Bureaucracy MTG Card


Bureaucracy - Unglued
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeEnchantment
Released1998-08-11
Set symbol
Set nameUnglued
Set codeUGL
Number14
Frame1997
LayoutNormal
BorderSilver
Illustred byMark Zug
Un-set :-)This card is part of an Un-set

Key Takeaways

  1. Bureaucracy can tip the scales by providing crucial card advantage during gameplay.
  2. Efficiency and surprise are among its strengths with instant-speed plays unsettling opponents.
  3. Strategy depth increases as it fits into control decks, challenging conventional playstyles.

Text of card

Pursuant to subsection 3.1(4) of Richard's Rules of Order, during the upkeep of each participant in this game of the Magic: The Gathering® trading card game (hereafter known as "PLAYER"), that PLAYER performs all actions in the sequence of previously added actions (hereafter known as "ACTION QUEUE"), in the order those actions were added, then adds another action to the end of the ACTION QUEUE. All actions must be simple physical or verbal actions that a player can perform while sitting in a chair, without jeopardizing the health and security of said PLAYER. If any PLAYER does not perform all the prescribed actions in the correct order, sacrifice Bureaucracy and said PLAYER discards his or her complement of cards in hand (hereafter known as "HAND").


Card Pros

In the realm of strategy that Magic the Gathering offers, Bureaucracy emerges as a unique piece in a player’s arsenal. The benefits it provides can be the turning point in a close-fought battle. Here are some of the advantages that come with adding Bureaucracy to your deck:

Card Advantage: Bureaucracy shines in providing card advantage. With its ability to potentially disrupt your opponent’s hand while keeping yours intact, you’re set to have more options available to secure your triumph. This translates to an upper hand in the ebb and flow of the game, pushing you towards victory.

Resource Acceleration: Efficiency is key in MTG, and Bureaucracy aids in this by hastening your resource development. This acceleration is vital when racing against an opponent to establish a dominant board presence and could mean the difference between controlling the game or falling behind.

Instant Speed: The power of instant-speed cards cannot be overstated, and Bureaucracy’s instantaneous nature allows for unexpected plays. By keeping your mana untapped until the last possible moment, your adversaries will be hard-pressed to predict your next move, ensuring that you retain the element of surprise.

Deck builders looking for ways to streamline their gameplay will find Bureaucracy a capable and versatile tool, whether in building a lead, maintaining control, or staging an unforeseen comeback.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Bureaucracy asks a player to discard another card from their hand to play it. This can be a significant drawback, particularly in the later stages of the game where card advantage is crucial, or if the player’s hand is already lacking in options.

Specific Mana Cost: Bureaucracy comes with a mana requirement that includes blue mana, thus restricting it mainly to decks that run blue and can reliably produce that color. This requirement can make it a cumbersome addition to multi-colored decks that may have mana accessibility issues.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana cost being relatively high for its effect on the game, Bureaucracy can be a costly addition to your lineup. In the fast-paced environment of modern MTG play, where efficiency is key, there may be alternative cards that offer similar benefits at a lower mana commitment.


Reasons to Include Bureaucracy in Your Collection

Versatility: Bureaucracy is a unique card that can be slotted into various decks, particularly those that focus on control or denial strategies. Its ability to slow down an opponent’s game by forcing additional decision-making adds a layer of complexity that can be advantageous in many situations.

Combo Potential: This card pairs well with decks that capitalize on opponents’ mistakes or indecisiveness. In combination with cards that punish non-compliance or reward players for following the rules, Bureaucracy can become an engine of disruption and advantage.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where players often rely on speedy play and efficient use of turns, introducing a card like Bureaucracy can unsettle common strategies and offer a surprising edge. Its presence in your deck could give you the upper hand in a meta that isn’t prepared for its unique effect.


How to beat

Bureaucracy is one of those unique MTG cards with an unorthodox mechanism that disrupts the normal pace of gameplay. In order to effectively counteract Bureaucracy, it’s critical to maintain a sharp focus on your actions and follow the rules precisely, as this card penalizes players for not obeying its odd directives. One strategy is to play cards that allow you to act at instant speed, giving you the flexibility to respond to Bureaucracy’s demands at a moment’s notice.

Another effective tactic is to employ creature abilities. Since Bureaucracy affects players rather than creatures, utilizing activated abilities can help bypass the restrictions imposed by this card. Additionally, playing cards that limit your opponents’ actions or cards that can alter the rules of the game themselves can level the playing field, rendering Bureaucracy less effective. Finally, including enchantment removal in your deck ensures that if Bureaucracy becomes too cumbersome, you have a direct way to eliminate it from the board.

Taking these approaches into account, it’s clear that while Bureaucracy can be a daunting card to play against, understanding its mechanism and preparing your deck with the right countermeasures can turn the tables in your favor.


Cards like Bureaucracy

Bureaucracy steps into the realm of control enchantments within Magic: The Gathering, joining the ranks of cards like Rule of Law. While Rule of Law limits each player to casting just one spell each turn, Bureaucracy takes a unique twist by restraining players based on their hand gestures. This condition adds a layer of psychological strategy, making players extra mindful of their actions beyond the game board.

Comparatively, there’s Arcane Laboratory with a similar restriction effect to Rule of Law, but unique to individual opponents. Again, Bureaucracy offers a more unorthodox challenge, potentially disrupting opponents’ focus and thereby, their game plan. While effects like those of Rule of Law and Arcane Laboratory are more straightforward and consistent in their impact, Bureaucracy’s reliance on a player’s behavior introduces a dynamic and unpredictable element.

Ultimately, Bureaucracy finds its niche as a Magic: The Gathering card blending meticulous control with an unusual psychological aspect. It remains an intriguing option for those looking to add an element of surprise and a mental edge to their gameplay, proving that sometimes creativity in casting conditions can be just as potent as the most powerful spells.

Rule of Law - MTG Card versions
Arcane Laboratory - MTG Card versions
Rule of Law - MTG Card versions
Arcane Laboratory - MTG Card versions

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Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Bureaucracy MTG card by a specific set like Unglued, 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 Bureaucracy and other MTG cards:

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