Azorius Locket MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 3 |
Rarity | Common |
Type | Artifact |
Text of card
: Add or . {WU}{WU}{WU}{WU}, , Sacrifice Azorius Locket: Draw two cards.
"Mandatory lockets enable the tracking of all Senate personnel for improved security and efficiency." —Dovin Baan
Cards like Azorius Locket
Azorius Locket joins the wide array of mana-fixing artifacts within Magic: The Gathering, offering a degree of similarity to fellow lockets from the Ravnica allegiance series such as Simic Locket and Orzhov Locket. Each provides the modal functionality of mana generation or card draw, reinforcing their positions as flexible options for mana-strapped decks. Azorius Locket, specifically, caters to decks requiring white and blue mana, while also granting access to cards upon sacrificial activation.
When considering mana stones such as Mana Geode, Azorius Locket brings an additional late-game card draw advantage. Mana Geode, while scrying upon entering the battlefield, lacks the capacity to refill a player’s hand. Furthermore, Guild Lockets like Azorius Locket become invaluable in Commander games, where the combination of mana ramp and color fixing can significantly alter the course of a match, giving them an edge over single utility artifacts.
In essence, Azorius Locket is not just a simple mana artifact in a Magic: The Gathering player’s arsenal—it’s a strategic asset that can smooth out early game mana issues while promising future card advantage, especially relevant in the patient, often attrition-focused Azorius archetype.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Azorius Locket shines as a source of card draw, allowing players to dig deeper into their decks. Tapping it and a minimal investment of four mana can yield two new cards in hand, ensuring sustained pressure or answers to an evolving board state.
Resource Acceleration: Beyond its ability to provide card draw late in the game, the Azorius Locket serves as an efficient mana rock. This artifact taps for either white or blue mana, aiding in casting key spells on curve and enabling a smoother gameplay by ramping up your mana resources.
Instant Speed: Although the locket’s abilities are activated at sorcery speed, its versatility complements strategies that operate at instant speed. Holding up mana for control elements or surprise countermagic, and then utilizing the unspent resources to activate the locket, maximizes your turn efficiency.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While the Azorius Locket offers a source of card advantage later in the game, players must be aware that its card draw ability comes at the cost of having to discard another card. This can create a disadvantage when you’re trying to maintain card quantity in your hand, especially in scenarios where every card counts.
Specific Mana Cost: The locket is aligned with the Azorius guild, and as such, it requires both white and blue mana to be played. This specific mana cost can restrict its incorporation into multicolored decks that do not share these colors, thereby limiting its flexibility in a broader variety of deck builds.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the locket provides a dual mana source and eventual card draw, the initial investment is four mana, which is significant for a mana rock. This cost can be a setback when there are alternatives in the game that offer mana acceleration or card drawing at a lower cost, giving those other options a competitive edge in terms of efficiency.
Reasons to Include Azorius Locket in Your Collection
Versatility: Azorius Locket serves multiple functions, making it a flexible addition to decks needing mana fixing or a late-game card draw. With its ability to add either white or blue mana, it smoothly integrates into Azorius-aligned strategies.
Combo Potential: This locket can be instrumental in decks focusing on synergies. By providing an incremental advantage in the form of mana until it’s sacrificed for card draw, it pairs well with effects that capitalize on artifacts or card draw mechanics.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state where control decks shine, Azorius Locket can be a budget-friendly asset. Its capacity to bolster mana availability while eventually cycling for fresh options keeps it relevant in various slower-paced, strategic matches.
How to beat
The Azorius Locket presents a unique challenge in MTG; the card offers mana acceleration and late-game card advantage for those playing with the Azorius guild. The key to overcoming an opponent’s Locket is through timely artifact removal. Cards such as Disenchant or Naturalize become essential tools in stripping away the advantage that the Locket provides. It’s always better to act sooner rather than later—once the Locket’s card draw ability is used, the opponent gains advantage that could turn the tides against you.
Another strategy is to apply pressure early in the game. Lockets thrive in a slower, more controlled environment. By ramping up the aggression, you force the Locket user to react to your threats, potentially disrupting their ability to set up the mana or draw into the right answers. Additionally, keeping an eye on your own card advantage and pace is important to ensure that while you’re attacking, you’re not falling into a deficit that the Locket’s card draw can exploit.
Ultimately, dealing with the Azorius Locket is a matter of timing and resource management. Quick removal and relentless pressure can hinder its impact, maintaining a balance between aggression and card advantage solidifies your position to claim victory.
BurnMana Recommendations
Understanding card pros and cons is pivotal to refining your strategy in MTG. The insight provided on Azorius Locket underscores its utility in deck building. It’s more than just mana ramping or card drawing; it’s about optimizing every aspect of your gameplay to triumph over your opponents. If you’re intrigued by the potential of the Azorius Locket, whether to smooth your mana curve or as a late-game card advantage, we encourage you to delve deeper. Enhance your MTG knowledge and decision-making skills for a more satisfying play experience by exploring further with us. Ready to harness the full potential of your deck? Learn more and make each match count.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Azorius Locket MTG card by a specific set like Ravnica Allegiance and Commander 2019, 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 Azorius Locket and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
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Printings
The Azorius Locket Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2019-01-25 and 2021-11-19. Illustrated by Craig J Spearing.
# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2019-01-25 | Ravnica Allegiance | RNA | 231 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Craig J Spearing | |
2 | 2019-08-23 | Commander 2019 | C19 | 210 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Craig J Spearing | |
3 | 2021-11-19 | Crimson Vow Commander | VOC | 160 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Craig J Spearing |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Azorius Locket has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Historicbrawl | Legal |
Historic | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Paupercommander | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Gladiator | Legal |
Pioneer | Legal |
Commander | Legal |
Modern | Legal |
Pauper | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Explorer | Legal |
Timeless | Legal |