Zuran Spellcaster MTG Card
1995-06-03 - Number 112
2006-07-21 - Number 112
2008-09-22 - Number 76
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Wizard |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
oc T: Zuran Spellcaster deals 1 damage to target creature or player.
"A mage must be precise as well as potent; cautious, as well as clever." —Zur the Enchanter
Cards like Zuran Spellcaster
Zuran Spellcaster, a classic figure in Magic: The Gathering, draws parallels to other fundamental creatures within the realm of tapping to deal damage. A creature such as Prodigal Sorcerer, affectionately dubbed “Tim” by the player community, bears a strong resemblance to the Zuran Spellcaster as both have the same mana cost and ability to ping targets for one damage. Zuran Spellcaster, however, benefits from being part of the Ice Age set, offering thematic synergy for collectors and players focusing on set-specific mechanics.
When it comes to functionality, Vodalian Arcanist is an interesting point of comparison. Though it doesn’t share the direct damage ability, it serves a similar cost-efficient role in supporting spells, this time by providing additional mana for instant and sorcery spells. Vodalian Arcanist also has a slight edge in toughness, making it slightly more resilient on the battlefield. Conversely, Goblin Fireslinger is a creature that echoes the Spellcaster’s ping ability but in a more aggressive red deck, underscoring the cross-color relevance of this ability in MTG’s diverse strategies.
Evaluating the Zuran Spellcaster within its broader context underscores its niche role in MTG as one of the iconic ‘pinger’ creatures, albeit with contemporaries offering varied strategic advantages. Its ongoing appeal lies in its straightforward utility and historical place in the game’s rich history.
Cards similar to Zuran Spellcaster by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Although Zuran Spellcaster itself doesn’t draw cards, as a creature with a tap ability it synergizes well in decks focused on manipulating the number of cards in hand. Combining it with draw spells and abilities it effectively chips away opponents’ life totals while you build up your resources.
Resource Acceleration: Zuran Spellcaster doesn’t accelerate resources in the traditional sense of providing extra mana, but its ability to deal damage without using up spells can be a form of resource conservation, freeing up your mana for other uses each turn.
Instant Speed: While Zuran Spellcaster’s activated ability isn’t an instant, it is a significant tactical tool because it can be used at instant speed. This allows you to wait until the end of your opponent’s turn to deal damage, maintaining the element of surprise and keeping your options open during your turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Players must discard a card to activate the ability, which could deplete valuable hand resources.
Specific Mana Cost: Zuran Spellcaster requires a particular combination of mana to cast, making it less flexible in multicolor decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While not the most expensive spell, the mana investment could be heavy given its output, especially when there are lower-cost alternatives available.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Zuran Spellcaster’s ability to deal direct damage offers flexibility, allowing for removal of pesky creatures or even a final push for victory against an opponent.
Combo Potential: This varied spellcaster pairs well with cards that untap creatures or duplicate abilities, magnifying the potential for damage each turn.
Meta-Relevance: In a game where controlling the board is crucial, having a reliable source of damage that can repeatedly target creatures or players makes the Zuran Spellcaster a valuable asset in various game states.
How to beat
Zuran Spellcaster is a nod to the classic creature cards in the Magic: The Gathering universe, reminiscent of the renowned Prodigal Sorcerer. This creature card brings control to the game by chipping away at opponent’s creatures or whittling down their life points. Its ability to tap for direct damage makes it versatile in both offensive and defensive strategies.
The key to overcoming the Zuran Spellcaster lies in its fragility. With only one toughness, it can easily be removed from the battlefield through an array of spells or abilities that deal even minimal damage. Moreover, since it must tap to use its ability, summoning sickness can delay its impact, giving you a window to neutralize it before it becomes a threat.
Effective strategies may include employing cheap removal spells like Shock or faster creatures that can pressure your opponent before they stabilize their board with spellcasters. Alternatively, enchantments that prevent tapping or ones that incapacitate targeted creatures can render the Zuran Spellcaster harmless. Addressing it rapidly ensures that your opponent’s pings don’t accumulate into a significant advantage.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Zuran Spellcaster MTG card by a specific set like Ice Age and Coldsnap Theme Decks, 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 Zuran Spellcaster 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Zuran Spellcaster Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1995-06-03 and 2008-09-22. Illustrated by Edward P. Beard, Jr..
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1995-06-03 | Ice Age | ICE | 112 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Edward P. Beard, Jr. | |
| 2 | 2006-07-21 | Coldsnap Theme Decks | CST | 112 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Edward P. Beard, Jr. | |
| 3 | 2008-09-22 | Masters Edition II | ME2 | 76 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Edward P. Beard, Jr. |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Zuran Spellcaster has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |