Eye of Ramos MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Artifact |
| Released | 1999-10-04 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Mercadian Masques |
| Set code | MMQ |
| Number | 294 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | David Martin |
Text of card
oc T: Add one blue mana to your mana pool. Sacrifice Eye of Ramos: Add one blue mana to your mana pool.
Ramos wept, and there were seas.
Cards like Eye of Ramos
The Eye of Ramos is a unique piece in the collection of mana-producing artifacts in Magic: The Gathering. It’s often compared to the likes of the Diamond artifacts, such as Sky Diamond, which also offers blue mana but doesn’t require the sacrifice of the artifact itself. However, the Eye of Ramos additionally provides a draw effect upon its sacrifice, setting it apart from its counterparts.
Similarly, the Fire Diamond and its kin provide red mana without the self-sacrifice, although lacking the card advantage the Eye offers. The flexibility of the latter, allowing for a burst of blue mana or a card when you need it most, makes it a versatile choice. Contrast that with Charcoal Diamond and the others providing a steady mana advantage, but without the potential for resourcefulness in tight situations.
When considering their inclusion in a deck, the Eye of Ramos shows its strength by giving players both an accelerant and an emergency draw option. This duality reflects the strategic depth and adaptability that are treasured in Magic: The Gathering gameplay, and highlights the Eye of Ramos as a card with a multifaceted role.
Cards similar to Eye of Ramos by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Eye of Ramos provides a notable edge when it comes to card utility. By tapping, you can add one blue mana to your pool, and if the situation calls for it, sacrificing it for an additional blue mana can be the pivotal action that leads to casting a game-winning spell or summoning a crucial creature to the battlefield.
Resource Acceleration: This card can be particularly effective in decks that require a significant amount of blue mana or have pricey spells to cast. The ability to tap for extra mana can be a determining factor in speeding up your gameplay, allowing you to stand toe-to-toe with opponents in context of mana availability.
Instant Speed: While the Eye of Ramos itself doesn’t function at instant speed, the resources it generates pave the way to casting your instant spells when you need them most. Whether it’s during your turn or in response to opponents’ actions, the flexibility of having that additional mana at the ready can be a strategic advantage that shouldn’t be underestimated.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: When you activate Eye of Ramos’s ability to add mana to your pool, you must sacrifice it, which means losing the artifact itself. This is a significant setback, especially if you’re relying on its mana generation over multiple turns.
Specific Mana Cost: Eye of Ramos is narrowly focused, providing only colorless mana unless it’s used specifically to produce blue mana. This limitation can be problematic in multi-colored decks that require a more flexible mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana for a one-time use mana boost, the Eye of Ramos may be less efficient compared to other mana artifacts or acceleration methods available. There are cheaper alternatives that provide consistent mana without needing to be sacrificed.
Reasons to Include Eye of Ramos in Your Collection
Versatility: Eye of Ramos is more than just a mana source. As part of the Ramos artifact cycle, this card can be an essential addition to decks focusing on mana acceleration or needing specific color mana fixing.
Combo Potential: With its ability to be sacrificed for mana, Eye of Ramos can work beautifully in combos, especially in decks that capitalize on mana generation or artifact synergies for powerful plays.
Meta-Relevance: In formats where mana efficiency and speed are crucial, the quick boost provided by Eye of Ramos may prove indispensable. It can give you the upper hand by fueling vital spells sooner than your opponents expect.
How to beat
The Eye of Ramos is a unique mana-producing artifact that can be an integral part of a mana acceleration strategy in Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to tap for blue mana makes it a choice artifact for players operating with blue spells and heavy on control mechanics. But its real power lies in its secondary ability to be sacrificed for an additional burst of blue mana, potentially tipping the scales in a pivotal moment of the game.
To counteract the strategic advantage the Eye of Ramos presents, disruption is key. Consider employing artifact destruction cards like Nature’s Claim or the pricier but multifunctional Krosan Grip, which provides the inability to respond due to its split second ability. Additionally, countering artifact tutors that search for the Eye of Ramos or employing strategies that tax players’ mana can offset the advantage provided by the artifact. Efficiency in mana expenditure and keeping pressure on the blue mana user can also minimize the impact of the temporary mana surge provided by the Eye of Ramos. By anticipating and preparing for the tactics likely to accompany the artifact, you can neutralize its influence on the game.
An understanding of your opponent’s game plan and maintaining a deck with answers to critical pieces like the Eye of Ramos can put you a step ahead. Be ready to adapt your strategies, and keep your opponents guessing about your next move.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Eye of Ramos MTG card by a specific set like Mercadian Masques, 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 Eye of Ramos 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 Eye of Ramos 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 Eye of Ramos 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 | You can activate the sacrifice ability while this card is tapped. |