Ophiomancer MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Human Shaman
Power 2
Toughness 2

Key Takeaways

  1. Ophiomancer’s tokens with deathtouch boost defense, distorting opponent attack plans.
  2. It synergizes with sacrifice and creature death strategies, increasing resource acceleration.
  3. While restrictive in colors and cost, it’s potent in token-focused and black decks.

Text of card

At the beginning of each upkeep, if you control no Snakes, put a 1/1 black Snake creature token with deathtouch onto the battlefield.

"There are dark, ancient arts that fascinate even me." —Sorin Markov


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Ophiomancer provides consistent board presence by creating a 1/1 black Snake creature token with deathtouch at the beginning of each upkeep if you control no Snakes. This ability ensures a steady flow of tokens that can serve as blockers or be sacrificed for other card interactions, thus maintaining or gaining card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: Through its token generation, Ophiomancer can indirectly contribute to resource acceleration. Interactions with cards that capitalize on creature deaths or token sacrifices can convert these tokens into mana or other resources, aiding in pacing ahead in the game.

Instant Speed: While Ophiomancer itself is not an instant, its token generation triggering at the beginning of each upkeep creates an effect similar to having an instant spell by providing surprise blockers. This can disrupt an opponent’s combat calculations or be timed with other instant speed interactions, offering flexible defensive strategies during each player’s turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One downside to Ophiomancer is the potential need to get rid of other cards from your hand to make the most of its abilities. This discard requirement can put you at a disadvantage, especially when your hand is already running thin on options.

Specific Mana Cost: Ophiomancer’s casting cost includes black mana, which means it fits primarily into black-themed decks or those with a reliable mana base that can accommodate the specific color requirement, potentially limiting its versatility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, Ophiomancer may be considered a bit steep for its effect compared to other creatures that offer similar or greater value. In fast-paced games, the mana could possibly be better spent on more impact-driven cards.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Ophiomancer is a multi-faceted card that shines in decks geared towards token generation and sacrifice strategies. Its ability to consistently provide creature tokens every turn makes it a persistent threat that can adapt to a variety of situations.

Combo Potential: The snakes provided by Ophiomancer are ripe for synergistic plays. They pair well with engines that capitalize on creatures entering the battlefield or dying, such as Skullclamp for card draw or Ashnod’s Altar for ramping up mana.

Meta-Relevance: In a game that emphasizes board presence, Ophiomancer stands out. It provides relentless value in long, grindy games where resources are key, making it well-suited to face off against many prevailing control and midrange deck archetypes.


How to beat

Ophiomancer is a unique creature in the Magic: The Gathering universe, known for its ability to consistently generate snake tokens every turn under the right conditions. To effectively counter Ophiomancer, players need to focus on disrupting its token generation mechanic. This can be achieved by removing the creature from the battlefield through removal spells like Path to Exile or by employing board wipes such as Wrath of God to clear all creatures including the generated tokens. Preventing the Ophiomancer from being on the battlefield at the beginning of a player’s upkeep is crucial.

Another strategy involves stifling token generation by maintaining creature control. Since Ophiomancer requires there to be no snakes under your control to create a token, keeping one alive will stop the cycle. Continuous token control can be managed with cards offering repeated creature destruction or with effects that prevent token generation altogether, like Cursed Totem. Additionally, controlling the battlefield with enchantments like Rest in Peace can hinder strategies that might utilize the recurring snake tokens from the graveyard.

Overall, understanding and interrupting Ophiomancer’s mechanics is key to overcoming its advantage and maintaining a competitive edge in your MTG game.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the art of MTG requires both strategic play and a robust collection. Ophiomancer exemplifies the tactical depth of deck building with its automatic token generation and utility in diverse strategies. If you’re looking to enhance your gameplay or expand your collection with a card that consistently dictates board state and capitalizes on synergy, Ophiomancer is a worthy addition. Understanding how to utilize such cards can be the difference between a win or loss. Elevate your deck’s potential and navigate through various matchups with confidence. Learn more with us and transform your MTG encounters into calculated victories.


Cards like Ophiomancer

Ophiomancer stands out in the realm of creature cards within Magic: The Gathering. It is akin to cards like Bitterblossom that consistently produces tokens. Ophiomancer distinguishes itself by giving you a 1/1 black Snake creature token with deathtouch at the beginning of each upkeep, provided you do not have one already. In contrast, Bitterblossom generates 1/1 black Faerie Rogue creature tokens with flying, but it comes with a life cost of one for each token.

An additional similar card that falls in the same category is Endrek Sahr, Master Breeder. While Endrek Sahr does not grant deathtouch, hoever, it produces multiple 1/1 black Thrull creature tokens, potentially in larger quantities depending on the spell’s casting cost. Unlike Ophiomancer, which works well defensively, Endrek Sahr rewards you for a more aggressive strategy focused on spellcasting.

In summary, while there are other cards that offer token generation, Ophiomancer provides unique utility with its automatic token creation and deathtouch attribute, making it valuable in both controlling the board and deterring opponents’ attacks within the strategy of Magic: The Gathering gameplay.

Bitterblossom - MTG Card versions
Endrek Sahr, Master Breeder - MTG Card versions
Bitterblossom - Morningtide (MOR)
Endrek Sahr, Master Breeder - Time Spiral (TSP)

Cards similar to Ophiomancer by color, type and mana cost

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Nettling Imp - Limited Edition Alpha (LEA)
Royal Assassin - 30th Anniversary Edition (30A)
El-Hajjâj - Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border (4BB)
Plague Rats - Foreign Black Border (FBB)
Frozen Shade - 30th Anniversary Edition (30A)
Scathe Zombies - Eighth Edition (8ED)
Sorceress Queen - Rivals Quick Start Set (RQS)
Wall of Bone - Duel Decks: Garruk vs. Liliana (DDD)
Lost Soul - Introductory Two-Player Set (ITP)
Mindstab Thrull - Masters Edition (ME1)
Mischievous Poltergeist - Classic Sixth Edition (6ED)
Strongarm Thug - Mercadian Masques (MMQ)
Razortooth Rats - Seventh Edition (7ED)
Ghastly Remains - Legions (LGN)
Lord of the Undead - Eighth Edition (8ED)
Deepwood Ghoul - Eighth Edition (8ED)
Dross Prowler - Mirrodin (MRD)
Nim Lasher - Mirrodin (MRD)
Nim Abomination - Darksteel (DST)
Nantuko Husk - Ninth Edition (9ED)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ophiomancer MTG card by a specific set like Commander 2013 and Commander Collection: Black, 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 Ophiomancer and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Ophiomancer Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2013-11-01 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12013-11-01Commander 2013C13 842003normalblackJohn Stanko
22022-01-28Commander Collection: BlackCC2 32015normalblackCaroline Gariba
32022-07-28Historic Anthology 6HA6 32015normalblackCaroline Gariba
42022-12-02Jumpstart 2022J22 4522015normalblackJohn Stanko

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Ophiomancer has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
GladiatorLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Ophiomancer card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

DateText
2013-10-17 If the ability does trigger, but you control a Snake when it tries to resolve, the ability will do nothing. No Snake token will be created.
2013-10-17 Ophiomancer’s ability checks if you control a Snake at the beginning of each upkeep. If you do, the ability won’t trigger.
2013-10-17 Ophiomancer’s ability considers any creature you control with the creature type Snake, not just the tokens Ophiomancer creates.

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