Ertai, Wizard Adept MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Legendary Creature — Human Wizard |
| Released | 1998-06-15 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Exodus |
| Set code | EXO |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 33 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Terese Nielsen |
Text of card
Ertai, Wizard Adept counts as a Wizard. o Uo U, oc T: Counter target spell. Play this ability as an interrupt.
"Was that *it*?" —Ertai, wizard adept
Cards like Ertai, Wizard Adept
Ertai, Wizard Adept plays an interesting role among blue control cards in Magic: The Gathering. This powerful legendary creature can counter spells by tapping and paying mana, which can be compared to the emblematic Counterspell. Yet, Ertai adds a layer of strategy by being a creature that can be removed, unlike the unassailable nature of an instant spell. This gives Ertai both advantages and vulnerabilities.
Looking to Dissipate, we see another counterspell that exiles the countered spell, preventing any form of recursion. Ertai doesn’t exile, but it can repeatedly counter turn-over-turn if undisturbed. Foil is another worthy mention, offering a less mana-intensive alternative at the cost of discarding a card and an island. The trade-off here is between resource management and flexibility.
By examining Ertai alongside these other control tools, it becomes clear that Ertai, Wizard Adept offers a unique blend of repeatable counter magic tied to a creature, which can be a double-edged sword, situational, but effective in the right deck builds. Consequently, players who can protect Ertai can leverage his abilities for sustained board control.
Cards similar to Ertai, Wizard Adept by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Ertai, Wizard Adept allows for superior control over drawing mechanics, providing an inherent advantage by enabling you to strategically manage your deck and play the right spells at the right moments.
Resource Acceleration: The card offers a unique form of resource acceleration by granting you the ability to counter key spells, saving resources typically used for multiple counterspells and thereby accelerating your game plan.
Instant Speed: Ertai, Wizard Adept operates effectively at instant speed, giving you the flexibility to adapt to the battlefield dynamically, ensuring that your mana is used efficiently and keeping opponents on their toes.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Ertai, Wizard Adept requires you to discard a card to counter a spell, which can be a setback if your hand is already depleted or if you’re relying on card synergy.
Specific Mana Cost: Casting Ertai necessitates a precise combination of one blue and two other mana. This specificity could potentially restrict its incorporation into multi-colored decks that might struggle with mana consistency.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Ertai comes with a not insignificant casting cost of three mana, and for decks looking to maintain tempo, there may be other counter options that allow you to hold up fewer resources for the same or similar effect.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Ertai, Wizard Adept can adapt to various play styles, finding a home in control decks that prioritize counterspelling and protecting key spells. His ability to counter target spells provides a universal answer to threats across the board.
Combo Potential: His instant-speed activation synergizes with numerous combos, particularly in decks that untap permanents or generate significant mana to use his ability multiple times in a turn cycle. This creates layers of strategic depth and interaction within the game.
Meta-Relevance: Given the fluctuating competitive environment, Ertai’s disruption capabilities can be a critical asset. In a meta where high-impact spells define victories, having Ertai to control the flow of the game can be the difference-maker in tight match-ups.
How to beat
Ertai, Wizard Adept is a formidable card in the realm of control decks in Magic: The Gathering. Known for his ability to counter spells, players often feel cornered when facing him. However, a well-timed strategy can turn the tables. One effective approach is to increase the pressure with fast, low-cost creatures, forcing the Ertai player to use his mana resources early and often. This hampers his ability to spare the three mana needed for his countering ability.
Another tactic is to use spells that cannot be countered, such as Supreme Verdict or Abrupt Decay. These provide a safe route to affect the board or remove threats without the risk of being nullified by Ertai’s ability. Additionally, utilizing instant-speed spells at the end of the Ertai player’s turn can stretch their mana thin, potentially creating an opening for your crucial spells to resolve during your turn.
In summary, with the right combination of relentless aggression and uncounterable or instant-speed spells, you can navigate around the obstacles Ertai, Wizard Adept poses, seizing the upper hand in your Magic: The Gathering duels.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ertai, Wizard Adept MTG card by a specific set like Exodus, 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, Wizard Adept 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Ertai, Wizard Adept has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Ertai, Wizard Adept card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | The Legend rule only applies to two legendary permanents with identical names. If the names are different, even if they depict the same character, the rule does not apply. |