Jar of Eyeballs MTG Card

Transforms each creature’s death into card selection power, enhancing strategic play. Instant speed activation provides flexibility and surprise element in games. Moderate mana cost, but offers unique advantages in creature-centric decks.

Dark Ascension (DKA)
2012-02-03 - Number 152

Commander 2013 (C13)
2013-11-01 - Number 244

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Rare
Type	Artifact

Text of card

Whenever a creature you control dies, put two eyeball counters on Jar of Eyeballs. , , Remove all eyeball counters from Jar of Eyeballs: Look at the top X cards of your library, where X is the number of eyeball counters removed this way. Put one of them into your hand and the rest on the bottom of your library in any order.

Cards like Jar of Eyeballs

Delving into the quirky details of creature-based strategies, Jar of Eyeballs presents a unique card selection ability within the realm of Magic: The Gathering. As a card that allows players to look deep into their library by accumulating counters, it echoes the sentiments of proliferate cards like Thrummingbird. Thrummingbird, while providing a similar counter accumulation mechanic, lacks the direct card selection capability that Jar of Eyeballs provides upon a creature’s demise.

Tied closely to the theme of creature interactions, Reaper of the Wilds gives players a similar scrying advantage whenever another creature dies, offering a continuous yet more restrained method of deck manipulation compared to the Jar’s large, one-time delve. Corpse Connoisseur, on the other hand, also capitalizes on creature deaths but focuses on unearthing valuable creatures directly into the graveyard, serving a different angle of utility.

In the vast landscape of MTG, cards that leverage the death of creatures to fuel deck strategy are manifold, yet Jar of Eyeballs stands out for its potential to overhaul a player’s hand with a multitude of choices, providing a significant tactical benefit at the right moment.

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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Jar of Eyeballs, when utilized effectively, can be a powerful tool for card selection, letting you sift through your library for the precise component you need to turn the tide of battle or solidify your position. Each creature’s demise fills the Jar with more eyes, setting you up for greater options later on.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing mana, this artifact sets the stage for enhanced board presence. It ensures that every creature’s fall contributes to a future surge in resources by giving you control over your next draws, indirectly accelerating your game plan.

Instant Speed: The ability to activate Jar of Eyeballs at instant speed offers you the flexibility to wait for the most opportune moment before committing to the search. Whether it’s in response to an opponent’s move or at the end of their turn, your readiness to adapt quickly is a key strategic advantage.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Jar of Eyeballs requires creature cards to be sent from the battlefield to your graveyard to acquire eyeball counters, essentially demanding sacrifices that may deplete your board presence.

Specific Mana Cost: Even though it’s an artifact, Jar of Eyeballs has an activation cost that includes both colorless and black mana, which makes it less flexible and somewhat restrictive for multicolored decks that might not prioritize black mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Requiring three mana to cast and two additional mana, plus tapping to activate, it can be seen as quite mana-intensive. This cost is significant considering there are cards with similar or better abilities that require less investment.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Jar of Eyeballs offers a unique toolbox option, allowing players to sift through their deck for the perfect response. With the ability to fit into decks that capitalize on creature deaths, its adaptability is a huge plus.

Combo Potential: This card thrives in creature-heavy strategies, stacking eyes quickly for a significant payoff. It works wonders with sacrificial mechanics, turning each creature’s demise into an opportunity for deck manipulation.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where consistency is key, Jar of Eyeballs can be a dark horse. It provides incremental advantage that can help tailor draws against an array of opposing tactics, giving it a subtle but enduring edge.

How to beat

Jar of Eyeballs is a unique artifact in the landscape of MTG with an ability that could potentially tilt the game in favor of its controller. When any creature you control dies, Jar of Eyeballs gains an eye counter. By paying 3 mana and tapping it, you can then look at the top X cards of your library, where X is the number of eye counters, and put one of them into your hand. So, how can you navigate around this potent card-digging device?

The solution lies in smart disruption. Since the Jar needs to accumulate counters before it becomes a significant threat, targeting it with artifact removal spells can effectively negate its impact. Cards like Naturalize or Abrade are efficient ways to dismantle the Jar before it can blink an eye. If you find yourself without immediate removal, applying pressure to control the board state and limit creature casualties on the opponent’s side will slow down the Jar’s accumulation of counters. Moreover, paying attention to graveyard management can hinder the Jar’s effect, reducing its efficiency in long-term matches.

A balanced strategy that incorporates artifact disruption and creature control can nullify Jar of Eyeball’s advantage and keep your opponent from leveraging its full potential.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Jar of Eyeballs MTG card by a specific set like Dark Ascension and Commander 2013, 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 Jar of Eyeballs and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Jar of Eyeballs Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2012-02-03 and 2013-11-01. Illustrated by Jaime Jones.

#	Released	Name	Code	Symbol	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2012-02-03	Dark Ascension	DKA		152	2003	Normal	Black	Jaime Jones
2	2013-11-01	Commander 2013	C13		244	2003	Normal	Black	Jaime Jones

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Jar of Eyeballs has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Penny	Legal