Cho-Arrim Alchemist MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	1
Rarity	Rare
Type	Creature — Human Spellshaper
Released	1999-10-04
Set symbol
Set name	Mercadian Masques
Set code	MMQ
Power	1
Toughness	1
Number	8
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Scott M. Fischer

Key Takeaways

The Alchemist excels in card advantage, controlling artifacts without self-tapping.
Its ability for instant speed activation enables highly responsive play.
Despite specific mana and higher cost, its unique abilities offer powerful control.

Text of card

o1o Wo W, oc T, Discard a card from your hand: The next time a source of your choice would deal damage to you this turn, prevent that damage and gain that much life.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Cho-Arrim Alchemist has the capacity to control multiple artifacts without the cost of tapping itself. This means you can maintain artifact dominance on the playing field without sacrificing the availability of your creature, preserving valuable card economy and potentially generating a stream of advantages each turn.

Resource Acceleration: Although not directly accelerating resources by producing mana, the Cho-Arrim Alchemist can untap artifacts which, in turn, can be reused within the same turn. This repetitive utilization of artifacts like mana rocks or other utility pieces can significantly ramp up your board state and enhance your overall mana utility.

Instant Speed: With its ability activating at instant speed, the Cho-Arrim Alchemist enables responsive gameplay. You can adapt to evolving board states, disrupt opponents’ strategies or simply maximize the use of your artifacts without having to commit to any actions in your own turn. Such flexibility allows players to stay dynamic and unpredictable, a significant edge in any MTG game.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Not applicable to Cho-Arrim Alchemist as it does not require discarding as part of its abilities. However, managing your hand to make the most of its tap ability can be critical in gameplay.

Specific Mana Cost: Necessitating white mana to cast this card restricts it to decks that can produce this color, potentially limiting its versatility across different deck archetypes.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a converted mana cost of three, Cho-Arrim Alchemist might be considered slow compared to other options in a similar role, possibly making it a less appealing choice in decks aiming for high-speed play and early board control.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Cho-Arrim Alchemist offers flexibility by serving not only as a creature but also as a tool for manipulating artifacts. This characteristic allows it to seamlessly integrate into decks that can exploit either of these facets to their advantage.

Combo Potential: The Alchemist’s ability to untap artifacts invites a number of ingenious combos, enabling endless interactions with other cards. For players who relish crafting complex chains of play, this card opens up a playground of possibilities.

Meta-Relevance: Despite not being the lynchpin of current dominant decks, Cho-Arrim Alchemist holds its own in specific metas, particularly where artifacts and their synergies are prevalent. Its unique ability set can disrupt opponents’ strategies or catch them off-guard, proving its worth in the right circumstances.

How to Beat

Confronting the Cho-Arrim Alchemist in MTG demands a strategic approach. This card, with its capacity to redirect damage, creates a protective barrier around vital creatures or the player themselves. One of the most effective ways to counteract the Alchemist’s ability is through the use of untargeted damage spells or effects that do not require a target, such as “Earthquake” or “Pyroclasm.” These bypass the redirection defense by applying damage across the board, leaving the Alchemist unable to shield your intended targets.

Additionally, spells that prevent the activation of abilities can incapacitate the Cho-Arrim Alchemist. Cards like “Phyrexian Revoker” or “Pithing Needle” serve as pre-emptive strikes against the Alchemist’s abilities. Employing creature removal that doesn’t deal damage such as “Path to Exile” or “Doom Blade” can also unbind you from the Alchemist’s protective enchantment. Remember, facing the Cho-Arrim Alchemist isn’t about overpowering—it’s about outmaneuvering.

Through the lens of MTG strategy, addressing the challenge posed by the Cho-Arrim Alchemist comes down to choosing the right tools in your deck to either sidestep its defensive capabilities or prevent them from being a factor altogether.

Cards like Cho-Arrim Alchemist

Cho-Arrim Alchemist holds a unique place amongst its counterparts in Magic: The Gathering. It shares a kinship with other creature cards such as Samite Healer, which also carries the ability to prevent damage to creatures or players. However, Cho-Arrim Alchemist distinguishes itself with the capacity to not just thwart damage, but to redirect it as well.

Other creatures in comparison include Master Healer, capable of preventing a significant amount of damage, but without the tactical versatility of redirecting it. Dissimilar in mana cost, the Master Healer demands more but offers a sturdier body in return. Then there is Vigilant Martyr, providing both damage prevention and the distinct ability to protect your enchantments but lacking Cho-Arrim Alchemist’s proactive control over damage redirection.

When we evaluate an array of options, Cho-Arrim Alchemist stands out because of the strategic depth it provides. With the capability to not only protect but also repurpose potential harm, it elevates itself within the sphere of damage control cards, offering a crafty tool for resourceful MTG players.

Cards similar to Cho-Arrim Alchemist by color, type and mana cost

Faerie Guidemother // Gift of the Fae - MTG Card versions

Yoshimaru, Ever Faithful - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Cho-Arrim Alchemist MTG card by a specific set like Mercadian Masques, 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 Cho-Arrim Alchemist and other MTG cards: