Arcane Laboratory MTG Card


This card can disrupt opponents’ strategies and hand advantage, putting you ahead in control and tempo. It’s equally restrictive for the user, possibly leading to unfavorable card discards if not played carefully. Its capacity for synergy and meta relevance makes it an essential tool for control-oriented deck strategies.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeEnchantment

Text of card

Each player cannot play more than one spell each turn.

It soon became obvious that some experiments were best overseen by fireproof teachers.


Cards like Arcane Laboratory

In the realm of Magic: The Gathering, Arcane Laboratory stands out as a unique card that restricts all players to casting just one spell per turn. This card is sometimes likened to Rule of Law from the Core Set 2020, which offers the same constraint. While Arcane Laboratory is a blue spell, Rule of Law is white, and their secondary abilities align with the ethos of their respective colors.

Another relevant comparison is with the card Eidolon of Rhetoric from the Journey into Nyx set, an enchantment creature that enforces the same one-spell-per-turn policy. Despite being a creature which could be more vulnerable to removal spells, Eidolon of Rhetoric’s body provides a tangible presence on the battlefield. Conversely, Arcane Laboratory holds an advantage in its lower mana cost and due to being non-creature, it’s less susceptible to the most common forms of removal.

When evaluating these cards together, Arcane Laboratory appeals to those who prefer a straightforward and efficient approach to controlling the pace of the game. It’s an effective tool in a strategist’s arsenal for building a deck tailored to stifle opponents and gain a significant tactical advantage.

Rule of Law - MTG Card versions
Eidolon of Rhetoric - MTG Card versions
Rule of Law - MTG Card versions
Eidolon of Rhetoric - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Arcane Laboratory by color, type and mana cost

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In the Eye of Chaos - MTG Card versions
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Energy Flux - MTG Card versions
Gaseous Form - MTG Card versions
Mesmeric Trance - MTG Card versions
Soul Barrier - MTG Card versions
Puppet Master - MTG Card versions
Propaganda - MTG Card versions
Intruder Alarm - MTG Card versions
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Mana Breach - MTG Card versions
Checks and Balances - MTG Card versions
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Veiled Crocodile - MTG Card versions
Charisma - MTG Card versions
Rhystic Study - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Arcane Laboratory limits each player to casting just one spell per turn, disrupting your opponent’s ability to build card advantage while maintaining control yourself. This shift can give you the upper hand, potentially leading to victory.

Resource Acceleration: While Arcane Laboratory does not directly accelerate resources, it effectively slows your opponent’s resource usage down. This can enable you to capitalize on turns where they cannot fully utilize their mana, giving you a de facto acceleration in resources via tempo.

Instant Speed: Arcane Laboratory’s impact on the game mirrors that of an instant speed play by restricting your opponents’ ability to cast multiple spells during either player’s turn. Although it’s an enchantment that operates on a continuous basis once played, its ongoing effect imposes a limitation similar to an instant speed disruption, creating a control aspect that can alter the pace of the game significantly.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Arcane Laboratory could strategically limit an opponent’s plays, its restrictions also apply to you, potentially forcing you to discard cards if you cannot play them promptly.

Specific Mana Cost: Arcane Laboratory’s mana cost requires both blue and generic mana, which might not align with all deck strategies, especially in decks that rely heavily on color diversity.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing three mana, including one blue, Arcane Laboratory may not seem exorbitant but can be considered quite steep for an effect that does not immediately affect the board state and could also be detrimental to your own game plan.


Reasons to Include Arcane Laboratory in Your Collection

Versatility: Arcane Laboratory can be a strategic addition to various deck builds, particularly those aiming to control the tempo of the game. Its universal effect of allowing only one spell to be cast per turn can hinder opponents’ strategies while you maintain a more stable board state.

Combo Potential: This card works seamlessly within decks focused on limiting opponents’ actions. It can be combined with cards that allow you to bypass its restrictions or counter the spells your opponents manage to cast, effectively amplifying your control over the game.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where players are trying to execute powerful combos or storm out multiple spells in a single turn, Arcane Laboratory can serve as a critical piece to disrupt these plans. Its presence in your collection ensures you have a valuable tool against such fast-paced and combo-heavy decks.


How to beat

Arcane Laboratory can be a formidable barrier for players aiming to cast multiple spells per turn in MTG. This enchantment limits each player to one spell per turn, thus significantly altering the tempo of the game. Despite its restrictive nature, there are several effective strategies to mitigate its impact.

For instance, to bypass the limitations imposed by Arcane Laboratory, prioritizing the removal of enchantments becomes essential. Utilizing cards like Disenchant or Naturalize allows you to directly target and eliminate the obstacle. Another approach is to focus on casting spells on your opponent’s turn to maintain spell efficiency across turns. Instant-speed spells in your arsenal can help you adhere to the card’s condition while still playing reactively.

Alternatively, adapting your strategy by leaning on abilities that are not spells, like activated and triggered abilities from permanents, circumvents the restrictions of Arcane Laboratory. In these cases, cards with potent abilities can still provide a tactical edge without counting towards your single spell for the turn. Finally, employing a longer-term game plan with a focus on high-impact spells can help recover from the initial slow-down that Arcane Laboratory may impose.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the complexities of Arcane Laboratory can prove vital in the quest for MTG domination. It’s a card that cleverly manipulates the pace of play, asking for a discerning eye when building your deck. Whether it forms a cornerstone of your control strategy or acts as a foil to opponents’ multi-spell turns, ensure you adapt your play to its unique rhythm. Discover its perfect pairings, plan for its potential setbacks, and always have a counter ready for when opponents challenge its authority. Keen to expand your strategic horizons? Dive deeper with us and fortify your deck with Arcane Laboratory’s nuanced power.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Arcane Laboratory MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Saga and Seventh Edition, 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 Arcane Laboratory and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Arcane Laboratory Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1998-10-12 and 2001-04-11. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11998-10-12Urza's SagaUSG 601997NormalBlackStephen Daniele
22001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 601997NormalWhiteBrian Snõddy
32001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 60★1997NormalBlackBrian Snõddy

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Arcane Laboratory has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2004-10-04 If a spell is countered, it still counts as the one spell cast.
2004-10-04 When Arcane Laboratory enters the battlefield, it will look back over the turn to see if any spell was cast before it entered the battlefield. It will notice itself being cast.
2004-10-04 When it leaves the battlefield, the effect ends and all players are able to cast spells unrestricted again.