Oath of Scholars MTG Card
1998-06-15 - Number 42
2020-09-26 - Number EXO-42
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Enchantment |
Text of card
During each player's upkeep, if that player has fewer cards in hand than target opponent, the player may discard his or her hand and draw three cards.
Cards like Oath of Scholars
Oath of Scholars is an intriguing enchantment in Magic: The Gathering that revolutionizes card advantage strategies. It shares a kinship with cards like Recurring Insight, which also allows a significant draw of cards. Oath of Scholars distinguishes itself with its conditional nature – permitting a draw of up to four cards if an opponent has more cards in hand. Recurring Insight lacks this condition but offers a repeated effect with rebound.
When looking at other related spells, Bear’s Companion echoes a regard for card value, although it takes the form of creature generation rather than card draw. Despite the differences in mechanics, both share the strategy of amplifying player resources under certain conditions. Then we encounter Fact or Fiction, a card that also plays into hand dynamics but through a different lens, involving choices and opponent’s input, which Oath of Scholars does not consider.
Delving into the comparison, Oath of Scholars holds its ground with its unique conditional advantage. It allows players to recover from a disadvantaged board state by refilling their hand more effectively, setting a distinctive stage for comeback plays and turns where resource management becomes pivotal.
Cards similar to Oath of Scholars by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Oath of Scholars offers a significant edge in the game by allowing you to draw three cards if an opponent has more cards in hand. This can lead to a substantial lead and turn the tides if you’re falling behind on resources.
Resource Acceleration: Its ability to potentially discard a creature card to create a Treasure token not only streamlines your deck but also ramps up your mana resources, offering a smoother and more efficient gameplay experience.
Instant Speed: The versatility of the card being cast at instant speed provides a strategic advantage by enabling you to react to your opponent’s moves effectively. Keep your mana untapped and decide the best moment to spring the Oath, ensuring maximum impact on the game’s flow.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Oath of Scholars necessitates the discarding of a card, potentially depleting your hand when you might need those resources to respond to your opponent’s moves.
Specific Mana Cost: It demands both blue and white mana, restricting this card’s inclusion to decks that can reliably produce both mana types without hindering their mana curve.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At four mana with a double blue cost, the card may compete with other potent four-mana spells, posing a challenge in deckbuilding decisions.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Oath of Scholars can seamlessly adapt to various deck strategies, providing card advantage to control decks or fueling graveyard synergies in more combo-oriented builds.
Combo Potential: This card offers players the chance to replenish their hand, setting the stage for powerful turn sequences and synergizing well with strategies that capitalize on drawing or discarding cards.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment that values card draw and graveyard interaction, Oath of Scholars holds its ground by enabling both proactive and reactive gameplay, making it a relevant choice for multiple MTG formats.
How to beat Oath of Scholars
Oath of Scholars can be a game-altering magic card in your opponent’s arsenal, especially when they’re leveraging its power to refill their hand. To effectively counter Oath of Scholars, a strategic approach is necessary. One ubiquitous method is to limit your opponent’s graveyard, thereby restricting the number of cards they can draw. Tools like Tormod’s Crypt or Rest in Peace can be efficient in keeping graveyards empty and Oath of Scholars less potent.
Card denial can also play a crucial role. By employing discard strategies, you can ensure that your opponent has fewer cards in hand to begin with, making Oath of Scholars’ effect less significant. Duress or Thoughtseize are staples in this regard, allowing you to remove key cards before they’re used to capitalize on the Oath’s power.
Lastly, don’t underestimate the value of a well-timed counterspell. Keeping mana available to counter Oath of Scholars as it’s cast can save you from having to deal with its consequences altogether. Swan Song and Negate are prime examples of budget-friendly counters that could thwart your opponent’s plans without setting you back too much. Consider these approaches to maintain the upper hand against Oath of Scholars in your Magic matchups.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Oath of Scholars MTG card by a specific set like Exodus and The List, 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 Oath of Scholars 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 Oath of Scholars Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1998-06-15 and 1998-06-15. Illustrated by Michael Sutfin.
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Oath of Scholars has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Oath of Scholars card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2009-10-01 | The ability can only target an opponent of the current player. |
| 2009-10-01 | The targeted player having more cards in their hand than the current player is a part of the targeting requirement. A player can’t be targeted by this ability unless it’s true, and the ability doesn’t resolve if it’s no longer true at that time. |