color identity. Players running multicolor decks might find it challenging to consistently meet these specific mana requirements, potentially limiting the Guildmage’s versatility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the Dimir Guildmage offers both card drawing and opponent hand disruption abilities, these come at a cost of three mana each. In a game where mana efficiency is key, there are cards available that perform similar functions at a lower cost, making them potentially more attractive choices in a fast-paced match.


Reasons to Include Dimir Guildmage in Your Collection

Versatility: Dimir Guildmage is a multi-faceted card that can adapt to various gameplay situations. Its ability to both draw cards and control opponents’ hands makes it a useful asset in many blue and black deck combinations.

Combo Potential: With its mana abilities that focus on card draw and discard, Dimir Guildmage can synergize with numerous strategies. It acts as a key piece in combos that capitalize on graveyard mechanics or cards that benefit from opponents having fewer options in hand.

Meta-Relevance: Given the evolving nature of MTG’s competitive environment, Dimir Guildmage’s control elements can be particularly effective. It remains a relevant choice for disrupting opponent strategies, making it a mainstay in formats where hand manipulation can decide the outcome of the game.


How to Beat

Dimir Guildmage is a versatile card in the MTG universe, widely recognized for its ability to both draw extra cards and disrupt opponents by forcing them to discard. To effectively counter this card, players should consider the strategic timing of removal spells. Instant-speed removal such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile can be key, as they allow you to wait until your opponent commits mana to the Guildmage’s abilities before you take it off the board.

Another approach to overcome Dimir Guildmage is to limit its utility through graveyard disruption. Cards like Relic of Progenitus or Tormod’s Crypt can eliminate the resources the Guildmage might target from the graveyard. Additionally, since the Guildmage depends on its activated abilities, making it more expensive or difficult to use those abilities can hinder your opponent. Try incorporating pithing needle or Phyrexian Revoker into your deck to restrict the Guildmage’s capabilities.

Finally, maintaining a higher card count can also prove beneficial when facing the discard ability of the Guildmage. This can be achieved through cards that allow you to draw, maintaining a comfortable hand size that minimizes the impact of being forced to discard. In conclusion, a combination of instant-speed removal, graveyard control, and maintaining card advantage can effectively neutralize the threat posed by Dimir Guildmage in your MTG matchups.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Dimir Guildmage MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Salvat 2005, 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 Dimir Guildmage and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Dimir Guildmage Magic the Gathering card was released in 9 different sets between 2005-08-22 and 2024-02-23. Illustrated by Adam Rex.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 325792003NormalBlackAdam Rex
22005-08-22Salvat 2005PSAL H152003NormalWhiteAdam Rex
32005-10-07Ravnica: City of GuildsRAV 2452003NormalBlackAdam Rex
42005-10-07Ravnica: City of Guilds PromosPRAV 245★2003NormalBlackAdam Rex
52015-05-22Modern Masters 2015MM2 1922015NormalBlackAdam Rex
62018-11-02GRN Guild KitGK1 132015NormalBlackAdam Rex
72018-12-07Ultimate MastersUMA 2132015NormalBlackAdam Rex
82024-01-12Ravnica RemasteredRVR 1782015NormalBlackAdam Rex
92024-02-23Ravnica: Clue EditionCLU 1862015NormalBlackAdam Rex

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Dimir Guildmage has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal