Shizuko, Caller of Autumn MTG Card


Shizuko, Caller of Autumn - Betrayers of Kamigawa
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Snake Shaman
Released2005-02-04
Set symbol
Set nameBetrayers of Kamigawa
Set codeBOK
Power 2
Toughness 3
Number144
Frame2003
Layoutnormal
Borderblack
Illustred byMichael Sutfin

Key Takeaways

  1. Shizuko accelerates mana generation, allowing for quicker deployment of impactful creatures and spells.
  2. Requires careful hand management to avoid the downside of its discard requirement during later turns.
  3. Combos well with cards designed to utilize or restrict extra mana, enhancing overall deck synergy.

Text of card

At the beginning of each player's upkeep, that player adds to his or her mana pool. This mana doesn't cause mana burn. Until end of turn, this mana doesn't empty from that player's mana pool as phases end.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Shizuko, Caller of Autumn provides a unique edge in card advantage by giving each player an additional mana during their upkeep. This may seem like a symmetrical effect, but when built into a deck that can exploit extra mana more efficiently than the opponent, it translates into drawing into your powerful spells and answers quicker.

Resource Acceleration: This green legendary creature is synonymous with resource acceleration, giving each player an extra green mana during their upkeep. In MTG, green is known for ramping up mana resources, and Shizuko fits right into strategies that aim to cast large creatures or game-changing spells ahead of schedule. This can propel your board state into a dominant position rapidly.

Instant Speed: While Shizuko herself doesn’t have an instant-speed ability, the mana she provides at the beginning of each upkeep can be effectively utilized at instant speed. This feature allows savvy players to deploy instant-speed spells and abilities or essentially bluff having reactive options open, keeping opponents guessing and allowing for strategic depth in gameplay.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Shizuko, Caller of Autumn demands that players discard a card if they have not played a land on their turn, which can put a strain on your hand, especially in late-game scenarios where every card counts.

Specific Mana Cost: Shizuko’s casting cost is exclusively green mana, which could potentially restrict her presence to mono-green decks or those that can reliably generate the necessary type of mana without compromising their mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three green mana, Shizuko falls into a higher mana tier, causing you to weigh her benefits against other impactful three drops. This is especially significant in fast-paced games where early board presence is crucial.


Reasons to Include Shizuko, Caller of Autumn in Your Collection

Versatility: Shizuko, Caller of Autumn offers a flexible role across various deck archetypes. Its ability to generate additional mana during each player’s upkeep can accelerate plays, whether you’re aiming to cast big creatures early or activate powerful abilities sooner than your opponents expect.

Combo Potential: With Shizuko, every player may get an additional green mana, but savvy deck builders can leverage this more effectively. For instance, you can pair Shizuko with cards that benefit from mana generation, like those with the ability to untap massive amounts of land or convert mana into card draw or damage.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where gaining a mana advantage can be crucial, Shizuko provides a unique form of mana acceleration. It encourages a faster pace of play which can be particularly effective against decks that are unprepared to utilize the additional mana as efficiently, giving you an edge in the race for resources.


How to beat Shizuko, Caller of Autumn

Confronting Shizuko, Caller of Autumn on the battlefield can be a challenging prospect for many MTG players. This legendary creature boasts the ability to provide each player with an additional green mana during their main phases, potentially tipping the scales of the game. Strategizing a defense requires careful consideration of resource management and timing.

Countering Shizuko’s ability becomes crucial. Denying your opponent’s resources through removal spells or abilities that strip them of mana-generating capabilities can blunt Shizuko’s impact. Employ strategies to either control or continually reset the board; this helps mitigate the mana advantage granted by Shizuko. Additionally, leveraging effects that restrict your opponent’s use of mana or force them to use it in inefficient ways can be effective deterrents. Cards such as Damping Sphere can be instrumental in these scenarios. Always aim to seize control of the pace and resource flow in the game to effectively overcome the advantage given by Shizuko, Caller of Autumn.

Ultimately, while Shizuko offers a generous boon to all, ensuring that you benefit more or disrupt your opponent’s plans will be your path to victory when facing this potent force of nature within MTG.


Cards like Shizuko, Caller of Autumn

Shizuko, Caller of Autumn holds a unique place within the realm of Magic: The Gathering green ramp cards. Its capacity to grant each player an additional land drop during their upkeep is a trait shared by few. A card like Rites of Flourishing offers a similar benefit, allowing each player to play an extra land and draw an additional card. Yet, unlike Shizuko, it affects the entire game state rather than activating during a single phase.

Exploration operates on a similar principle, though it’s markedly more aggressive, enabling only the controlling player to play an additional land on their turns but without the same group advantage Shizuko provides. On the other end of the spectrum, we have Ghirapur Orrery which permits all players to drop additional lands and rewards them for playing out their hands. However, its effect is not as immediate as Shizuko’s, requiring the board to be cleared before it kicks in.

When drawing parallels and analyzing the scope of effects, Shizuko, Caller of Autumn shines as a card that can tip the scales for group ramp strategies, precisely when combined with cards that restrict or penalize additional land plays from opponents.

Rites of Flourishing - MTG Card versions
Exploration - MTG Card versions
Ghirapur Orrery - MTG Card versions
Rites of Flourishing - Future Sight (FUT)
Exploration - Urza's Saga (USG)
Ghirapur Orrery - Kaladesh Promos (PKLD)

Cards similar to Shizuko, Caller of Autumn by color, type and mana cost

Cat Warriors - MTG Card versions
Rysorian Badger - MTG Card versions
Sabertooth Cobra - MTG Card versions
Quirion Druid - MTG Card versions
Hungry Hungry Heifer - MTG Card versions
Titania's Chosen - MTG Card versions
Taoist Mystic - MTG Card versions
Femeref Archers - MTG Card versions
Lydari Druid - MTG Card versions
Steel Leaf Champion - MTG Card versions
Realmwalker - MTG Card versions
Topiary Stomper - MTG Card versions
Territorial Scythecat - MTG Card versions
Wirewood Savage - MTG Card versions
Reki, the History of Kamigawa - MTG Card versions
Timberwatch Elf - MTG Card versions
Pincher Beetles - MTG Card versions
Yavimaya Elder - MTG Card versions
Awakener Druid - MTG Card versions
Brindle Boar - MTG Card versions
Cat Warriors - Legends (LEG)
Rysorian Badger - Homelands (HML)
Sabertooth Cobra - Mirage (MIR)
Quirion Druid - Visions (VIS)
Hungry Hungry Heifer - Unglued (UGL)
Titania's Chosen - Urza's Saga (USG)
Taoist Mystic - Portal Three Kingdoms (PTK)
Femeref Archers - Seventh Edition (7ED)
Lydari Druid - Sega Dreamcast Cards (PSDG)
Steel Leaf Champion - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Realmwalker - The Lost Caverns of Ixalan Commander (LCC)
Topiary Stomper - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Territorial Scythecat - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Wirewood Savage - Onslaught (ONS)
Reki, the History of Kamigawa - Saviors of Kamigawa (SOK)
Timberwatch Elf - Salvat 2005 (PSAL)
Pincher Beetles - Tenth Edition (10E)
Yavimaya Elder - Duel Decks: Phyrexia vs. the Coalition (DDE)
Awakener Druid - Magic 2011 (M11)
Brindle Boar - Magic 2011 (M11)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Shizuko, Caller of Autumn MTG card by a specific set like Betrayers of Kamigawa, 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 Shizuko, Caller of Autumn and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Shizuko, Caller of Autumn has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

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