Jon Irenicus, the Exile MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Legendary Creature — Elf Wizard |
| Abilities | Mill |
| Released | 2022-07-07 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate |
| Set code | HBG |
| Power | 3 |
| Toughness | 5 |
| Number | 72 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Igor Grechanyi |
Text of card
At the beginning of your end step, draw a card if your library has more cards in it than target opponent's library. Otherwise, each opponent mills five cards.
Cards like Jon Irenicus, the Exile
Jon Irenicus, the Exile, takes an intriguing spot in the realm of legendary creatures in the game of Magic: The Gathering. With abilities that affect both exiling cards and casting spells from exile, it bears some comparison to other cards in the exile space, like Kaho, Minamo Historian, which also plays with casting spells from outside the typical game zones. Kaho, however, hinges on fetching instant spells only, whereas Jon Irenicus, the Exile, provides a broader reach, touching on any card type.
Moving to a different comparison, we can look at Nightveil Specter – a creature adept at exiling the top card of an opponent’s library whenever it deals combat damage. Unlike Jon, Nightveil Specter allows you to play lands from exile without spending mana, yet it doesn’t grant the wider casting capabilities for which Jon Irenicus is renowned. And whilst not a creature, Gonti, Lord of Luxury also dances in the exile domain, letting you cast the exiled card and offering you a taste of your opponent’s deck, a one-off effect versus Jon’s ongoing potential.
Reviewing Jon Irenicus, the Exile, alongside its peers, it carves out a unique niche that leverages consistent and strategic play from exile, a testament to its design within Magic: The Gathering’s complex landscape.
Cards similar to Jon Irenicus, the Exile by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Jon Irenicus, the Exile elevates your game by unlocking additional card draws whenever you fulfill its triggered conditions. This can lead to a steady flow of new options and answers, which is vital for outmaneuvering opponents over the course of a match.
Resource Acceleration: This card not only disrupts your adversary’s strategies but can also serve as a potent source of resource acceleration. By impeding your opponent’s tempo, you position yourself to surge ahead, transforming the tide of the game in your favor.
Instant Speed: The versatility of casting Jon Irenicus, the Exile at instant speed grants you the flexibility to react on the fly. This allows for strategic depth, as you can seamlessly weave this spell into your plan, keeping your adversary guessing while optimizing your own plays.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Engaging with Jon Irenicus, the Exile requires a strategic hand balance, as you’ll need to discard another card to utilize its abilities. This can place you at a drawback during those critical moments when every card in hand counts.
Specific Mana Cost: Tailored to a particular corner of the color wheel, this card demands both black and blue mana, potentially restricting its adaptability across various deck archetypes.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Summoning Jon Irenicus, the Exile comes with a substantial mana price tag which may slow down your early game, especially when pitted against decks designed for quick starts.
Reasons to Include Jon Irenicus, the Exile in Your Collection
Versatility: Jon Irenicus, the Exile offers a range of possibilities for deck building. Its ability to control opponent strategies while gaining value from exiled cards makes it a powerful addition to control decks and a tool against a variety of opposing tactics.
Combo Potential: This card excels in setups that manipulate exile zones and graveyard plays. It can form synergies with strategies that benefit from casting spells from exile or require specific card types to be set aside, enabling potent combinations.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where graveyard interaction and creature-based strategies are prevalent, Jon Irenicus, the Exile stands out. Its presence on the battlefield can significantly disrupt opponents’ plans, making it a timely and tactical choice for current game dynamics.
How to beat
Contending with Jon Irenicus, the Exile in a game of MTG can be quite the strategic puzzle. As a formidable planeswalker, the key to overcoming his exile-based control lies in agility and resourcefulness. Players should prioritize having answers to his abilities, seeking to disrupt his plans before he can establish dominance on the battlefield. Utilizing counter spells to prevent his initial appearance can be an effective tactic.
Additionally, it is essential to manage graveyard resources wisely since Jon Irenicus, the Exile leverages graveyards for his gain. Cards that can exile graveyards or shuffle them back into the library, like Tormod’s Crypt or Elixir of Immortality, can nullify his ability to utilize those cards. It’s about timing and looking for the opportune moment to undermine his effectiveness and leave him vulnerable.
Swift removal spells that can eliminate him directly after he lands or strategic play to avoid overcommitting valuable creatures to the board will help. This approach aids in reducing the impact of his potent exile abilities and preserves your board state. Ultimately, a well-thought-out deck with answers to exile and removal will stand a better chance against the might of Jon Irenicus, the Exile.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Jon Irenicus, the Exile MTG card by a specific set like Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate, 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 Jon Irenicus, the Exile and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
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- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Jon Irenicus, the Exile has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |