Biorhythm MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost8
RarityRare
TypeSorcery

Key Takeaways

  1. Biorhythm offers a unique winning condition by equalizing life totals based on creature count, providing a strategic twist.
  2. Its presence in decks can shape game outcomes in late-stage scenarios, making it a pivotal card choice for certain strategies.
  3. Due to its impactful effect, Biorhythm is banned in EDH and requires careful consideration for inclusion in casual play groups.

Text of card

Each player's life total becomes the number of creatures he or she controls.

"I have seen life's purpose, and now it is my own." —Kamahl, druid acolyte



Upsides of Biorhythm

Card Advantage: Biorhythm maintains a strong stance for card advantage in MTG games. As a sorcery spell, this card can dramatically alter the course of the game by equalizing the life total of all players to the number of creatures they control. This strategic play can force opponents into difficult positions, sure to tip the scales in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: Biorhythm fits into a unique category of green spells that demand plentiful resources. Its high mana cost of eight ensures that if you play it, you’re likely in a position of resource acceleration, having harnessed the power of green’s multitude of mana production to call upon this risky, yet potentially game-changing spell.

Instant Speed: It’s important to note Biorhythm isn’t an instant spell, which can affect the timing and flexibility of play. However, the groundwork laid by resource acceleration and the raw card advantage power of this spell cannot be ignored. They combine to cement Biorhythm’s position as a powerhouse card in the MTG universe.


Drawbacks of Biorhythm

Discard Requirement: Biorhythm does not have a direct discard requirement. However, being an expensive sorcery card, it might force you to spend your hand faster, leading you to a disadvantage if you’re running low on stack.

Specific Mana Cost: Biorhythm has a distinct green mana requirement, selectively fitting it into green or multicolor decks. This limits its adaptability across diverse deck themes and strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Biorhythm comes with an extensive cost of eight mana—two generic and six green. Despite its game-changing effect, there are potentially more cost-efficient cards providing better tactical value or board control early in the game.


Reasons to Include Biorhythm in Your Collection

Versatility: The strength of Biorhythm lies in its potential to dramatically alter the course of a game. This card can fit into almost any green deck, applying immense pressure in both aggression-oriented and control-based strategies.

Combo Potential: Biorhythm unveils impressive combo possibilities. Combine it with mass creature removal or board wipes and you can potentially swing the life totals, giving you an edge over opponents in multiplayer games.

Meta-Relevance: Given the current meta-game, Biorhythm is a powerhouse, especially against strategies focused on creature hoarding. With a single turn, the balance can tip significantly, making it an essential tool against creature dominant strategies.


Similar Cards

Biorhythm has its own unique spot in the dynamics of MTG. This green sorcery card undeniably evokes potent effects similar to cards like Leveler or Worldfire. Yet, Biorhythm can completely shift the tide of the game by setting each player’s life total to the number of creatures they control.

Leveler, an artifact card that exiles a player’s whole library when it comes into play, ignores the nuanced style Biorhythm brings into play. Worldfire, on the other hand, exiles everything including hands, graveyards, and all permanents, and then each player’s life total becomes one. It’s a more extreme option compared to Biorhythm’s deft strategy of skewing the gameplay towards creatures on the battlefield.

Another card, Insurrection, although with a different effect altogether, encapsulates the game-changing nature of Biorhythm. Insurrection gives the casting player control of all creatures until end of turn, upsetting the game dynamics in favor of the player just as Biorhythm would.

To summarize, Biorhythm in comparison to Leveler, Worldfire, or Insurrection, offers a unique strategic shift by leaning towards creature-based gameplay in MTG, enabling the potential to turn the tide of the game skillfully.


How to Beat Biorhythm

Biorhythm is one of those impactful Green spells in Magic: The Gathering that has the potential to sway the game dramatically by making every player’s life totals equal to the number of creatures they control. If used craftily, it can cause devastating effects and even lead to unexpected victories.

However, Biorhythm can also prove to be a double-edged sword. A key to countering it lies in maintaining a balanced creature count on the field. Having additional creatures in your deck can be a boon, cascading the effect of Biorhythm in your favor and buffering against potential losses. Keep in mind that the timing of playing Biorhythm is crucial, effectively used when your opponent controls fewer creatures than you do. Other similar cards to consider are Massacre Wurm or Toxic Deluge, which can provide a quick answer to swarms of enemy creatures, preceding the use of Biorhythm. This clever combo could wipe out the opponent or bring them dangerously close to defeat.

Ultimately, mastering Biorhythm requires strategic creature management and accurate prediction of opponent moves. It is indeed a powerfully strategic sorcery in Magic: The Gathering, establishing its unique identity by enabling massive life swings and potentially explosive victories.


Understanding Biorhythm in Magic the Gathering

One of the intriguing elements of Magic the Gathering (MTG) is the depth and variety that each card brings to the gameplay. Among the myriad of cards lies Biorhythm, a card that once wielded the potential to turn the tide of any match. This powerful spell from the Onslaught expansion set has sparked discussions and strategy adjustments in the MTG community since its release.

Biorhythm falls into the category of green spells in MTG, known for its emphasis on nature and creature-focused mechanics. This spell’s effect is as profound as its concept, setting each player’s life total to the number of creatures they control when it resolves. This dynamic effect often becomes a game-ender, either sealing a victory or causing an unexpected defeat, hence why the official rules have moved Biorhythm to the banned list in several formats, including Commander.

The strategic implications of using a card like Biorhythm can be significant. Players often aim to craft a board state teeming with creatures before casting it to secure a comfortable victory. Conversely, savvy opponents may anticipate its use and prepare countermeasures, such as removal spells to clear the board or instant-speed creature tokens to adjust their life total at the last minute. This dichotomy between offense and defense, calculation and surprise, encapsulates the essence of MTG strategy and deck-building prowess.

While Biorhythm may not be legal in every format, its legacy endures in the thoughts and strategies of players who remember the shifts it could bring about in a game’s outcome. For players interested in similar strategic depth, MTG offers a wealth of alternatives. Spells that manipulate life totals, creature counts, or even more nuanced aspects of the game continue to challenge and engage players, whether they are just starting their journey or are seasoned veterans of countless matches.

Finding the perfect synergy between cards is akin to a puzzle, where each piece contributes to a greater strategy. From the depths of deck archives to the latest releases, MTG ensures that cards like Biorhythm continue to inspire players to delve deeper into the mechanics and strategies that make the game an ever-changing and captivating experience. As MTG evolves, so does the complexity of the tactics available to players. Such is the beauty of this card game—it is both a test of skill and an ongoing testament to the power of innovative design.

The art and science of crafting an MTG deck capable of harnessing the power of a spell like Biorhythm is an endeavor that mirrors the broader appeal of the game itself. Understanding the intricacies of timing, board development, and the metagame is vital. The balance between the raw power of Biorhythm and the finesse required to use it effectively is what transforms good players into great ones, ensuring the game remains as challenging as it is rewarding.

Despite its relatively brief period of legality in certain formats, Biorhythm serves as a fascinating case study in game balance and design. Its existence reminds players that MTG can change in unexpected ways, keeping the community on its toes and driving the endless pursuit of the perfect play.

Engage with the community, and you’ll find tales of games won and lost by the slimmest of margins, where Biorhythm turned would-be defeats into astounding victories. As you continue to build decks, cast spells, and navigate the monumental card pool of MTG, keep the spirit of ingenuity alive. Explore, experiment, and most importantly, enjoy the strategic depth that games featuring elements like Biorhythm exemplify.

Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating the rich landscapes of Magic the Gathering requires strategy, insight, and a bit of adventure. Whether you’re planning your next big win or fine-tuning your deck for maximum impact, there’s always room to elevate your game. As you continue to delve into the MTG universe, remember that it’s not just about the single triumphs but the continuous journey towards mastery. We invite you to keep exploring this fascinating world, discovering new techniques, and unearthing valuable cards to ensure your next match is more than just a game, but a Big Score. Ready to level up your play? Join us to learn more and become the ultimate MTG champion.


Cards like Biorhythm

Biorhythm has its own unique spot in the dynamics of MTG. This green sorcery card undeniably evokes potent effects similar to cards like Leveler or Worldfire. Yet, Biorhythm can completely shift the tide of the game by setting each player’s life total to the number of creatures they control.

Leveler, an artifact card that exiles a player’s whole library when it comes into play, ignores the nuanced style Biorhythm brings into play. Worldfire, on the other hand, exiles everything including hands, graveyards, and all permanents, and then each player’s life total becomes one. It’s a more extreme option compared to Biorhythm’s deft strategy of skewing the gameplay towards creatures on the battlefield.

Another card, Insurrection, although with a different effect altogether, encapsulates the game-changing nature of Biorhythm. Insurrection gives the casting player control of all creatures until end of turn, upsetting the game dynamics in favor of the player just as Biorhythm would.

To summarize, Biorhythm in comparison to Leveler, Worldfire, or Insurrection, offers a unique strategic shift by leaning towards creature-based gameplay in MTG, enabling the potential to turn the tide of the game skillfully.

Leveler - MTG Card versions
Worldfire - MTG Card versions
Insurrection - MTG Card versions
Leveler - Mirrodin (MRD)
Worldfire - Magic 2013 (M13)
Insurrection - Onslaught (ONS)

Cards similar to Biorhythm by color, type and mana cost

Incoming! - MTG Card versions
Granny's Payback - MTG Card versions
Endless Swarm - MTG Card versions
Praetor's Counsel - MTG Card versions
Horncaller's Chant - MTG Card versions
Ezuri's Predation - MTG Card versions
Majestic Genesis - MTG Card versions
Verdant Rejuvenation - MTG Card versions
Last March of the Ents - MTG Card versions
Thunderous Debut - MTG Card versions
Colossal Chorus - MTG Card versions
Incoming! - Unglued (UGL)
Granny's Payback - Unhinged (UNH)
Endless Swarm - Saviors of Kamigawa (SOK)
Praetor's Counsel - The List (PLST)
Horncaller's Chant - Ravnica Remastered (RVR)
Ezuri's Predation - Commander Masters (CMM)
Majestic Genesis - Battle for Baldur's Gate Promos (PCLB)
Verdant Rejuvenation - Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate (HBG)
Last March of the Ents - The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth (LTR)
Thunderous Debut - Wilds of Eldraine (WOE)
Colossal Chorus - Alchemy: Ixalan (YLCI)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Biorhythm MTG card by a specific set like Onslaught and Ninth Edition, 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 Biorhythm and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Biorhythm Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2002-10-07 and 2005-07-29. Illustrated by Ron Spears.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-10-07OnslaughtONS 2471997normalblackRon Spears
22005-07-29Ninth Edition9ED 231★2003normalblackRon Spears
32005-07-29Ninth Edition9ED 2312003normalwhiteRon Spears

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Biorhythm has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderBanned
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerBanned
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhBanned
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

DateText
2004-10-04 If a player controls no creatures when this resolves, their life total will become zero and they will lose the game.
2004-10-04 This spell causes the player to lose or gain enough life to change to the new life total.

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