Counsel of the Soratami MTG Card
2004-10-01 - Number 55
2005-07-29 - Number 69
2005-07-29 - Number 69★
2007-07-13 - Number 76
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
Draw two cards.
"Wisdom is not the counting of all the drops in a waterfall. Wisdom is learning why the water seeks the earth."
Cards like Counsel of the Soratami
Counsel of the Soratami is a familiar presence on the battlefield for players who appreciate the power of card draw in MTG. This card functions similarly to other classic card-drawing options such as Divination, allowing players to draw two cards for the cost of three mana. What makes Counsel of the Soratami special is its simplicity, with no additional requirements or conditions attached, ensuring you get exactly what you need—more cards in hand.
When considering other card draw spells, Concentrate also comes to mind, albeit at a higher mana cost, which provides the same number of cards. However, with Counsel of the Soratami, you’re paying one less mana, which can be crucial for maintaining tempo in the game. Furthermore, Think Twice offers a different dynamic; although initially providing just one card, it can be flashed back from the graveyard for an extra card later on, potentially offering more long-term value but less immediate impact than Counsel of the Soratami.
Assessing the significance of these alternatives showcases Counsel of the Soratami’s role as a cost-effective and straightforward choice for players seeking direct card advantage without any frills, which can be exactly what’s needed in a tight match.
Cards similar to Counsel of the Soratami by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Counsel of the Soratami provides a straightforward approach to drawing cards. By playing this spell, you instantly replace it in your hand while gaining an additional card. This two-card swing can be critical in outpacing your opponent and amassing the resources you need to win the match.
Resource Acceleration: Although Counsel of the Soratami is not a direct source of resource acceleration, its ability to draw you into more land cards or mana-generating spells is not to be underestimated. More cards in hand means more options and a higher likelihood of hitting your land drops consistently.
Instant Speed: While the Counsel spell operates at sorcery speed, knowing when to deploy it is key. Allocating your mana efficiently each turn is a core skill in MTG. Therefore, while you cannot cast it on an opponent’s turn, its use should be timed to ensure you are not left vulnerable when you need to be reactive.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While the Counsel of the Soratami allows you to draw two cards, it does not require a discard as part of its cost. However, this absence of a discard requirement could be perceived as a missed opportunity for synergizing with cards that benefit from discarding.
Specific Mana Cost: This card requires a combination of one blue and two generic mana to be played. This specific mana alignment means it fits primarily in blue-centric or blue-inclusive decks, potentially limiting its versatility in multicolor decks that don’t heavily feature blue mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing three mana might seem reasonable for drawing two cards; however, in the competitive landscape of MTG, there are alternatives that offer card draw at a lower mana investment or with additional benefits, making the mana cost of Counsel of the Soratami appear on the higher side relative to its effect.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Counsel of the Soratami provides a simple yet effective benefit—drawing two cards. This can be helpful in a wide range of blue decks, from control to combo, as it fuels the hand with more options for any situation.
Combo Potential: In decks that synergize with card drawing mechanics, this card can be a key component. It can help assemble combo pieces quickly or work with cards that trigger upon drawing, making it a valuable addition for intricate strategies.
Meta-Relevance: With control decks often dominating the meta, having reliable card draw spells like Counsel of the Soratami is critical. It keeps your hand filled with responses and threats, maintaining competitive edge in a constantly evolving game environment.
How to Beat
Counsel of the Soratami serves as a straightforward card draw spell in the world of Magic: The Gathering. This sorcery allows players to pay three mana to draw two cards, falling in line with the classic card draw balance. While it certainly provides an advantage by refreshing a player’s hand, overcoming this spell involves a mix of strategic resource denial and timing.
Like its simpler counterpart, Divination, Counsel of the Soratami can be approached by applying pressure on the opponent’s mana pool. Denying them the opportunity to have three mana available can be crucial. This can be achieved by utilizing land destruction cards or countering key ramp spells that would allow for a smoother cast of such a sorcery. Additionally, since it’s not an instant-speed spell, players can take advantage of the turn taken to cast it. Maximizing your board presence while they’re merely drawing cards can shift the game in your favor. Putting up threats that demand an immediate answer can often prove more valuable than the card advantage provided by Counsel of the Soratami.
Utilizing instant-speed disruption can also be a strong countermeasure. Holding up cards that counter spells, remove creatures, or create instant-speed board presence can help maintain control over the game. Spell-quelling options like counter magic that can stop the spell outright, or even just keeping pace with your own efficient card draw tools, can dilute the impact of Counsel of the Soratami.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Counsel of the Soratami MTG card by a specific set like Champions of Kamigawa and Ninth Edition, 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 Counsel of the Soratami 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 Counsel of the Soratami Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2004-10-01 and 2007-07-13. Illustrated by Randy Gallegos.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2004-10-01 | Champions of Kamigawa | CHK | 55 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Randy Gallegos | |
| 2 | 2005-07-29 | Ninth Edition | 9ED | 69 | 2003 | Normal | White | Randy Gallegos | |
| 3 | 2005-07-29 | Ninth Edition | 9ED | 69★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Randy Gallegos | |
| 4 | 2007-07-13 | Tenth Edition | 10E | 76 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Randy Gallegos |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Counsel of the Soratami has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |