Ertai MTG Card


Ertai provides card advantage through consistent spell countering, staying ahead in the game. Its demand for specific mana constrains deck flexibility, potentially limiting player options. Despite a high mana cost, Ertai’s versatility and meta-relevance make it a powerful addition.
Ertai - Vanguard Series
RarityRare
TypeVanguard
Released1997-05-01
Set symbol
Set nameVanguard Series
Set codePVAN
Number101
Frame1993
LayoutVanguard
BorderBlack
Illustred byRandy Gallegos

Text of card

Your creatures can't be the target of your opponents' spells or abilities.

After serving his apprenticeship under Barrin of Tolaria, Ertai graced the *Weatherlight* crew with his presence as the ship's "resident" wizard. He realizes that few recognize his greatness—but then how could they, when they lack his insight and wisdom?


Cards like Ertai

Ertai, the Corrupted is as distinctive as it is potent in the commander’s spot of MTG decks, sharing a parallel with Tawnos, Urza’s Apprentice in the lore and utility of a control setup. Both cards encourage strategic play, though Ertai leans towards enchantments and creatures, requiring a sacrifice for his counter magic abilities to disrupt opponents’ plans. Meanwhile, Tawnos capitalizes on artifacts and requires only two mana to copy activated or triggered abilities, offering a different flavor of control.

Similar comparisons can be made with Rayne, Academy Chancellor, who thrives on opponents targeting your spells or permanents, rewarding you with card draw—a passive advantage unlike Ertai’s active control. And then there’s Dralnu, Lich Lord, who offers spell recursion but at higher risk due to his drawback of potential grave consequences when targeted with damage. Each card encapsulates a unique style of control, either through proactive countering with Ertai, leveraging artifact synergies via Tawnos, rewarding defensive play with Rayne, or harnessing the past with Dralnu’s risky magic.

In assessing these alternatives, Ertai’s presence in MTG holds a firm position, as his ability to counter any spell provides a tactical leeway that, when combined with the right deck build, can be profoundly game-altering.

Tawnos, Urza's Apprentice - MTG Card versions
Rayne, Academy Chancellor - MTG Card versions
Dralnu, Lich Lord - MTG Card versions
Tawnos, Urza's Apprentice - MTG Card versions
Rayne, Academy Chancellor - MTG Card versions
Dralnu, Lich Lord - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Ertai by color, type and mana cost

Maraxus - MTG Card versions
Takara - MTG Card versions
Sidar Kondo - MTG Card versions
Urza - MTG Card versions
Barrin - MTG Card versions
Mishra - MTG Card versions
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Karn - MTG Card versions
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Squee - MTG Card versions
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Crovax - MTG Card versions
Titania - MTG Card versions
Lyna - MTG Card versions
Orim - MTG Card versions
Multani - MTG Card versions
Oracle - MTG Card versions
Maraxus - MTG Card versions
Takara - MTG Card versions
Sidar Kondo - MTG Card versions
Urza - MTG Card versions
Barrin - MTG Card versions
Mishra - MTG Card versions
Gix - MTG Card versions
Hanna - MTG Card versions
Karn - MTG Card versions
Starke - MTG Card versions
Gerrard - MTG Card versions
Rofellos - MTG Card versions
Squee - MTG Card versions
Eladamri - MTG Card versions
Crovax - MTG Card versions
Titania - MTG Card versions
Lyna - MTG Card versions
Orim - MTG Card versions
Multani - MTG Card versions
Oracle - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

When delving into the strategic intricacies of MTG, few cards embody versatility and tactical depth quite like Ertai. This MTG card stands out with unique traits that bolster gameplay in multiple facets.

Card Advantage: Ertai thrives on control, providing you with the unyielding power to counter key threats consistently. The ability to counter spells is not merely a disruption but a potent form of card advantage, as it often leaves opponents at a loss while you maintain board stability and card equilibrium.

Resource Acceleration: Utilizing Ertai’s abilities can result in substantial resource acceleration. Activating Ertai often involves sacrificing another creature, transforming a potentially redundant board presence into a strategic asset that can decisively shift the game’s momentum in your favor.

Instant Speed: Ertai’s reactive nature is its strongest suit, with its instantaneous spell countering ability. This allows savvy players to adapt to rapid battle shifts tactically, ensuring that they’re never caught off guard. Managing resources to keep Ertai’s option available necessitates profound game knowledge and can provide a way to outmaneuver opponents at critical junctures.

In the dynamic and ever-evolving arena of MTG, Ertai offers a captivating blend of control, foresight, and surprise, solidifying its reputation as a formidable card worthy of inclusion in decks that value adaptability and strategic depth.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Ertai requires you to discard another card to use its ability. This could deplete your hand quickly, leaving you with fewer options as the game progresses.

Specific Mana Cost: Ertai demands a strict mana arrangement to be played, including both white and blue mana. This can be restrictive as it necessitates a deck built around those colors, possibly hindering your deck’s versatility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that is on the higher end for its abilities, Ertai may be less efficient compared to other options. Players might find other cards that provide similar effects without such a significant mana investment.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Ertai, the Corrupted offers a flexible role in multiple deck builds, standing out as both a control element and enabler of permission strategies. It can easily fit into Esper-themed decks and adapt to the needs of the current board state.

Combo Potential: Ertai brings considerable combo potential by allowing you to counter target spells, which can disrupt opponents’ strategies. Coupled with cards that generate tokens or provide recursion, Ertai can become a repeatable spell-countering machine.

Meta-Relevance: With a metagame that often leans towards combos and creature-heavy tactics, Ertai gives players a solid defence mechanism. Its ability to control the stack and protect your interests makes it a relevant choice for anyone looking to keep pace with a wide array of competitive environments.


How to beat

Ertai is a renowned Mage within the universe of MTG, often commanding respect on the battlefield with his ability to counter spells. To outmaneuver this potent wizard, players must think strategically. A well-timed bait can deplete Ertai’s resources, allowing for a more crucial spell to resolve unchallenged. It’s advisable to overload the board with multiple threats. By forcing Ertai to choose, you dilute his influence and open a path for key spells to slip through.

Dexterity in resource management is paramount; conserving spells for the opportune moment when Ertai has tapped out can be game-winning. Deploying spells during the opponent’s end step or using instants that can’t be countered are also effective tactics. Furthermore, creature abilities that mimic spell effects can bypass Ertai’s control since they are not spells and typically cannot be countered in the same way.

Ultimately, beating Ertai demands anticipation, reserve, and tactical deployment of threats. In a landscape where timing is everything, outpacing Ertai with nimble decision-making is key to toppling the fabled mage of MTG.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ertai MTG card by a specific set like Vanguard Series, 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 Ertai and other MTG cards:

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