Swindler's Scheme MTG Card
2022-04-29 - Number 96
2022-04-29 - Number 88
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Enchantment |
Text of card
Whenever an opponent casts a spell from their hand, you may reveal the top card of your library. If it shares a card type with that spell, counter that spell and that opponent may cast the revealed card without paying its mana cost.
Cards like Swindler's Scheme
Swindler’s Scheme emerges as an intriguing choice among the available gambit of creature control spells in Magic the Gathering. This card echoes the mechanics of illustrious predecessors like Control Magic, allowing players to seize opponents’ creatures and turn the tides of the game. However, Swindler’s Scheme requires the controlled creature to attack each turn if able, introducing a tactical layer not present in Control Magic, which offers undemanding dominance over a creature.
Another kindred spell is Act of Treason, which also permits the temporary commandeering of creatures, except it’s a one-time effect designed for immediate impact. Swindler’s Scheme, on the contrary, has a lasting effect but at the tradeoff of being more mana-intensive. Mind Control is another comparative card, offering permanent control but at a higher mana cost, reflecting the value in Swindler’s Scheme for being more economically castable.
In essence, Swindler’s Scheme stands out in the pantheon of MTG control cards, offering a balance between cost efficiency and continuous effect. It’s a strategic asset worth considering for players aiming to leverage their adversaries’ strengths against them.
Cards similar to Swindler's Scheme by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Swindler’s Scheme excels in providing card advantage, enabling players to cleverly circumvent dwindling hand sizes and keep their options varied and sustainable throughout the match.
Resource Acceleration: This card not only offers strategic depth but also serves as a resource accelerator. By generating additional resources, it allows for a smoother mana curve and opens up opportunities for playing higher-cost cards earlier than usual.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Swindler’s Scheme at instant speed gives players the upper hand, as they can optimally time their plays, react to opponents’ moves, and make decisions with a wealth of information that would otherwise be unavailable if bound to sorcery speed.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Engaging your strategic mind, Swindler’s Scheme presents a challenge with its discard requirement, compelling you to sacrifice a precious card from your hand. This can be a major hurdle when your hand is already depleting, forcing you to weigh the cost against potential benefits.
Specific Mana Cost: Having to allocate specific mana types, this card requires a splash of black mana. This limitation inherently restricts it to decks that can accommodate such mana needs, potentially excluding it from a myriad of mono-colored or other mana-intensive strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana cost on the higher side for its effect, it prompts a consideration of alternatives. Savvy players may look towards other cards that provide similar outcomes without the steep mana investment, optimizing their deck’s performance and resource allocation.
Reasons to Include Swindler’s Scheme in Your Collection
Versatility: Swindler’s Scheme is a unique card that can easily find a place in decks that thrive on disrupting the opponent’s hand. It can be a game-changer in both multiplayer and one-on-one formats as it scales well depending on the number of players.
Combo Potential: This card can synergize with strategies that capitalize on information about the opponents’ hands or that benefit from opponents discarding cards. It complements decks that harness the power of discard triggers and reanimation tactics.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where players stockpile cards in hand, Swindler’s Scheme can tip the scales by stripping key pieces from their strategy. It’s particularly potent against decks that rely on specific combos or a critical mass of options in hand.
How to beat
Swindler’s Scheme is a unique card that introduces an intriguing dynamic to Magic: The Gathering gameplay. While this card can shift the balance with its ability to disrupt an opponent’s strategy, savvy players know that there are ways to outmaneuver it. To tackle Swindler’s Scheme, it’s essential to focus on spell resilience.
Running cards that render your spells uncounterable can be one of the most effective strategies against it. This way, even if your spells are targeted by the Scheme, they will still resolve. Additionally, having a diverse set of low-cost spells in your arsenal ensures that losing one to Swindler’s Scheme isn’t critically damaging to your game plan. Also considering that this card requires your opponent to reveal information about their hand, this can be used to your advantage to tailor your subsequent plays.
It is also worth noting that graveyard retrieval spells can help recover any key cards that may have been lost. By understanding how Swindler’s Scheme can influence a match, players can employ savvy deck-building and in-game tactics to maintain control and ultimately neutralize the threat it poses.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Swindler's Scheme MTG card by a specific set like New Capenna Commander and New Capenna 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 Swindler's Scheme and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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 Swindler's Scheme Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2022-04-29 and 2022-04-29. Illustrated by Anato Finnstark.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2022-04-29 | New Capenna Commander | NCC | 96 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Anato Finnstark | |
| 2 | 2022-04-29 | New Capenna Commander | NCC | 88 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Anato Finnstark |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Swindler's Scheme has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Swindler's Scheme card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2022-04-29 | You don't get to look at the top card of your library before choosing whether to reveal it. |