Johann, Apprentice Sorcerer MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Legendary Creature — Human Wizard |
| Released | 2023-09-08 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Wilds of Eldraine |
| Set code | WOE |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 5 |
| Number | 207 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Dmitry Burmak |
Text of card
You may look at the top card of your library any time. Once each turn, you may cast an instant or sorcery spell from the top of your library. (You still pay its costs. Timing rules still apply.)
"Okay. First I'll calm the elementals. Then I'll put out the fire. Then I'll unflood the basement. Then I'll do the chores *myself*."
Cards like Johann, Apprentice Sorcerer
Johann, Apprentice Sorcerer makes a unique mark in Magic: The Gathering with its ability to harness spells’ power. This card echoes the functionality of wizards like Murmuring Mystic, which also transforms casting into creature generation. Johann stands out by allowing the creation of 1/1 red Sorcerer creature tokens with an option to grow them into a significant threat over time.
When considering other similar spell-orientated cards, Niv-Mizzet, Parun merits mention. It provides a direct draw mechanic for each spell cast, yet lacks the token-generating aspect that Johann provides. The direct damage from Niv-Mizzet, however, can be a game-ender in its own right. We also have Talrand, Sky Summoner, in this mix, which creates 2/2 blue Drake creature tokens with flying whenever you cast a spell, offering aerial defense and a steady pace of creature deployment.
Each of these cards offers distinctive advantages, from token generation to combo potential, but Johann, Apprentice Sorcerer adds a layer of scaling power that can escalate the longer he remains on the field. His potential for exponential growth makes him a formidable presence as spells continuously weave their magic.
Cards similar to Johann, Apprentice Sorcerer by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: A vital aspect of Johann, Apprentice Sorcerer is its ability to consistently offer card advantage every time you cast an instant or sorcery spell. This makes Johann a cornerstone in decks that aim to draw tons of cards and out resource opponents.
Resource Acceleration: Through its second ability, Johann assists in ramping your mana resources. It allows you to exile the top card of your library, and you may play it this turn. Thus, it can effectively accelerate your available resources, crucial for casting more spells sooner than your opponents anticipate.
Instant Speed: The flexibility of activating Johann, Apprentice Sorcerer’s ability at instant speed cannot be overstated. It enables reactive gameplay, allowing you to adapt to the unfolding game or capitalize on the end of an opponent’s turn. This adaptability is key in maintaining the upper hand and navigating complex board states.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Johann, Apprentice Sorcerer demands a card discard to activate its key abilities. This can be challenging when your hand is already depleted, leading to tough decisions about which cards to sacrifice for the greater strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: Conjuring powerful magic comes at a price. This card requires a precise blend of mana colors to cast, potentially limiting its integration in a diverse array of decks. Ensuring you have the right mana at the right time can sometimes be a tricky endeavor.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that might be seen as steep by some players, Johann, Apprentice Sorcerer could be perceived as a hefty investment for its abilities. In the fast-paced world of competitive play, where efficiency is key, there are other sorcerers and spells that may offer similar benefits without such a significant mana demand.
Reasons to Include Johann, Apprentice Sorcerer in Your Collection
Versatility: Johann, Apprentice Sorcerer boasts flexibility across various deck types with its capability to control the board while progressing your own game plan. Its dynamic abilities offer utility in multiple phases of the game.
Combo Potential: With Johann, Apprentice Sorcerer’s synergistic traits, it easily slots into decks designed around spellcasting and sorcery enhancements. This card’s ability to manipulate spells amplifies its combo potential and affords innovative interactions within your deck’s framework.
Meta-Relevance: The current competitive landscape often highlights the significance of versatile planeswalkers and control elements. Johann, Apprentice Sorcerer stands out for its relevance in such environments, providing strategic advantage and pivotal board presence that can shift the tides of a match.
How to beat Johann, Apprentice Sorcerer
Johann, Apprentice Sorcerer is a unique card that brings a blend of utility and challenge to the battlefield of Magic: The Gathering. Being a creature that has the potential to transform the tide of the game, overcoming its influence is crucial. One effective strategy is to deploy removal spells swiftly and decisively. Quick responses like Fatal Push or Path to Exile can ensure Johann never gets the chance to utilize his abilities.
Another method is to focus on countering strategies; playing cards likes Negate or Dovin’s Veto can stop him from ever entering the field. Additionally, using cards with the “can’t be countered” feature can be key in outpacing Johann’s control capabilities. Players may also consider applying pressure through aggressive creature tactics, forcing your opponent to use Johann’s abilities defensively, thus diverting from their game plan. Moreover, employing graveyard hate cards like Tormod’s Crypt can disrupt any strategies centered around Johann’s ability to make use of the graveyard, essentially neutralizing a vital part of his utility.
In essence, a proactive and preemptive approach, with a balance of removal, countering, and consistent pressure, can effectively negate the advantages offered by Johann, Apprentice Sorcerer, keeping you one step ahead in the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Johann, Apprentice Sorcerer MTG card by a specific set like Wilds of Eldraine, 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 Johann, Apprentice Sorcerer and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
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- MTG Mint Card
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Johann, Apprentice Sorcerer has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Johann, Apprentice Sorcerer card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2023-09-01 | If Johann leaves the battlefield and returns to the battlefield in the same turn, or if Johann leaves and another Johann appears, the casting permission granted by the old one is different than the casting permission granted by the new one. On the turn in which the new Johann enters the battlefield, you may use its casting permission once, even if you used the old Johann's casting permission to cast an instant or sorcery spell from the top of your library in that same turn. Note that if you control multiple Johanns you won't have the opportunity to cast an instant or sorcery spell from the top of your library before the "legend rule" gets you down to one Johann. |
| 2023-09-01 | If the top card of your library changes while you're casting a spell, playing a land, or activating an ability, you can't look at the new top card until you finish doing so. This means that if you cast a spell from the top of your library, you can't look at the next one until you're done paying for that spell. |
| 2023-09-01 | If the top card of your library has an Adventure, you can cast the Adventure spell this way. |
| 2023-09-01 | You can look at the top card of your library whenever you want (with one restriction; see below), even if you don't have priority. This action doesn't use the stack. Knowing what that card is becomes part of the information you have access to, just like you can look at the cards in your hand. |
| 2023-09-01 | You must pay all costs and follow all timing rules for spells cast from the top of your library this way. |