Schema Thief MTG Card


Schema Thief provides card and resource advantage by creating Clue tokens when dealing combat damage. Versatility at instant speed allows Schema Thief to adapt to various game states and strategies. It has a demanding casting cost, but offers significant rewards in artifact-centric decks.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Vedalken Rogue Artificer
Abilities Flying
Power 3
Toughness 3

Text of card

Flying Whenever Schema Thief deals combat damage to a player, create a token that's a copy of target artifact that player controls.


Cards like Schema Thief

Schema Thief slides elegantly into the blue creature space in Magic: The Gathering, with echoes of other noteworthy creatures. Notably, it shares similarities with Thieving Skydiver, which also capitalizes on artifacts. While Thieving Skydiver steals artifacts directly, Schema Thief adds a layer with its ability to create a token copy of an artifact when it deals combat damage. This nuance opens up strategic play differences, as Schema Thief rewards players for consistent attacking.

Analogous to Thought Harvester, another blue creature, both cards put an emphasis on manipulating opponent strategies. However, Schema Thief offers a more tangible benefit by cloning artifacts, rather than just exiling cards from the opponent’s library. Then there’s Thada Adel, Acquisitor, regaled for its artifact-acquisition trait. While Thada Adel allows players to outright take possession of artifacts from the opponent’s deck, Schema Thief provides repeated value by offering multiple chances to duplicate artifacts in play.

Each of these cards caters to a slightly different tactic, but if cloning artifacts aligns with your strategy, Schema Thief presents an engaging option in the realm of blue creatures in Magic: The Gathering, fostering both a defensive and an offensive advantage through its thieving prowess.

Thieving Skydiver - MTG Card versions
Thought Harvester - MTG Card versions
Thada Adel, Acquisitor - MTG Card versions
Thieving Skydiver - MTG Card versions
Thought Harvester - MTG Card versions
Thada Adel, Acquisitor - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Schema Thief by color, type and mana cost

Phantasmal Forces - MTG Card versions
Phantom Monster - MTG Card versions
Wall of Vapor - MTG Card versions
Screeching Drake - MTG Card versions
Tradewind Rider - MTG Card versions
Archivist - MTG Card versions
Extravagant Spirit - MTG Card versions
Thieving Magpie - MTG Card versions
Inga Rune-Eyes - MTG Card versions
Sakashima of a Thousand Faces - MTG Card versions
Laboratory Drudge - MTG Card versions
Undercover Operative - MTG Card versions
Archmage Emeritus - MTG Card versions
Hisoka, Minamo Sensei - MTG Card versions
Johnny, Combo Player - MTG Card versions
Dream Prowler - MTG Card versions
Clone - MTG Card versions
Cytoplast Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Crookclaw Transmuter - MTG Card versions
Dreamborn Muse - MTG Card versions
Phantasmal Forces - MTG Card versions
Phantom Monster - MTG Card versions
Wall of Vapor - MTG Card versions
Screeching Drake - MTG Card versions
Tradewind Rider - MTG Card versions
Archivist - MTG Card versions
Extravagant Spirit - MTG Card versions
Thieving Magpie - MTG Card versions
Inga Rune-Eyes - MTG Card versions
Sakashima of a Thousand Faces - MTG Card versions
Laboratory Drudge - MTG Card versions
Undercover Operative - MTG Card versions
Archmage Emeritus - MTG Card versions
Hisoka, Minamo Sensei - MTG Card versions
Johnny, Combo Player - MTG Card versions
Dream Prowler - MTG Card versions
Clone - MTG Card versions
Cytoplast Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Crookclaw Transmuter - MTG Card versions
Dreamborn Muse - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Schema Thief shines by providing a potential steady stream of extra cards with each connect, bolstering your hand and options.

Resource Acceleration: Not only does it allow you to potentially draw cards, but with each hit, it creates Clue tokens, which can be used to generate additional mana and keep you ahead on board resources.

