Master Symmetrist MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Rhino Druid |
| Abilities | Reach |
| Released | 2021-04-23 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Strixhaven: School of Mages |
| Set code | STX |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 4 |
| Number | 138 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Forrest Imel |
Text of card
Reach Whenever a creature you control with power equal to its toughness attacks, it gains trample until end of turn.
Tondo lost his very first duel and has spent his entire life trying to get even.
Cards like Master Symmetrist
Master Symmetrist stands out in the realm of Magic: The Gathering as a formidable force among green creatures. It echoes the functionality of creatures like Gavony Ironwright, which also gives a boost to those with sufficient strength. Unlike Gavony Ironwright that requires fateful hour to grant +1/+4 to creatures, Master Symmetrist grants an advantageous reach to all creatures you control with power 4 or greater, expanding your defensive capabilities against flying threats without such stringent requirements.
Another creature to consider is Zegana, Utopian Speaker, which similarly energizes creatures with a power of 4 or greater, gifting them trample to bite through defensive lines. Master Symmetrist differs in that it does not require the activation of an ability, potentially ensuring an immediate effect on the battlefield. Moreover, Surrak, the Hunt Caller offers creatures with sufficient power the benefit of haste, but doesn’t share the consistent board-wide tactical advantage that Master Symmetrist provides with its reach-enabling ability.
To sum up, in the dynamic environment of MTG, Master Symmetrist carves out its niche splendidly by equipping a player’s sturdier creatures with reach, thereby enhancing both the offensive and defensive capabilities of a deck that harbors powerful creatures.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Master Symmetrist enables a significant card advantage by shaping the battlefield to your benefit. With this card, you gain well-rounded bonuses that can tip the scales in your favor, ensuring you have the right resources when you need them.
Resource Acceleration: This creature accelerates your resources by enabling your other creatures with power 4 or greater to strike with vigilance. This ability not only applies pressure to your opponent but also leaves your forces ready to defend, effectively doubling the utility of your major threats.
Instant Speed: While Master Symmetrist itself isn’t an instant, it beautifully complements an arsenal of instant-speed spells. The vigilance provided by the Master Symmetrist ensures you can swing in with confidence while still having a formidable defense, maintaining high threat flexibility even when you pass the turn with mana open for those crucial instant-speed plays.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: A potential downside of Master Symmetrist is the need for discarding another card to maximize its benefits. This can put players at a resource disadvantage, particularly in game stages where maintaining a full hand is critical.
Specific Mana Cost: Master Symmetrist’s mana cost can be restrictive. Requiring both green and other specific mana types can deter players from including it in decks that value mana flexibility or run on tight mana curves.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When evaluating the cost-to-effect ratio, Master Symmetrist’s effectiveness is diminished by its higher mana cost. This may lead players to opt for alternatives that offer a better balance or cards that serve a similar role at a lower cost threshold.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Master Symmetrist is a flexible addition to decks that prioritize strong board presence. Its ability to ensure your creatures with power 4 or greater have trample allows for aggressive strategies and makes it a valuable asset in decks built around large creatures.
Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with mechanics that involve +1/+1 counters or creature buffs. By enhancing your creatures’ power, you can maximize the trample effect, effectively turning your creatures into significant offensive threats.
Meta-Relevance: With the evolving metagame often showcasing creature-based strategies, Master Symmetrist can give you an edge by enabling more consistent damage delivery, making it tough for opponents to effectively block. This can be crucial in matches where overpowering board control strategies are key to victory.
How to beat Master Symmetrist
Master Symmetrist stands out in MTG as a formidable force, granting creatures with power 4 or greater the ability to trample over the defenses of your foes. To counter this green card effectively, a strategic approach is necessary. Focusing on removal spells can be an optimal way to clear the path from this obstacle. Direct damage spells like Lightning Bolt or Doom Blade for black decks, allow you to eliminate Master Symmetrist before its effect can tilt the balance.
Enchantment-based solutions such as Pacifism or Capture Sphere also provide an avenue to bypass the buff without engaging in direct creature combat. Card control like Essence Scatter is crucial when playing blue, as you can negate Master Symmetrist’s entry onto the battlefield. Additionally, for those with a preference for white decks, a card like Oblivion Ring offers not only creature removal but also versatility in dealing with other problematic nonland permanents.
When engaging with cards like Master Symmetrist, it’s essential to adapt your strategy and maintain a toolkit of diverse responses, preserving your board state and maintaining the upper hand. It is this adaptability and preparedness that often determines victory or defeat in the MTG arena.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Master Symmetrist MTG card by a specific set like Strixhaven: School of Mages, 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 Symmetrist 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 Master Symmetrist has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Master Symmetrist card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2021-04-16 | Master Symmetrist’s triggered ability only looks at the power and toughness of a creature when it attacks. Once the ability has triggered, changing the creature’s power or toughness will not stop it from gaining trample or remove trample from it. |