Elder Mastery MTG Card
2009-02-06 - Number 104
2011-09-02 - Number 68
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Enchantment — Aura |
| Abilities | Enchant |
Text of card
Enchant creature Enchanted creature gets +3/+3 and has flying. Whenever enchanted creature deals damage to a player, that player discards two cards.
Taste his power, hunger for his command.
Cards like Elder Mastery
Elder Mastery stands out in the realm of enchantments within Magic: The Gathering due to its unique blend of control and damage. Comparable to cards like Keen Sense, which grants card draw when enchanted creatures deal damage, Elder Mastery ups the ante with a dual effect. It not only allows for card draw but also forces the opponent to discard cards, effectively disrupting their strategy.
Another related card is Curiosity, an aura that also results in card draw upon dealing combat damage. Although Curiosity is less mana-intensive, it lacks the discard mechanic that gives Elder Mastery a significant edge in terms of board control. Meanwhile, a card like Spectral Cloak provides evasion but doesn’t offer the direct card advantage that Elder Mastery can secure.
Comparing Elder Mastery to these peers underscores its multifaceted nature. Not only does it enhance attack capabilities, but it simultaneously rattles the opponent by thinning out their hand. It’s a powerful combination that can be game-changing, providing an edge over enchantments offering singular benefits.
Cards similar to Elder Mastery by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Elder Mastery equips to a creature, immediately transforming it into a must-answer threat that pitches your opponent into a disadvantageous position. By possibly discarding three of their cards per attack, you chip away at their resources while you maintain yours.
Resource Acceleration: Despite not directly generating mana or Treasure tokens, Elder Mastery offers indirect acceleration by depriving your opponent of resources, potentially leading to quicker games in your favor. The pressure it applies can accelerate your route to victory.
Instant Speed: While Elder Mastery is an enchantment and not an instant, its ability to unhinge your opponent’s strategy can be as disruptive as instant speed interaction. If you manage to set it up during a moment of their vulnerability, the impact is immediate and devastating on their next draw phase.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Elder Mastery necessitates that players discard cards from their hand, inevitably depleting important resources. This aspect can be particularly detrimental during the late game when holding onto key cards is crucial for securing the win.
Specific Mana Cost: As an enchantment that requires a precise mana combination of Grixis colors (blue, black, and red), Elder Mastery can be challenging to cast on curve, especially in a deck that isn’t finely tuned for mana consistency.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cumulative mana cost of six, including two blue, one black, and one red, Elder Mastery can be a significant investment. For six mana, there may be alternative cards that provide an immediate impact on the game without the need for a creature to be enchanted to capitalize on its benefits.
Reasons to Include Elder Mastery in Your Collection
Versatility: Elder Mastery is a dynamic enchantment that can be incorporated into numerous deck archetypes. Its ability to turn any creature into a significant threat by granting it +3/+3, flying, and forcing opponent discards upon dealing damage, creates a versatile tool for both aggressive and control strategies.
Combo Potential: The enchantment synergizes well with creatures that have tap or damage-dealing abilities, allowing for powerful interactions that can disrupt your opponent’s hand while beefing up your own board presence. It’s especially potent in decks designed around discard mechanics or those that aim to exploit the benefits of your opponents having fewer cards in hand.
Meta-Relevance: In a game setting where opponents heavily rely on card advantage and specific combos, Elder Mastery can be a game-changer by stripping their resources and maintaining pressure. This relevance makes it an advantageous addition if the current meta includes decks that are susceptible to discard strategies or unable to handle the aerial threat effectively.
How to beat
Elder Mastery is a notable enchantment aura from MTG that turns any creature into a significant threat. Not only does it boost the creature’s power and gives it flying and trample, but it also forces your opponent to discard cards whenever the enchanted creature deals damage. Despite its power, it can still be countered with smart play.
Firstly, removal spells that can target either the creature or the enchantment directly are key. Disenchant effects or general creature elimination cards like Murder can dismantle this combo quickly. Secondly, countermagic can prevent Elder Mastery from hitting the board altogether. Cards like Cancel or Mana Leak can be game-changers. Alternatively, bouncing the creature back to the owner’s hand removes the aura from play and forces your opponent to spend more resources to rebuild their board position.
Ultimately, while Elder Mastery has the potential to wreak havoc, it requires a creature to stick on the battlefield and survive until the aura can be cast. Therefore, maintaining control and keeping the board clear of potential targets will leave Elder Mastery without a host, mitigating the threat it poses in a game of MTG.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Elder Mastery MTG card by a specific set like Conflux and Duel Decks: Ajani vs. Nicol Bolas, 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 Elder Mastery 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
Printings
The Elder Mastery Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2009-02-06 and 2011-09-02. Illustrated by Dave Allsop.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2009-02-06 | Conflux | CON | 104 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Dave Allsop | |
| 2 | 2011-09-02 | Duel Decks: Ajani vs. Nicol Bolas | DDH | 68 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Dave Allsop |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Elder Mastery has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Elder Mastery card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2009-02-01 | The last ability triggers from any damage dealt by the enchanted creature, not just combat damage. |