Edric, Spymaster of Trest MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 7 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeLegendary Creature — Elf Rogue
Power 2
Toughness 2

Key Takeaways

  1. Edric, Spymaster of Trest encourages a strategy focusing on small creatures to draw cards and gain a strategic advantage.
  2. He shines as a commander in EDH, supporting a tempo playstyle while gradually overwhelming opponents with resources.
  3. In multi-player games, Edric’s ability can benefit other players, creating complex alliances and political maneuvers.

Text of card

Whenever a creature deals combat damage to one of your opponents, its controller may draw a card.

"I am not at liberty to reveal my sources, but I can assure you, the price on your head is high."


Pros of Using Edric Spymaster of Trest

Card Advantage: Edric Spymaster of Trest shines in providing unparalleled card advantage. Every time a creature deals combat damage to one of your opponents, this card allows you to draw, helping you to continuously replenish your hand and always keep options open.

Resource Acceleration: While Edric itself doesn’t directly provide mana acceleration, it promotes aggressive play strategies that can lead to indirect resource acceleration. Rapid creature deployment enhanced by constant card draw allows you to maintain tempo and potentially outpace your opponents.

Instant Speed: Although Edric doesn’t operate at instant speed, this card allows for strategies that do. Armed with a full hand from Edric’s card-drawing ability, you can effectively hold and play instant speed responses, fuelling dynamic gameplay and keeping your opponents on their toes.


Drawbacks of Edric Spymaster of Trest

Discard Requirement: Notably, Edric’s power manifests when a player draws cards following a successful enemy creature attack. But, if your cards are scarce, or you don’t have decent attack opportunities, his potential is obliterated.

Specific Mana Cost: Edric Spymaster of Trest demands a specific mix of green and blue mana. This unique cost necessitates him being included in decks designed around these colors, somewhat limiting the universality of his use.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite its effectiveness, Edric requires three mana to summon. In a game focused on speed and where efficiency goes a long way, there may be other lower-cost alternatives that provide more instantaneous or diversely advantageous impacts.


Reasons to Include Edric Spymaster of Trest in Your Collection

Versatility: Edric is an extraordinary commander in MTG, particularly in decks that focus on control and collaborative warfare. His prowess lies in his ability to fit into various deck styles, easing your strategic planning.

Combo Potential: The mighty Spymaster not only enables you to draw cards each time a creature inflicts damage to one of your opponents but it can also initiate powerful combinations with other creature cards, significantly enhancing your gameplays.

Meta-Relevance: The current meta-game may feature an abundance of mid-range or control strategies. Here’s where Edric steps in with his powerful abilities that provide notable advantages in these match environments. His inclusion could tilt the balance in your favor.


Similar Cards

When discussing a unique Magic: The Gathering card like Edric, Spymaster of Trest, there are few that can provide similar effects. Edric, for those who aren’t familiar with it, is famed for his primary ability to reward players for attacking opponents with extra cards. Think of his effect as a more politically-inclined Bident of Thassa, another card with an ability to compel your opponents to attack.

Comparing Edric to Thopter Spy Network, they both share a common trait – rewarding the player with additional cards when their creatures deal combat damage to an opponent. However, Thopter Spy Network also creates a 1/1 colorless thopter artifact creature token for each card drawn, giving you an ever-growing army for subsequent attacks. This is a benefit that Edric lacks.

When considering Battle for Bretagard, its similarities with Edric are more apparent. Both utilize creature-based strategies, although Battle for Bretagard relies on creating tokens rather than drawing cards. Still, its capacity to generate an army can compare neatly to Edric’s card advantage.

To sum up, Edric’s unique ability makes him a force to be reckined with, opening up unique strategies and gameplay in Magic: The Gathering. His distinct attributes place him as a valuable addition amongst other similar card alternatives.


How to Beat Edric Spymaster of Trest

Confronting Edric Spymaster of Trest can be quite the challenge. This Commander card from Magic: The Gathering, notorious for its prolific card draw ability attached to creature attacks, can swing games in favor of its controller swiftly. However, there are strategies to counter this potent threat.

One effective method is through the use of spot removal cards. Spells that can destroy or exile target creatures can help you get rid of Edric before he can start turning battles into a card drawing fest for his controller. The removal options vary from set to set but consider options such as Terminate, Swords to Plowshares, or Path to Exile.

Another tactic is employing cards that prevent your opponent from drawing, like Notion Thief or Narset, Parter of Veils. This forces them to either cast Edric at a disadvantage or delay his deployment. Cards like Propaganda that dissuade attacks also work well against Edric’s strategy.

Ultimately, facing Edric Spymaster of Trest can be a tricky prospect, but with the right deck build and a strategy focused on disrupting his strengths, victory can definitely be scored.


Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating the rich landscapes of Magic the Gathering requires strategy, insight, and a bit of adventure. Whether you’re planning your next big win or fine-tuning your deck for maximum impact, there’s always room to elevate your game. As you continue to delve into the MTG universe, remember that it’s not just about the single triumphs but the continuous journey towards mastery. We invite you to keep exploring this fascinating world, discovering new techniques, and unearthing valuable cards to ensure your next match is more than just a game, but a Big Score. Ready to level up your play? Join us to learn more and become the ultimate MTG champion.


Cards like Edric, Spymaster of Trest

When discussing a unique Magic: The Gathering card like Edric, Spymaster of Trest, there are few that can provide similar effects. Edric, for those who aren’t familiar with it, is famed for his primary ability to reward players for attacking opponents with extra cards. Think of his effect as a more politically-inclined Bident of Thassa, another card with an ability to compel your opponents to attack.

Comparing Edric to Thopter Spy Network, they both share a common trait – rewarding the player with additional cards when their creatures deal combat damage to an opponent. However, Thopter Spy Network also creates a 1/1 colorless thopter artifact creature token for each card drawn, giving you an ever-growing army for subsequent attacks. This is a benefit that Edric lacks.

When considering Battle for Bretagard, its similarities with Edric are more apparent. Both utilize creature-based strategies, although Battle for Bretagard relies on creating tokens rather than drawing cards. Still, its capacity to generate an army can compare neatly to Edric’s card advantage.

To sum up, Edric’s unique ability makes him a force to be reckined with, opening up unique strategies and gameplay in Magic: The Gathering. His distinct attributes place him as a valuable addition amongst other similar card alternatives.

Bident of Thassa - MTG Card versions
Thopter Spy Network - MTG Card versions
Battle for Bretagard - MTG Card versions
Bident of Thassa - Theros (THS)
Thopter Spy Network - Magic Origins Promos (PORI)
Battle for Bretagard - Kaldheim (KHM)

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Elusive Krasis - RNA Guild Kit (GK2)
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Beetleform Mage - Dragon's Maze (DGM)
Trygon Predator - Commander 2021 (C21)
Bounding Krasis - The List (PLST)
Kaseto, Orochi Archmage - Commander 2021 (C21)
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Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Edric, Spymaster of Trest MTG card by a specific set like Commander 2011 and Commander 2011 Launch Party, 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 Edric, Spymaster of Trest and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Edric, Spymaster of Trest Magic the Gathering card was released in 7 different sets between 2011-06-17 and 2016-11-11. Illustrated by Volkan Baǵa.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12011-06-17Commander 2011CMD 1962003normalblackVolkan Baǵa
22011-06-17Commander 2011 Launch PartyPCMD 1962003normalblackVolkan Baǵa
32012-11-02Commander's ArsenalCM1 82003normalblackVolkan Baǵa
42014-06-06ConspiracyCNS 1872003normalblackVolkan Baǵa
52014-06-16Vintage MastersVMA 2512015normalblackVolkan Baǵa
62015-11-18Legendary Cube Prize PackPZ1 1002015normalblackVolkan Baǵa
72016-11-11Commander 2016C16 1952015normalblackVolkan Baǵa

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Edric, Spymaster of Trest has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PennyLegal
VintageLegal
DuelRestricted

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Edric, Spymaster of Trest card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

DateText
2011-09-22 A creature controlled by an opponent that deals combat damage to another opponent will cause Edric’s ability to trigger. The creature’s controller chooses whether to draw a card.
2011-09-22 When a creature you control deals combat damage to one of your opponents, you may draw a card.
2015-01-19 Edric, Spymaster of Trest is banned as a commander in Duel Commander format, but it may be part of your deck.

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