Price of Knowledge MTG Card


Price of Knowledge - Commander 2013
Mana cost
Converted mana cost7
RarityRare
TypeEnchantment
Released2013-11-01
Set symbol
Set nameCommander 2013
Set codeC13
Number89
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byDan Scott

Key Takeaways

  1. Grants control over opponents by penalizing them for having large hand sizes.
  2. Demands high mana cost and synergy with discard strategies for maximum efficacy.
  3. Capable of altering game dynamics, especially effective against control decks.

Text of card

Players have no maximum hand size. At the beginning of each opponent's upkeep, Price of Knowledge deals damage to that player equal to the number of cards in that player's hand.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Price of Knowledge card excels in giving players an upper hand by allowing them to benefit from having more cards in hand than their opponent, potentially leading to a wider array of tactical options and strategies.

Resource Acceleration: While Price of Knowledge doesn’t directly accelerate resources, it pressures opponents to utilize their resources wisely. Any excess cards held can become liabilities, potentially hastening the game’s end due to life loss.

Instant Speed: This powerful enchantment operates at the pace of the game, continually creating an environment where the player can impact the match without waiting for sorcery speed opportunities. Though not an instant itself, its enduring effect can dictate the pace of play, much like the threat of an instant in hand.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: When engaging with the strategic depths of Magic the Gathering, Price of Knowledge enforces a harsh mandatory condition by making each opponent pay the high cost of discarding cards. Controlling an opponent’s hand size can be a powerful strategy, but it also may not synergize well with decks that don’t capitalize on discard mechanisms, potentially leaving you with a less effective gameplay tactic.

Specific Mana Cost: Price of Knowledge requires a dedicated investment in black mana as part of its casting cost. This can present a challenge for multicolor deck strategies where the black mana might not always be readily available. Decks that don’t heavily feature black mana sources might find this card demanding and a bit mismatched for their mana curve, thus impacting the overall flow and potential of the deck.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a demanding seven mana cost to cast, Price of Knowledge is a card that plays into the late game. Even in a mono-black deck or a deck with good mana ramping, the seven mana investment can be quite steep. There are alternatives with lower mana costs that could offer more immediate or versatile benefits. Players must assess the potential late-game payoff versus the upfront heavy mana investment when considering this card.


Reasons to Include Price of Knowledge in Your Collection

Versatility: Price of Knowledge adapts to different playstyles, proving useful in decks that aim to punish opponents for holding cards. The longer the game, the more effective this card becomes, fitting nicely into strategies that encourage drawing cards.

Combo Potential: This card can synergize with discard-focused strategies, increasing the pressure on your opponent. Pair it with effects that force your opponent to draw more cards, turning their card advantage into a liability.

Meta-Relevance: As the dynamic of games often involves managing hand size, Price of Knowledge can be a game-changer. It holds particular power in metas where control decks with large hand sizes prevail, serving as a countermeasure to such strategies.


How to beat

The Price of Knowledge is a unique enchantment in Magic the Gathering that can dramatically shift game dynamics. Its ability to inflict damage to opponents based on the number of cards in their hand makes it a formidable card to face. Unlike other enchantments that offer a predictable outcome, Price of Knowledge punishes players for holding onto cards, which is a common strategem.

To circumnavigate the detrimental effects of Price of Knowledge, consider utilizing spells that force you to play with an empty hand, like “Hellbent” mechanics, or strategies that benefit from having fewer cards in hand. Another tactic is to focus on removing enchantments from the battlefield. Cards like Disenchant or Naturalize offer direct solutions, while counterspells can prevent Price of Knowledge from taking effect altogether. Additionally, redirecting the damage through cards that offer protection or redirects, like Shalai, Voice of Plenty, or Deflecting Swat, can help preserve your life total while dealing with the threats on the board.

Ultimately, understanding and preparing for the potential impact of cards like Price of Knowledge can be a deciding factor in many MTG games. By adapting your playstyle or incorporating enchantment removal in your deck, you can effectively mitigate its power, keeping your strategies flexible and responsive.


BurnMana Recommendations

Price of Knowledge can be a captivating addition to your MTG deck with its ability to turn card advantage into a cunning weapon. Consider pairing it with strategies that force your opponents to draw or hold cards, enhancing the card’s relentless pressure. However, be mindful of its mana demands and plan your resource management accordingly. As we’ve explored, adapting to the threats and opportunities of MTG is essential. Whether tweaking your collection or preparing for your next game night, remember Price of Knowledge has the potential to be a game-changer. Delve further into MTG strategy and enhance your gameplay by continuing the conversation with us.


Cards like Price of Knowledge

Price of Knowledge steps into the realm of black enchantments in MTG with a unique twist on punishing opponents for holding onto their hand. It stands alongside cards such as Underworld Dreams, which inflicts damage to an opponent whenever they draw a card. While Underworld Dreams is passive in its approach, Price of Knowledge is more aggressive by dealing damage based on the number of cards in the opponent’s hand during their upkeep.

Mindcrank is another pertinent card to consider. While it does not deal direct damage, it synergizes with Price of Knowledge by milling cards whenever an opponent loses life, leading to a potential to drain an opponent’s library. However, it doesn’t have the immediate board presence and the deterrence factor that comes with Price of Knowledge. Painful Quandary poses a different kind of threat by imposing a penalty of loss of life or discarding a card whenever an opponent casts a spell. This enhances the strength of Price of Knowledge, creating a taxing environment for your opponent’s resources.

In analyzing the strategic benefits of similar enchantments, Price of Knowledge asserts itself as a force that can dictate the tempo and pressure of the game, contributing to a control strategy that forces opponents into difficult positions.

Underworld Dreams - MTG Card versions
Mindcrank - MTG Card versions
Painful Quandary - MTG Card versions
Underworld Dreams - MTG Card versions
Mindcrank - MTG Card versions
Painful Quandary - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Price of Knowledge by color, type and mana cost

Baneful Omen - MTG Card versions
Grave Betrayal - MTG Card versions
Hedonist's Trove - MTG Card versions
Cruel Reality - MTG Card versions
Arvinox, the Mind Flail - MTG Card versions
Cacophony Unleashed - MTG Card versions
Baneful Omen - MTG Card versions
Grave Betrayal - MTG Card versions
Hedonist's Trove - MTG Card versions
Cruel Reality - MTG Card versions
Arvinox, the Mind Flail - MTG Card versions
Cacophony Unleashed - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Price of Knowledge MTG card by a specific set like Commander 2013, 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 Price of Knowledge and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Price of Knowledge has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2013-10-17 Count the number of cards in that opponent’s hand when the ability resolves to determine how much damage is dealt.

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