Instant Speed: This crafty card is versatile, responding to the ebb and flow of the game at instant speed, providing the perfect opportunity to disrupt opponents’ plans while setting up for your next strategic move.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Schema Thief demands you to shed one of your cards each time you want to untap it, placing you in a tough spot when your hand is already running low on options.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting requirement of two blue mana in its cost can be restrictive, as it ties neatly into decks that run heavily on blue mana sources, potentially limiting its inclusion in various strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Weighing in at four mana, including two blue, Schema Thief’s cost is on the higher end, especially when weighed against other options in the same mana bracket that may offer immediate impact or more flexible utility on the battlefield.


Reasons to Include Schema Thief in Your Collection

Versatility: Schema Thief offers multifaceted utility in decks optimized for artifact synergies. Its ability to create tokens upon dealing combat damage grants it a role in both aggressive and defensive strategies.

Combo Potential: Its prowess for generating Clue tokens can seamlessly integrate into combos that capitalize on artifacts. Cards that untap creatures or proliferate counters amplify Schema Thief’s token-producing capability, potentially turning it into an engine within a carefully constructed combo.

Meta-Relevance: In a metagame dense with artifact-based strategies or where incremental advantages are crucial, Schema Thief shines. It’s well-positioned to exploit openings and can turn the tide of the game by providing card advantage and resources over time.


How to Beat Schema Thief

Schema Thief presents a unique challenge on the battlefield with its ability to potentially grant card advantage and fleet-footed attacks. Successfully navigating around this crafty creature requires a blend of removal spells and strategic blocking. Instant-speed spells like Fatal Push or Shock offer an efficient way to eliminate Schema Thief before your opponent can capitalize on its abilities. Remember, prioritizing the removal of Schema Thief before it can connect with a player is key.

Another way to undermine Schema Thief’s value is to use cards that strip it of abilities or prevent it from dealing combat damage. Pacifism or Frogify can neutralize it without needing to permanently deal with the creature. Additionally, if Schema Thief has already pilfered a card from you, take advantage of graveyard retrieval spells or effects to mitigate the loss. It’s essential to address Schema Thief promptly, lest it translate transient thievery into a long-term advantage for your opponent.

By maintaining removal resources in your hand and being vigilant about the battlefield, you can fend off the threats posed by Schema Thief and maintain control of the game. As always, timing is everything, and disrupting your opponent’s momentum could be the key to victory.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dive deeper into MTG’s strategic universe with insightful articles, tips, and deck-building guides tailored for beginners and veteran players alike. Schema Thief, a card with immense potential, can become a linchpin in blue-centric decks, rewarding nimble-minded players. If you’re eager to take advantage of its card advantage and resource acceleration, or refine your deck to withstand its force, our platform is your go-to source. Optimize your gameplay by learning from comprehensive analysis and community wisdom. Curious about enhancing your strategic edge and countering the meta’s challenges? Explore more with us and join a community passionate about MTG victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Schema Thief MTG card by a specific set like March of the Machine Commander and March of the Machine Commander, 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 Schema Thief and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Schema Thief Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-04-21 and 2023-04-21. Illustrated by Artur Treffner.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-04-21March of the Machine CommanderMOC 1112015NormalBlackArtur Treffner
22023-04-21March of the Machine CommanderMOC 242015NormalBlackArtur Treffner

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Schema Thief has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2023-04-14 Any enters-the-battlefield abilities of the copied artifact will trigger when the token enters the battlefield. Any “as
-his artifact] enters the battlefield” or “
-his artifact] enters the battlefield with” abilities of the copied artifact will also work.
2023-04-14 Each of the tokens copy exactly what was printed on the original artifact and nothing else (unless that artifact is copying something else or is a token; see below). It doesn’t copy whether that artifact is tapped or untapped, whether it has any counters on it or Auras and Equipment attached to it, or any non-copy effects that have changed its power, toughness, types, color, and so on.
2023-04-14 If the copied artifact has in its mana cost, X is 0.
2023-04-14 If the copied artifact is a token, the token that’s created copies the original characteristics of that token as stated by the effect that created that token.
2023-04-14 If the copied artifact is copying something else, then the token enters the battlefield as whatever that artifact copied.