Elsha of the Infinite MTG Card


Elsha of the Infinite boosts card flow by playing from both hand and top of your library. Grants resource advantage with synergy in artifact-centric strategies and instant pacing. While powerful, Elsha requires specific mana and can be costly, affecting early game tempo.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityMythic
TypeLegendary Creature — Djinn Monk
Abilities Prowess
Power 3
Toughness 3

Text of card

Prowess (Whenever you cast a noncreature spell, this creature gets +1/+1 until end of turn.) You may look at the top card of your library any time. You may cast the top card of your library if it's a noncreature, nonland card, and you may cast it as though it had flash.


Cards like Elsha of the Infinite

Elsha of the Infinite stands out in the realm of card advantage and top-deck manipulation in Magic: The Gathering. This commander from the Commander 2019 set finds a close cousin in the form of Sensei’s Divining Top, allowing players to look at and rearrange the top three cards of their library. Elsha offers a dynamic twist by permitting you to cast the top card of your library if it’s a noncreature, nonland card, and you can do this at any time you could cast an instant.

Digging further into the archive, we spot Future Sight, a spell that mirrors Elsha’s ability to play with the top card of your library revealed, granting permission to cast it. Yet, Future Sight isn’t a creature, lacking the tactical edge of presenting a physical threat on the board. Then there’s Melek, Izzet Paragon who doubles down on the casting from the library theme by copying instants or sorcery spells if they’re cast from the library, but this requires a more specific deckbuild centered around those two card types.

Elsha of the Infinite earns her niche as a versatile commander capable of injecting your game with a blend of foresight, flexibility, and speed, setting her apart in strategy-crafting as a unique entity amongst top-deck aficionados in MTG.

Sensei's Divining Top - MTG Card versions
Future Sight - MTG Card versions
Melek, Izzet Paragon - MTG Card versions
Sensei's Divining Top - MTG Card versions
Future Sight - MTG Card versions
Melek, Izzet Paragon - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Elsha of the Infinite by color, type and mana cost

Sage of the Inward Eye - MTG Card versions
The Archimandrite - MTG Card versions
Warden of the Eye - MTG Card versions
Sevinne, the Chronoclasm - MTG Card versions
Akim, the Soaring Wind - MTG Card versions
Gavi, Nest Warden - MTG Card versions
Zurgo and Ojutai - MTG Card versions
Éowyn, Shieldmaiden - MTG Card versions
Sage of the Inward Eye - MTG Card versions
The Archimandrite - MTG Card versions
Warden of the Eye - MTG Card versions
Sevinne, the Chronoclasm - MTG Card versions
Akim, the Soaring Wind - MTG Card versions
Gavi, Nest Warden - MTG Card versions
Zurgo and Ojutai - MTG Card versions
Éowyn, Shieldmaiden - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Elsha of the Infinite offers a unique edge when it comes to card advantage. With the ability to look at the top card of your library any time and play the top card of your library if it’s a noncreature, nonland card, you essentially draw from both your hand and library, which can overwhelm opponents with a steady flow of options.

Resource Acceleration: The synergy with artifacts can often lead to resource acceleration. Since Elsha allows you to cast the top card of your library, if it’s an artifact that generates mana or has a cost reduction effect, you gain an indirect but significant ramp, which propels you ahead of your opponents in terms of available resources.

Instant Speed: What really stands out is Elsha’s ability to cast spells at instant speed. This means that during any phase or turn, if the top card of your library is a noncreature, nonland card, you can cast it as though it had flash. This level of flexibility keeps your opponents guessing and allows you to adapt swiftly to the evolving game state.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Though Elsha of the Infinite doesn’t directly require discarding cards, fully leveraging her ability implies having numerous noncreature spells in hand, which can lead to difficult decisions about what to discard to make room for other card types or essential land drops.

Specific Mana Cost: This card has a very specific mana cost that includes one blue, one red, and one white mana. It can be a significant constraint for players who aren’t running a deck tailored to Jeskai colors or one that can produce these colors of mana efficiently.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Elsha of the Infinite requires five mana to cast, which may slow down your early game. Considering other commanders or creatures that can be brought out sooner, her later game entry might not always align with your deck’s tempo or strategy.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Elsha of the Infinite shines in numerous deck builds, adept at fitting into commander strategies that value instant and sorcery spell manipulation. Its ability to play the top card of your library gives you additional reach, ensuring that your options are always broadened.

Combo Potential: Elsha’s prowess in combo scenarios is unmatched. Whether it’s setting up for a storm of casts or chaining together spells for a game-winning flourish, the synergistic potential this card offers is a boon for players looking to craft a deck with intricate sequences and surprises.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta that prizes quick adaptation and flexibility, Elsha of the Infinite provides an edge. With the continuous shift in dominant strategies, having a card in your arsenal that can effortlessly pivot between roles and take advantage of the top-deck card position is a significant asset.


How to beat

Elsha of the Infinite presents a unique challenge on the battlefield, as she allows players to cast noncreature spells from the top of their deck. This can lead to a stream of spells being played in succession, turning the tide of the game. To disrupt this strategy, one effective tactic is to control the top deck. Cards such as Lantern of Insight, combined with Codex Shredder, can hinder the ability for efficient top-deck play by allowing you to manage the opponent’s top card.

Counterspells also serve as a strong defense against Elsha’s strategy. Countering key noncreature spells not only depletes the resources of your opponent but also breaks the momentum Elsha provides. Moreover, instant-speed removal can prove crucial; by waiting for your opponent to tap out to play a spell via Elsha’s ability, you can eliminate her before the spell resolves, greatly reducing their potential for a surprise comeback.

Lastly, utilizing hand disruption spells to prevent your opponent from executing their strategy effectively can also be key. By stripping away crucial pieces, you can limit the options Elsha has to cast from the top of the deck, diminishing her impact on the game and easing your path to victory.


BurnMana Recommendations

Elsha of the Infinite is a jewel for any MTG player’s collection. Her abilities command the board with unpredictable spell casting and advantageous card flow. The strategic depth she adds is invaluable for those looking to outmaneuver their opponents through instant speed plays and relentless resource acceleration. Whether you’re enticed by the thrill of complex combos or the lure of mastering your deck’s tempo, Elsha is a powerhouse in Jeskai strategies. Dive deeper into the realm of possibilities she presents and find out how she can elevate your game plan. Explore more insights and advanced tactics with us to effectively harness the Infinite.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Elsha of the Infinite MTG card by a specific set like Commander 2019 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 Elsha of the Infinite and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Elsha of the Infinite Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2019-08-23 and 2022-07-08. Illustrated by G-host Lee.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12019-08-23Commander 2019C19 402015NormalBlackG-host Lee
22022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 2082015NormalBlackG-host Lee
32022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 4922015NormalBlackG-host Lee

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Elsha of the Infinite has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2019-08-23 Elsha lets you look at the top card of your library whenever you want (with one restriction—see below), even if you don’t have priority. This action doesn’t use the stack. Knowing what that card is becomes part of the information you have access to, just like you can look at the cards in your hand.
2019-08-23 If the top card of your library changes while you’re casting a spell, playing a land, or activating an ability, you can’t look at the new top card until you finish doing so. This means that if you cast the top card of your library, you can’t look at the next one until you’re done paying for that spell.
2019-08-23 You’ll still pay all costs for a spell you cast from your library, including additional costs. You may also pay alternative costs.
Flash card art

Guide to Flash card ability

Explore the dynamic Flash ability in Magic: The Gathering (MTG), a feature that allows you to cast spells at lightning speed, often leaving your opponents reeling and your strategy several steps ahead. This versatile ability can turn the tide of a game, providing the element of surprise and tactical advantage. It places a premium on timing and foresight, transforming an ordinary deck into a formidable arsenal of instant threats and responses.