Scepter of Dominance MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Rare
Type	Artifact
Released	2009-02-06
Set symbol
Set name	Conflux
Set code	CON
Number	17
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Howard Lyon

Key Takeaways

Provides continuous board control by tapping an opponent’s permanent each turn, limiting their gameplay options.
Enables planning and execution of decisive turns by impeding opponents’ resource acceleration.
Activation at instant speed offers a versatile edge and strategic depth to gameplay.

Text of card

, : Tap target permanent.

"Whether or not you will bow to me is not open to debate. The question is, will I ever let you rise?" —Fridius, telemin master

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Scepter of Dominance taps down an opponent’s permanent each turn, potentially ensuring a steady pace of controlling the board and limiting their resources. Over the span of a game, this can translate into a sustained advantage as you systematically restrict your opponent’s options.

Resource Acceleration: By keeping an opponent’s land tapped, you effectively slow their progress, giving you the upper hand and speeding up your plan. This imbalance can lead to decisive turns where your accelerated resources give you the capability for game-changing plays.

Instant Speed: The ability to activate the Scepter of Dominance at the speed of an instant adds an unexpected layer of strategy during gameplay. You can disrupt your opponent’s plans during their turn, making it a versatile tool for maintaining pressure and asserting dominance on the battlefield.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Scepter of Dominance requires discarding a card to activate its control ability. This can put you at a disadvantage by depleting your hand and potentially losing crucial strategies or resources you might need later on.

Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a strict combination of mana types for casting. Notably, the reliance on white mana makes it less flexible and potentially troublesome to include in multicolored decks that might not consistently generate the necessary white mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana cost for both casting and activation, the Scepter of Dominance stands on the pricier side of control options. Several other cards offer similar or better control effects for a more economical mana investment, which could make them more appealing choices in a deck built for efficiency.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Scepter of Dominance is a dynamic card capable of finding a home in multiple deck archetypes. Its capacity to control opponents’ resources makes it a valuable addition, especially in decks that thrive on dictating the pace of the game.

Combo Potential: This card seamlessly integrates with lockout strategies or decks that capitalize on opponents being resource-light. By tapping potential threats or mana sources, it can set the stage for game-winning combos.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment where tempo plays a critical role, Scepter of Dominance can be the key to gaining and maintaining the upper hand. The ability to disrupt your opponent’s board presence systematically can be a deciding factor in competitive play.

How to beat

Scepter of Dominance, as a unique piece in Magic: The Gathering, offers players the ability to lock down opponents’ resources. Operating akin to control cards such as Icy Manipulator, it allows you to tap target permanent, disrupting your foe’s strategy. Unlike simpler versions, Scepter of Dominance requires both an initial investment and a color commitment, making its integration a careful decision in deck building decisions.

Overcoming this card’s controlling grip involves strategic plays and deck adjustments. Artifact removal spells like Naturalize become invaluable, allowing you to dismantle the Scepter’s influence efficiently. Cards like Abrade offer flexibility by providing both creature removal and artifact destruction. Alternatively, the inclusion of counterplay options such as Pithing Needle can nullify the Scepter’s ability without removing it from the field, sidestepping the locking mechanism entirely.

Mindful consideration of card choices to address potential threats like Scepter of Dominance can shift the power balance back to your favor. Understanding and preparing for control components in your opponent’s deck could be the key strategy, making the seemingly dominant scepter just another manageable piece of the game’s intricate puzzle.

Cards like Scepter of Dominance

The Scepter of Dominance is a unique artifact in the world of Magic: The Gathering, providing players with a means to control the battlefield. When considering artifacts with similar control aspects, one might look at Icy Manipulator. While Icy Manipulator also allows players to tap a target artifact, creature, or land, it does not require white mana for activation, offering more flexibility in mana use.

In contrast, the Gilded Lotus offers a different kind of control by providing an abundance of mana in any color, albeit without the direct tapping ability of Scepter of Dominance. On another hand, the Marble Titan is noteworthy for its ability to control combat by forcing all creatures with power 3 or greater to remain tapped, affecting combat in a more pronounced way than the single-target approach of Scepter of Dominance.

These variations underscore the diversity in control strategies available to Magic: The Gathering players. The Scepter of Dominance, with its focused tap-down ability and specific mana requirement, occupies its niche among a range of control-focused cards, each offering its tactical advantage.

Cards similar to Scepter of Dominance by color, type and mana cost

The Book of Exalted Deeds - MTG Card versions

Peacewalker Colossus - MTG Card versions

Knight of the Widget - MTG Card versions

Maul of the Skyclaves - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Scepter of Dominance MTG card by a specific set like Conflux, 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 Scepter of Dominance and other MTG cards: