Open the Armory MTG Card


Open the Armory offers precise card fetching, pivotal for equipment or Aura-based deck strategies. Its sorcery speed enables well-planned tactics, ensuring key cards for upcoming plays. Flexibility in mana cost and card utility must be weighed against potential tempo loss.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Search your library for an Aura or Equipment card, reveal it, and put it into your hand. Then shuffle your library.

"Once Avacyn returned, I hoped I'd never need these things again. I didn't think I'd be dusting them off to use against angels."


Cards like Open the Armory

Open the Armory is a unique tutor spell that allows players to search their library for an Aura or Equipment card and then add it to their hand, facilitating a strategic advantage in Magic: The Gathering deck building. Its closest counterpart is Steelshaper’s Gift, which also searches for an Equipment card, yet doesn’t provide the option to fetch an Aura, limiting its versatility when compared to Open the Armory.

Another similar card is Enlightened Tutor, which stands out with its instant speed, offering the flexibility to search for any artifact or enchantment at the end of an opponent’s turn. However, it places the card on top of the library instead of directly into the hand, adding a delay in utility. Finally, Idyllic Tutor mirrors Open the Armory’s ability to search for an Aura but expands its scope to include any enchantment. Despite this broader search capability, its higher mana cost can make it a less efficient choice for fast-paced gameplay.

Given its moderate casting cost and versatility, Open the Armory secures its place as a valuable search card for decks capitalizing on Auras and Equipment, reinforcing its position in the MTG arena.

Steelshaper's Gift - MTG Card versions
Enlightened Tutor - MTG Card versions
Idyllic Tutor - MTG Card versions
Steelshaper's Gift - MTG Card versions
Enlightened Tutor - MTG Card versions
Idyllic Tutor - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Open the Armory by color, type and mana cost

Balance - MTG Card versions
Shahrazad - MTG Card versions
Martyr's Cry - MTG Card versions
Gift of Estates - MTG Card versions
Starlight - MTG Card versions
Renewing Dawn - MTG Card versions
Tariff - MTG Card versions
Pegasus Stampede - MTG Card versions
Planar Birth - MTG Card versions
Flicker - MTG Card versions
Steadfastness - MTG Card versions
Sacred Nectar - MTG Card versions
False Dawn - MTG Card versions
Morningtide - MTG Card versions
Academic Probation - MTG Card versions
Gather the Townsfolk - MTG Card versions
Servo Exhibition - MTG Card versions
Martial Coup - MTG Card versions
Revoke Existence - MTG Card versions
Glare of Heresy - MTG Card versions
Balance - MTG Card versions
Shahrazad - MTG Card versions
Martyr's Cry - MTG Card versions
Gift of Estates - MTG Card versions
Starlight - MTG Card versions
Renewing Dawn - MTG Card versions
Tariff - MTG Card versions
Pegasus Stampede - MTG Card versions
Planar Birth - MTG Card versions
Flicker - MTG Card versions
Steadfastness - MTG Card versions
Sacred Nectar - MTG Card versions
False Dawn - MTG Card versions
Morningtide - MTG Card versions
Academic Probation - MTG Card versions
Gather the Townsfolk - MTG Card versions
Servo Exhibition - MTG Card versions
Martial Coup - MTG Card versions
Revoke Existence - MTG Card versions
Glare of Heresy - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Hammer TimeHammer Time PioneerBoros Hammer TimeReCQ - Pioneer - SCG CON Atlanta - Saturday - 1:00 pm (Bronze)
Abzan VampiresAbzan Vampires PioneerAbzan Amalia ComboUOL MKM Pioneer League
Boros ArtifactsBoros Artifacts PioneerBoros Hammer Time#21 Last Chance Qualifier: Pioneer
WBWB PioneerOrzhov Hammer TimeNRG Series $5,000 Trial - Madison, Wisconsin (Pioneer)

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Open the Armory stands out by allowing you to search your library for a specific equipment or Aura card, ensuring that you receive the exact tool you need to gain an advantage over your opponent. This can potentially turn the tides in your favor by letting you fetch a key piece that complements your strategy.

