Rites of Initiation MTG Card

Odyssey (ODY)
2001-10-01 - Number 217

Rites of Initiation - Vintage Masters (VMA)

Vintage Masters (VMA)
2014-06-16 - Number 182

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	1
Rarity	Common
Type	Instant

Key Takeaways

This card turns unused cards into significant power increases, offering a timely offensive surge.
Playable at instant speed, it allows for combat manipulation and unexpected turnarounds.
Necessitates strategic hand management to mitigate the potential downside of discarding cards.

Text of card

Discard any number of cards at random from your hand. Creatures you control get +1/+0 until end of turn for each card discarded this way.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: With Rites of Initiation, players have the opportunity to discard any number of cards to potentially strengthen a single creature massively. This can turn the tide by transforming unused cards in hand into a powerful offensive force within a single turn.

Resource Acceleration: Although Rites of Initiation doesn’t directly produce mana or tokens, the ability to quickly escalate a creature’s power provides a form of acceleration towards an expedited victory. The quicker you can put your opponent under pressure or end the game, the less time they have to gather the resources they need to fight back.

Instant Speed: The instant-speed nature of Rites of Initiation makes it a versatile tool in any player’s arsenal. It allows for unexpected plays and combat tricks, catching opponents off guard during the combat phase or at the end of their turn, optimizing the element of surprise to its maximum potential.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Rites of Initiation necessitates the discarding of one or more cards as part of its casting cost. This can become a strategic setback, particularly if your hand holds crucial late-game plays or if you’re already struggling with a diminished hand size.

Specific Mana Cost: This spell’s red mana requirement can restrict its inclusion to decks that run on a red mana base. Players utilizing multicolored decks without a strong red component might find it challenging to accommodate Rites of Initiation effectively.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that involves both red mana and the additional sacrifice of cards, some players may deem the investment too steep. Considering the cost to benefit ratio, there may be alternative spells that offer more utility or impact for a similar, or even lower, mana investment.

Reasons to Include Rites of Initiation in Your Collection

Versatility: Rites of Initiation can seamlessly slide into various decks, especially those that thrive on spell-slinging or aggressive strategies. The capability to discard any number of cards to power up your creatures makes it a flexible choice for rapid offensive plays.

Combo Potential: This card’s ability to discard cards means it can synergize with graveyard-focused strategies or work alongside mechanics that benefit from discarding, such as Madness or Flashback, enabling intricate and powerful combo interactions.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state that favors fast-paced, creature-based tactics, Rites of Initiation can be a game-changer by unexpectedly turning a modest board presence into an overwhelming force, potentially swinging games in your favor during tight matches.

How to beat Rites of Initiation

Rites of Initiation offers a unique twist on red’s strategy of turning cards into direct firepower. When played, this sorcery allows you to discard any number of cards to boost a creature’s power until the end of the turn for each card discarded. It’s a card that can pivot the tide of a match, transforming an unassuming creature into a lethal threat.

To effectively face this tactic, it’s crucial to manage your resources wisely. Keeping a counter spell in hand can neutralize the surprise burst of strength before it can demolish your defenses. As Rites is a one-off effect, removal spells post-initiation can also dismantle the gambit, rendering the discard cost a heavy price for a fleeting advantage. Strategic creature blocking can further minimize the damage inflicted. Patience and timing are essential, as the initiation can only be cast before the combat phase, leaving a window of opportunity to anticipate and counteract.

Ultimately, overcoming the challenge posed by Rites of Initiation in MTG hinges on tactical planning and maintaining a versatile hand. Control players with access to blue magic have an edge, while others should aim to mitigate the impact through strategic play and swift removal responses.

Cards like Rites of Initiation

Rites of Initiation stands as an intriguing option in the arsenal of spell cards within Magic the Gathering. This card shares some commonalities with other spells in the sense that it can dramatically shift the dynamics of your hand. Comparable to the likes of Faithless Looting, which is known for its draw and discard strategy. Rites of Initiation differentiates itself by offering the potential for a massive, albeit risky, power boost that scales with the size of your hand.

Considering Reflecting on Seething Song, another card that profoundly impacts your mana pool, Rites of Initiation offers a unique alternative. Whereas Seething Song increases your mana for a turn, Rites of Initiation potentially increases your creatures’ power, which can be harnessed for a game-ending swing. On the other hand, we have the card Burn at the Stake, which also taps into the strength of numerous creatures on the battlefield, but it translates that into direct damage rather than power on the board.

When evaluating Rites of Initiation against other cards with similar hand-altering and power-boosting capabilities, it provides a unique benefit for decks looking to capitalize on the quantity of cards in hand. The outcome can sometimes lead to a sudden surprise victory, distinguishing it in strategic deck building.

Cards similar to Rites of Initiation by color, type and mana cost

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Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Rites of Initiation MTG card by a specific set like Odyssey and Vintage Masters, 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 Rites of Initiation and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Rites of Initiation Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2001-10-01 and 2014-06-16. Illustrated by Bradley Williams.