Sapphire Charm MTG Card
1996-10-08 - Number 89
2019-11-07 - Number 478
2020-09-26 - Number MIR-89
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Choose one Target player draws a card at the beginning of the next turn's upkeep; or target creature an opponent controls phases out; or target creature gains flying until end of turn.
Cards like Sapphire Charm
The Sapphire Charm in Magic: The Gathering offers multifaceted utility, providing players with a choice of three different effects upon casting. A close relative in flexibility and choice is the card Piracy Charm. Although Piracy Charm delivers different options, the concept of selecting from multiple effects remains central to both cards. Piracy Charm’s ability to cause an opponent to discard or to give a creature islandwalk is a similar display of situational adaptability that Sapphire Charm champions through its Phasing, Draw, or Speed debuffs.
Moving into the realm of modal spells, Jeskai Charm offers multiple choices as well, echoing Sapphire Charm’s versatility. Unlike the singular blue mana cost of Sapphire Charm, Jeskai Charm requires three mana of varied colors. However, it packs in robust effects like dealing four damage, giving creatures lifelink, or putting an opposing creature on top of its owner’s library.
In terms of value and flexibility, Sapphire Charm does stand out. Its low mana cost coupled with options make it an intriguing choice for players who like to keep their opponents guessing and maintain the upper hand with instant speed reactions. Such characteristics ensure Sapphire Charm holds its own within the broad spectrum of modal charms in MTG.
Cards similar to Sapphire Charm by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Sapphire Charm doesn’t directly allow you to draw cards, it can indirectly contribute to card advantage by protecting your key creatures or neutralizing opponents’ threats temporarily, thus maintaining your board presence.
Resource Acceleration: Sapphire Charm doesn’t produce additional resources like Treasure tokens but it can be considered a form of mana-saving tool. It can potentially delay an opponent’s strategy and save you mana in future turns due to its efficient cost and the ability to phase out a creature, delaying your need to deploy more expensive answers.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Sapphire Charm at instant speed offers significant tactical advantages. It enables you to respond to the threats dynamically, keeping your opponents guessing and allowing you to make moves during their turn. This flexibility is indispensable in managing the pace and control of the game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Sapphire Charm doesn’t force a player to discard, it can be situational, potentially sitting unused in your hand if the opportune moment never arises. This can be indirectly taxing on your hand, especially if you’re waiting for the perfect timing to utilize its effect.
Specific Mana Cost: Sapphire Charm’s casting cost requires one blue mana. This specific mana cost ensures that its use is confined to blue-inclined or blue-compatible decks, which might not be ideal for every MTG player’s strategy.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For one blue mana, Sapphire Charm provides a choice of three different modes. While this flexibility is beneficial, there are scenarios where a more dedicated and less costly card might offer a similar effect more efficiently, making Sapphire Charm a higher cost investment for the potential payoff.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Sapphire Charm offers a range of uses depending on your needs in-game. It can provide protection for your creatures, disrupt opponent’s plans, or even help you cycle through your deck faster.
Combo Potential: This card is a hidden gem when it comes to setting up combos. Its ability to grant phasing to a creature can remove potential blockers or save your creatures from removal at a critical moment.
Meta-Relevance: As the game ebbs and flows with different strategies, Sapphire Charm remains consistently useful. Whether the environment favors aggressive creatures, heavy control, or combo decks, this charm has a place to shine.
How to beat Sapphire Charm
Sapphire Charm is known for its versatility within the realm of blue instants in Magic the Gathering. Similar to other charms, this card provides players with multiple modes to choose from during gameplay, each with its own strategic implications. Whether it’s rendering a creature unblockable for a turn, phasing out a creature, or drawing a card, Sapphire Charm offers a palette of options.
To effectively counter this card, consider using spells that restrict the casting of instants or that can remove targets from play preemptively. This way, Sapphire Charm’s utility can be significantly reduced. For instance, running “Silence” can block your opponent’s spells for a turn, possibly negating the charm’s effect when most detrimental. Alternatively, employing creature removal or hexproof abilities can protect your creatures from being temporarily removed from the game or made unblockable.
Playing around Sapphire Charm involves anticipation and knowing the right time to act. Keep in mind that although Sapphire Charm provides flexibility, its effectiveness is inherently tied to timing and the board state. By controlling these aspects, you can diminish the impact this charm has on your strategy.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Sapphire Charm MTG card by a specific set like Mirage and Mystery Booster, 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 Sapphire Charm 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 Sapphire Charm Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1996-10-08 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Steve Luke.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1996-10-08 | Mirage | MIR | 89 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Steve Luke | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 478 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Steve Luke | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | MIR-89 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Steve Luke |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Sapphire Charm has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |