Pitiless Vizier MTG Card

Card cycling provides deck flexibility and the opportunity to draw into more strategic options. Instant speed allows adaptation to opponents’ moves and can pivot strategies on the fly. Despite its strengths, its discard requirement and specific mana cost can limit use.

Amonkhet (AKH)
2017-04-28 - Number 103

Pitiless Vizier - Amonkhet Remastered (AKR)

Amonkhet Remastered (AKR)
2020-08-13 - Number 119

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Minotaur Cleric
Power	4
Toughness	2

Text of card

Whenever you cycle or discard a card, Pitiless Vizier gains indestructible until end of turn. (Damage and effects that say "destroy" don't destroy it. If its toughness is 0 or less, it's still put into its owner's graveyard.)

Cards like Pitiless Vizier

Pitiless Vizier is a unique card within the Magic: The Gathering universe, especially for those who build around cycling mechanics. This card, similar to other creatures like Horror of the Broken Lands and Cunning Survivor, benefits each time a player cycles or discards a card. Where Pitiless Vizier stands out is in its resilience; with its ability to become indestructible until end of turn upon cycling or discarding a card, it offers a shield against most forms of removal spells that would typically be a threat.

When comparing it to creatures like Ruthless Sniper, which also thrives in a discard-centric strategy, Pitiless Vizier demands a higher mana investment but in return provides a significant advantage in combat situations. While Ruthless Sniper allows for targeted removal with its -1/-1 counters, the Vizier’s potential for indestructibility could make it a recurring challenge for opponents to tackle. Archfiend of Ifnir stands as another comparable candidate; although a higher mana cost presence, it can decimate an opponent’s board when cycling cards, presenting a different angle of attack compared to the defensive capabilities of the Vizier.

A thorough examination reveals that for players who favor consistency and durability in their creatures’ performance, Pitiless Vizier offers a solid option in decks looking to maximize the value out of cycling cards.

Horror of the Broken Lands - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Pitiless Vizier by color, type and mana cost

Xiahou Dun, the One-Eyed - MTG Card versions

Demon of Catastrophes - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: With the built-in cycling ability, Pitiless Vizier can be exchanged for a new card, providing you the flexibility to dig deeper into your deck and potentially draw into better options when the creature is not immediately beneficial.

Resource Acceleration: While Pitiless Vizier itself does not directly generate additional resources, its synergy with -1/-1 counter mechanics can often result in indirect acceleration by clearing the way for more impactful creatures or enabling strategies tied to counter placement.

Instant Speed: Pitiless Vizier’s cycling ability can be activated at instant speed, offering the chance to react to an opponent’s move. This adaptability can prove pivotal, allowing you to shift strategies or respond to threats even during your opponent’s turn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Pitiless Vizier demands a card to be discarded to trigger its ability. This can be a hindrance when your hand is nearly empty or if you’re forced to lose a vital card, reducing your strategic options.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting cost includes black mana, which could restrict deck-building flexibility. Those not running a deck with black mana may find the card incompatible with their strategy.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Requiring four mana to play, Pitiless Vizier might not be the most mana-efficient creature for its size and abilities, especially when measured against other options within and outside the black mana pool.

Reasons to Include Pitiless Vizier in Your Collection

Versatility: Pitiless Vizier’s ability to become indestructible when you cycle or discard a card makes it a robust addition to decks that capitalize on discard strategies. This resilience allows it to remain a persistent threat on the battlefield in various game scenarios.

Combo Potential: In a deck designed around cycling or discarding, Pitiless Vizier can become nearly unstoppable. It pairs well with cards that allow you to cycle for free or at a low cost, creating potential for unending blockers or an aggressive recurring attacker.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where removal spells are common, Pitiless Vizier’s indestructibility shines. Its ability to dodge common forms of creature elimination means it can provide ongoing board presence and pressure in the right meta landscape.

How to beat

Pitiless Vizier, a card in the vast Magic: The Gathering universe, offers a unique resilience to damage with its capacity to become indestructible. This aspect can often make it seem like a formidable opponent on the battlefield. To overcome this challenge, consider employing removal spells that do not deal damage but rather exile or force the player to sacrifice creatures, sidestepping the indestructibility trait.

For instance, spells such as Path to Exile or Final Judgment can exile Pitiless Vizier, permanently removing it from the game. Additionally, by using sacrifice effects like Diabolic Edict or Liliana of the Veil’s plus ability, you can force your opponent to sacrifice Pitiless Vizier, as these do not target the creature directly or deal damage, making its indestructible ability irrelevant.

It’s crucial in MTG to approach each challenge with thoughtful strategy, and understanding how to leverage your deck’s capabilities against cards like Pitiless Vizier can pave your way to victory. By incorporating these techniques into your gameplay, you’ll be able to neutralize the Pitiless Vizier’s defensive advantage and maintain control of the game.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Pitiless Vizier MTG card by a specific set like Amonkhet and Amonkhet Remastered, 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 Pitiless Vizier and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Pitiless Vizier Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2017-04-28 and 2020-08-13. Illustrated by Volkan Baǵa.

#	Released	Name	Code	Symbol	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2017-04-28	Amonkhet	AKH		103	2015	Normal	Black	Volkan Baǵa
2	2020-08-13	Amonkhet Remastered	AKR		119	2015	Normal	Black	Volkan Baǵa

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Pitiless Vizier has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Timeless	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2017-04-18	An ability that triggers whenever you discard a card doesn’t give you permission to discard cards. You’ll need another effect that instructs or allows you to discard them.
2017-04-18	An ability that triggers whenever you “cycle or discard” a card triggers only once if you cycle a card. The ability “Whenever you discard a card” is functionally identical to this ability; cycling is mentioned for clarity.
2017-04-18	If a player discards a card during their cleanup step due to having too many cards in hand, any appropriate abilities that trigger on discarding that card trigger. If this happens, those triggered abilities are put onto the stack and players receive priority in that cleanup step to cast spells or activate abilities (normally, no players may take actions during a cleanup step). Another cleanup step is created following that one.
2017-04-18	Some cards have an ability that triggers whenever you cycle any card. These triggered abilities resolve before you draw from the cycling ability.