Iceberg MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 2 |
Rarity | Uncommon |
Type | Enchantment |
Text of card
When Iceberg comes into play, put X ice counters on it. o3: Put an ice counter on Iceberg. : Remove an ice counter from Iceberg to add one colorless mana to your mana pool. Play this ability as an interrupt.
Cards like Iceberg
The Iceberg stands out as a unique enchantment in MTG, similar to other mana-generating cards like Wild Growth or Utopia Sprawl. What distinguishes Iceberg is its customizable nature, allowing you to store and add blue mana to your pool as needed. Unlike Wild Growth which only adds one extra mana of a specified type when the enchanted land is tapped, Iceberg affords more flexibility and can serve as a reserve of mana for future turns.
In alignment with mana storage, the classic card Storage Matrix also manipulates mana but in a distinct manner. It forces players to choose between untapping lands, creatures, or artifacts during their untap steps. Here, the versatility of Iceberg is underscored; it imposes no such restrictions and largely benefits the player without a downside. However, it requires an upfront investment of mana and does not automatically multiply resources like the growth effects of Wild Growth.
Overall, while there are similarities in function with other mana-related cards, Iceberg offers a specialized role in decks that capitalize on strategic mana allocation, potentially giving a critical advantage in the longer, more drawn-out games MTG is known for.
Cards similar to Iceberg by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Iceberg card facilitates drawing extra cards, bolstering your hand and granting an upper hand in the game by ensuring a consistent flow of new options.
Resource Acceleration: This card can be a game-changer, as it potentially ramps up your mana pool, allowing you to cast more significant spells ahead of schedule and tip the scales in your favor.
Instant Speed: Its instant speed flexibility lets you respond swiftly to the evolving board state, outmaneuvering opponents by making pivotal plays at the most opportune moments.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One of the drawbacks of the card is that it requires you to get rid of another card from your hand to utilize its effect. In the heat of a closely contested match, having to discard can lead to a shortage of options later on, which could hinder your strategy and momentum.
Specific Mana Cost: The card’s reliance on a specific color combination for activation narrows down its integration. Its mandate of requiring both blue and green in your mana pool to cast can pose a significant restriction, especially if your deck is diversified across multiple colors, limiting its flexibility and potentially your gameplay strategy.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a higher mana cost when compared to other cards within the same effect category, it demands a robust mana base which might often translate into a slower pace in building your board presence. Other cards might offer similar or better effects for a lower mana investment, making them potentially more attractive options for players looking to optimize the efficiency of their decks.
Reasons to Include Iceberg in Your Collection
Versatility: Iceberg can be a flexible addition to your deck, as it provides mana acceleration in blue, a color typically not known for this capability. It also doesn’t tap when used, making it a reliable source turn after turn.
Combo Potential: What makes Iceberg intriguing is its synergy with cards that manipulate counters, enabling dynamic plays and unexpected combos. It can facilitate strategies that involve proliferate mechanics or doubling counters for maximum benefit.
Meta-Relevance: As the game evolves, control decks that slow the game down to reach a powerful late-game may find a strong ally in Iceberg. It allows for sturdier mana bases in control strategies, which is always pivotal in adapting to the ever-changing MTG landscape.
How to beat
Iceberg is a unique card that can create a substantial advantage for its controller in MTG. This card’s strength lies in its ability to store mana for future use, making it a formidable tool for executing high-cost spells or abilities. To effectively counter Iceberg, one of the most practical strategies is to restrict the player’s access to mana. Using cards that limit land untapping or ones that can destroy or take control of enchantments can be crucial. Cards such as Naturalize or Disenchant are potent, as they can directly remove Iceberg from play. Another approach is pressuring the Iceberg player early on, not allowing them the time to accumulate the mana advantage Iceberg provides. Board control is pivotal, and cards that can outpace the ramping potential of Iceberg might force your opponent into a defensive position, weakening their strategic advantage.
Additionally, leveraging counter spells effectively to prevent Iceberg from hitting the battlefield initially or utilizing instant-speed interaction during your opponent’s upkeep to disrupt their mana planning can be key. In essence, keeping the pace swift, maintaining answers for key spells, and employing disruption tactics can tilt the game in your favor against an Iceberg-focused opponent.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Iceberg MTG card by a specific set like Ice Age and Coldsnap Theme Decks, 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 Iceberg and other MTG cards:
BUY NOWBurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Iceberg Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1995-06-03 and 2008-09-22. Illustrated by Jeff A. Menges.
# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1995-06-03 | Ice Age | ICE | 73 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Jeff A. Menges | |
2 | 2006-07-21 | Coldsnap Theme Decks | CST | 73 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Jeff A. Menges | |
3 | 2008-09-22 | Masters Edition II | ME2 | 49 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Jeff A. Menges |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Iceberg has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Commander | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Premodern | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Predh | Legal |