Archivist of Oghma MTG Card


Generates card advantage in multiplayer games with multiple life gain triggers. Synergizes with instant speed spells for dynamic interaction and strategy. Demands careful hand management due to its discard condition for balancing.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Halfling Cleric
Abilities Flash
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

Flash Whenever an opponent searches their library, you gain 1 life and draw a card.

"Knowledge is the greatest tool of the mortal mind, outweighing anything made by mortal hands. Before anything else can exist, the idea must exist."


Cards like Archivist of Oghma

The Archivist of Oghma from MTG offers a dynamic new option for gaining card advantage through its unique ability to draw cards. This facet is akin to the functionality of cards like Wall of Omens or Wall of Blossoms which also provide card draw while presenting a defensive body on the board. Yet Archivist of Oghma’s advantage lies in its potential for repeated card draw, triggered not just once but every time an opponent declares attackers, differentiating it significantly from the single-use draw effect of the aforestated walls.

Comparatively, persistent card draw can also be found in creatures like Mentor of the Meek. However, its ability comes with the stipulation that you must pay mana each time you want to draw, while Archivist of Oghma’s ability is free whenever the conditional trigger is met. Additionally, unlike Mentor of the Meek which requires you to play small creatures to activate its ability, Archivist of Oghma is a passive and continuous card benefit that depends on your opponents’ actions.

In sum, Archivist of Oghma, with its passive and conditional based draw, adds a strategic layer to the game, making it a card that could be a valuable asset for players looking for sustained card advantage without the repeated mana investment.

Wall of Omens - MTG Card versions
Wall of Blossoms - MTG Card versions
Mentor of the Meek - MTG Card versions
Wall of Omens - MTG Card versions
Wall of Blossoms - MTG Card versions
Mentor of the Meek - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Archivist of Oghma by color, type and mana cost

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White Knight - MTG Card versions
Soul Shepherd - MTG Card versions
Soltari Monk - MTG Card versions
Talon Sliver - MTG Card versions
Keeper of the Light - MTG Card versions
Faith Healer - MTG Card versions
Angelic Page - MTG Card versions
Avenger en-Dal - MTG Card versions
Royal Falcon - MTG Card versions
Spirit Weaver - MTG Card versions
Voice of the Blessed - MTG Card versions
Stoneforge Mystic - MTG Card versions
Drannith Magistrate - MTG Card versions
Leonin Lightscribe - MTG Card versions
Silver Knight - MTG Card versions
Longbow Archer - MTG Card versions
Silverflame Squire // On Alert - MTG Card versions
Flumph - MTG Card versions
Soltari Priest - MTG Card versions
Luminarch Aspirant - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Death and Taxes (Yorion)Death and Taxes (Yorion) LegacyDeath and Taxes$1K - Legacy - SCG CON Atlanta - Sunday - 9:30 am
Mono-White AggroMono-White Aggro GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 15 2024
Orzhov AngelsOrzhov Angels GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 15 2024
Azorius TempoAzorius Tempo GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 14 2024
DecklistDecklist Free formHoliday Night Magic
Esper FlashEsper Flash GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 13 2024
Azorius FlashAzorius Flash GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 09 2024
Mono-White Death & TaxesMono-White Death & Taxes GladiatorGladiator Team Unified League
Mono-White InitiativeMono-White Initiative LegacyMono-White InitiativeLegacy League 2023-11-11

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Archivist of Oghma excels at providing consistent card advantage. Each time an opponent gains life, you get to draw a card, potentially filling your hand with answers and threats throughout the game. This advantage grows exponentially in multiplayer formats where multiple opponents’ life gain triggers the effect.

Resource Acceleration: This card helps streamline your deck’s performance by offering indirect resource acceleration. The advantage of drawing extra cards cannot be overstated, as it increases your likelihood of hitting land drops and curating the perfect hand to execute your strategy.

Instant Speed: While Archivist of Oghma itself is not an instant, it synergizes extremely well with instant speed interaction. Since it triggers during an opponent’s life gain—not just your own turn—you’re free to play instants or flash creatures knowing each life they gain still edges you towards more drawn cards. This creates a dynamic where you’re rewarded even when reacting to an opponent’s moves.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Archivist of Oghma comes with a discard condition that mandates you to forfeit another card. During gameplay, especially when your hand is depleted, this stipulation can lead to an unfavorable sacrifice, leaving you with fewer options.

Specific Mana Cost: Casting this artifact requires a precise blend of mana, including at least white, which might clash with decks that lack a diverse mana base. This can be particularly challenging in formats where mana fixing is less prevalent.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that is somewhat steep, the Archivist of Oghma might not always be the most efficient choice when resources are tight. Competing cards could offer similar or better advantages without such a hefty investment, potentially providing better value or synergy within your strategy.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Archivist of Oghma fits into a variety of deck builds, particularly those emphasizing card advantage and continuous resource streamlining. Its ability to draw cards based on opponents’ life gain is exceptional, integrating well in a format where such strategies are prevalent.

Combo Potential: This card’s intrinsic synergy with life gain tactics offers combo potential in numerous decks. Use it to fuel draw engines or as a complementary piece in a wider strategy that exposes opponents when they increase their life total.

Meta-Relevance: In the ever-shifting landscape of competitive play, Archivist of Oghma’s unique ability to turn an opponent’s life gain into your card draw can be a game-changer. As life gain decks circulate through the meta, having Archivist of Oghma ensures you capitalize on these moments, maintaining relevancy against such strategies.


How to Beat Archivist of Oghma

Archivist of Oghma challenges players with a unique ability to draw cards when opponents gain life. To counteract this advantage, a pivotal strategy in battling this card revolves around minimizing passive life-gain methods. Cards such as Sulfuric Vortex or Tainted Remedy can be game-changers, as they either prevent life gain or turn it into damage against your opponent. Additionally, focus on aggressive strategies—aim to control the board and maintain pressure without relying on damage sources that give your opponent the opportunity to gain life.

Another effective tactic is utilizing removal spells or abilities that target specific creature types, since Archivist of Oghma falls into the Cleric category. Cards like Crippling Fear allow you to choose a creature type that gets -3/-3 until end of turn, thereby removing Archivist without affecting other creatures on your board.

Ultimately, defeating Archivist of Oghma in MTG requires a balance of life-gain denial and strategic removal. Keep your board presence strong, plan your moves to control your opponent’s life total, and deploy specific removals at crucial moments to neutralize this potent card and tip the scales in your favor.


BurnMana Recommendations

Archivist of Oghma presents intriguing play for those keen on leveraging the ever-changing dynamics of the game. As you’ve seen, this card can propel your decks into powerful repositories of knowledge and strategy. Whether you’re orchestrating synergies to outpace your opponents or need a lifeline to claw back the advantage, Archivist of Oghma is a key player in the vast MTG arena. It stacks your hand while making your opponent’s gain your victory. We encourage you to dive deeper into the multitude of MTG tactics available and discover ways to integrate Archivist of Oghma into your game plan. Imbued with potential, it could very well turn the tides in your next challenge. Learn more and harness the subtle art of card advantage with us.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Archivist of Oghma MTG card by a specific set like Battle for Baldur's Gate Promos and Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's Gate, 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 Archivist of Oghma and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Archivist of Oghma Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2022-06-10 and 2022-07-07. Illustrated by Stella Spente.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12022-06-10Battle for Baldur's Gate PromosPCLB 4s2015NormalBlackStella Spente
22022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 5532015NormalBlackStella Spente
32022-06-10Commander Legends: Battle for Baldur's GateCLB 42015NormalBlackStella Spente
42022-07-07Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's GateHBG 832015NormalBlackStella Spente

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Archivist of Oghma has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
GladiatorLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2022-06-10 Archivist of Oghma's triggered ability won't be put onto the stack until after the spell or ability causing the opponent to search their library finishes resolving. Notably, if that spell or ability causes any other abilities to trigger (for example, if the opponent searched for a card and put it onto the battlefield), those abilities and Archivist of Oghma's triggered ability will go on the stack at the same time. The active player puts all their abilities on the stack in any order, then each other player in turn order does the same. The last ability put onto the stack this way resolves first, and so on.
2022-06-10 Archivist of Oghma's triggered ability won't trigger if you search an opponent's library or an opponent searches another player's library.
Flash card art

Guide to Flash card ability

Explore the dynamic Flash ability in Magic: The Gathering (MTG), a feature that allows you to cast spells at lightning speed, often leaving your opponents reeling and your strategy several steps ahead. This versatile ability can turn the tide of a game, providing the element of surprise and tactical advantage. It places a premium on timing and foresight, transforming an ordinary deck into a formidable arsenal of instant threats and responses.