Ral, Izzet Viceroy MTG Card

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Ral, Izzet Viceroy excels at providing card advantage with his +1 ability, allowing players to look at the top two cards of their deck and put one into their hand each turn. This steady flow of cards helps maintain a full hand, giving players more options and increasing their chances of drawing into key spells and combos.

Resource Acceleration: Though Ral, Izzet Viceroy himself doesn’t directly provide mana acceleration, his ability to sift through the deck with his +1 can indirectly accelerate resource availability by helping players consistently make land drops or find mana-generating cards.

Instant Speed: Ral’s -3 ability delivers instant-speed removal, providing the flexibility to respond to threats during an opponent’s turn. Additionally, Ral’s emblem, which you receive if you get him to his ultimate ability, turns all your instant and sorcery spells into sources of damage, underscoring the strength of playing at instant speed within the Izzet playstyle.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Ral Izzet Viceroy’s ultimate ability demands careful planning, as you might be forced to discard cards you’d prefer to keep. This can leave you at a strategic disadvantage, especially if you’re relying on certain cards for your end-game strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: This planeswalker embodies the spirit of Izzet by requiring a specific blend of mana, which includes both blue and red. This necessitates a commitment to a dual-color mana base, potentially restricting the card’s inclusion in a more diverse multicolor deck.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With an initial loyalty cost that’s at the upper spectrum of the mana curve, you may find Ral Izzet Viceroy enters the battlefield later than some would prefer. In fast-paced games, this can be a critical delay, as opponents might establish a threatening board presence before you’re able to utilize Ral’s abilities.

Reasons to Include Ral Izzet Viceroy in Your Collection

Versatility: Ral Izzet Viceroy boasts a broad application across multiple deck archetypes. His ability to draw cards and target creatures or planeswalkers makes him a valuable asset in both control and midrange strategies.

Combo Potential: His ultimate ability can turn any instant or sorcery into a devastating finisher. This planeswalker slots into decks that synergize with spell-slinging for potentially game-winning combos.

Meta-Relevance: Given the shifting dynamics of the game, Ral Izzet Viceroy remains a pertinent choice for battling against a variety of strategies. His presence can provide leverage against creature-heavy decks and offer substantial card advantage in prolonged matches.

How to beat Ral Izzet Viceroy

Ral Izzet Viceroy shines as a formidable planeswalker in the landscape of MTG, bringing a unique blend of deck manipulation and removal abilities. To effectively counter this card, focus on direct damage spells and abilities that can target planeswalkers. Utilizing cards such as Lightning Strike can swiftly reduce Ral’s loyalty points and potentially remove him from the game before he can use his ultimate ability. Similarly, creatures with haste, such as Goblin Guide or Questing Beast, can apply immediate pressure and force your opponent to defend their planeswalker rather than using Ral to control the board.

Another strategy is to limit the card’s impact by using thoughtseize effects. Discard cards such as Thoughtseize or Duress can preemptively remove Ral Izzet Viceroy from your opponent’s hand before they get a chance to cast him. This preemptive approach can be pivotal, as it inhibits your opponent’s long-term game plans. Moreover, countering him upon cast with spells like Negate or Mystical Dispute can be equally effective, nullifying the threat before it even begins to dictate the game’s pace. Employ these techniques and you’ll increase your odds of triumphing over Ral Izzet Viceroy on the battlefield.

BurnMana Recommendations

Ral, Izzet Viceroy is a dynamic addition to any MTG collection, bestowing card advantage and the might of instant speed removal. Balancing his strengths and weaknesses is key to maximizing his potential in your deck. Understanding the essence of his power, the nuances of his abilities, and how he synergizes with other cards can inform your in-game strategies and help you anticipate opponents’ moves. He is more than just a card; he’s a gateway to a richer MTG experience. Immerse yourself deeper in the art of magic and strategy. Join our community to boost your gameplay and integrate Ral into your ultimate deck with finesse.