Knowledge and Power MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Enchantment |
| Released | 2014-05-02 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Journey into Nyx |
| Set code | JOU |
| Number | 101 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Jung Park |
Text of card
Whenever you scry, you may pay . If you do, Knowledge and Power deals 2 damage to target creature or player.
"Information is a powerful weapon." —Cymede, queen of Akros
Cards like Knowledge and Power
Knowledge and Power is an intriguing card with an ability that delves into the synergy between scry and damage in Magic: The Gathering. Akin to Knowledge and Power, there is Flamespeaker Adept, which boosts its power and toughness whenever you scry. While both cards benefit from scrying, Knowledge and Power can deal direct damage to any target, providing a broader range of tactical applications. Meanwhile, the Adept requires a more combat-centric approach to take advantage of its scrying synergy.
Another comparable card is Sigiled Skink. Although it provides a scry benefit whenever it attacks, the key difference is the lack of payoff in the form of direct damage or any immediate board impact, which Knowledge and Power offers. Nivix Cyclops also deserves a mention as it grows stronger with every instant or sorcery spell cast, not solely reliant on scrying, but it shares the principle of capitalizing on spellcasting to generate a powerful effect.
Keeper of the Lens exemplifies a more passive use of the scry mechanic, granting you better visibility of the top card of your library but without the aggressive element of Knowledge and Power. Each of these cards provides a unique take on utilizing scry, but Knowledge and Power allows a more direct and potentially game-altering use of the scrying information.
Cards similar to Knowledge and Power by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Grants you the edge by offering a peek at the top three cards of your deck, enabling you to keep the one you need and setting you up for future plays.
Resource Acceleration: Efficiently sifts through your deck to potentially reveal additional mana sources, propelling your game plan forward at an accelerated pace.
Instant Speed: Provides the flexibility of responding to your opponent’s moves on their turn, keeping you one step ahead and preserving the element of surprise.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One of the downsides of Knowledge and Power card is the necessity to discard other cards in order to trigger its abilities. This can strain your hand, especially if you’re playing a strategy that relies on maintaining a variety of options to respond to an opponent’s moves.
Specific Mana Cost: While the effects can be potent, the card requires a specific combination of mana to cast. This stipulation can potentially restrict its incorporation into multicolored decks that may struggle to consistently produce the necessary mana types.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Its casting cost is on the higher side in relation to its immediate impact on the game. Players often assess the efficiency of a card by the immediate advantage it provides upon being played, and there are other options in Magic that may yield a quicker or more pronounced effect for the same or lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Knowledge and Power is a card that can adapt to numerous strategies, seasoned players find it useful in decks that capitalize on both spellcasting frequency and game insight.
Combo Potential: This card thrives in synergistic interactions, bolstering decks that revolve around casting prowess or those that reward drawing or revealing cards.
Meta-Relevance: Amidst a meta dominated by spell-heavy decks, Knowledge and Power could play a pivotal role, offering strategic advantage and fueling powerful plays against the competition.
How to Beat Knowledge and Power
Understanding the dynamics of Knowledge and Power in MTG is crucial for developing a winning strategy against it. This enchantment capitalizes on scrying to turn mere foresight into tangible gains, with the potential to convert knowledge into damage. However, every card in MTG has a counter, and Knowledge and Power is no exception.
To effectively counteract this spell, consider employing instant-speed enchantment removal such as Disenchant or Naturalize, disrupting the setup before your opponent can harness its power. You can also thwart their plans by incorporating Pithing Needle to disable their activated abilities, or use control elements to limit scrying opportunities.
Additionally, hand disruption tactics are an excellent way to pre-empt the Knowledge and Power strategy. Tools like Thoughtseize or Duress can extract key pieces from your opponent’s grip, essentially dismantling their engine before it revs up. By staying a step ahead with these strategies, you can undermine the Knowledge and Power synergy and steer the game in your favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Knowledge and Power MTG card by a specific set like Journey into Nyx, 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 Knowledge and Power and other MTG cards:
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- 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Knowledge and Power has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Knowledge and Power card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2014-04-26 | Knowledge and Power's ability triggers only once each time you scry, no matter how many cards you look at. |
| 2014-04-26 | You choose the target of the ability as it's put on the stack. You choose whether to pay as it resolves. You can pay only once each time you scry. |