Implement of Improvement MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Artifact |
| Released | 2017-01-20 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Aether Revolt |
| Set code | AER |
| Number | 158 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Kieran Yanner |
Text of card
, Sacrifice Implement of Improvement: You gain 2 life. When Implement of Improvement is put into a graveyard from the battlefield, draw a card.
A mystery in metal.
Cards like Implement of Improvement
In the realm of artifact boosts within Magic: The Gathering, the Implement of Improvement offers a unique take on the mechanic. It’s often mentioned alongside the likes of Prophetic Prism, which also serves the purpose of mana filtering. While Implement of Improvement can be sacrificed to gain life and draw a card, Prophetic Prism doesn’t require a sacrifice to draw. Instead, it offers immediate card draw upon entering the battlefield and ongoing mana flexibility.
Turning our attention to another similar item, the Chromatic Star is worth mentioning. This artifact can be sacrificed for a card draw as well, but it provides mana of any color once instead of life gain. The subtle differences in utility can shape how a player decides between these cards for their deck composition. Another artifact in this lineage is Ichor Wellspring, which draws upon entering and leaving the battlefield, doubling the card advantage but lacking the life gain of Implement of Improvement.
Examining the complementing roles these cards play, Implement of Improvement holds a solid position for players looking to weave together life gain and card advantage into their strategy, making it a multi-faceted tool in the game of Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Implement of Improvement by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Implement of Improvement. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Mono-White Aggro | Legacy | Legacy League Rosenheim Open #1 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Implement of Improvement shines in providing card advantage with its ability to upgrade your deck in real-time. By filtering your draws, you’re more likely to draw into impactful cards, ensuring your hand remains stocked with game-changing options.
Resource Acceleration: This artifact can be cashed in for an immediate boost in resources, enabling you to stay ahead on the mana curve. In the critical mid-game turns, this acceleration can be the difference between victory and defeat, allowing for earlier deployment of your threats or answers.
Instant Speed: The flexibility of activating Implement of Improvement at instant speed adds a layer of depth to gameplay. It allows you to adapt to the evolving battlefield, respond to your opponent’s actions, and make informed decisions based on the state of the game, all without sacrificing the pace of your own strategy.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Implement of Improvement demands discarding another card as part of its activation cost. This action can put players at a disadvantage, especially when their hand size is already depleted or if they’re required to discard a pivotal card key to their game strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: Casting this artifact requires a precise combination of mana colors that may not always be readily available, especially in multi-colored decks. This can lead to situations where the card remains unusable in hand due to mana base restrictions, impacting game flow and deck fluidity.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its activation cost being relatively high compared to other cards with similar effects, the Implement of Improvement can be less appealing. Players might favor alternatives which offer more immediate or impactful benefits for a lower mana investment. In the realm of competitive play, where efficiency is key, the higher cost can be a significant drawback.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Implement of Improvement shines in various deck builds, fitting seamlessly into control or combo archetypes that value artifact synergy and incremental advantage.
Combo Potential: With its ability to untap another target permanent, this card can be a key piece in intricate combos, opening the door to infinite loops with the right board setup.
Meta-Relevance: In a metagame rich with artifact strategies or where small edges lead to victory, Implement of Improvement’s utility and subtleness make it a worthwhile addition to stay ahead of the competition.
How to Beat
The Implement of Improvement shines in MTG as a versatile card, enabling players to bolster their late-game strategies. It offers card draw upon hitting the graveyard, combined with the utility of providing small-scale life gain. To effectively counteract this card’s impact, savvy players must prioritize aggressive removal tactics. Targeted destruction or exile effects can be key, interrupting the card’s activation path and hampering an opponent’s game plan.
Considering Implement of Improvement’s ability to trigger when it goes to the graveyard, one should consider using graveyard disruption tools. Cards that replace graveyard effects with exile, like Relic of Progenitus or Sentinel Totem, can negate the life gain and card draw benefits seamlessly. Moreover, incorporating passive countermeasures like Grafdigger’s Cage prevents such implements from being reanimated or reused from the graveyard, curtailing consecutive value plays.
Additionally, strategies that apply pressure early in the game can limit the long-term value of cards like Implement of Improvement. By crafting a playstyle that emphasizes proactive board presence and controlled resource management, players can outpace the incremental advantages that this card offers, leading to victory against decks that rely on such implements for card advantage and life sustainment.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Implement of Improvement MTG card by a specific set like Aether Revolt, 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 Implement of Improvement 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 Implement of Improvement has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Implement of Improvement card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2017-02-09 | An Implement’s last ability triggers no matter why it’s put into a graveyard from the battlefield. You don’t have to activate its first ability. |
| 2017-02-09 | If you activate an Implement’s first ability, you’ll draw a card from its second ability before the first ability resolves. If the first ability has a target, you need a legal target to activate that ability, and you choose that target before seeing what card you’ll draw. |