Cartel Aristocrat MTG Card


Cartel Aristocrat provides card value through synergistic creature sacrifices and flexible instant-speed activation. Mana specificity and necessity for creature fodder present notable deck-building and gameplay challenges. This card’s versatility in combos and meta relevance makes it a compelling choice for strategic deck inclusion.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Human Advisor
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

Sacrifice another creature: Cartel Aristocrat gains protection from the color of your choice until end of turn.

"Your life serves a higher purpose now: ensuring the continuation of my own."


Cards like Cartel Aristocrat

Cartel Aristocrat claims its unique spot in the sphere of sacrifice outlets in Magic: The Gathering. Players often compare this card to other creatures with sacrifice mechanics, like Viscera Seer for instance. Viscera Seer allows for card scrying upon sacrificing a creature, which can be vital for setting up future plays. However, unlike Cartel Aristocrat, it does not offer protection from chosen colors.

Another card that echoes some similarity is Falkenrath Aristocrat, boasting not only the sacrifice-for-benefit model but also the ability to gain indestructible. Conversely, it comes at a higher mana cost and, while stronger in terms of power, it doesn’t provide the color protection versatility that Cartel Aristocrat offers.

Moreover, comparing Cartel Aristocrat to Teysa, Orzhov Scion reveals a different facet of sacrifice-based strategies. Teysa can exile creatures when white creatures die, but Cartel Aristocrat simplifies the process with no color restriction on the sacrifice, although it lacks the exiling ability of Teysa.

Each option has its distinct advantages and deck synergy. Yet, for players keen on optimizing their defenses while maintaining a steady sacrifice rhythm, Cartel Aristocrat is a card that masterfully balances resilience with the demand of sacrifice mechanics.

Viscera Seer - MTG Card versions
Falkenrath Aristocrat - MTG Card versions
Teysa, Orzhov Scion - MTG Card versions
Viscera Seer - MTG Card versions
Falkenrath Aristocrat - MTG Card versions
Teysa, Orzhov Scion - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Cartel Aristocrat by color, type and mana cost

Putrid Warrior - MTG Card versions
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Syndicate Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Cruel Celebrant - MTG Card versions
Corpse Knight - MTG Card versions
Wintermoor Commander - MTG Card versions
Putrid Warrior - MTG Card versions
Triumphant Adventurer - MTG Card versions
Shaile, Dean of Radiance // Embrose, Dean of Shadow - MTG Card versions
Silverquill Silencer - MTG Card versions
Mourning Thrull - MTG Card versions
Suture Spirit - MTG Card versions
Nightsky Mimic - MTG Card versions
Cloistered Youth // Unholy Fiend - MTG Card versions
Loyal Cathar // Unhallowed Cathar - MTG Card versions
Vizkopa Guildmage - MTG Card versions
High Priest of Penance - MTG Card versions
Chief of the Edge - MTG Card versions
Chief of the Scale - MTG Card versions
Karlov of the Ghost Council - MTG Card versions
Wayward Servant - MTG Card versions
Legion Lieutenant - MTG Card versions
Syndicate Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Cruel Celebrant - MTG Card versions
Corpse Knight - MTG Card versions
Wintermoor Commander - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Abzan AristocratsAbzan Aristocrats PioneerAbzan RallyANZ Super Series Cycle 4 Sunday 5K

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Cartel Aristocrat offers the advantage of potentially sacrificing other creatures for a benefit, which can synergize with cards that trigger upon leaving the battlefield or entering the graveyard, thus providing you with additional value from those effects.

Resource Acceleration: By utilizing the sacrifice mechanic, Cartel Aristocrat can speed up strategies focused on death triggers or threshold counts for cards that become more powerful as more creatures hit the graveyard, effectively accelerating your game plan.

Instant Speed: Cartel Aristocrat’s ability can be activated at any time, providing flexibility and the option to respond to your opponent’s actions or to strategically time the sacrifice for optimal strategic benefit, such as dodging targeted removal or board wipes.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: In the gameplay strategy, Cartel Aristocrat demands a heavy price for its powerful effect. This card requires you to sacrifice another creature, which could potentially deplete your board presence and leave you vulnerable to attacks.

Specific Mana Cost: As Cartel Aristocrat necessitates both white and black mana to play, it restricts deck building to those colors or a multicolored strategy that accommodates this cost. This can be particularly challenging for players who prefer a more streamlined or mono-colored mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite its seemingly reasonable mana value at two, the true cost of Cartel Aristocrat is often higher when factoring in the continuous need for sacrificial creatures. This ongoing requirement can outweigh the initial investment, making it less efficient compared to other utility creatures in the same mana range.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Cartel Aristocrat offers a range of uses with its sacrifice mechanic that can seamlessly adapt to different strategies, particularly advantageous in decks that thrive on creature-based synergies.

Combo Potential: This card has an intrinsic ability to partner with other cards for powerful interactions, such as enabling infinite combos with persist mechanics or bolstering graveyard-based strategies.

Meta-Relevance: As the battlefields of MTG shift, Cartel Aristocrat maintains relevance by acting as a robust piece against removal-heavy decks, protecting valued creatures by using its sacrifice ability to gain protection from any color.


How to beat

Cartel Aristocrat is a versatile creature card in Magic: The Gathering, often at the core of sacrifice strategies. The card gains protection from a color of your choice until end of turn by sacrificing another creature. This can make it difficult to remove via targeted removal spells or combat.

To effectively counter Cartel Aristocrat, consider utilizing board wipes that don’t target individual creatures or setting up situations where sacrificing creatures becomes a disadvantage for your opponent. Graveyard hate cards can also remove the benefits gained from sacrificial tactics. Additionally, applying pressure with aggressive creature strategies can overwhelm an opponent’s defenses before they establish a foothold with their sacrifice-based engine.

Another strategy is to starve Cartel Aristocrat of resources by controlling the battlefield and using removals strategically. Spells such as Rest in Peace or Silent Gravestone can disrupt the recurring creature synergies that Cartel Aristocrat decks often rely on. Moreover, instant-speed removal when the Aristocrat’s ability is on the stack, forcing multiple sacrifices inefficiently, could turn the tide of the game in your favor.


BurnMana Recommendations

Diving into the dynamics of MTG, every card plays a crucial role in shaping your victory. Cartel Aristocrat stands out as a unique piece that can strengthen your deck by capitalizing on death-trigger synergies and offering protection from targeted spells. If you’re keen to harness its power, broaden your horizons with our insightful guides and delve deeper into strategies that can turn this card into a game-changer. Learn how to integrate Cartel Aristocrat into various deck archetypes effectively, and explore the nuances of sacrifice-based gameplay. Enhance your collection and sharpen your skills by joining us for a deeper dive into mastering the sacrifice mechanic.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Cartel Aristocrat MTG card by a specific set like Gatecrash and Double Masters 2022, 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 Cartel Aristocrat and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Cartel Aristocrat Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2013-02-01 and 2024-01-12. Illustrated by James Ryman.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12013-02-01GatecrashGTC 1502003NormalBlackJames Ryman
22022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 1912015NormalBlackJames Ryman
32024-01-12Ravnica RemasteredRVR 3591997NormalBlackJames Ryman
42024-01-12Ravnica RemasteredRVR 1702015NormalBlackJames Ryman

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Cartel Aristocrat has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2013-01-24 You choose the color when the ability resolves.