Jace, Wielder of Mysteries MTG Card
2019-05-03 - Number 54★
2019-05-03 - Number 54
2019-05-04 - Number 54p
2019-05-04 - Number 54s
2019-05-04 - Number 54s★
2002-06-24 - Number 77999
2002-06-24 - Number 72265
2019-12-02 - Number 506
2020-09-26 - Number WAR-54
| Card sets | Released in 9 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Legendary Planeswalker — Jace |
| Abilities | Mill |
| Loyalty | 4 |
Text of card
If you would draw a card while your library has no cards in it, you win the game instead.
+1: Target player mills two cards. Draw a card.
-8: Draw seven cards. Then if your library has no cards in it, you win the game.
Cards like Jace, Wielder of Mysteries
Jace, Wielder of Mysteries stands out in the realm of Magic: The Gathering as a potent planeswalker with a unique win condition attached to its ability to draw cards. When drawing from an empty library, Jace turns this typical losing situation into an instant victory. This effect is quite reminiscent of Laboratory Maniac, a creature that offers a similar alternate win condition, though Jace provides an additional layer of utility with his card draw and library manipulation abilities.
Likewise, Thassa’s Oracle also comes to mind when considering cards like Jace. While Thassa’s Oracle evaluates your devotion to blue to potentially win the game right as it enters the battlefield, Jace remains on the field, providing ongoing value and the threat of a win if left unchecked. The main difference lies in their resilience and the timing of their win conditions. Jace requires careful setup to safely draw from an empty library, while Thassa’s Oracle could immediately determine the game’s outcome upon casting.
Considering the unique set of abilities offered by Jace, Wielder of Mysteries— from card draw to milling and an alternative win condition, it indeed holds a significant standing among cards offering ways to win the game in unconventional manners in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Jace, Wielder of Mysteries by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Jace, Wielder of Mysteries. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 4c Omnath | Modern | 4/5c Omnath | Modern Challenge 32 2024-02-05 |
 | High Tide | Legacy | High Tide | Legacy League 2024-03-08 |
 | Kethis Combo | Modern | Kethis Combo | DEN24 Sat 9:00 - U.S. Regional Championship - presented by Laughing Dragon |
 | Doomsday | Legacy | Ad Nauseam Tendrils | Charlotte Legacy League Season 2 Week 3 |
 | Ad Nauseam | Modern | Ad Nauseam | Modern Preliminary 2024-02-13 (1) |
 | Five-color Combo | Legacy | Painter | Charlotte Legacy League Season 2 Week 1 |
 | Jeff | Free form | Canadian Highlander for Duals - Underground Sea Guaranteed - Proxies Allowed | |
 | Four-color Combo | Gladiator | Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 10 2024 | |
 | Esper Control | Gladiator | Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 06 2024 | |
 | Azorius Control | Modern | 4/5c Omnath | F2F Tour Championship - Ottawa Round 5 (Regional Championship) |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Jace, Wielder of Mysteries enables a unique card draw strategy that actively brings you closer to victory. By drawing from an empty library, it becomes an alternative win condition, ensuring that every card drawn amplifies your path to success.
Resource Acceleration: As a planeswalker, this card sets the stage for a significant shift in gameplay. It’s not just about drawing; it’s about reshaping the battlefield. Its static ability allows for seamless deck manipulation, accelerating your resources as you sculpt your game plan and dig for answers.
Instant Speed: While not an instant itself, Jace’s +1 loyalty ability can mimic the advantages of instant-speed play. By allowing you to draw a card and then put one from your hand on top of your library during your turn, it gives you the flexibility to react to your opponent’s moves with the right tools, effectively simulating the benefits of instant speed actions.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One aspect that requires careful consideration when using Jace, Wielder of Mysteries is its ultimate ability, which might necessitate discarding a significant number of cards to ensure its game-winning condition can be met. This can be particularly risky if you find your hand size dwindling at crucial moments, leaving you vulnerable.
Specific Mana Cost: Jace comes with a strict mana cost that includes two blue mana symbols, which can be prohibitive and difficult to achieve in the early stages of a game or in multi-colored decks that do not prioritize blue mana sources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of one generic and three blue mana, Jace’s entry point onto the battlefield requires a substantial mana investment. This can pose a problem in faster-paced games where time and resource efficiency are paramount, as there could be other, less costly options that fit better into certain strategic approaches.
