Chosen of Markov // Markov's Servant MTG Card

Provides card advantage by transforming into a vampire token generator without extra mana costs. Resource acceleration is possible through its unique transformation mechanism, enhancing deck strategies. Has the flexibility to transform at the end of your opponent’s turn, optimizing mana usage.

Chosen of Markov // Markov's Servant - Dark Ascension

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Human
Abilities	Transform
Released	2012-02-03
Set symbol
Set name	Dark Ascension
Set code	DKA
Power	2
Toughness	2
Number	55
Frame	2003
Layout	Transform
Border	Black
Illustred by	Steve Argyle

Text of card

, Tap an untapped Vampire you control: Transform Chosen of Markov.

"I have been found worthy by this great house . . ."

Cards like Chosen of Markov // Markov's Servant

Chosen of Markov // Markov’s Servant represents a transformative card in MTG, echoing other cards with duality like Civilized Scholar and Homicidal Brute. An initial look at Chosen of Markov reveals a creature capable of heavy lifting once it turns into Markov’s Servant, a vampire with some hefty stats. Where Civilized Scholar allows for card drawing before becoming a potent attacker, Chosen of Markov focuses solely on combat prowess.

Another akin creation is the infamous Delver of Secrets, transforming into Insectile Aberration. Both Delver of Secrets and Chosen of Markov underline player interaction for their metamorphosis, with Delver banking on the reveal of an instant or sorcery and Chosen relying on the tap ability of another vampire you control. However, Delver does this at a cheaper cost and faster rate.

Lest we forget the similarity to Scorned Villager, which morphs into the mana-adding Moonscarred Werewolf. Although Scorned Villager offers a non-combat perk post-transformation, Chosen of Markov // Markov’s Servant excels in setting a robust offensive front. It’s their capacity for change and board impact that align these cards despite their different paths to transformation.

Cards similar to Chosen of Markov // Markov's Servant by color, type and mana cost

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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Chosen of Markov // Markov’s Servant is ideal for players looking to maintain momentum in their deck strategy. Once transformed, it becomes a creature that can generate additional vampire tokens, effectively giving you more cards’ worth of value from a single card played.

Resource Acceleration: This card’s transformation mechanic can play a pivotal role in resource acceleration. By tapping an untapped Vampire you control, you can transform Chosen of Markov into Markov’s Servant without spending mana, freeing up resources to play other impactful cards sooner in your turn.

Instant Speed: While Chosen of Markov itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, its transform condition can be met at the end of your opponent’s turn if you have an untapped Vampire, allowing you to maximize your mana usage and enter your turn with a stronger board presence.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: To transform Chosen of Markov into Markov’s Servant, you must sacrifice another creature, which can be a challenging requirement if your board presence is already weak or limited.

Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a specific combination of one black mana and two of any other type, potentially restricting its inclusion to black-centric or vampire-themed decks with an ample source of the required mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: A total of three mana for a creature that still requires an additional sacrifice to unlock its full potential may seem steep compared to other options. This aspect may deter players from including it in a fast-paced aggressive strategy, preferring creatures that offer immediate impact without further conditions.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: The dual-faced nature of Chosen of Markov // Markov’s Servant allows it to serve multiple roles in your deck. Initially, it can play as a defensive creature, and upon transformation, turns into an aggressive threat. This adaptability makes it a fit for various styles, whether you’re playing aggressively or setting up for the late game.

Combo Potential: As a creature that transforms into a more powerful version without requiring a card draw, this card has inherent synergy with vampiric strategies and sacrifice mechanics. It can slot into engines that leverage flipping creatures or benefit from having a vampire on the field, enhancing those interactions significantly.

Meta-Relevance: Given the ever-present popularity of tribal decks in multiple formats, including one that supports a strong vampire archetype could give your collection an edge. Being keyed into popular tribes ensures relevance as the meta-game shifts, allowing for a flexible response to new trends and strategies.

How to beat

Chosen of Markov, also known as Markov’s Servant, presents unique challenges on the battlefield. As a card that transforms under specific conditions, this Magic: The Gathering inclusion can shift the tide of play with its ability to become a powerful vampire. The key to defeating this card lies in managing your resources to disrupt this transformation. It involves a tactic of removal or control spells to effectively handle the creature before it can flip into its more formidable state.

One effective strategy is to employ instant-speed removal options, such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile, targeting the creature the moment opponent attempts to transform it. Additionally, counter spells like Counterspell or Mana Leak can be vital in preventing the transformation from occurring, as they can target the activated ability or any spells that would otherwise enable the flip. Holding up mana for these instant responses is crucial and can keep your opponent from gaining the upper hand with a stronger creature on the field.

Ultimately, Chosen of Markov requires a proactive approach, with a readiness to act quickly and decisively. Control the tempo, keeping your answers ready, and you’ll dampen the impact of Markov’s Servant on the game, maintaining an edge over your opponent.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Chosen of Markov // Markov's Servant MTG card by a specific set like Dark Ascension, 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 Chosen of Markov // Markov's Servant and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Chosen of Markov // Markov's Servant has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Penny	Legal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Chosen of Markov // Markov's Servant card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date	Text
2011-01-22	You can tap any untapped Vampire you control, including one you haven’t controlled continuously since the beginning of your most recent turn, to pay the cost of Chosen of Markov’s activated ability. You must have controlled Chosen of Markov continuously since the beginning of your most recent turn, however.
2016-07-13	For more information on double-faced cards, see the Shadows over Innistrad mechanics article (http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/shadows-over-innistrad-mechanics).