Eidolon of Rhetoric MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeEnchantment Creature — Spirit
Power 1
Toughness 4

Key Takeaways

  1. Eidolon of Rhetoric equalizes the game by limiting players to one spell per turn.
  2. Its three mana cost and effect on gameplay pace may not fit all deck types.
  3. Players can use removal spells or counters to effectively bypass its restrictions.

Text of card

Each player can't cast more than one spell each turn.

It is the soul of a philosopher who died of starvation contemplating the universe.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Eidolon of Rhetoric ensures each player is limited to casting only one spell each turn. This can be a significant advantage as it prevents opponents from utilizing card resources to their fullest, especially in formats where multiple spells can be played in a single turn. In a way, it equalizes the playing field and can hinder decks that rely on chaining together several spells to achieve victory.

Resource Acceleration: While Eidolon of Rhetoric does not directly provide mana or resource acceleration, it effectively slows down the pace of the game. This indirect benefit allows players to build up their own resources at a manageable rate without worrying about an immediate overwhelming response from the opposition. It creates a scenario where well-timed plays and resource management become key to victory.

Instant Speed: Although Eidolon of Rhetoric operates at sorcery speed, its static ability is always ‘on’ and doesn’t require any additional mana or actions to use. This persistent effect can be thought of as a standing order that continuously impacts the flow of the game from the moment Eidolon enters the battlefield. It allows the controller to navigate the game at a more calculated pace, shaping the strategy around this constant rule enforcement.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Eidolon of Rhetoric doesn’t force you to discard, it does place a limit on the number of spells you can cast per turn, potentially causing you to discard if holding a full hand.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring one white mana in its cost, Eidolon of Rhetoric may not seamlessly slot into multicolored decks, sometimes demanding a careful mana base or limiting its application to white-centric builds.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At three mana, including one white, some players find Eidolon of Rhetoric slightly costly for its stats and effect. Other cards with similar or lower mana costs might provide more immediate board presence or value.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Eidolon of Rhetoric offers a unique effect that can slow down or disrupt the strategies of decks that rely on casting multiple spells each turn. This card can be a pivotal inclusion in sideboards and holds its ground in the main deck for control or combo matchups, making it a versatile choice for various deck builds.

Combo Potential: While Eidolon of Rhetoric itself isn’t a combo piece, its ability to limit players to one spell per turn can aid in setting up your combos without interference from opponents. In decks focused around resolving key spells or gaining incremental advantages, the Eidolon can serve as a defensive measure to ensure your gameplay is undisturbed.

Meta-Relevance: In a metagame filled with storm, cascade, or other spell-heavy decks, Eidolon of Rhetoric shines by putting a major wrench in those plans. As a creature, it’s easy to cast and integrates well with enchantment and creature synergies, making it a relevant choice when adapting to fast-paced or spell-slinging environments.


How to beat

Eidolon of Rhetoric is a compelling component in Magic: The Gathering due to its power to limit players to one spell per turn. This ability is particularly useful in controlling the game’s tempo, reminiscent of the card Rule of Law. Yet, Eidolon offers more by being a creature that can also serve as a blocker on the field.

To effectively circumvent the constraints Eidolon of Rhetoric imposes, removal spells become key. Employing targeted removal like Path to Exile or Fatal Push can swiftly clear the path for your spells. Another strategy is to use board wipes like Wrath of God to reset the playing field. Similarly, countering this creature spell before it resolves with counterspells like Counterspell or Mana Leak can prevent it from ever impacting the board. Ultimately, while Eidolon of Rhetoric can pose a significant barrier, it can be overcome with strategic planning and timely removal.

Understanding how to navigate around creatures like Eidolon of Rhetoric is crucial in deck building and gameplay strategies. Effective removal and counterplay are essential tools in any Magic: The Gathering player’s arsenal, ensuring they can handle potential game-slowing cards like Eidolon.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the intricacies of deck building in MTG can make all the difference in your gameplay. Eidolon of Rhetoric is a nuanced card that, when wielded effectively, can stifle fast-paced opponents and give you the upper hand. If spell-heavy adversaries have been your bane, integrating Eidolon into your arsenal could be the game-changer you need. Whether it’s main deck material for you or a sideboard tactical option, understanding its strengths and limitations is key. Continue exploring with us, learn the ins and outs of Eidolon of Rhetoric, and adeptly craft your deck to outpace the competition in both strategy and execution.


