Ayesha Tanaka, Armorer MTG Card


Elevates card advantage by equipping artifacts during the draw phase, enhancing strategic hand management. Offers instant speed equipment attachment, leading to dynamic combat adjustments and surprise tactics. While potent, requires careful resource management due to its discard and specific mana demands.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Human Artificer
Power 2
Toughness 4

Text of card

Whenever Ayesha Tanaka, Armorer attacks, look at the top four cards of your library. You may put any number of artifact cards with mana value less than or equal to Ayesha's power from among them onto the battlefield tapped. Put the rest on the bottom of your library in a random order. Ayesha can't be blocked as long as defending player controls three or more artifacts.


Cards like Ayesha Tanaka, Armorer

Ayesha Tanaka, Armorer adds a unique flavor to the pantheon of commander creatures in Magic: The Gathering. A transmuting force on the battlefield, this card shares similarities with commanders like Sram, Senior Edificer. Both champions thrive in an environment rich with artifacts and enchantments, drawing cards to build a substantial board presence. Yet, where Sram focuses solely on card draw, Ayesha’s additional skill set allows for a more protective stance, shielding your artifacts from targeted spells.

Examining Jor Kadeen, the Prevailer, brings another layer of comparison. Jor Kadeen also capitalizes on artifacts, but instead of protection, he amplifies your creatures’ power. In this interaction, Ayesha shows versatility, providing a defensive edge over Jor’s offensive push. Glint-Nest Crane, although not a commander, offers a resemblance with its artifact-centric ability—directly digging into your library for that precious artifact. While the Crane is narrow in focus, Ayesha Tanaka’s ability to armor up and guard your valuable pieces offers broader control over game dynamics.

As MTG players consider the strategic tapestry commanders weave, Ayesha Tanaka, Armorer, stands out as a multifunctional leader. The card not only complements artifact-themed decks but also introduces a protective strategy, distinguishing it from other commanders with artifact synergies.

Sram, Senior Edificer - MTG Card versions
Jor Kadeen, the Prevailer - MTG Card versions
Glint-Nest Crane - MTG Card versions
Sram, Senior Edificer - MTG Card versions
Jor Kadeen, the Prevailer - MTG Card versions
Glint-Nest Crane - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Ayesha Tanaka, Armorer excels at offering card advantage by potentially equipping creatures during your draw step. This not only readies your forces but can also refresh your hand with the tools needed to tackle the evolving battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: This commander’s synergy with equipment allows for a more efficient use of mana. Instead of spending resources on casting equipment spells, you can tap into Ayesha’s abilities for quicker deployment, saving mana for crucial plays and putting you ahead in the arms race.

Instant Speed: The real tactical strength of Ayesha Tanaka, Armorer shines with her ability to attach equipment at instant speed. Outmaneuver opponents by adapting to threats or opportunities unpredictably, transforming the landscape of combat with swift, decisive actions that can turn the tides in your favor.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Ayesha Tanaka, Armorer demands a card to be discarded to activate certain abilities. This can deplete your hand and put you at a disadvantage, especially if you’re already behind on resources.

Specific Mana Cost: This card requires a mix of different mana colors, making it less feasible in mono-color decks. Such a requirement may limit the ability to seamlessly incorporate Ayesha into various strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana cost to get Ayesha on the field is significant. When considering the pace of the game, there might be alternative creatures or abilities that can be accessed sooner or offer better synergy with your deck’s overall game plan.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Ayesha Tanaka, Armorer proves to be a valuable addition with her ability to equip creatures at instant speed. This can be used defensively or offensively, adapting to various in-game situations, and enhancing various deck builds.

Combo Potential: This card’s unique mechanic works beautifully in synergy-based strategies, especially those revolving around equipment. With the right setup, she can become a linchpin in intricate combos, ideally suited to bolster an artifact-centric strategy.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment heavy with creature-based tactics, Ayesha can offer a swift response. Her capacity to instantaneously attach equipment makes her particularly potent in shifting the tide of battle to your favor, keeping your deck competitive.


How to beat

Ayesha Tanaka, Armorer presents a unique set of challenges on the battlefield. Skilled in providing protection, this card can fortify other permanents against your strategies. To outmaneuver Ayesha Tanaka, consider using spells that force your opponent to sacrifice permanents. This bypasses the shield Ayesha provides and reduces their battlefield presence. Removal spells that don’t target or spells that cause loss of life regardless of protection can also be effective.

Additionally, cards with the “Can’t be countered” ability disrupt Ayesha’s plans by ensuring your key spells take effect. Combating Ayesha Tanaka also involves managing the board to prevent her from accumulating too many artifacts which could enhance her defensive capabilities. Board wipes that reset the playing field can be a turning point in such matches. Keep an eye out for ways to disrupt your opponent’s artifact synergy and stay ahead of Ayesha’s defense game.

It’s about adapting your tactics and keeping pressure with efficient removal and disruption to beat Ayesha Tanaka, Armorer. Understanding how this card interacts on the board sets you up for success in navigating around her strategic protections and securing your victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ayesha Tanaka, Armorer MTG card by a specific set like Dominaria United Commander and Dominaria United 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 Ayesha Tanaka, Armorer and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Ayesha Tanaka, Armorer Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2022-09-09 and 2022-09-09. Illustrated by Aurore Folny.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12022-09-09Dominaria United CommanderDMC 292015NormalBlackAurore Folny
22022-09-09Dominaria United CommanderDMC 512015NormalBlackAurore Folny

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Ayesha Tanaka, Armorer has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PennyLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2022-09-09 Ayesha’s power is checked only once, as the triggered ability resolves. If it is no longer on the battlefield at that point, use its power as it last existed on the battlefield.
2022-09-09 Each of the artifact cards needs to have mana value less than or equal to Ayesha’s Power. It’s not the total mana value of all the artifact cards.