Resource Acceleration: While it doesn’t directly produce mana, by tutoring for an essential equipment or Aura, you streamline your game plan, effectively speeding up your resource deployment. This can lead to faster set-ups and more efficient use of your turns, accelerating your overall game progression.

Instant Speed: One of the beauties of Open the Armory is its sorcery speed, which, while not instant, allows you to plan your turn with precision. You can use it in your main phase to ensure you have the card you need for subsequent plays, setting up your board state without leaving yourself open to surprises. Despite not having flash, the strategic planning it affords can be just as powerful.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Open the Armory allows you to search your library for an Aura or Equipment card, it does require players to have another card on hand to discard which may deplete your hand size, reducing future action options.

Specific Mana Cost: Open the Armory’s cost is specific, demanding one white mana. This necessity might restrict its inclusion in multicolored decks that may struggle to meet the color requirement consistently.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing two mana to cast, Open the Armory could be deemed a bit pricey given it doesn’t directly affect the battlefield. When seeking to maximize efficiency, players might consider whether the tempo loss is worth the tutor effect.


Reasons to Include Open the Armory in Your Collection

Versatility: Open the Armory’s ability to search your library for an Aura or Equipment card makes it a key addition to decks focusing on voltron strategies or ones that rely on specific synergies. Its inclusion can streamline your gameplay and enhance your deck’s adaptability.

Combo Potential: For decks that revolve around powerful combos, Open the Armory can be an efficient tutor, fetching necessary pieces like a crucial Equipment or an Aura that might enable an infinite combo or a game-winning play.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where toolboxes or engines are prevalent, being able to consistently access important pieces is critical. Open the Armory ensures that you can adapt to various metagame shifts by retrieving the right answer or threat at the right time.


How to beat

Open the Armory delivers precise versatility in Magic: The Gathering, helping players to search their libraries for an aura or equipment card and adding it directly into their hands. Its distinct advantage is that it empowers players by allowing them to choose powerful gear tailored to their strategy during the game. But how can one’s strategy potentially disrupt or compete with this tactful maneuver?

To effectively counter Open the Armory, disrupting your opponent’s hand is a robust approach. Using discard spells such as Thoughtseize or Inquisition of Kozilek can preemptively remove this strategic tutor card before it’s ever played. Another potent tactic is to target the auras and equipment in the library directly. Cards like Jester’s Cap or Sadistic Sacrament can exile key pieces before they become a threat. Furthermore, instant-speed removal spells such as Nature’s Claim or Disenchant are critical to handle the auras or equipment that Open the Armory may retrieve, thus thwarting your opponent’s well-laid plans.

Ultimately, countering Open the Armory involves proactive measures and remaining one step ahead. Keeping removal and disruption in your deck allows you to maintain control, ensuring that the arsenal of auras or equipment your opponent seeks remains just out of reach.


BurnMana Recommendations

Arming your deck with the right resources is a crucial step in claiming victory in MTG. Open the Armory is a prime spell for players looking to optimize their deck’s performance with pinpoint precision, fetching the exact Aura or Equipment they need. It’s the strategic edge that could define the outcome of your matches. Whether you’re countering it or wielding its power, understanding the nuances of this card is vital. As you continue to sharpen your skills and deck strategy, we encourage you to dive deeper into our wealth of tips, tricks, and insights. Enhance your gameplay and stay a step ahead of the competition—discover more with us today.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Open the Armory MTG card by a specific set like Shadows over Innistrad and Commander Legends, 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 Open the Armory and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Open the Armory Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2016-04-08 and 2020-11-20. Illustrated by Steve Prescott.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12016-04-08Shadows over InnistradSOI 322015NormalBlackSteve Prescott
22020-11-20Commander LegendsCMR 342015NormalBlackSteve Prescott

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Open the Armory has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal