Johnny, Combo Player MTG Card

Unhinged (UNH)
2004-11-19 - Number 35

Johnny, Combo Player - Unsanctioned (UND)

Unsanctioned (UND)
2020-02-29 - Number 23

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Rare
Type	Legendary Creature — Human Gamer
Power	1
Toughness	1
Un-set :-)	This card is part of an Un-set

Key Takeaways

Offers card advantage by tutoring key combo pieces, giving players a strategic edge.
It demands specific mana and discarding cards, which can limit flexibility and playability.
An essential asset for creative deck builders focused on combo-driven victory conditions.

Text of card

: Search your library for a card and put that card into your hand. Then shuffle your library.

"Just wait till I get my Krark-Clan Ironworks, Genesis Chamber, and Grinding Station. Oh yeah, and a second Myr Retriever."

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Johnny, Combo Player shines by facilitating the search for essential combo pieces, effectively giving you the upper hand by assembling game-winning combinations swiftly.

Resource Acceleration: This card can lead to a significant uptick in resource management, allowing you to unleash powerful spells earlier than usual by tutoring for the perfect enablers or accelerants.

Instant Speed: Though not instant-speed itself, Johnny, Combo Player sets the stage for instant-speed shenanigans by fetching cards that operate on your opponent’s turn, keeping them guessing while you build your winning strategy.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the drawbacks of Johnny, Combo Player is the necessity to discard other cards in order to fuel its ability. If your hand is already depleted, this cost could hinder your gameplay rather than providing the advantage you’re seeking.

Specific Mana Cost: Johnny, Combo Player comes with a precise mana requirement, demanding both generic and blue mana. This can make it less flexible, as it necessitates a dedicated slot in blue-inclusive decks, potentially limiting its place in a diverse range of strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana investment to cast Johnny, Combo Player is substantial. Its effectiveness must be evaluated against other options within the same mana range. There are instances where the resources allocated to summon Johnny could be better spent on alternative cards that yield immediate impact on the game state.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Johnny, Combo Player offers a flexible toolkit for any players who love experimenting with various interactions within their decks. It allows the discovery of new combos by tutoring any piece you might be missing, thus fitting nicely into numerous creative builds.

Combo Potential: As a nucleus for combo-centric decks, this card’s ability to search for the perfect combo piece is unparalleled. Whether you’re assembling an infinite mana combo, setting up a game-winning loop, or just going for a fun and unexpected win-con, Johnny, Combo Player is your go-to enabler.

Meta-Relevance: Given its strength in constructing decisive combos, Johnny, Combo Player maintains relevance in metas where combo decks are prominent. It’s a must-have for players looking to edge out competition with a surprise finish in an environment teeming with combo opportunities.

How to beat

Johnny, Combo Player is a unique character in the world of Magic: The Gathering, embodying the spirit of players who revel in constructing intricate and powerful card interactions. The focus when facing this card is on disrupting the synergy it tries to establish. Removing Johnny from the battlefield quickly is essential, as the longer he remains in play, the more opportunity the opponent has to execute their game-winning combos.

Efficient removal spells are your best ally in this scenario. Cards like Swords to Plowshares or Path to Exile can exile Johnny before his abilities can be activated. Alternatively, counterspells such as Mana Leak or Cancel can prevent Johnny from ever hitting the board. Also, consider using hand disruption tactics. Inquisition of Kozilek or Thoughtseize can pluck combo pieces directly from your opponent’s hand, stifling their plans before they come to fruition.

Ultimately, beating Johnny, Combo Player requires a blend of swift action and strategic forethought. Keeping pressure on your opponent and managing your resources wisely will disrupt the combos and pave the way to victory. Always stay one step ahead, and Johnny’s formidable combos will unravel before they can ever truly begin.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Johnny, Combo Player MTG card by a specific set like Unhinged and Unsanctioned, 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 Johnny, Combo Player and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Johnny, Combo Player Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2004-11-19 and 2020-02-29. Illustrated by Kensuke Okabayashi.