Master Thief MTG Card


Master Thief offers card advantage by claiming opponent’s artifacts, bolstering your resources while depleting theirs. Stealing artifacts upon entry, Master Thief provides potential resource acceleration and unexpected instant-speed advantage. The card demands careful mana planning due to its color specificity and may challenge hand resource management.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Human Rogue
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

When Master Thief enters the battlefield, gain control of target artifact for as long as you control Master Thief.

Possession is ten-tenths of the law.


Cards like Master Thief

Master Thief enjoys a unique position in the realm of creature cards within MTG. Its ability to outright commandeer an artifact upon entering the battlefield presents a strategic advantage much like Agent of Treachery, albeit with a narrower focus. Unlike the broader scope of Agent of Treachery, which can snatch any permanent at a higher casting cost, Master Thief zeros in on artifacts alone, maintaining a flavor of specificity and efficiency for a lower mana investment.

When considering cards with similar larceny mechanics, Zealous Conscripts comes to mind. The Conscripts temporarily usurp control of any target permanent and also grant haste, offering an immediate impact that Master Thief lacks. However, this is a one-and-done effect, whereas Master Thief maintains control of the artifact as long as it remains on the battlefield. Another parallel can be drawn to Control Magic, an enchantment that allows permanent control over a creature only, not touching the artifact realm where Master Thief excels.

While evaluating Master Thief in comparison to its counterparts, it carves its niche among red creature cards. Its continuous artifact control makes it a compelling choice for players seeking to harness the power of enemy artifacts time and time again.

Agent of Treachery - MTG Card versions
Zealous Conscripts - MTG Card versions
Control Magic - MTG Card versions
Agent of Treachery - MTG Card versions
Zealous Conscripts - MTG Card versions
Control Magic - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Master Thief by color, type and mana cost

Phantasmal Forces - MTG Card versions
Phantom Monster - MTG Card versions
Wall of Vapor - MTG Card versions
Tradewind Rider - MTG Card versions
Archivist - MTG Card versions
Thieving Magpie - MTG Card versions
Inga Rune-Eyes - MTG Card versions
Sakashima of a Thousand Faces - MTG Card versions
Laboratory Drudge - MTG Card versions
Johnny, Combo Player - MTG Card versions
Dream Prowler - MTG Card versions
Clone - MTG Card versions
Cytoplast Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Crookclaw Transmuter - MTG Card versions
Dreamborn Muse - MTG Card versions
Turtleshell Changeling - MTG Card versions
Glen Elendra Archmage - MTG Card versions
Fatestitcher - MTG Card versions
Argent Sphinx - MTG Card versions
Lumengrid Drake - MTG Card versions
Phantasmal Forces - MTG Card versions
Phantom Monster - MTG Card versions
Wall of Vapor - MTG Card versions
Tradewind Rider - MTG Card versions
Archivist - MTG Card versions
Thieving Magpie - MTG Card versions
Inga Rune-Eyes - MTG Card versions
Sakashima of a Thousand Faces - MTG Card versions
Laboratory Drudge - MTG Card versions
Johnny, Combo Player - MTG Card versions
Dream Prowler - MTG Card versions
Clone - MTG Card versions
Cytoplast Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Crookclaw Transmuter - MTG Card versions
Dreamborn Muse - MTG Card versions
Turtleshell Changeling - MTG Card versions
Glen Elendra Archmage - MTG Card versions
Fatestitcher - MTG Card versions
Argent Sphinx - MTG Card versions
Lumengrid Drake - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Master Thief offers a decisive edge by allowing you to take control of an opponent’s artifact. This disruption not only beefs up your side of the battlefield but also depletes your opponent’s resources, effectively giving you a two-for-one advantage.

Resource Acceleration: Upon entering the battlefield, gaining control of an artifact can amount to a form of acceleration. If the swiped artifact produces mana or has a cost-reducing effect, it can ramp up your game, quickening the pace at which you can deploy your threats and strategies.

Instant Speed: While Master Thief doesn’t have instant speed itself, the immediate impact of its enter-the-battlefield ability can feel just as sudden to your opponent. The theft occurs without giving your opponent a chance to respond to the arrival of Master Thief, akin to the benefits of instant-speed interactivity in gameplay.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Master Thief comes with the downside of potentially depleting your hand. To maximize its utility, you might have to let go of valuable cards, which can put you at a strategic disadvantage in the game.

Specific Mana Cost: This card requires blue mana, which necessitates a dedicated blue deck or a mana-flexible deck. For those running a multicolor deck without reliable mana fixing, consistently casting Master Thief could be a challenge.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that’s on the steeper side, Master Thief’s return on investment can be questioned. In some scenarios, there may be more cost-effective creatures or spells that provide similar or even better strategic advantages without the heavy mana investment.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Master Thief has the ability to adapt to various strategies, fitting seamlessly into blue-centric control or artifact decks with its creature stealing capabilities.

Combo Potential: Utilizing Master Thief, you can leverage stolen artifacts for synergies or to dismantle opponent’s strategies, harnessing their powers to shift the balance in your favor.

Meta-Relevance: With decks that heavily rely on artifacts, Master Thief shines, turning key pieces of your opponent’s game plan into unexpected advantages for yourself.


How to beat

Master Thief is a compelling card in the realm of MTG, known for its ability to temporarily gain control of an artifact. This effect can tip the scales of a match if not addressed. When strategizing against this elusive character, players should consider the importance of artifact protection or counterspells as preventive measures.

Artifact protection can come in the form of cards like Padeem, Consul of Innovation, which bestows hexproof on your artifacts, making them difficult for the Master Thief to snatch. Counterspells like Negate or Disallow can intercept the spell before its effects can manifest on the battlefield, leaving your opponent’s strategy in tatters.

Effective removal options include instant-speed spells that can eliminate Master Thief directly, such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile, ensuring that the artifact control doesn’t alter the game’s course in your opponent’s favor. By integrating these tactics into your deck, you’ll enhance your chances of neutralizing the Master Thief’s theft and securing your own victory.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the game of MTG involves more than just collecting powerful cards; it’s about understanding the synergy between them. Master Thief is a prime example of a card that can turn the tide of battle by shifting control of key artifacts to your side. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the MTG scene, learning how to maximize the potential of such cards is vital. As you refine your deck and strategy, consider the utility of Master Thief. Interested in diving deeper into strategic deck-building or looking for ways to counter common strategies? Explore further with us and elevate you gaming experience.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Master Thief MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2012 and Zendikar Rising 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 Thief and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Master Thief Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2011-07-15 and 2020-09-25. Illustrated by Christopher Moeller.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12011-07-15Magic 2012M12 642003NormalBlackChristopher Moeller
22020-09-25Zendikar Rising CommanderZNC 302015NormalBlackChristopher Moeller

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Master Thief has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2011-09-22 If Master Thief ceases to be under your control before its ability resolves, you won’t gain control of the targeted artifact at all.
2011-09-22 If Master Thief leaves the battlefield, you no longer control it, and its control-change effect ends.
2011-09-22 If another player gains control of Master Thief, its control-change effect ends. Regaining control of Master Thief won’t cause you to regain control of the artifact.