Ingenious Prodigy MTG Card


Ingenious Prodigy offers card advantage, enhancing hand options for potentially dominant gameplay. The card accelerates resources by untapping lands, increasing flexibility and play options each turn. Paired with instant speed interactions, it encourages strategic play, impacting game-turning moments.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Human Wizard
Abilities Skulk
Power 0
Toughness 1

Text of card

Skulk Ingenious Prodigy enters the battlefield with X +1/+1 counters on it. At the beginning of your upkeep, if Ingenious Prodigy has one or more +1/+1 counters on it, you may remove a +1/+1 counter from it. If you do, draw a card.


Cards like Ingenious Prodigy

Ingenious Prodigy shines in Magic: The Gathering as a creature that brings both flexibility and advantage to spell-centered decks. Comparable to Goblin Electromancer, which reduces the cost of spells, Ingenious Prodigy takes it a step further by allowing a peek at the top card of your library whenever you cast an instant or sorcery, potentially replacing the card you’ve used.

In a similar category, we find Baral, Chief of Compliance, which not only makes your instant and sorcery cards cheaper but also lets you discard and draw when a counter spell is activated, emphasizing control over flow. While this encourages strategic gameplay, Ingenious Prodigy offers consistent card quality management. Another peer in this space is Snapcaster Mage. It allows for an instant or sorcery in your graveyard to be played again, offering an immediate impact on the board, unlike Ingenious Prodigy’s long-term value through ongoing deck manipulation.

Evaluating these cards side by side showcases Ingenious Prodigy’s strong suit in decks that thrive on casting numerous spells, providing both a cost-efficient creature and a method to enhance card quality, which is a substantial advantage in the strategic depth of Magic: The Gathering.

Goblin Electromancer - MTG Card versions
Baral, Chief of Compliance - MTG Card versions
Snapcaster Mage - MTG Card versions
Goblin Electromancer - MTG Card versions
Baral, Chief of Compliance - MTG Card versions
Snapcaster Mage - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Ingenious Prodigy by color, type and mana cost

Merfolk of the Pearl Trident - MTG Card versions
Flying Men - MTG Card versions
Shrieking Drake - MTG Card versions
Cloud Pirates - MTG Card versions
Rootwater Diver - MTG Card versions
Fledgling Osprey - MTG Card versions
Manta Riders - MTG Card versions
Faerie Squadron - MTG Card versions
Faerie Seer - MTG Card versions
Ruin Crab - MTG Card versions
Fugitive Wizard - MTG Card versions
Wandering Ones - MTG Card versions
Teardrop Kami - MTG Card versions
Dreamcatcher - MTG Card versions
Drifter il-Dal - MTG Card versions
Sage of Epityr - MTG Card versions
Screeching Sliver - MTG Card versions
Timebender - MTG Card versions
Cloud Sprite - MTG Card versions
Merrow Witsniper - MTG Card versions
Merfolk of the Pearl Trident - MTG Card versions
Flying Men - MTG Card versions
Shrieking Drake - MTG Card versions
Cloud Pirates - MTG Card versions
Rootwater Diver - MTG Card versions
Fledgling Osprey - MTG Card versions
Manta Riders - MTG Card versions
Faerie Squadron - MTG Card versions
Faerie Seer - MTG Card versions
Ruin Crab - MTG Card versions
Fugitive Wizard - MTG Card versions
Wandering Ones - MTG Card versions
Teardrop Kami - MTG Card versions
Dreamcatcher - MTG Card versions
Drifter il-Dal - MTG Card versions
Sage of Epityr - MTG Card versions
Screeching Sliver - MTG Card versions
Timebender - MTG Card versions
Cloud Sprite - MTG Card versions
Merrow Witsniper - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Ingenious Prodigy. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Dimir DrawsDimir Draws StandardDimir DrawsStandard Challenge 64 2024-03-24
Dimir MidrangeDimir Midrange StandardDimir DrawsThe Pizza Box Open: Standard
Dimir TempoDimir Tempo StandardDimir DrawsThe Pizza Box Open: Standard
Jeskai Oracle ComboJeskai Oracle Combo LegacyBlue Oracle ComboLegacy League 2024-03-12
Izzet AggroIzzet Aggro StandardIzzet AggroJapan Standard Cup: Murders at Karlov Manor
Izzet ComboIzzet Combo LegacyIzzet Control92 / The 92nd Legacy at Home
Dimir ControlDimir Control StandardDimir Ninjas2023Players Convention Aichi 2023 Standard Open
Mono-Blue ComboMono-Blue Combo LegacyBlue Oracle Combo2023 Asia Legacy Championship

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Ingenious Prodigy enables you to sift through your deck, providing you access to more options and paving the way for dominant plays. With each spell you cast, the prodigy’s ability deeply synergizes with strategies to outpace your opponent with superior hand resources.

