Keeper of the Flame MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Human Wizard
Released	1998-06-15
Set symbol
Set name	Exodus
Set code	EXO
Power	1
Toughness	2
Number	85
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Terese Nielsen

Key Takeaways

Keeper of the Flame boosts card advantage through consistent elemental token generation, enhancing board presence.
The card can indirectly aid resource acceleration and pose a strategic challenge at the upkeep phase.
Its elemental tokens offer versatility, fitting into aggro and combo strategies as well as the meta.

Text of card

o R, oc T: Keeper of the Flame deals 2 damage to target opponent. Use this ability only if that opponent has more life than you.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Keeper of the Flame offers the benefit of generating elementals every turn, effectively creating additional creatures to maintain pressure on the opponent or defend against attacks. This sustained presence on the board can translate to increased card advantage over time.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing resource acceleration, the elementals generated by Keeper of the Flame can be utilized for various synergies within a deck, potentially leading to indirect resource gains such as increased mana production or cost reduction for spells.

Instant Speed: While Keeper of the Flame itself does not operate at instant speed, its ability to create threats at the end of every upkeep can force opponents to play more cautiously, leaving mana open to respond. This can provide a strategic advantage as you play out your turns with more information and with the knowledge that opponent resources may be tied up.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Keeper of the Flame demands a card to be discarded as part of its activation cost, which can be detrimental, particularly when hand size is dwindling. This can put players at a disadvantage by reducing their options in later turns.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s activation requires an exact mix of mana, including both generic and red mana. This specificity can make it less flexible, as it may not be viable in decks that struggle with mana fixing or color diversity.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Keeper of the Flame’s ability can be impactful, its mana cost is on the higher side compared to similar cards offering utility or creature advantage. This can lead to a slower gameplay where the card might sit unused in the hand while players opt for lower cost alternatives with a quicker impact on the game state.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Keeper of the Flame has the ability to generate a fresh token every turn, providing consistent board presence in decks that focus on aggro strategies as well as those looking to benefit from creature synergies or sacrifice mechanics.

Combo Potential: This card is ideal for strategies emphasizing equipment or auras, as the tokens it creates can quickly be transformed into significant threats, especially in conjunction with buffs or other power-enhancing spells.

Meta-Relevance: As the game ebbs and flows with different deck types rising in popularity, Keeper of the Flame holds a solid position in environments that appreciate swift and resilient creature-based tactics, able to apply pressure and adapt to various opponent strategies.

How to beat

Keeper of the Flame is a unique creature card in Magic: The Gathering that can turn the tide of battle with its ability to create a token creature with power and toughness equal to the number of Equipment cards you control. While it may seem daunting, rendering Keeper of the Flame ineffective involves strategic removal and control methods. Disabling or removing equipment with spells like Disenchant or Abrade not only diminishes Keeper of the Flame’s potential but can leave it as a mere 1/2 creature.

Another effective approach is to prevent the Keeper from attacking or using its ability. Pacifism and other restrictive enchantments eliminate the threat without needing to destroy the creature itself. Counter spells could also nip the problem in the bud, stopping Keeper of the Flame from hitting the battlefield in the first place. Don’t forget about board wipes; a well-timed Wrath of God can reset the playing field, including any tokens generated by this pesky creature. With these tactics, players can mitigate the threats posed and keep the flames at bay.

By understanding the card’s strengths and weaknesses, players can devise strategies to handle Keeper of the Flame, ensuring that their opponents’ plans don’t ignite.

Cards like Keeper of the Flame

Keeper of the Flame proves to be a unique asset among creatures in Magic: The Gathering. It bears a resemblance to cards like Valduk, Keeper of the Flame, which also revolves around a strategy of equipping and creating tokens. Yet, Keeper of the Flame has its own spin on the equip-and-token strategy – it can create a 3/1 red Elemental creature token with trample and haste every turn, contingent on the number of auras and equipment attached to it.

Comparatively, we can look at Akiri, Line-Slinger, another creature that benefits from equipment. Akiri gains power based on the number of artifacts you control, contributing to a mighty offense. However, it doesn’t have the same token-generating ability that makes Keeper of the Flame stand out. There’s also Champion of the Flame, which becomes considerably more powerful as you attach more equipment or auras. Although it gets stronger with each attachment, it lacks the immediate impact Keeper of the Flame grants by creating new attacking creatures each turn.

Considering the synergy and potential for explosive turns, Keeper of the Flame holds its place as a solid pick in decks with a focus on equipment and enchantments. This card’s ability to apply consistent pressure and augment your army makes it a card worth considering for your MTG strategy.

Valduk, Keeper of the Flame - MTG Card versions

Champion of the Flame - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Keeper of the Flame by color, type and mana cost

Goblin Elite Infantry - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Keeper of the Flame 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 Keeper of the Flame and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Keeper of the Flame has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Restricted
Oathbreaker	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2009-10-01	A different opposing player may be targeted each time the ability is activated.
2009-10-01	It is only necessary that the condition be true as you activate the ability. The ability will still resolve normally even if the condition is no longer true at that time.