Krovikan Sorcerer MTG Card
1995-06-03 - Number 81
1997-03-24 - Number 96
2008-09-22 - Number 51
2014-06-16 - Number 77
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Wizard |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
oc T: Choose and discard a card from your hand to draw a card. If the card discarded was black, draw two cards instead of one; keep one and discard the other.
"These Sorcerers always seem to have another surprise up their sleeves." —Zur the Enchanter
Cards like Krovikan Sorcerer
Krovikan Sorcerer stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a strategic spellshaper with an ability to influence the tide of the game. It shares mechanics with other discard-to-draw cards, but it’s unique as it specifically allows players to trade their weakest link, a creature card, for a fresh card from their deck. This criteria resembles cards like Merfolk Looter, which also enables a player to draw and then discard without any restrictions on card type.
Comparing further, we can look at Obsessive Search, which is another low-cost card offering a draw after a discard, yet it operates from the graveyard adding an element of surprise and flexibility. However, it lacks the immediate tabletop presence that Krovikan Sorcerer provides. Aquamoeba similarly encourages discarding and adjusting tactics but focuses on a temporary power boost instead of offering a new card to the hand.
Krovikan Sorcerer aligns itself with these cards but carves out its niche with a creature-focused discard approach, offering dedicated players a targeted way to manage their hands and potentially benefit from creature-based graveyard interactions.
Cards similar to Krovikan Sorcerer by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Krovikan Sorcerer provides a steady flow of cards by allowing you to discard a nonland card to draw a card, keeping your hand fresh and options open.
Resource Acceleration: This utility especially shines when you have cards in your hand that you can leverage for additional benefits, such as reanimation targets or cards with madness costs, accelerating your resource utilization.
Instant Speed: The Sorcerer operates at instant speed, affording flexibility to wait until the most opportune moment to discard and draw, effectively navigating around your opponent’s threats and strategies.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: As part of its ability, Krovikan Sorcerer necessitates the discarding of a card. This can deplete your hand, being particularly detrimental when you’re already struggling with card availability. Managing your resources becomes crucial, as each discard can cost valuable plays later in the game.
Specific Mana Cost: The Sorcerer demands an exact mana alignment, requiring both blue and black. This specialized cost constraints deck building, demanding a commitment to a two-color mana base that can limit the card’s flexibility in various deck strategies where a less restrictive mana cost would be preferable.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With an activation cost that adds up over time, it’s hard to ignore that there are alternatives offering a more cost-effective card advantage. Players often weigh the value of such abilities against the card’s total cost, and in this case, it might not be the most mana-efficient option for controlling the flow of the game.
Reasons to Include Krovikan Sorcerer in Your Collection
Versatility: Krovikan Sorcerer offers flexibility for decks that capitalize on card discard or graveyard strategies. Its ability to selectively discard cards can help shape your hand and graveyard for optimal play.
Combo Potential: The sorcerer works well with combos that revolve around discarding cards to unlock powerful effects or reanimate key creatures from the graveyard, enhancing your strategic depth.
Meta-Relevance: In metas where graveyard interaction is pivotal, Krovikan Sorcerer’s consistent discard outlet can be an essential tool, maintaining relevance against various deck archetypes.
How to beat
Krovikan Sorcerer brings versatile card advantage to the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. This blue creature allows players to draw a card at the mere expense of discarding another, provided the discarded card is a creature. The sorcerer’s power can generate significant hand manipulation over time, similar to established effects like Merfolk Looter, yet with a narrower focus. However, there are strategies to undermine its potential.
Hand disruption spells such as Thoughtseize or Inquisition of Kozilek can preemptively remove key cards before they’re ever drawn. Counterspells, of course, can stop the Sorcerer from hitting the play in the first place. If the Sorcerer is already active, removal spells like Fatal Push or Path to Exile can deal with it efficiently. It’s also advantageous to limit the number of creature cards in your opponent’s graveyard to minimize the benefits from any form of graveyard recursion that Krovikan Sorcerer might enable.
Ultimately, while the Krovikan Sorcerer can be a thorn in an opponent’s side, its impact can be mitigated. Understanding its strengths and maintaining a well-rounded response in your deck can prevent this creature from tipping the scales too far in your opponent’s favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Krovikan Sorcerer MTG card by a specific set like Ice Age and Fifth Edition, 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 Krovikan Sorcerer 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
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Printings
The Krovikan Sorcerer Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 1995-06-03 and 2014-06-16. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1995-06-03 | Ice Age | ICE | 81 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Pat Lewis | |
| 2 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 96 | 1997 | Normal | White | Pat Lewis | |
| 3 | 2008-09-22 | Masters Edition II | ME2 | 51 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Pat Lewis | |
| 4 | 2014-06-16 | Vintage Masters | VMA | 77 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Igor Kieryluk |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Krovikan Sorcerer has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |