Magic Monday: Changing the Game with Enlightened 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 Enlightened Tutor!

Few cards in Magic: The Gathering offer the sheer precision and efficiency of Enlightened Tutor. Originally printed in Mirage, this instant has become a staple in decks that rely on artifacts and enchantments, allowing players to find the perfect piece at the perfect time. But what makes it so powerful, and how should you use it? Let’s dive in.

Enlightened Tutor is a one-mana instant that lets you search your library for an artifact or enchantment and place it on top of your deck. While it doesn’t put the card directly into your hand, the ability to tutor for crucial pieces at instant speed is invaluable.

So, where’s the strength? What makes it so game-changing? I can see four main reasons to appreciate this card:

1. Low Cost, High Impact: At just one white mana, Enlightened Tutor is one of the most efficient tutors in the game
2. Instant Speed: Unlike sorcery-speed tutors, Enlightened Tutor can be used right before your draw step, ensuring immediate access to the tutored card.
3. Versatility: Whether you need a combo piece, removal, or a win condition, Enlightened Tutor finds what you need.
4. Synergy with Card Draw: Pairing it with Brainstorm, Sensei’s Divining Top, or Sylvan Library allows you to access the tutored card immediately.

These are pretty big strengths, and this card will find a home in most decks with a white component. It’s not unusual to have decks that are light on artifacts or on enchantments, but it’s less common not to be using either of these card types. Of course, there are some decks in which Enlightened Tutor will find a more natural home:

• Combo Decks: Enlightened Tutor is a staple in decks that rely on artifact or enchantment-based combos, such as fetching Omniscience or Necropotence.
• Control Decks: In control strategies, Enlightened Tutor provides access to key enchantments like Rhystic Study or Smothering Tithe.
• Stax and Lockdown Strategies: Decks that aim to restrict opponents can use Enlightened Tutor to find pieces like Rule of Law or Winter Orb.

While undeniably powerful, Enlightened Tutor is balanced, at least somewhat by a few limitations that it definitely has:

• It doesn’t put the card into your hand: Unlike Demonic Tutor, you must wait until your next draw step (unless you have a draw effect ready). This gives a chance for your opponents to disrupt your plans.
• It’s card disadvantage: Since you don’t gain an extra card, you’re technically down one in terms of raw card advantage.

If your opponent has broken out their Enlightened Tutor, there are some countermeasures you can consider. I wouldn’t jump to countering the tutor; it’s often worthwhile to see what your opponent is fishing out, and then deal with that, either via a counter later on, or another method. Here are some suggestions:

• Disrupt Their Draw: Cards like Narset, Parter of Veils or Notion Thief can prevent them from accessing the tutored card.
• Shuffle Their Library: Effects like Chaos Warp can force them to shuffle away their top-decked card.
• Mill, baby, mill: Keeping some sort of mill ability open will let you get rid of that top-decked card. There are so many cards with a mill effect, but I do like my Ghoulcaller’s Bell and Codex Shredder.
• Apply Pressure: If they tutored for a combo piece, forcing them into a defensive position can disrupt their plans.

Enlightened Tutor is a really iconic card, shaping strategies across casual and competitive play. Whether you use it to assemble combos, find answers, or set up game-winning plays, its efficiency and versatility make it a true game changer.

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