Ethersworn Adjudicator MTG Card


Board control shines with Ethersworn Adjudicator’s ability to eliminate creatures or enchantments. Its untap ability fuels repeated strategic advantages, key for resource acceleration. Adjudicator’s instant speed operations allow flexibility and response adaptability in gameplay.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityMythic
TypeArtifact Creature — Vedalken Knight
Abilities Flying
Power 4
Toughness 4

Text of card

Flying , : Destroy target creature or enchantment. : Untap Ethersworn Adjudicator.

Esper mages devised their weapons to be so devastating that war seemed unnecessary.


Cards like Ethersworn Adjudicator

Ethersworn Adjudicator is a unique artifact creature that stands out in the Magic: The Gathering universe, particularly among cards with versatile control abilities. It’s often compared to cards like Capsize, which allows you to return nonland permanents to their owner’s hand repetitively, thanks to its buyback ability. This similarity lies in the aspect of controlling the board, but the Adjudicator also brings the destruction of creatures to the mix, setting it apart as a more permanent solution to threats.

Similarly, when evaluating creature control, we think of Angel of Despair. This card also destroys any permanent when it enters the battlefield. While the Adjudicator requires an activation cost, Angel of Despair offers its effect without ongoing costs, albeit as a one-time event. Moreover, Vindicate is another competitor in this space, offering a single, immediate and unrestrictive destruction of a permanent upon casting.

However, the Ethersworn Adjudicator’s flexibility to alternately untap and utilize its abilities multiple times in longer games grants it a special position in the MTG realm, balancing its higher cost with repeated utility and impact on the game state.

Capsize - MTG Card versions
Angel of Despair - MTG Card versions
Vindicate - MTG Card versions
Capsize - MTG Card versions
Angel of Despair - MTG Card versions
Vindicate - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Ethersworn Adjudicator by color, type and mana cost

Dromar's Attendant - MTG Card versions
Sen Triplets - MTG Card versions
Dromar's Attendant - MTG Card versions
Sen Triplets - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Ethersworn Adjudicator leads the way in maintaining board control by offering the ability to destroy target creature or enchantment. This versatile control tool ensures you keep your opponent’s threats in check while preserving your own board position.

Resource Acceleration: Its untap ability can be activated at will, given the right amount of mana, turning this card into a repeatable source of advantage. By untapping Ethersworn Adjudicator, it fuels your strategy to accelerate resources indirectly through repeated control.

Instant Speed: The prowess of Ethersworn Adjudicator is further exemplified by its ability to operate at instant speed. This flexibility allows you to adapt to the ever-changing battlefield, ensuring that the right target is chosen at the crucial moment, all while remaining reactive to your opponent’s plays.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Ethersworn Adjudicator does not have an inherent discard requirement, but keep in mind using its abilities might indirectly force you to prioritize its activation over playing other cards from your hand, which can essentially put you at a disadvantage in terms of card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: The Adjudicator demands a specific mana alignment of white and blue, which may restrict its integration to only those decks that can reliably produce both types of mana, potentially limiting its versatility in a broader range of deck archetypes.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With an activation cost that is quite high to utilize its creature destruction or untap ability, there are times when playing Ethersworn Adjudicator could hinder your tempo, especially when compared to other lower cost control or removal options that may not provide the same recurring value but can be more immediately impactful in a game.


Reasons to Include Ethersworn Adjudicator in Your Collection

Versatility: Ethersworn Adjudicator is a dynamic addition to any deck that values control elements. Its ability to untap and destroy creatures or artifacts means it can adapt to a variety of board states, ensuring your strategy remains flexible.

Combo Potential: With the right setup, this card is a powerhouse. The adjudicator works exceedingly well in decks that can untap its potential repeatedly, unleashing a continuous stream of control over opponents’ threats, making it a linchpin in intricate combo setups.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where artifact and creature-centric decks prevail, Ethersworn Adjudicator’s removal capabilities shine. Its presence can sway the tide of battle in your favor, maintaining prominence against a wide array of competitive decks.


How to beat

Ethersworn Adjudicator is a formidable force in MTG that commands attention upon entry with its ability to destroy creatures and enchantments at the cost of activating its untap ability. Combatting this artifact creature requires strategic plays that disrupt its control over the board. One approach is playing cards that restrict activated abilities, such as Pithing Needle, which can neutralize the Adjudicator’s influence effectively. Additionally, since Ethersworn Adjudicator depends on being untapped to use its abilities, keeping it tapped with cards like Frozen Aether can be an effective countermeasure.

Another line of attack lies within direct removal spells. Since the Adjudicator has the capacity to protect itself through its untap mechanics, instant speed removal such as Path to Exile or Disenchant can be crucial for handling it before it becomes a recurring problem. Lastly, don’t overlook the power of counter spells. Negating the Adjudicator’s casting in the first place with a Swift Denial or a Dovin’s Veto can save you from having to deal with its complex control abilities altogether, allowing you to maintain the tempo and keep the upper hand in the duel.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dive deep into the world of MTG where strategy and foresight shape the battlefield. Ethersworn Adjudicator stands as a testament to the power of control and versatility in the game. If you’re captivated by the potential of this artifact creature to dominate matches and dictate the pace of play, there’s a wealth of strategies and synergies waiting to be explored. Don’t let the meta dictate your moves; harness the full capabilities of your deck with informed choices and clever card interactions. Unleash the true power of Ethersworn Adjudicator in your collection and turn the tide of battle in every game you play. Sharpen your skills and join us to delve further into the intricacies of MTG mastery.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ethersworn Adjudicator MTG card by a specific set like Conflux and Commander 2016, 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 Ethersworn Adjudicator and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Ethersworn Adjudicator Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2009-02-06 and 2023-04-21. Illustrated by Dan Scott.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12009-02-06ConfluxCON 262003NormalBlackDan Scott
22016-11-11Commander 2016C16 902015NormalBlackDan Scott
32022-11-18The Brothers' War CommanderBRC 831997NormalBlackDan Scott
42023-04-21March of the Machine CommanderMOC 2222015NormalBlackDan Scott

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Ethersworn Adjudicator has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal