Djinn of the Lamp MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 7 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Djinn |
| Abilities | Flying |
| Released | 1997-05-01 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Portal |
| Set code | POR |
| Power | 5 |
| Toughness | 6 |
| Number | 52 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | DiTerlizzi |
Text of card
Flying
Once they learn the trick of carrying their own lamps, they never touch the ground again.
Cards like Djinn of the Lamp
Djinn of the Lamp is a unique magical entity in the vast repertoire of creature cards in Magic: The Gathering. It shares a space with other creature cards that tap into the exotic and powerful mystique of genies, such as Mahamoti Djinn. Both bring formidable flying power to the battlefield, yet Djinn of the Lamp requires an artifact to unleash it, a subtle nod to the famous lore encapsulating genies. Mahamoti Djinn, free from such constraints, can take flight immediately upon casting.
Yet, the similarities are as intriguing as their differences. Tracing a lineage to other lamp-related cards, we have the Guardian Idol, a card that takes a more defensive stance but can become a creature if needed. Guardian Idol doesn’t hold the raw power of Djinn of the Lamp, but offers flexibility and utility, especially in decks focused on artifacts. Meanwhile, Bottle Gnomes offer a different kind of utility by providing life gain, an aspect Djinn of the Lamp doesn’t cover.
Assessing their place among MTG’s vast array of cards, Djinn of the Lamp stands out for players who seek a thematic and powerful creature with a slight deck-building challenge attached. Its requirement for an artifact adds a layer of strategy that can be both a limitation and a rewarding hurdle to overcome for the right deck.
Cards similar to Djinn of the Lamp by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Djinn of the Lamp is an incredibly valuable asset for those looking to maintain a solid grip on card advantage. This powerful creature often grants access to additional cards through its ability or interactions with other spells.
Resource Acceleration: Avid players know the importance of accelerating resources in MTG. Djinn of the Lamp plays a notable role in ramping up mana resources, which can be pivotal in outpacing opponents and deploying key cards ahead of schedule.
Instant Speed: While not inherently an instant itself, the Djinn can synergize with other instant-speed spells in your arsenal. This adaptability allows savvy players to navigate complex situations, respond to threats immediately, and capitalize on opportune moments, often during the crucial decision-making phases of the opponent.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Djinn of the Lamp demands a card to be discarded upon activation. This can put players who are already behind on card advantage in a more precarious position, making it a potentially costly play in tight situations.
Specific Mana Cost: Summoning the Djinn requires a precise mana arrangement, usually including blue mana. This can create a deck-building constraint as it doesn’t easily slot into multicolor decks that might struggle with producing the right mana at the right time.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the Djinn offers a powerful effect, its cost is steep when compared to other creatures in its class. Players might find that allocating such a substantial portion of their mana curve to a single card is not always optimal, especially considering the tempo of the current game environment.
Reasons to Include Djinn of the Lamp in Your Collection
Versatility: Djinn of the Lamp is a formidable addition to any deck that requires a resilient threat. With its flying ability, this djinn can evade most blockers, making it a consistent source of damage regardless of the board state.
Combo Potential: The ability to be flickered or bounced for additional value makes the Djinn a prime candidate for synergies with other cards that manipulate the battlefield or benefit from creatures entering or leaving the play. This opens up opportunities for creative and potentially game-winning interactions.
Meta-Relevance: Given that many players prepare their decks to counter ground-based threats, having a robust airborne creature offers a strategic advantage. In a meta populated with ground-centric creatures and strategies, Djinn of the Lamp can often fly under the radar, pun intended, and land crucial hits or block formidable flyers that enemies might deploy.
How to Beat
Djinn of the Lamp can be a powerful presence on the battlefield in MTG with its potential to dictate the pace of play. To effectively counter this card, understanding its abilities and strategizing around them is key. Djinn of the Lamp requires a substantial mana investment and sometimes precise board conditions to become a true threat. Manipulating these factors can turn the tide in your favor.
For instance, cards that restrict mana generation or increase the cost of creature spells can stifle your opponent’s ability to summon the Djinn. Additionally, having removal spells at the ready ensures that you can deal with the Djinn as soon as it appears. Enchantment-based removals, such as Imprisoned in the Moon or Darksteel Mutation, can neutralize the Djinn without triggering any leave-the-battlefield abilities it may have. Equally, cards that bounce creatures back to the owner’s hand can reset your opponent’s progress and buy you time to fortify your position.
By staying alert and being proactive with your control strategies, the Djinn’s lamp can be kept firmly off the board, allowing you to maintain the upper hand. Careful planning and well-timed actions can ensure your victory against this formidable adversary in MTG.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Djinn of the Lamp MTG card by a specific set like Portal, 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 Djinn of the Lamp 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Djinn of the Lamp has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Predh | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |