Thorn of Amethyst MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 8 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 2 |
Rarity | Rare |
Type | Artifact |
Text of card
Noncreature spells cost more to play.
Mined from a cave in the Dark Meanders, it shines brightest when no one is looking.
Understanding Thorn of Amethyst’s Role
Thorn of Amethyst stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a noteworthy artifact that can pivot game dynamics by making non-creature spells cost more to cast. This characteristic mirrors that of other cards aimed at disrupting spell-based strategies, yet Thorn of Amethyst’s universal application to all spells makes it uniquely potent.
Cards like Thorn of Amethyst
The role of Thorn of Amethyst in MTG is analogous to the effects of Sphere of Resistance. Both of these artifacts increase the cost of spells, thereby tempering the speed at which opponents can execute their game plan. However, Sphere of Resistance affects all spells, not just the non-creature ones, offering a broader, albeit non-discriminatory, approach to resource control.
Lodestone Golem is another card with a parallel function. Its ability applies a similar tax but is limited to non-artifact spells. While Thorn of Amethyst is more vulnerable as an artifact, Lodestone Golem presents a dual threat by being a creature capable of dealing damage as it stifles the opponent’s spellcasting abilities.
In considering such comparisons, Thorn of Amethyst is appreciated for its balance of simplicity and impactful gameplay effect, earning its place among MTG’s impactful non-creature spell taxes. Its unrestrained application makes it a strategic inclusion in decks aiming to slow down opponents who rely heavily on complex spell orchestrations.
Cards similar to Thorn of Amethyst by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Thorn of Amethyst. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
# | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
---|---|---|---|---|
Prison Shops | Vintage | Prison Shops | Vintage Challenge 32 2024-04-07 | |
Gruul Prison | Vintage | Red Prison | Vintage Challenge 32 2024-04-27 | |
Aggro Shops | Vintage | Aggro Shops | Vintage Challenge 32 2024-04-07 | |
Mono-White Initiative | Vintage | Mono-White Initiative | Vintage League 2024-04-14 | |
Gruul Lands | Legacy | 105 / The 105th Legacy at Home |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Although not directly affecting card draw, the Thorn of Amethyst can indirectly lead to card advantage by making it more taxing for opponents to play their spells, potentially causing them to deplete their hand quicker than you.
Resource Acceleration: While Thorn of Amethyst does not accelerate your resources, it effectively slows down opponents, especially in formats with cheaper spells, which can give you a pseudo-acceleration in terms of board presence and tempo.
Instant Speed: Although Thorn of Amethyst isn’t an instant, it serves a crucial role in decks looking to control the pace of the game. By restricting the ability of the opponent to play their spells on curve, you gain a strategic speed advantage, akin to the utility gained from instant-speed interactions.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Thorn of Amethyst doesn’t directly demand discarding cards, yet its inclusion can lead to hand depletion as players might need to cast spells more sparingly due to the increased costs.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring two colorless mana, this card fits well in any deck. However, its static effect applies to all players, meaning without careful planning, it can hamper your own spellcasting as much as your opponent’s.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With two mana for its static ability, Thorn of Amethyst asks for a significant early game investment. While it can disrupt opponents, other options may provide immediate board presence or card advantage at the same cost.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: The Thorn of Amethyst card is a universal fit for most deck types that seek to slow down opponents. As a non-specific color artifact, it easily slots into various builds without mana constraints.
Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with decks focusing on increasing spell costs for opponents. It can combo with cards designed to lock down resources, amplifying its disruptive power.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment filled with spell-heavy or storm decks, Thorn of Amethyst shines by tipping the scale in your favor, making it harder for opponents to execute their strategy effectively.
How to beat
Thorn of Amethyst adds a strategic twist to Magic: The Gathering matches, primarily impacting decks that rely heavily on noncreature spells. This artifact increases the mana cost needed to cast such spells, forcing players to adapt their strategies. To circumvent its taxing effect, focus on efficient mana management. One approach includes using low-cost creatures to maintain a presence on the board while conserving mana for vital spells. Enchantment and artifact removal spells such as Naturalize or Wear // Tear can dismantle the Thorn of Amethyst, effectively lifting its mana restrictions.
Another tactic involves prioritizing instant-speed interaction to use your mana effectively on your opponent’s turn, thus bypassing the limitations imposed during your own turn. Additionally, planning spell sequences to optimize mana usage and employing cost-reduction effects can cushion the impact of Thorn of Amethyst on your deck’s performance. Likewise, running a deck with a strong creature base minimizes the influence of Thorn of Amethyst, as it solely targets noncreature spells. Overall, successful navigation around Thorn of Amethyst requires flexible strategy adaptation, focused on resource efficiency and timely removal.
BurnMana Recommendations
Wrapping up our analysis, the presence of Thorn of Amethyst in your collection could alter your gameplay to a more strategic depth. It serves as a disruptive tool in MTG, tipping the scales in match-ups rich with non-creature spells. To best utilize this artifact, attention to deck construction and in-game resource management is key. Enhancing your strategy around it or defensively against it may just clinch your victories. Keen on discovering ways to optimize your deck with the Thorn of Amethyst or seeking tactics to negate its effect? Visit us to delve deeper into strategic play and refining your MTG prowess.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Thorn of Amethyst MTG card by a specific set like Lorwyn and The Brothers' War Retro Artifacts, 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 Thorn of Amethyst 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
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Printings
The Thorn of Amethyst Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2007-10-12 and 2023-06-23. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2007-10-12 | Lorwyn | LRW | 262 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Chuck Lukacs | |
2 | 2022-11-18 | The Brothers' War Retro Artifacts | BRR | 123z | 1997 | Normal | Black | Chuck Lukacs | |
3 | The Brothers' War Art Series | ABRO | 80 | 2015 | Art series | Borderless | Chuck Lukacs | ||
4 | 2022-11-18 | The Brothers' War Retro Artifacts | BRR | 123 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Chuck Lukacs | |
5 | 2022-11-18 | The Brothers' War Retro Artifacts | BRR | 60 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Chuck Lukacs | |
6 | 2023-06-23 | Tales of Middle-earth Commander | LTC | 386z | 2015 | Normal | Borderless | Igor Krstic | |
7 | 2023-06-23 | Tales of Middle-earth Commander | LTC | 356 | 2015 | Normal | Borderless | Igor Krstic | |
8 | 2023-06-23 | Tales of Middle-earth Commander | LTC | 386 | 2015 | Normal | Borderless | Igor Krstic |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Thorn of Amethyst has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Historicbrawl | Legal |
Commander | Legal |
Historic | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Modern | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Vintage | Restricted |
Duel | Legal |
Predh | Legal |
Gladiator | Legal |
Penny | Legal |
Timeless | Legal |