Reasons to Include Jace, Wielder of Mysteries in Your Collection
Versatility: Jace, Wielder of Mysteries is adaptable in multiple deck archetypes, functioning well in control strategies and self-mill decks while also serving as an alternate win condition. His ability to draw cards each turn can help any deck press its advantage or catch up when behind.
Combo Potential: This card shines in combinations, particularly with cards that manipulate the library or graveyard. Successfully executing a combo that mills the user’s entire library can result in an instant win thanks to Jace’s passive ability.
Meta-Relevance: In any meta where games tend to extend longer, the value of an alternative win condition like Jace becomes incalculable. He remains a consistent threat that opponents must answer, or risk facing an unexpected defeat.
How to beat
Jace, Wielder of Mysteries is a compelling card in MTG, often central to strategies that revolve around drawing cards or manipulating decks. As a planeswalker, Jace can act as an alternate win condition, triumphing the game if you draw from an empty library. The trick to overcoming this card lies in proactive measures, such as applying pressure to force your opponent to use resources or countering the card before it can become a threat.
Disruption is key. Employing discard effects to strip it from your opponent’s hand or utilizing spells that shuffle their graveyard back into the library can thwart their game plan. Targeted removal or direct damage to Jace prevents the accrual of its loyalty counters, nullifying its threat before the pivotal moment arises. The battlefield isn’t the only place for action; countering Jace upon casting can save you from its looming win condition and turning the game state in your favor.
Ultimately, dealing with Jace, Wielder of Mysteries demands a blend of foresight, disruption, and prompt responses. Keeping its abilities in check ensures its mysteries remain unsolved and well beyond the reach of your opponent’s victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Jace, Wielder of Mysteries MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Magic Online Promos, 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 Jace, Wielder of Mysteries and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana 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 Jace, Wielder of Mysteries Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2019-05-03 and 2019-12-02. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 77999 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Anna Steinbauer | ||
| 2 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 72265 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Toshiaki Takayama | ||
| 3 | 2019-05-03 | War of the Spark | WAR | 54★ | 2015 | Normal | Black | Toshiaki Takayama | |
| 4 | 2019-05-03 | War of the Spark | WAR | 54 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Anna Steinbauer | |
| 5 | 2019-05-04 | War of the Spark Promos | PWAR | 54p | 2015 | Normal | Black | Anna Steinbauer | |
| 6 | 2019-05-04 | War of the Spark Promos | PWAR | 54s | 2015 | Normal | Black | Anna Steinbauer | |
| 7 | 2019-05-04 | War of the Spark Promos | PWAR | 54s★ | 2015 | Normal | Black | Toshiaki Takayama | |
| 8 | Secret Lair Drop | SLD | 506 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Anna Steinbauer | ||
| 9 | The List | PLST | WAR-54 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Anna Steinbauer |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Jace, Wielder of Mysteries has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Jace, Wielder of Mysteries card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2019-05-03 | Follow the instructions in the order listed on Jace’s first loyalty ability: if you target yourself, you’ll put the top two cards of your library into your graveyard and then draw a card. |
| 2019-05-03 | If for some reason you can’t win the game (because your opponent controls Platinum Angel, for example), you won’t lose for having tried to draw a card from a library with no cards in it. The draw was still replaced. |
| 2019-05-03 | If the target player is an illegal target when Jace’s first loyalty ability tries to resolve, it doesn’t resolve. You won’t draw a card. |
| 2019-05-03 | If two or more players control Jace, Wielder of Mysteries and each player is instructed to draw a number of cards, first the player whose turn it is draws that many cards. If this causes that player to win the game instead, the game is immediately over. If the game isn’t over yet, repeat this process for each other player in turn order. |
| 2019-05-03 | If your library has fewer than seven cards in it while resolving Jace’s last ability, and Jace has already left the battlefield, you’ll draw as many cards as you can and then win the game before state-based actions would cause you to lose the game for trying to draw from an empty library. |