Cards like Eidolon of Rhetoric

Eidolon of Rhetoric is an intriguing creature in the Magic: The Gathering arsenal, notably due to its ability to limit players to casting just one spell each turn. A similar card is Rule of Law, an enchantment that establishes the same restriction across the board, shaping the strategic tempo of the game. While Rule of Law is more resilient to creature removal strategies, the Eidolon has the advantage of doubling up as a body on the battlefield.

Another counterpart in this thematic group of constraint is Ethersworn Canonist. This artifact creature requires a more artifact-centric deck to be truly effective but provides the same one-spell-a-turn limit. Canonist shines in environments where artifact synergies are prevalent, distinguishing it from the broader applicability of Eidolon of Rhetoric. Deafening Silence is yet another enchantment echoing this playstyle, but it uniquely restricts only noncreature spells, carving a niche for decks that lean heavily on creature-based strategies.

In context, Eidolon of Rhetoric presents a valuable choice for players who appreciate a creature-based approach to controlling the game’s pace. Its blend of effect and form give it a distinctive place among its contemporaries, contributing to varied and tactical Magic: The Gathering matches.

Rule of Law - MTG Card versions
Ethersworn Canonist - MTG Card versions
Deafening Silence - MTG Card versions
Rule of Law - Mirrodin (MRD)
Ethersworn Canonist - Shards of Alara (ALA)
Deafening Silence - Throne of Eldraine (ELD)

Cards similar to Eidolon of Rhetoric by color, type and mana cost

Damping Field - MTG Card versions
Farmstead - MTG Card versions
Cooperation - MTG Card versions
Noble Steeds - MTG Card versions
Aura of Silence - MTG Card versions
Empyrial Armor - MTG Card versions
Cessation - MTG Card versions
Arrest - MTG Card versions
Glorious Anthem - MTG Card versions
Samite Sanctuary - MTG Card versions
Pariah - MTG Card versions
Tattoo Ward - MTG Card versions
Sparring Regimen - MTG Card versions
Shielded by Faith - MTG Card versions
The Restoration of Eiganjo // Architect of Restoration - MTG Card versions
Oblivion Ring - MTG Card versions
Cage of Hands - MTG Card versions
Rune-Tail, Kitsune Ascendant // Rune-Tail's Essence - MTG Card versions
Guardian's Magemark - MTG Card versions
Celestial Dawn - MTG Card versions
Damping Field - Antiquities (ATQ)
Farmstead - Summer Magic / Edgar (SUM)
Cooperation - Ice Age (ICE)
Noble Steeds - Alliances (ALL)
Aura of Silence - Commander 2015 (C15)
Empyrial Armor - Weatherlight (WTH)
Cessation - Urza's Legacy (ULG)
Arrest - Mystery Booster (MB1)
Glorious Anthem - Junior Super Series (PSUS)
Samite Sanctuary - Prophecy (PCY)
Pariah - Seventh Edition (7ED)
Tattoo Ward - Odyssey (ODY)
Sparring Regimen - Strixhaven: School of Mages Promos (PSTX)
Shielded by Faith - Signature Spellbook: Gideon (SS2)
The Restoration of Eiganjo // Architect of Restoration - Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty (NEO)
Oblivion Ring - Magic Online Theme Decks (TD0)
Cage of Hands - Commander Legends (CMR)
Rune-Tail, Kitsune Ascendant // Rune-Tail's Essence - The List (PLST)
Guardian's Magemark - Salvat 2005 (PSAL)
Celestial Dawn - Time Spiral Timeshifted (TSB)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Eidolon of Rhetoric MTG card by a specific set like Journey into Nyx and Mystery Booster Retail Edition Foils, 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 Eidolon of Rhetoric and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Eidolon of Rhetoric Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2014-05-02 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12014-05-02Journey into NyxJOU 102003normalblackRyan Yee
22020-03-08Mystery Booster Retail Edition FoilsFMB1 62003normalblackRyan Yee
32020-09-26The ListPLST JOU-102003normalblackRyan Yee
42022-12-02Jumpstart 2022J22 542015normalblackYakotakos

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Eidolon of Rhetoric has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal

Rules and information

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

DateText
2014-04-26 Eidolon of Rhetoric will look at the entire turn to see if a player has cast a spell yet that turn, even if Eidolon of Rhetoric wasn't on the battlefield when that spell was cast. Specifically, you can't cast Eidolon of Rhetoric and then cast another spell that turn.

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