Reckless Scholar MTG Card
2009-10-02 - Number 60
2014-06-06 - Number 104
2016-04-08 - Number 82
2017-06-16 - Number 27
2018-06-08 - Number 130
2018-11-16 - Number 23
2020-07-17 - Number 168
| Card sets | Released in 7 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Wizard |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
: Target player draws a card, then discards a card.
"Any good prospector must sift the gold from the sand."
Understanding the Value of Reckless Scholar in Deck Strategies
Reckless Scholar, a classic fixture in blue-based MTG decks, holds its own in the realm of card filtering. With the power to draw a card at the mere cost of discarding one, this creature brings a tactical advantage to any game, allowing players to sift through their deck for the perfect response or combo piece. Consistent with blue’s theme of knowledge and manipulation, Reckless Scholar provides a recurrent method to refine one’s hand and strategize turns ahead.
Cards like Reckless Scholar
Reckless Scholar shares a family resemblance with other MTG cards that allow players to fine-tune their hands. Merfolk Looter stands as a direct relation, with an identical tap ability that recurs each turn. While both cards facilitate drawing and discarding, Merfolk Looter offers a more affordable casting cost. Jace’s Archivist, however, elevates the concept, enabling a complete hand refresh by wheeling away your old hand for new options. Although at a higher cost and sorcery speed, it’s ideal when seeking that game-defining card within your deck.
Another similar card is Magus of the Bazaar, which sacrifices immediate card advantage for the potential of a richer haul. This card allows you to draw two cards and discard three, shaping your hand and graveyard synergies further. The distinction lies in the larger discard requirement which might synergize with graveyard-strategy decks.
Each of these cards plays a significant role in controlling the flow of options available to a player. When considering Reckless Scholar for your MTG deck, recognize not only its utility in maintaining a steady rhythm of card quality but also the strategic depth it adds in managing the relationship between your hand and graveyard.
Cards similar to Reckless Scholar by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Reckless Scholar’s ability to draw cards can be pivotal to staying ahead in the game. By discarding a card, you get to draw another, ensuring a constant flow of options in your hand.
Resource Acceleration: While it doesn’t generate mana or tokens, the Reckless Scholar can accelerate your resources by cycling through your deck faster. This provides quicker access to the cards you need to execute your strategy.
Instant Speed: The ability to use Reckless Scholar’s effect at instant speed gives players the flexibility to adapt to the game state on the fly, making it a versatile tool during any point of a match, especially during the combat or end phases of your opponent’s turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Reckless Scholar card demands that players discard one card in order to activate its ability. This can potentially deplete a player’s hand, making it a risky play when the number of cards in hand is already low.
Specific Mana Cost: Reckless Scholar’s casting requirement includes blue mana, which necessitates its inclusion primarily in blue or blue-inclusive decks, potentially limiting its versatility across the broader spectrum of deck types.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of two generic and one blue mana, Reckless Scholar’s investment might be steep when considering other cards within the same mana range that could offer immediate impact without additional costs.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Reckless Scholar stands out with its capacity to filter cards in your hand, making it a valuable asset in decks that focus on card quality and graveyard strategies. Its flexible use allows it to be included in a variety of blue-centric builds.
Combo Potential: By enabling you to draw and discard, Reckless Scholar can serve as an engine that initiates combos or enhances archetypes that thrive on cycling through the deck or filling the graveyard with specific cards.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where incremental card advantage is key, such as slower-paced formats or control matchups, Reckless Scholar can be a subtle yet potent tool, keeping your hand filled with answers and options.
How to beat
Reckless Scholar brings a level of strategic depth to any MTG deck with its ability to selectively draw cards. This blue creature card offers players the chance to discard a card to draw another, providing substantial deck filtration opportunities. However, like many cards, it has its vulnerabilities that adept players can exploit.
To effectively counter Reckless Scholar in a match, focus on disrupting the card advantage it provides. This can be done through targeted removal spells that can deal with the creature before the opponent can maximize its utility. Cards with flash can be particularly effective by removing the Scholar in response to its activation, thus negating the draw. Moreover, taxing effects that increase the cost of activated abilities can also deter an opponent from utilizing Reckless Scholar’s ability repeatedly. Also, consider cards that punish discarding or drawing additional cards, which can inadvertently turn the Scholar’s advantage to a disadvantage.
Understanding the tempo and controlling the flow of the game are crucial when facing cards like Reckless Scholar. Anticipate the moments when your opponent might lean on this card for a strategic advantage and plan your play sequence accordingly. Thus, with the right strategy, Reckless Scholar can be effectively neutralized in any game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Reckless Scholar MTG card by a specific set like Zendikar and Conspiracy, 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 Reckless Scholar 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Reckless Scholar Magic the Gathering card was released in 7 different sets between 2009-10-02 and 2020-07-17. Illustrated by Steve Prescott.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2009-10-02 | Zendikar | ZEN | 60 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Steve Prescott | |
| 2 | 2014-06-06 | Conspiracy | CNS | 104 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Steve Prescott | |
| 3 | 2016-04-08 | Shadows over Innistrad | SOI | 82 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steve Prescott | |
| 4 | 2017-06-16 | Archenemy: Nicol Bolas | E01 | 27 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steve Prescott | |
| 5 | 2018-06-08 | Battlebond | BBD | 130 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steve Prescott | |
| 6 | 2018-11-16 | Game Night | GNT | 23 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steve Prescott | |
| 7 | 2020-07-17 | Jumpstart | JMP | 168 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steve Prescott |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Reckless Scholar 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 |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |