Magic Monday: Changing the Game with Mystical Tutor

Let’s look at some game changers! I’ve got some mixed feelings about WotC’s definition of these powerful cards. They’re staples of the format, and they’re undeniably powerful, but the Game Changer categorisation has the potential to stigmatise their use.

Or does it?

It may well be the case for some groups that by identifying and admitting the power of these cards and defining how many one can include in a deck of a specific tier, it actually gives tacit permission for their use. Go figure.

Whichever way you see it, it’s worth knowing what these cards do. Today, let’s look at Mystical Tutor!

In the vast landscape(s) of Magic: The Gathering, few cards offer the precision and versatility of Mystical Tutor. Originally printed in Mirage, back in 1996, this iconic instant has become a cornerstone for combo and control strategies alike. Let’s delve into what makes Mystical Tutor so special and how to wield it effectively.

Mystical Tutor is a one-mana, blue instant that allows you to search your library for an instant or sorcery card and place it on top of your deck. While it doesn’t put the card directly into your hand, the ability to tutor for the perfect spell at the perfect time is invaluable. How come it’s so strong, though?

1. Flexibility: Mystical Tutor can fetch a wide range of spells, from game-winning combos to clutch removal or counterspells.
2. Low Cost: At just one blue mana, it’s an efficient way to set up your next draw without disrupting your mana curve.
3. Synergy with Card Draw: Pairing Mystical Tutor with instant-speed card draw, like Brainstorm or Opt, allows you to access the tutored card immediately.

Okay, so that’s pretty powerful. Now, how can this power be applied strategically in our games of Commander?

• Combo Decks: Mystical Tutor shines in combo decks, where finding a specific piece can mean the difference between victory and defeat. For example, fetching Ad Nauseam, Time Spiral, or any number of interesting and powerful cards can set up explosive turns.
• Control Decks: In control strategies, Mystical Tutor provides access to answers exactly when you need them, whether it’s a Wrath of God to clear the board or a Counterspell to stop a threat.
• Reanimator Decks: In reanimator builds, Mystical Tutor can fetch spells like Reanimate or Exhume to bring back powerful creatures from the graveyard.

With those options in hand, we’ve got to ask; is Mystical Tutor fair? Well, the fairness of Mystical Tutor often depends on the context. In casual play, it can feel oppressive when used to conveniently fetch game-ending spells. However, in competitive formats, its efficiency and versatility make it a balanced and skill-testing card.

One way I’ve heard tutors described is as essentially a second copy of your important cards. If you have a 1 in 100 chance of drawing a specific instant or sorcery spell, Mystical Tutor suddenly makes that a 1 in 50 chance, for the cost of a very little bit of mana and some card advantage.

Of course, Mystical Tutor won’t win games on its own, and there are plenty of ways to combat such spells:

• Disrupt Their Draw: Cards like Narset, Parter of Veils or Notion Thief can prevent your opponent from accessing the tutored card, or at least delay them.
• Mill their tutored card: There are plenty of cards that will let you mill the top card of your opponent’s deck before they can draw it. Consider cards like Thought Scour, Codex Shredder, or Persistent Petitioners.
• Apply Pressure: Force your opponent to use their tutored spell defensively rather than offensively by maintaining a strong board presence.
• Counter the Tutor: If you suspect a critical spell is coming, countering Mystical Tutor itself can be a proactive way to disrupt their plans. Often, however, it might be better to wait and see what they tutor and counter that.

Mystical Tutor is a masterclass in efficiency and precision. Whether you’re using it to assemble a combo, find a clutch answer, or set up a devastating turn, it’s a card that rewards careful planning and strategic thinking. However, its power demands respect; both from those who play it and those who face it.

For me, it has a home currently in my Grolnok and Aminatou decks. What about you?

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