Beamsplitter Mage MTG Card


Its ability to copy targeted spells can effectively double your card advantage. Specific mana needs may restrict deck building flexibility and inclusion. Combo potential and meta relevance make it a valuable collection addition.
Beamsplitter Mage - Guilds of Ravnica
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Vedalken Wizard
Released2018-10-05
Set symbol
Set nameGuilds of Ravnica
Set codeGRN
Power 2
Toughness 2
Number155
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred bySvetlin Velinov

Text of card

Whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell that targets only Beamsplitter Mage, if you control one or more other creatures that spell could target, choose one of those creatures. Copy that spell. The copy targets the chosen creature.

The Izzet love replicating results.


Cards like Beamsplitter Mage

Beamsplitter Mage is a unique spell-focused creature within the vast repertoire of Magic: The Gathering cards. When you cast a spell that targets only Beamsplitter Mage, that spell gets duplicated onto another target creature you control. This characteristic mirrors the purpose of cards like Zada, Hedron Grinder, which amplifies the effect of single-target spells to all creatures you control. However, Beamsplitter Mage requires more precision as it only duplicates onto one other creature and is confined to instances where it’s the sole target.

Comparably, Dualcaster Mage also plays in the spell-copying field but does so by copying instant or sorcery spells when it enters the battlefield. The replication is not limited to targeting creatures, giving it a broader use than Beamsplitter Mage, though it doesn’t synergize as directly with creature-targeted spells.

Nivix Guildmage stands as another akin entity, permitting you to turn resources into spell copies. It’s more versatile in the sense that it can copy any instant or sorcery you control, not just those aimed at creatures. However, Beamsplitter Mage stands out for its lower mana cost and ease in building creature-centric strategies.

Assessing these counterparts, the value of Beamsplitter Mage shines in decks designed to exploit creature targeting spells for dual effects, showcasing its role in MTG as a potentially game-altering card within spell-slinging decks.

Zada, Hedron Grinder - MTG Card versions
Dualcaster Mage - MTG Card versions
Nivix Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Zada, Hedron Grinder - MTG Card versions
Dualcaster Mage - MTG Card versions
Nivix Guildmage - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Beamsplitter Mage by color, type and mana cost

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Riverfall Mimic - MTG Card versions
Nin, the Pain Artist - MTG Card versions
Goblin Electromancer - MTG Card versions
Frostburn Weird - MTG Card versions
Nivix Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Marchesa's Smuggler - MTG Card versions
Stormchaser Mage - MTG Card versions
Tawnos, Urza's Apprentice - MTG Card versions
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Lightning Stormkin - MTG Card versions
Red Herring - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Beamsplitter Mage’s unique ability to copy spells aimed at it provides an avenue for doubling the effects of targeted instants or sorceries, effectively increasing the value you get from your cards.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing mana, the duplicating effect of Beamsplitter Mage accelerates your resources by maximizing the impact of your spells on the board, potentially swaying the game in your favor without spending extra mana.

Instant Speed: The real power of this magical strategist shines when casting instants. This allows for stunning mid-combat tricks or end-of-turn surprises, keeping opponents on their toes and fully utilizing the instant-speed spells in your arsenal.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Engaging with a Beamsplitter Mage often means you need to have other instant or sorcery spells in hand to capitalize on its ability. Without these spells, owning a Beamsplitter Mage is less impactful and may force a player to discard in order to find more suitable cards.

Specific Mana Cost: Unlocking the full potential of a Beamsplitter Mage requires a specific blend of blue and red mana. This can be restrictive, limiting the card’s flexibility and making it a less obvious choice for decks that are not specifically built around the Izzet guild’s mana scheme.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For a creature that offers no immediate impact on the board state, the two-mana investment for Beamsplitter Mage may seem steep. Other cards at a similar mana cost can provide more immediate value or stronger board presence, potentially diminishing the appeal of including Beamsplitter Mage in a player’s deck strategy.


Reasons to Include Beamsplitter Mage in Your Collection

Versatility: This unique multicolored wizard is a perfect addition for decks that thrive on casting a plethora of instant and sorcery spells. Beamsplitter Mage can turn a single targeted spell into a value engine by duplicating its effects on another one of your creatures.

Combo Potential: The card excels in decks that focus on spellslinger strategies. It can be a key piece in creating powerful synergistic combinations, especially with spells that have additional benefits when copied.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta that favors interactive gameplay and spell-heavy decks, Beamsplitter Mage stands out as a potential game-changer. It can boost the effectiveness of your spells each turn, ensuring that your deck stays competitive.


How to Beat Beamsplitter Mage

Beamsplitter Mage is an intriguing character on the battlefield of Magic: The Gathering, recognized for its ability to copy instant or sorcery spells. When you’re matched against this card, strategic removal spells are your best allies. Instant speed removal like Lightning Bolt or Fatal Push can efficiently disrupt your opponent’s plans before they cast a targeted spell to copy. Another approach is to use spells that force sacrifice, such as Diabolic Edict, effectively bypassing Beamsplitter Mage’s abilities even if it has protections or counterspells in place.

Moreover, countering the spells that would be copied is also an effective line of defense. Counterspells like Counterspell or Negate ensure that the Mage’s duplicating ability is a non-starter. Lastly, consider employing board wipes such as Wrath of God or Damnation which can clear multiple threats at once, including Beamsplitter Mage, regardless of whether it has cast any spells. By prioritizing the elimination or containment of Beamsplitter Mage, your chances of maintaining control over the game increases tremendously.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Beamsplitter Mage MTG card by a specific set like Guilds of Ravnica, 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 Beamsplitter Mage and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Beamsplitter Mage has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2018-10-05 If Beamsplitter Mage leaves the battlefield or becomes an illegal target for the spell that caused its ability to trigger, that spell is still copied.
2018-10-05 If the spell that’s copied has an X whose value was determined as it was cast (like Selective Snare does), the copy has the same value of X.
2018-10-05 If the spell that’s copied is modal (that is, it says “Choose one —” or the like), the copy will have the same mode. A different mode cannot be chosen.
2018-10-05 If you copy a spell, you control the copy. It will resolve before the original spell does.
2018-10-05 If you don’t control another creature the spell could target as Beamsplitter Mage’s triggered ability resolves, you don’t copy that spell.
2018-10-05 In some rare cases, the original spell can target another creature but the copy can’t (most likely because an effect modified the characteristics of the original spell on the stack and won’t modify the copy). If the copy can’t target the chosen creature, the copy isn’t created.
2018-10-05 The ability triggers whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell that targets only Beamsplitter Mage and no other object or player, and only if you control another creature that spell could target. If you cast an instant or sorcery spell that has multiple targets and Beamsplitter Mage is chosen as the target in each instance, Beamsplitter Mage’s ability will trigger.
2018-10-05 The controller of a copy can’t choose to pay any alternative or additional costs for the copy. However, effects based on any alternative or additional costs that were paid for the original spell are copied as though those same costs were paid for the copy.
2018-10-05 The copy is created on the stack, so it’s not cast. Abilities that trigger when a player casts a spell (like Beamsplitter Mage’s ability itself) won’t trigger.