Master of Dark Rites MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Vampire Cleric
Power 1
Toughness 1

Key Takeaways

  1. Enhances resource management by allowing free spell casting or abilities, leading to a resource advantage.
  2. Instant speed capability of Master of Dark Rites can unexpectedly disrupt an opponent’s strategy.
  3. Demanding black mana and discard conditions may limit deck compatibility and require strategic hand management.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Master of Dark Rites MTG card by a specific set like The Lost Caverns of Ixalan Commander and The Lost Caverns of Ixalan Commander, 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 Master of Dark Rites and other MTG cards:

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Text of card

, Sacrifice another creature: Add . Spend this mana only to cast Vampire, Cleric, and/or Demon spells.

"With each sacrifice, we step closer to the Age of Everflowing Blood."


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Master of Dark Rites shines in creating card advantage by allowing you to potentially cast additional spells or use abilities without the cost during your turn, putting you ahead in resources against your opponent.

Resource Acceleration: This card facilitates resource acceleration by granting access to additional mana. The boost can be pivotal for deploying more threats or answers on the board early in the game, altering the pacing in your favor.

Instant Speed: With the capacity to operate at instant speed, Master of Dark Rites offers a strategic edge. It lets you perform actions unexpectedly and can disrupt your opponent’s plans, all while keeping your mana efficiently allocated during each phase of the game.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Master of Dark Rites asks players to discard another card to access its full potential. This condition is particularly taxing when a player’s hand is running low, potentially forcing a compromise between holding onto key cards or activating the Master’s abilities.

Specific Mana Cost: With a specific demand for black mana, incorporating Master of Dark Rites into a multicolored deck can be challenging. The requirement for an exact combination of mana types could disrupt a player’s mana curve and limit the card’s versatility across various deck builds.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Allocating four mana just to summon this creature can be a steep price. When planning a deck, it’s critical to weigh the Master of Dark Rites’ benefits against alternative cards that could provide similar or greater value for the same or less mana investment.


Reasons to Include Master of Dark Rites in Your Collection

Versatility: Master of Dark Rites is a dynamic card that can adapt to various playing styles. Its ability to potentially act as both a mana source and a creature tutor makes it a valuable addition to decks that hinge on specific creature interactions or those that require flexible mana to execute combos.

Combo Potential: With its capacity to fetch creatures from your deck, Master of Dark Rites can set the stage for powerful combos, chaining creature-based synergies or enabling the rapid deployment of a crucial piece to seize control of the game.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state where creature-based strategies dominate or where having the right answer at the right time is crucial, having Master of Dark Rites in your deck ensures that you are always equipped to adapt to the shifting battlefield, making it a significant asset in any competitive player’s arsenal.


How to beat

Master of Dark Rites is a spellbinding presence on the battlefield that can sway the game’s momentum in favor of the player harnessing its power. Its ability to grant both card advantage and mana acceleration by sacrificing other creatures makes it a core card for decks that thrive on such interactions. However, strategies to tackle this formidable card do exist. Key tactics involve prioritizing removal spells that can directly target Master of Dark Rites before its controller can fully leverage its benefits. Minimizing the buildup of expendable creatures can also curb the card’s potential impact, weakening the synergy and diminishing the dark rites it aims to master.

Counterspells should be considered a valuable asset when facing off against this potent card. Countering it upon cast ensures it never takes effect, preventing the opponent from reaping its rewards. Another effective approach includes using graveyard disruption to limit the chances of it being recast from the graveyard, a common scenario in formats with ample recursion options. By staying vigilant and proactive, players can anticipate the threats posed by Master of Dark Rites and maintain control over the game.

Consequently, while Master of Dark Rites can pose a significant challenge, players armed with the right strategies and responses have reliable means to overcome it, ensuring their deck’s resilience against such formidable cards within the landscape of Magic: The Gathering.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG involves not only understanding individual card strengths but also spotting the right opportunities to flex strategic muscle. Master of Dark Rites is a beacon for players who appreciate the confluence of resource acceleration and card advantage, fit for those who wield the power of the dark arts in their gameplay. Embracing its potential requires both artful deck construction and sharp in-game decisions. We encourage enthusiasts to further explore the boundaries of what Master of Dark Rites offers. Discover more as you refine your deck’s capabilities and turn the tides of battle to cement your victories in the MTG realm.


Printings

The Master of Dark Rites Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-11-17 and 2023-11-17. Illustrated by Igor Kieryluk.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-11-17The Lost Caverns of Ixalan CommanderLCC 832015NormalBlackIgor Kieryluk
22023-11-17The Lost Caverns of Ixalan CommanderLCC 512015NormalBlackIgor Kieryluk

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Master of Dark Rites has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal