Simic Initiate MTG Card

Dissension (DIS)
2006-05-05 - Number 92

Simic Initiate - Modern Masters 2015 (MM2)

Modern Masters 2015 (MM2)
2015-05-22 - Number 162

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	1
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Human Mutant
Abilities	Graft
Power	0
Toughness	0

Key Takeaways

Simic Initiate excels in card advantage through bolstering creature stats with flexible +1/+1 counter distributions.
Boosts board state quickly, its graft ability at instant speed allowing for surprising combat dynamics.
Limited to multicolor decks, its specificity and cost require deliberate deck construction for optimal use.

Text of card

Graft 1 (This creature comes into play with a +1/+1 counter on it. Whenever another creature comes into play, you may move a +1/+1 counter from this creature onto it.)

Simic initiates begin their training as experimental subjects. Failures are flushed to the undersewers.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Simic Initiate can help contribute to card superiority particularly in decks that maximize on +1/+1 counter synergies. As creatures grow in power and toughness, every counter placed by the Initiate can be considered a step towards gaining card advantage over the opponent through enhanced board presence.

Resource Acceleration: Although not directly influencing mana, Simic Initiate efficiently accelerates board state development. By distributing +1/+1 counters among creatures, it effectively speeds up your ability to present lethal threats, turning what may have been a few turns of creature development into an immediate payoff.

Instant Speed: The graft ability of Simic Initiate operates at instant speed, providing flexibility in combat or in response to removal. This ability to interact on the opponent’s turn or during combat ensures you’re able to utilize the card to its full potential, reacting swiftly to the dynamic state of the game.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While playing the Simic Initiate, you don’t face a discard requirement, which is a positive aspect when conserving cards in your hand.

Specific Mana Cost: The Simic Initiate demands a specific combination of green and blue mana to play, which confines it to Simic or multicolor decks, potentially limiting its versatility in other mono-colored or dual-colored deck types.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite having a graft ability that can be valuable, the initial mana investment might be considered high compared to other creatures with similar or stronger abilities. Efficient mana spending is crucial, and in some situations, there may be more impactful creatures you can summon for the same or lower cost.

Reasons to Include Simic Initiate in Your Collection

Versatility: Simic Initiate is a highly adaptable card, able to blend into various decks with its graft mechanic. This allows for the strengthening of creatures on the field by moving +1/+1 counters around, tailoring to the flow of the game.

Combo Potential: The graft ability of Simic Initiate can be the linchpin in combos, specifically in decks that capitalize on +1/+1 counters. It can amplify strategies centered on proliferation or enhancing creatures, turning even the most unassuming board into a formidable position.

Meta-Relevance: In metas where counters and creature buffs are prevalent, Simic Initiate can play a crucial role. Its low mana cost and utility make it a suitable card for decks looking to keep up with the pace while building a strong, interconnected board presence.

How to beat

Simic Initiate may not be the most formidable creature on the battlefield, but its graft ability can definitely be a thorn in an opponent’s side. This ability allows a player to move a +1/+1 counter from the Simic Initiate onto another creature that has just entered the battlefield. This makes creatures entering play potentially stronger and can be quite the surprise for unprepared adversaries.

To effectively confront the Simic Initiate, it’s vital to prioritize the removal of creatures with +1/+1 counters. Spells that deal with multiple creatures, or “sweeper” spells, can efficiently clear the board and nullify the benefit of graft. Similarly, targeting the Simic Initiate early can prevent the counters from being distributed, significantly weakening your opponent’s gameplay strategy. Another key strategy is applying continuous pressure. Fast-paced decks can outrace the gradual advantage that Simic Initiate provides, rendering it less impactful as the match progresses.

In essence, overcoming the Simic Initiate’s board-enhancing potential is about disruption and maintaining battlefield control. Through targeted removal and strategic aggression, this card’s influence can be mitigated, allowing for an upper hand in the match.

Cards like Simic Initiate

Simic Initiate is a unique creature within the vast library of Magic: The Gathering. It’s similar to other cards with the graft ability, such as Cytoplast Root-Kin and Llanowar Reborn. This one-drop Human Mutant stands out by providing an early game presence and the potential to enhance fellow creatures on the battlefield.

When looking at Cytoplast Root-Kin, we see a larger, costlier creature that can also move +1/+1 counters around, yet Simic Initiate thrives on its low-cost advantage and immediate impact. Llanowar Reborn offers a similar graft benefit but as a land, making it a less immediate threat compared to our spry Initiate.

Dive into the intricacies of gameplay, and you’ll notice Simic Initiate shines in decks focused on +1/+1 counter synergies. While there are other alternatives in the pool of graft cards, the Initiate’s affordability and versatility in the early game can be a deciding factor in its favor for players seeking an efficient and strategic board setup in their favorite Simic builds.

Cards similar to Simic Initiate by color, type and mana cost

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Simic Initiate MTG card by a specific set like Dissension and Modern Masters 2015, 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 Simic Initiate and other MTG cards: