Illuminator Virtuoso MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Human Rogue |
| Abilities | Connive,Double strike |
| Released | 2022-04-29 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Streets of New Capenna |
| Set code | SNC |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 17 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | John Stanko |
Text of card
Double strike Whenever Illuminator Virtuoso becomes the target of a spell you control, it connives. (Draw a card, then discard a card. If you discarded a nonland card, put a +1/+1 counter on this creature.)
The Obscura reserve their keenest blades for traitors in their midst.
Cards like Illuminator Virtuoso
Illuminator Virtuoso shines as an innovative fixture in the realm of combo pieces in Magic: The Gathering. It has a kinship with cards like Tireless Tracker, where the focus is on clue generation. While both cards create clues for land interaction, Illuminator Virtuoso takes a unique angle, providing clues when you cast your second spell each turn, offering potential for explosive turns in spell-heavy decks.
Converging paths with cards like Thermo-Alchemist reveal that while Thermo-Alchemist deals direct damage to opponents as you cast spells, Illuminator Virtuoso leans into resource accumulation. It presents a strategic divergence — prioritizing board presence and card advantage over immediate damage. Contrastingly, Ominous Seas echoes a similar long-term value strategy as it requires card draw to create tokens, but Illuminator Virtuoso places clues onto the battlefield, emphasizing a different type of resource gathering.
Ultimately, the multifaceted nature of Illuminator Virtuoso secures its niche. It not only feeds into the strategy of decks that cast multiple spells a turn but also caters to those that capitalize on artifact and clue synergies. Its distinct approach to ramping up in-game advantages ensures a solid position in the ever-evolving strategies of Magic: The Gathering.
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Illuminator Virtuoso. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Boros Heroic | Pioneer | Boros Heroic | Pioneer League 2024-05-11 |
| Boros Aggro | Standard | Boros Aggro | Standard Challenge 32 2024-05-11 (1) |
| Mardu Heroic | Pioneer | Mardu Heroic | Pioneer Challenge 64 2024-05-11 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Illuminator Virtuoso offers ongoing card advantage by generating Clue tokens when you cast your second spell each turn. This means you won’t just get a one-off benefit; you’ll steadily outpace your opponent in resources as the game progresses.
Resource Acceleration: Beyond card advantage, this Virtuoso interacts favorably with decks designed to exploit artifacts. Not only do the Clue tokens pave the way towards more draws, but they also serve as potential fuel for abilities or synergies that require sacrificing artifacts, effectively accelerating your resource gain.
Instant Speed: Spells like Illuminator Virtuoso that operate at instant speed offer you the flexibility to react to your opponent’s moves. You can play it on your turn to build your board, or wait until your opponent’s end step to maintain it as a surprise element, all the while keeping your mana open for other immediate responses.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Illuminator Virtuoso demands a card from your hand to be discarded to utilize its ability. Such an action can strain your hand, especially in the tight, resource-managing stages of the game where every card counts.
Specific Mana Cost: Illuminator Virtuoso’s activation requires a precise combination of mana colors, necessitating a well-tuned mana base within your deck. This can complicate the deck-building process, particularly for those aiming for a more flexible mana curve.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: To get any value from Illuminator Virtuoso, you must commit a considerable amount of mana. When evaluating this against other cards in the same cost bracket, some players may find options that provide similar benefits without the added burden of additional costs.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Illuminator Virtuoso demonstrates a high degree of adaptability across various deck builds, seamlessly integrating into strategies that call for prolific token generation or a steady influx of resources to outmaneuver opponents.
Combo Potential: This card’s ability to produce Thopter tokens not only rounds out your aerial defenses but also lays the groundwork for dynamic synergies with mechanics that capitalize on artifact creatures or tokens entering the battlefield.
Meta-Relevance: Given its place in the current competitive scene, Illuminator Virtuoso’s capacity to consistently populate the board offers an edge against decks that struggle to manage multiple threats simultaneously.
How to beat
Illuminator Virtuoso presents an interesting challenge on the battlefield. It’s known for its ability to exponentially grow the potential threats your opponent can summon through clue tokens. Unlike other creatures that might offer a straightforward approach, the Virtuoso requires a strategy to keep its influence in check.
One effective way to counteract this card is by restricting the ability of your opponent to accumulate and utilize those valuable clue tokens. Keep an eye out for instant speed removal or spells that can handle multiple creatures at once. Preventive measures such as counter spells can also be key; negate the Virtuoso before it can have any impact on the game. Moreover, strategies that restrict card draw or token generation are impactful as well. Utilizing cards that can exile it directly from the battlefield or the graveyard ensures that even if it leaves the field, it won’t be coming back.
Addressing Illuminator Virtuoso demands a proactive game plan that emphasizes control and disruption. By anticipating and interrupting your opponent’s strategies, you can minimize the Virtuoso’s effect and maintain the upper hand in your Magic matchups.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Illuminator Virtuoso MTG card by a specific set like Streets of New Capenna, 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 Illuminator Virtuoso 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Illuminator Virtuoso has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Illuminator Virtuoso card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2022-04-29 | If a resolving spell or ability instructs a specific creature to connive but that creature has left the battlefield, the creature still connives. If you discard a nonland card this way, you won't put a +1/+1 counter on anything. Abilities that trigger “when -hat creature] connives” will trigger. |
| 2022-04-29 | If no card is discarded, most likely because that player's hand is empty and an effect says they can't draw cards, the conniving creature does not receive a +1/+1 counter. |
| 2022-04-29 | Once an ability that causes a creature to connive begins to resolve, no player may take any other actions until it's done. Notably, opponents can't try to remove the conniving creature after you discard a nonland card but before it receives a counter. |