Thieving Amalgam MTG Card


Thieving Amalgam generates cards and tokens, aiding hand replenishment and board presence simultaneously. It fits multiple game plans, particularly in long games with a focus on late-stage control and token strategies. Effective removal or counterspells are essential to manage its presence and prevent opponent’s board advantage.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost7
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Ape Snake
Abilities Manifest
Power 6
Toughness 7

Text of card

At the beginning of each opponent's upkeep, you manifest the top card of that player's library. (Put it onto the battlefield face down as a 2/2 creature. Turn it face up any time for its mana cost if it's a creature card.) Whenever a creature you control but don't own dies, its owner loses 2 life and you gain 2 life.


Cards like Thieving Amalgam

In the realm of MTG, Thieving Amalgam is an intriguing selection for players looking to incorporate some creature chaos into their decks. It finds its kinship in cards like Control Magic, which shares the essence of commandeering an opponent’s creature. However, Thieving Amalgam goes a step beyond just taking control; it creates a token copy of an opponent’s creature at the beginning of each upkeep. This is a trait that sets it apart from the simplicity of Control Magic’s one-time effect.

Another comparable card is Gonti, Lord of Luxury. Like Thieving Amalgam, it plays with the idea of using your opponent’s deck to your advantage, but Gonti’s ability is more focused, allowing you to choose a card out of the top four cards of an opponent’s library. Where the Amalgam broadens your creature base with each opposing tribe, Gonti gives you a single, potentially game-changing spell or creature. Then there’s Bribery, which also dives into an opponent’s deck specifically to bring a creature directly onto the battlefield under your control.

These comparisons reveal Thieving Amalgam’s unique position in MTG. It’s a card that promises recurring advantages and fits perfectly into a strategy designed around disruption and incremental value, especially in Commander format games.

Control Magic - MTG Card versions
Gonti, Lord of Luxury - MTG Card versions
Bribery - MTG Card versions
Control Magic - MTG Card versions
Gonti, Lord of Luxury - MTG Card versions
Bribery - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Thieving Amalgam by color, type and mana cost

Lord of the Pit - MTG Card versions
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Kalitas, Bloodchief of Ghet - MTG Card versions
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Sutured Ghoul - MTG Card versions
Abhorrent Overlord - MTG Card versions
Fell Shepherd - MTG Card versions
Butcher of Malakir - MTG Card versions
Lord of the Pit - MTG Card versions
Minion of Tevesh Szat - MTG Card versions
Minion of Leshrac - MTG Card versions
Cateran Overlord - MTG Card versions
Deathbringer Regent - MTG Card versions
Black Dragon - MTG Card versions
Reaper of Night // Harvest Fear - MTG Card versions
Zombie Brute - MTG Card versions
Patron of the Nezumi - MTG Card versions
Pus Kami - MTG Card versions
Tresserhorn Skyknight - MTG Card versions
Lim-Dûl the Necromancer - MTG Card versions
Phage the Untouchable - MTG Card versions
Ebon Dragon - MTG Card versions
Kalitas, Bloodchief of Ghet - MTG Card versions
Sheoldred, Whispering One - MTG Card versions
Sutured Ghoul - MTG Card versions
Abhorrent Overlord - MTG Card versions
Fell Shepherd - MTG Card versions
Butcher of Malakir - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Thieving Amalgam ensures continuous replenishment of your hand as it creates a copy of the top card of each opponent’s library at the beginning of your upkeep. This not only disrupts your opponents’ plans but also supplies you with a wider selection of potential plays each turn.

Resource Acceleration: Each ape token generated from the copied cards acts as a potential blocker or attacker while also effectively tapping down an opponent’s creature. This dual functionality propels both your board presence and offensive capabilities, often leading to a quicker victory.

Instant Speed: While Thieving Amalgam itself does not operate at instant speed, the Ape tokens it creates during your upkeep can offer significant surprise blockers. This can complicate your opponent’s combat math and forces them to reconsider attacks, potentially saving you from threatening swings and preserving your life total.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Engaging in the sneaky tactics of Thieving Amalgam comes at a cost. To capture its full potential, it often necessitates setting aside other cards from your hand, which may lead to a strained resource pool, especially when options are already scarce.

Specific Mana Cost: The intricate spellwork required to summon Thieving Amalgam can be restrictive. It demands a particular blend of mana, including black. This requirement may not always meld harmoniously with the diverse landscapes of multicolored decks that players wish to command.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Looking to dominate the match with Thieving Amalgam? Be prepared to invest heavily in mana. Its casting cost is substantial compared to other creatures in the arena. Savvy players often weigh this against their strategy, considering if the mana could be distributed to craft a more varied and immediate impact on the game state.


Reasons to Include Thieving Amalgam in Your Collection

Versatility: Thieving Amalgam offers a unique angle in deck construction by allowing for both creature control and a robust end-of-turn mechanic. As a sizable seven-mana ape snake, it can fit into decks focused on late-game dominance or those that synergize with creature type manipulation.

Combo Potential: With the ability to generate a free 2/2 black Manifest creature token at each opponent’s upkeep, Thieving Amalgam works well in strategies that capitalize on creature tokens, such as sacrifice outlets or boosting board presence for overwhelming attacks.

Meta-Relevance: Given its capacity to disrupt opponents by turning their top-deck cards into creatures under your control, Thieving Amalgam can be a game-changer in a meta where top-deck manipulation or graveyard strategies prevail. It’s also remarkably effective in Commander, where multi-player dynamics can exponentially increase its value.


How to beat

Thieving Amalgam looms as a formidable presence on any MTG battlefield. Its ability to sneak in Apes onto the field can quickly overwhelm an unprepared opponent. To overcome this menace, strategic removal is key. You’ll want to prioritize removal spells that can directly target Thieving Amalgam before the token generation gets out of hand. Cards like Murderous Rider or Bedevil offer a swift response to this threat. Utility lands, which can tap to deal with creatures, also provide a subtle yet effective countermeasure.

Enchantment-based removal such as Banishing Light can also serve as a protective measure, nullifying the looming danger without triggering death-related abilities. Moreover, maintaining a manageable board state is crucial; sweepers like Wrath of God can reset the playing field. Don’t forget about your options for counterspelling either. A well-timed Negate or Counterspell can prevent Thieving Amalgam from hitting the field altogether.

Ultimately, the secret is to keep their side of the field lean and to act decisively. By employing these tactics, you can clip the wings of this beast, preserving your path to victory against the formidable Thieving Amalgam.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the MTG battlefield often hinges on making strategic card choices and understanding each card’s potential. Thieving Amalgam is no exception. With its ability to widen your options each turn and complicate your opponents’ plays, it’s a card worth considering for decks that thrive on late-game strength and disruption tactics. It requires a well-crafted approach and a nod to the inherent trade-offs. Eager to finesse your deck with this robust creature or keen to navigate its challenges effectively? Dive deeper into its synergies, counters, and strategic value on BurnMana, where every match brings you closer to MTG mastery.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Thieving Amalgam MTG card by a specific set like Commander 2019 and Outlaws of Thunder Junction Commander, 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 Thieving Amalgam and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Thieving Amalgam Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2019-08-23 and 2024-04-19. Illustrated by Johan Grenier.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12019-08-23Commander 2019C19 212015NormalBlackJohan Grenier
22024-04-19Outlaws of Thunder Junction CommanderOTC 1502015NormalBlackJohan Grenier

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Thieving Amalgam has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2019-08-23 If a creature you control but don’t own dies at the same time that its owner leaves the game, Thieving Amalgam’s last ability triggers. No player loses 2 life, but you gain 2 life.
2019-08-23 If a creature you control but don’t own dies at the same time that your life total becomes 0 or less, you lose the game before Thieving Amalgam’s last ability can save you.
2019-08-23 In a multiplayer game, if a player leaves the game, all cards that player owns leave as well. If you leave the game, the creatures you manifested with Thieving Amalgam’s triggered ability are exiled.
2019-08-23 In the Commander variant, you can produce mana that isn’t of your commander’s color identity if an effect lets you produce mana of that color or mana of any color, even though those symbols can’t appear on cards in your deck. You may be able to turn a manifested creature card face up this way if it’s not the same colors as your commander.
2019-08-23 Your opponents can’t look at the card they own that you manifested.