Gelectrode MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Weird
Power 0
Toughness 1

Key Takeaways

  1. Gelectrode provides card advantage by enabling repeated spell casts and cycling.
  2. At instant speed, it’s a continuous threat that demands opponents’ attention.
  3. Requires a well-stocked hand and specific mana base for optimal use.

Text of card

: Gelectrode deals 1 damage to target creature or player. Whenever you play an instant or sorcery spell, you may untap Gelectrode.

"Diametrically opposing energies in self-sealed plasmodermic bubbles make great pets!" —Trivaz, Izzet mage


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Gelectrode facilitates a cycling engine in your deck as it enables repeated spell casting. Each activated ability lets you ping creatures or players while unlocking the potential to draw more cards using various spells or abilities triggered by dealing damage or casting instant or sorceries.

Resource Acceleration: As a conduit for repeatable effects, Gelectrode can accelerate the efficiency of your plays. Untapping with every instant or sorcery not only increases your board presence but also replenishes a resource: your ability to deal damage or interact with the board at crucial moments.

Instant Speed: Gelectrode thrives at instant speed, allowing you to strategically time your spells to maximize its untap ability. This feature keeps your opponents on their toes as they must always account for the potential damage or disruption it could cause during their turn, setting you up for advantageous counterplays.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Gelectrode’s potential is maximized with spells, but without a stockpile of instants or sorceries to cast, you might find yourself unable to trigger its tap ability, leaving you at a disadvantage.

Specific Mana Cost: This card requires both blue and red mana, which could complicate your mana base and may not fit well in decks that aren’t focused on the Izzet color combination.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although two mana isn’t exorbitant, for an ability that requires further interactions to be effective, this cost could be inefficient, especially since it competes with a plethora of impactful two-drops across formats.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Gelectrode offers flexible use in various deck archetypes. Its ability to tap and deal damage to any target integrates well with spell-heavy strategies and can be a dynamic tool in both control and combo decks.

Combo Potential: This card’s capability to untap whenever you cast an instant or sorcery makes it an excellent combo piece. It can be a key card in chains that deal damage, manipulate the board state, or even go infinite under the right circumstances.

Meta-Relevance: In metas where small creatures reign or where ping effects can tip the scales, Gelectrode shines. Its persistent threat of activation deters opponents from deploying vulnerable creatures and can disrupt opponent strategies, maintaining its relevance in various meta games.


How to beat

Gelectrode has been an interesting card in MTG history, commonly found in decks that aim to play numerous spells in a single turn. To effectively counter Gelectrode, board control is crucial. Cards that can deal with creatures either by removing them or neutralizing their abilities are your best bet. Direct removal spells like Fatal Push or Path to Exile will dispatch Gelectrode quickly, circumventing its potential for repeated damage.

Additionally, countering the spells that Gelectrode aims to capitalize on with cards like Mana Leak or Dovin’s Veto can stifle your opponent’s strategy, leaving Gelectrode without ammunition. Your strategy should also involve limiting the number of spells the opponent can play each turn, so consider cards that impose additional costs to cast spells or effects that restrict spell casting to their own turn. Employing these tactics will help ensure Gelectrode doesn’t become a recurring threat on the battlefield.

When facing a deck that includes Gelectrode, remain vigilant and prioritize retaining control over the board. Keep your removal spells handy and anticipate the flurry of instants and sorceries that could empower Gelectrode, preparing your counterspells accordingly.


BurnMana Recommendations

The world of MTG is vast, with Gelectrode highlighting the depth in deck building and in-game strategy. With its ability to ping and untap, it exemplifies the powerful synergies that can be built around spell-slinging archetypes. If the intricate dance of spell casting and resource management excites you, there’s much more to explore. Whether you’re optimizing your current build or searching for inspiration for new combos, understand that each card choice can turn the tide of battle. Delve deeper into the heart of MTG with us, unraveling more strategic layers and expanding your prowess. Ready to ignite your gameplay with Gelectrode’s fiery potential? Let’s embark on this journey together.


Cards like Gelectrode

Gelectrode stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a versatile damage dealer with its ability to ping creatures or players while untapping with every spell you cast. It shares similarities with Wee Dragonauts, a creature that gains flying and a temporary power boost with each instant or sorcery played. However, Gelectrode offers consistent damage output without the need for a combat phase, providing control players with a recurring source of damage.

Comparing to Firebrand Archer, another creature that deals damage to opponents with noncreature spells, Gelectrode provides additional flexibility by targeting any creature or player. This makes it a superior choice when needing to control the board. While the Archer can impact the game right away, the incremental control offered by Gelectrode can be a game-changer in longer matches.

In essence, Gelectrode’s unique capability to untap with every spell cast gives it an edge in decks that feature numerous low-cost spells. The recurring pings can accumulate substantial damage over time or eliminate key threats on the board, marking it as a valuable asset in MTG decks that prioritize spell casting and board control.

Wee Dragonauts - MTG Card versions
Firebrand Archer - MTG Card versions
Wee Dragonauts - Arena League 2006 (PAL06)
Firebrand Archer - Hour of Devastation (HOU)

Cards similar to Gelectrode by color, type and mana cost

Frenetic Efreet - MTG Card versions
Whirlpool Warrior - MTG Card versions
Yusri, Fortune's Flame - MTG Card versions
Aegar, the Freezing Flame - MTG Card versions
Wee Dragonauts - MTG Card versions
Frenetic Sliver - MTG Card versions
Noggle Hedge-Mage - MTG Card versions
Crackleburr - MTG Card versions
Noggle Ransacker - MTG Card versions
Izzet Staticaster - MTG Card versions
Jhoira of the Ghitu - MTG Card versions
Spellheart Chimera - MTG Card versions
Jori En, Ruin Diver - MTG Card versions
Ludevic, Necro-Alchemist - MTG Card versions
Nivix Cyclops - MTG Card versions
Enigma Drake - MTG Card versions
Protean Raider - MTG Card versions
Adeliz, the Cinder Wind - MTG Card versions
Piston-Fist Cyclops - MTG Card versions
Dalakos, Crafter of Wonders - MTG Card versions
Frenetic Efreet - World Championship Decks 1997 (WC97)
Whirlpool Warrior - The List (PLST)
Yusri, Fortune's Flame - Modern Horizons 2 Promos (PMH2)
Aegar, the Freezing Flame - Multiverse Legends (MUL)
Wee Dragonauts - Mystery Booster (MB1)
Frenetic Sliver - Planar Chaos (PLC)
Noggle Hedge-Mage - Eventide (EVE)
Crackleburr - Eventide (EVE)
Noggle Ransacker - Planechase Anthology (PCA)
Izzet Staticaster - Return to Ravnica (RTR)
Jhoira of the Ghitu - Modern Masters (MMA)
Spellheart Chimera - Duel Decks: Mind vs. Might (DDS)
Jori En, Ruin Diver - Oath of the Gatewatch (OGW)
Ludevic, Necro-Alchemist - Treasure Chest (PZ2)
Nivix Cyclops - Duel Decks: Mind vs. Might (DDS)
Enigma Drake - Core Set 2019 (M19)
Protean Raider - Rivals of Ixalan Promos (PRIX)
Adeliz, the Cinder Wind - The List (PLST)
Piston-Fist Cyclops - Guilds of Ravnica (GRN)
Dalakos, Crafter of Wonders - Theros Beyond Death Promos (PTHB)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Gelectrode MTG card by a specific set like Guildpact and Duel Decks: Izzet vs. Golgari, 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 Gelectrode and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Gelectrode Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2006-02-03 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Dan Scott.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12006-02-03GuildpactGPT 1132003normalblackDan Scott
22012-09-07Duel Decks: Izzet vs. GolgariDDJ 52003normalblackDan Scott
32018-11-02GRN Guild KitGK1 382015normalblackDan Scott
42019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 14282015normalblackDan Scott
52020-09-26The ListPLST GK1-382015normalblackDan Scott

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Gelectrode has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

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