Izzet Keyrune MTG Card


Izzet Keyrune excels in card advantage and foils single removal threats by its dual functionality. Its instant speed transformation into a creature offers added flexibility and strategic surprise. Despite requiring a specific mana base, its versatility in roles is a boon for diverse strategies.
Izzet Keyrune - Return to Ravnica
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeArtifact
Released2012-10-05
Set symbol
Set nameReturn to Ravnica
Set codeRTR
Number230
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byDaniel Ljunggren

Text of card

: Add or to your mana pool. : Until end of turn, Izzet Keyrune becomes a 2/1 blue and red Elemental artifact creature. Whenever Izzet Keyrune deals combat damage to a player, you may draw a card. If you do, discard a card.


Cards like Izzet Keyrune

The Izzet Keyrune is an intriguing utility artifact in the realm of MTG that offers both mana acceleration and flexibility on the battlefield. It shares some functional similarities with other keyrune cards, like the Rakdos Keyrune, which also transforms into a creature. However, Izzet Keyrune distinguishes itself by turning into a creature with flying, a key ability that provides added evasion over ground-based blockers.

Assessing its versatility, the Izzet Keyrune is closely aligned with the Gruul Keyrune. While Gruul’s version becomes a formidable creature with power and trample, Izzet’s leans more towards control and finesse with its flying ability, providing different strategic advantages. Another cog in the keyrune machinery is the Dimir Keyrune which, upon transformation, not only becomes unblockable but also offers card advantage by enabling card filtering. The tactical implications of each vary, but the Izzet Keyrune stands out with its flying prowess.

Delving deeper into MTG artifacts, the comparison emphasizes the unique roles each keyrune plays within their respective color combinations. The Izzet Keyrune offers a blend of offensive and defensive capabilities, finding a solid middle ground among its peers in providing mana utility and aerial threat.

Rakdos Keyrune - MTG Card versions
Gruul Keyrune - MTG Card versions
Dimir Keyrune - MTG Card versions
Rakdos Keyrune - MTG Card versions
Gruul Keyrune - MTG Card versions
Dimir Keyrune - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Izzet Keyrune by color, type and mana cost

Mizzium Transreliquat - MTG Card versions
Izzet Cluestone - MTG Card versions
Izzet Locket - MTG Card versions
Kylox's Voltstrider - MTG Card versions
"Kylox's Cell Phone Charger" - MTG Card versions
Mizzium Transreliquat - MTG Card versions
Izzet Cluestone - MTG Card versions
Izzet Locket - MTG Card versions
Kylox's Voltstrider - MTG Card versions
"Kylox's Cell Phone Charger" - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Izzet Keyrune card helps maintain a robust hand size. By providing you with an additional object on the board that can turn into a creature, it effectively thwarts any single removal spell from directly translating into card disadvantage.

Resource Acceleration: As it taps for either blue or red mana, Izzet Keyrune acts as a valuable resource in speeding up your mana availability. This accelerates your gameplay allowing you to cast more significant and impactful spells sooner than you would normally be able to.

Instant Speed: Izzet Keyrune’s ability to become a creature at instant speed adds versatile defense capabilities. You can optimize your gameplay by deciding on the fly whether you need more mana for spells or a creature for blocking or surprise attacks, keeping opponents on their toes.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Izzet Keyrune card can put you in a tight spot if it needs discarding cards from your hand, which may be counterproductive when your hand size is dwindling or the discarded card could have been pivotal in upcoming turns.

Specific Mana Cost: Sporting both blue and red mana requirements, this card demands a dedicated mana base, potentially restricting it to specific Izzet or multicolor decks, thus not fitting into every strategy.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Deploying the Izzet Keyrune requires a considerable amount of mana. At three mana for an artifact that turns into a creature with modest power, there might be alternative cards that provide more immediate impact or versatility for the same or lower cost.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Izzet Keyrune offers dual functionalities, acting as both mana acceleration and a creature when needed. Its ability to turn into a flying creature gives it an edge, making it a flexible option for various gaming situations.

Combo Potential: This card shines in decks that focus on synergies with artifacts or those that capitalize on activated abilities. It can also be instrumental in strategies that involve switching roles between a resource and a threat seamlessly.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta that values speed and adaptability, Izzet Keyrune’s capacity to swiftly pivot roles from a mana source to an evasion creature makes it a strategic asset against an array of decks.


How to beat

The Izzet Keyrune card has found its niche within the arsenal of many Magic: The Gathering decks, particularly those embracing the Izzet guild’s passion for ingenuity and spells. As an artifact, its unassuming nature belies its dual capabilities – both as a mana source and as a creature that can turn the tides of combat. When facing an opponent utilizing an Izzet Keyrune, one must adapt their strategy effectively.

To best this versatile piece, removal spells that specifically target artifacts become highly valuable. Naturalize or Shatter come to mind, capable of dispatching the Keyrune with ease before it morphs into its 2/1 blue and red Elemental creature with flying. It’s also possible to outpace the mana acceleration it provides by employing ramp strategies of your own. This might involve harnessing spells like Cultivate or Arbor Elf to boost your own mana pool, allowing you to cast more impactful spells sooner and apply pressure.

Disruption plays a significant role as well. Denying your opponent the chance to activate the Keyrune’s secondary ability by utilizing instant spells that negate activations can leave the Keyrune stranded as a mere mana source. This strategy ensures the Izzet Keyrune is kept from becoming the aerial threat it has the potential to be.


BurnMana Recommendations

The Izzet Keyrune is an artifact card that demonstrates strategic flexibility in MTG matches. With its ability to bolster your hand while speeding up mana production, it’s a card well worth considering for decks built around Izzet’s spellcasting prowess. This card does require a tailored mana base and careful hand management, so remember to weigh its pros and cons within your deck’s strategy. If you’re looking to enhance your gameplay, consider Izzet Keyrune’s dual nature and adaptability in various situations. Dive deeper into its uses, combative tricks, and potential as we explore how it can be the hinge of victory in your next encounter.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Izzet Keyrune MTG card by a specific set like Return to Ravnica, 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 Izzet Keyrune and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Izzet Keyrune has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Izzet Keyrune card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2012-10-01 If Izzet Keyrune becomes a creature in a way other than its own activated ability, its last ability will still work.
2013-04-15 Activating the ability that turns the Keyrune into a creature while it’s already a creature will override any effects that set its power and/or toughness to another number, but effects that modify power and/or toughness without directly setting them will still apply.
2013-04-15 Until the ability that turns the Keyrune into a creature resolves, the Keyrune is colorless.