Edgar Markov MTG Card
2016-11-16 - Number 65693
2017-08-25 - Number 36
2021-01-01 - Number 3
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Mythic |
| Type | Legendary Creature — Vampire Knight |
| Abilities | Eminence,First strike,Haste |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Key Takeaways
- Edgar Markov’s abilities deliver consistent card advantage by augmenting each vampire spell cast.
- His eminence facilitates swift board development and a potent early game strategy.
- Versatility in vampire decks and combo potential make Edgar a formidable collection addition.
Text of card
Eminence — Whenever you cast another Vampire spell, if Edgar Markov is in the command zone or on the battlefield, create a 1/1 black Vampire creature token. First strike, haste Whenever Edgar Markov attacks, put a +1/+1 counter on each Vampire you control.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Edgar Markov stands out by empowering your board with +1/+1 counters every time you cast another Vampire spell. This continuous augmentation of your vampire troops means that each card played subsequently offers more value, effectively creating a growing threat with each turn and securing an advantage over your adversary.
Resource Acceleration: Markov’s unique ability to bring a 1/1 black Vampire creature token into play with his eminence ability—even from the command zone—allows for rapid board development and a formidable presence early on. This acceleration is a critical boost in resources that can overwhelm opponents while establishing a dominant position on the battlefield.
Instant Speed: While Edgar Markov himself doesn’t operate at instant speed, his eminence ability triggers instantly whenever another Vampire is cast. This allows for strategic plays even during your opponents’ turns if you’re playing with flash-enabled Vampires or spells that facilitate instant deployment. The capability to strengthen your army instantaneously keeps opponents on edge, unsure of the full extent of your forces until the very last moment.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One aspect to consider with Edgar Markov is the steep requirement in deckbuilding. Building a deck that maximizes his potential often involves incorporating a discard theme, which sometimes can backfire if you end up discarding key cards unintentionally. Balancing the cards in your deck to avoid being left empty-handed is critical when relying on his abilities.
Specific Mana Cost: Edgar Markov demands a specific mana cost that includes one of each red, white, and black mana. This requirement can pigeonhole the card into a three-color deck, possibly restricting its adoption in more streamlined or mono-color strategies. The necessity to fix your mana base properly to accommodate Edgar can lead to slower starts against more efficient, lower-cost decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With an initial mana cost of six, Edgar Markov can be prohibitive in faster-paced games where early pressure is critical. In environments where the meta favors low-cost creatures and quick wins, Edgar’s high mana cost can put players at a significant tempo disadvantage, leaving them vulnerable as they set up their mana base to cast him.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Edgar Markov’s design allows it to slide into many vampire-centered decks, enhancing strategies with its powerful buffs to vampire creatures. Its ability to generate tokens and bolster your board presence makes it a flexible addition across various gameplay styles.
Combo Potential: This card holds immense combo potential, particularly in synergy with bloodthirsty vampire decks that thrive on counters and direct damage. Markov has the ability to activate multiple combos, proliferating +1/+1 counters and escalating the threat level each turn.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where tribal decks can dominate, Edgar Markov maintains its relevance. Its impact on each match is significant, giving vampire decks the edge they need against a variety of opposing strategies while continuing to be a cornerstone in competitive commander (EDH) play.
How to Beat Edgar Markov
Edgar Markov commands attention on the battlefield as a formidable vampire legend in the realm of MTG. With his ability to empower other vampires through +1/+1 counters each time they attack, overcoming this card requires a well-crafted strategy. One effective approach is to control the pacing by removing key vampire cards before they accumulate too many counters. Utilizing removal spells such as Path to Exile or Wrath of God can disrupt the synergy that Edgar’s ability promotes.
Disruption is also key; countering him on the stack with spells like Counterspell prevents him from hitting the field at all. If Edgar does manage to resolve, consider leveraging cards that restrict or negate abilities like Phyrexian Revoker, or enact recurring board wipes. Also, cards that punish the opponent for casting many spells, like Eidolon of the Great Revel, can be instrumental against a deck centered around Edgar’s aggressive strategy.
Remember to maintain board presence and control to prevent the vampire swarm from overwhelming you. By carefully timing your interactions and strategically managing your resources, you can keep the bloodthirsty aristocrat and his minions at bay, ensuring he doesn’t dominate the game. Establish a strong defense, disrupt your opponent’s plans, and Edgar Markov’s influence will wane, allowing you to strike back and claim victory.
Cards like Edgar Markov
Edgar Markov is a standout vampire tribal commander in Magic: The Gathering, a powerful figure that crafts an aggressive game plan. He shares the vampire enhancing traits akin to Drana, Liberator of Malakir. Both creatures bolster the strength of their vampire brethren, yet Edgar Markov’s unique eminence ability to create a vampire token with each cast sets him apart, potentially flooding the board with minions without even entering the battlefield.
When it comes to vampire synergy, Elenda, the Dusk Rose is another card worthy of comparison. She can be a force to reckon with, as she grows with each creature’s death, eventually populating the board with vampire tokens. However, Edgar Markov distinctively offers consistent token generation and an ability to bolster your entire team, which can swiftly tilt the scales in a player’s favor during multiplayer engagements. Licia, Sanguine Tribune is another commanding force in vampire decks that share the colors of Edgar Markov, but while Licia gains size from lifegain, Edgar is all about the aggressive expansion of the vampire legion.
Edgar Markov places himself as a unique and influential choice for vampire enthusiasts, demonstrating his worth through continuous board presence and team-enhancing abilities that make him a formidable commander in the MTG arena.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Edgar Markov MTG card by a specific set like Treasure Chest and Commander 2017, 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 Edgar Markov and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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 Edgar Markov Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2016-11-16 and 2021-01-01. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2016-11-16 | Treasure Chest | PZ2 | 65693 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Volkan Baǵa | |
| 2 | 2017-08-25 | Commander 2017 | C17 | 36 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Volkan Baǵa | |
| 3 | 2021-01-01 | Judge Gift Cards 2021 | PJ21 | 3 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Martina Fačková |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Edgar Markov has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Restricted |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Edgar Markov card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2017-08-25 | Edgar Markov’s last ability puts a +1/+1 counter on each Vampire you control, including itself and Vampires you control that aren’t attacking. |
| 2017-08-25 | Notably, if your commander is on the battlefield and its eminence ability triggers, but it’s put into the command zone before that ability resolves, that ability won’t do anything as it resolves. This is because an object that changes zones is considered a new object. |
| 2017-08-25 | Three eminence abilities are triggered abilities. That creature must be on the battlefield or in the command zone as the trigger event occurs and also as the triggered ability resolves. If the creature is in an appropriate zone as the trigger event occurs but leaves that zone, the ability won’t do anything as it resolves. |