Resource Acceleration: This card offers a distinct form of acceleration by potentially untapping a land each time you cast an instant or sorcery spell. This ability keeps your resources flowing, allowing for more flexibility and the potential to cast additional spells within a single turn for a dynamic battlefield presence.

Instant Speed: Ingenious Prodigy shines when paired with instant speed interactions. The linked ability to untap a land encourages a playstyle that rewards strategic patience and last-minute decisions, turning the tide of the game during crucial moments and keeping opponents on their toes.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The card necessitates players to discard another card, an act which can backfire, especially in the late game when each card in hand is a valuable asset. This aspect of Ingenious Prodigy may lead to difficult decisions, given that no player enjoys seeing their potential plays discarded.

Specific Mana Cost: Sporting a non-generic mana cost demands commitment to its color identity. This means that integrating Ingenious Prodigy into a multi-color deck could present a challenge, particularly when a player’s mana base isn’t perfectly tuned to accommodate it.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost that could be considered steep for its abilities, players might find themselves weighing the value of Ingenious Prodigy against other options. In the realm of deck building, finding the most cost-effective spells is critical, and there might be alternative cards that provide similar benefits without the hefty mana investment.


Reasons to Include Ingenious Prodigy in Your Collection

Versatility: Ingenious Prodigy offers flexibility across various formats. Its ability to filter through your deck enhances many strategies that value card selection and mana efficiency.

Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with spellslinger decks, potentially unlocking explosive turns where multiple spells are cast, furthering your board position or leading to game-winning combos.

Meta-Relevance: Given its potential to smoothly integrate into a wide array of decks, Ingenious Prodigy can adapt to shifting metas, potentially giving players an edge in both casual and competitive scenes.


How to beat Ingenious Prodigy

Ingenious Prodigy makes waves in the MTG arena as a utility card, but it’s not unbeatable. This wily card packs a punch with its ability to sift through a player’s library and manipulate spells. Its strength lies in accelerating and optimizing spell-based strategies, making it a solid addition to any deck that aims to outpace opponents with quick and recurrent spellcasting.

When it comes to overcoming Ingenious Prodigy, tempo and disruption are key. Utilizing instant-speed removal can ensure it’s off the board before it gets a chance to trigger its ability. Counterspells are also effective, as prohibiting the card from entering the battlefield in the first place prevents any advantage the opponent might gain. Keeping pressure with aggressive creatures can also redirect the focus from setting up combos to defending, leaving Ingenious Prodigy’s potential untapped. It’s a classic scenario where maintaining control and pressure can flip the script on an opponent’s clever play. Taking out this key piece can often tilt the game in your favor.

Strategic foresight and prompt responses are your trusty tools against this tricky card. Remember, every prodigy has its weakness, and in MTG, it’s about recognizing and responding to threats before they can unravel your game plan.


BurnMana Recommendations

Every MTG player knows that the right card can change the tide of the game. Ingenious Prodigy is one such card that offers deck manipulation, resource acceleration, and spellslinging synergies. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of cards like Ingenious Prodigy is crucial. These insights not only enhance your current playstyle but also provide a versatile tool in your MTG arsenal. Dive deeper into strategic play and discover new deck-building ideas by continuing your MTG journey with us. Unleash the full potential of Ingenious Prodigy in your collection and elevate your gameplay.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ingenious Prodigy MTG card by a specific set like Wilds of Eldraine and Wilds of Eldraine, 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 Ingenious Prodigy and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Ingenious Prodigy Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2023-09-08 and 2023-09-08. Illustrated by Brian Valeza.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-09-08Wilds of EldraineWOE 3332015NormalBlackBrian Valeza
22023-09-08Wilds of EldraineWOE 562015NormalBlackBrian Valeza
32023-09-08Wilds of Eldraine PromosPWOE 56s2015NormalBlackBrian Valeza
42023-09-08Wilds of Eldraine PromosPWOE 56p2015NormalBlackBrian Valeza

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Ingenious Prodigy has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal