Mystic Decree MTG Card
1995-10-01 - Number 34
2011-01-10 - Number 53
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | World Enchantment |
Text of card
All creatures lose flying and islandwalk.
"Curse Reveka, and curse her coddled conjurers. Their sorcerers' school shall yet be ours." —Irini Sengir
Cards like Mystic Decree
Mystic Decree is a unique enchantment in MTG that transforms all non-Wall creatures into Walls, a shift that can quite literally change the face of a game. It’s similar in impact to cards like Moat, which prevents all non-flying creatures from attacking. Both offer control over the battle state but through different mechanisms. While Moat focuses on disabling certain attacks, Mystic Decree changes creature functionalities to a defensive role, both creating a stall in the opponent’s offense.
Mystic Decree also echoes the effects of cards such as Humility, which equalizes the playing field by setting all creatures’ power and toughness to 1/1. Though Humility affects abilities as well, Mystic Decree’s ability to nullify creatures’ entire attack utilities can be equally devastating. Another card worthy of comparison is Frozen Æther, altering the pace of the game by making opponents’ artifacts, creatures, and lands enter the battlefield tapped. Like Mystic Decree, Frozen Æther influences the tempo of gameplay, although via a different strategic angle.
Assessing Mystic Decree in the spectrum of control enchantments in MTG shows its specialty in defensive manipulation, making it a potentially game-defining card for players who prioritize control over sheer offensive power.
Cards similar to Mystic Decree by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Mystic Decree ensures continuous card benefits by turning all Islands into Plains, disrupting opponents’ mana bases while potentially aligning with your strategy to bolster your own position.
Resource Acceleration: This enchantment can act as an accelerator by enabling you to make more efficient use of your lands. In decks that favor Plains, it effectively provides additional resources that can be crucial for maintaining momentum.
Instant Speed: Although Mystic Decree itself is not an instant, it has a lasting effect on the game that rivals the adaptability of instant-speed interaction, letting you reshape the battlefield on your terms and often catching opponents unprepared.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Mystic Decree requires players to discard a blue card which could lead to a setback if you’re already behind in card advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: Featuring a requirement for both blue and white mana, this card demands a dedicated color commitment which may not fit seamlessly into every deck strategy.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that includes three generic and one white mana, the expenditure to get Mystic Decree on the field can be somewhat steep compared to other enchantments that offer similar board impact.
Reasons to Include Mystic Decree in Your Collection
Versatility: Mystic Decree’s ability to turn all creatures into Walls not only morphs the battlefield but also offers unique interactions with cards that benefit from creatures having defender. This enchantment can slip into various control and pillow fort decks to frustrate opponents’ aggressive strategies.
Combo Potential: This card can be a core piece in combos that capitalize on creature type changes or tap/untap mechanics. In combination with cards that punish or restrict Walls, Mystic Decree becomes a powerful tool for controlling the game’s pace.
Meta-Relevance: In a game where players rely on creatures to deal damage, Mystic Decree can radically shift the balance, making it a relevant choice when facing creature-heavy decks. Its ability to disrupt creature-based strategies makes it a valuable asset in many metagame scenarios.
How to beat
Mystic Decree is an intriguing enchantment in the MTG universe, primarily altering the functionality of lands by turning them into Islands. This kind of alteration can be a significant disruption to your opponent’s game plan, particularly if they’re reliant on nonblue mana sources. To counteract the impact of Mystic Decree, players can employ several strategies.
One effective tactic is to utilize cards that destroy or neutralize enchantments, such as Disenchant or Naturalize. These can quickly eliminate the threat and restore your lands to their original state. Another approach is to adapt by relying more on mana artifacts or creatures that can tap for various colors of mana, ensuring your spells can still be cast even under the influence of Mystic Decree.
Aside from direct responses, it’s also wise to anticipate and prepare for cards like Mystic Decree. Adjusting your deck to include diverse mana sources or incorporating more instants and flash spells allows you to operate effectively on your opponent’s turn, sidestepping the hindrance of Mystic Decree altogether. With the right preparation and response, this card’s influence can be mitigated, allowing you to steer the game towards victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Mystic Decree MTG card by a specific set like Homelands and Masters Edition IV, 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 Mystic Decree 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
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Printings
The Mystic Decree Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1995-10-01 and 2011-01-10. Illustrated by Liz Danforth.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1995-10-01 | Homelands | HML | 34 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Liz Danforth | |
| 2 | 2011-01-10 | Masters Edition IV | ME4 | 53 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Liz Danforth |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Mystic Decree has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Mystic Decree card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2008-10-01 | This has the supertype world. When a world permanent enters the battlefield, any world permanents that were already on the battlefield are put into their owners’ graveyards. This is a state-based action called the “world rule.” The new world permanent stays on the battlefield. If two world permanents enter the battlefield at the same time, they’re both put into their owners’ graveyards. |