Grasp of the Hieromancer MTG Card
2015-07-17 - Number 15
2017-06-16 - Number 13
2019-11-07 - Number 127
2020-09-26 - Number E01-13
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Enchantment — Aura |
| Abilities | Enchant |
Text of card
Enchant creature Enchanted creature gets +1/+1 and has "Whenever this creature attacks, tap target creature defending player controls."
"There is power in abandon, but far more in control." —Warden Hixus, to Kytheon
Similar Cards to Grasp of the Hieromancer
Grasp of the Hieromancer stands out amidst enchantments that aim to control and inhibit opponents’ creatures in Magic: The Gathering. Notably, it shares similarities with cards like Spectra Ward, offering a protective bonus by granting the enchanted creature protection from all colors. Although unlike Grasp of the Hieromancer, Spectra Ward doesn’t provide the tap-down ability that can effectively remove a blocker or attacker from combat equations.
Another counterpart is Pacifism, an aura that straightforwardly prevents the enchanted creature from attacking or blocking. While Pacifism ensures the creature becomes non-threatening in terms of combat, Grasp of the Hieromancer holds an edge with its added utility of hands-on board control each time the enchanted creature attacks, forcing one of the opponent’s defenders to tap. For those seeking more aggressive tactics, cards like Claustrophobia deliver an immediate control effect by tapping the creature and keeping it locked down, although it doesn’t influence combat rounds like Grasp of the Hieromancer’s repeating capability.
Distinguishing the various characteristics of these enchantments helps players make informed decisions on rounding out their decks, and Grasp of the Hieromancer proves to be a tactical enchancement with versatile combat control.
Cards similar to Grasp of the Hieromancer by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Grasp of the Hieromancer is instrumental in tipping the scales of card utility in your favor. By enchanting a creature, it gains an ability that can disrupt your opponent’s board, effectively turning your creature into a recurring problem for them. This can lead to gaining card advantage as your opponent may need to use more resources to deal with the enchanted creature.
Resource Acceleration: While this card itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, the ability to potentially remove an opponent’s blocker each turn by making a creature unable to block can accelerate your game plan. This leads to faster damage to your opponent and can indirectly translate to resource acceleration as you pressure your opponent to answer your threats more immediately.
Instant Speed: Although Grasp of the Hieromancer is not an instant-speed spell, it compensates by offering your creature an ability that can be used during the combat phase each turn. This strategic aspect of the card can catch opponents off guard, as they must consider the implications of blocking or leaving a blocker each time you declare attackers, giving you a persistent combat advantage.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One drawback of Grasp of the Hieromancer is that, while it doesn’t have a discard requirement itself, it could force a player to choose between playing it and holding onto key cards in their hand, especially in formats where hand size and management are crucial.
Specific Mana Cost: This enchantment requires both white mana and generic mana to cast, which may not be as easily obtainable in a multicolored or mana-intensive deck. This cost can challenge deck building, especially when trying to maintain a consistent mana base across numerous colors.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite its ability to control the battlefield by tapping a creature, the mana investment for Grasp of the Hieromancer can be considered high. In competitive play, there are alternatives that offer similar or greater effects for less of an investment, making it a less favorable choice in a fast-paced game.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Grasp of the Hieromancer can adapt to various deck builds, lending its enchantment capabilities to creature-heavy strategies. Its ability to tap potential blockers aligns with aggressive tactics, ensuring crucial attacks land.
Combo Potential: This enchantment excels when paired with cards that capitalize on tapped creatures or those that benefit from attack triggers. It can be a key piece in intricate combos that can leave opponents defenseless and pave the way for decisive blows.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where creature-based strategies reign, Grasp of the Hieromancer can give you the edge by consistently disabling blockers. This can be especially potent in metas where controlling the board is the path to victory.
How to beat
Grasp of the Hieromancer is a unique aura that can lock down opponent’s creatures and clear the way for your attacks. It’s an enchantment that not only enhances your creature but can potentially disrupt your opponent’s battlefield strategy. When equipped, the chosen creature gets the tactical advantage of forcing an opposing creature to tap, impairing the opponent’s defensive capabilities.
In order to effectively counter Grasp of the Hieromancer, consider including instant-speed removal spells such as Naturalize or Disenchant in your deck. These cards can directly target and destroy enchantments, swiftly removing the aura before its tapping ability can be used. Moreover, holding up mana for these spells can also deter your opponent from casting Grasp of the Hieromancer in the first place, knowing that you may have the means to nullify it outright.
It’s also wise to have creatures with hexproof or shroud in your arsenal as they are immune to being targeted by such auras. By incorporating these elements into your strategy, you’ll be able to render Grasp of the Hieromancer ineffectual, maintaining control of the board and leading you to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Grasp of the Hieromancer MTG card by a specific set like Magic Origins and Archenemy: Nicol Bolas, 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 Grasp of the Hieromancer and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
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- MTG Mint Card
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Printings
The Grasp of the Hieromancer Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2015-07-17 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Igor Kieryluk.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2015-07-17 | Magic Origins | ORI | 15 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Igor Kieryluk | |
| 2 | 2017-06-16 | Archenemy: Nicol Bolas | E01 | 13 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Igor Kieryluk | |
| 3 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 127 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Igor Kieryluk | |
| 4 | The List | PLST | E01-13 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Igor Kieryluk |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Grasp of the Hieromancer has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Grasp of the Hieromancer card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2015-06-22 | The enchanted creature is the source of the triggered ability it gains, not Grasp of the Hieromancer. If the enchanted creature isn’t white, that ability can target a creature with protection from white, for example. |
| 2015-06-22 | The triggered ability granted to the enchanted creature will tap the creature before blockers are declared. |