Anathemancer MTG Card


Anathemancer’s unearth ability delivers unexpected end-of-game damage, leveraging nonbasic land count. It fits into decks that punish opponents for utilizing numerous nonbasic lands. Due to its colored mana cost, Anathemancer is ideal for multicolored deck strategies.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeCreature — Zombie Wizard
Abilities Unearth
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

When Anathemancer comes into play, it deals damage to target player equal to the number of nonbasic lands that player controls. Unearth (: Return this card from your graveyard to play. It gains haste. Remove it from the game at end of turn or if it would leave play. Unearth only as a sorcery.)


Cards like Anathemancer

Anathemancer emerges as a notable figure in the realm of creature-based damage dealers within MTG. It bears resemblance to cards like Avalanche Riders and Fulminator Mage, which also offer a combination of board presence and the potential to disrupt opponents’ mana. Where Anathemancer excels is its ability to directly deal damage to opponents based on the number of nonbasic lands they control, making it especially potent in formats with diverse mana bases.

On the front of direct damage, we also have creatures like Gray Merchant of Asphodel. Famously known as “Gary” in the MTG community, this card offers significant life drain based on your devotion to black. Unlike Anathemancer, the Gray Merchant doesn’t target lands but can impact multiple opponents and can be a game-ender in its own right within the right deck. Then there is Exava, Rakdos Blood Witch, which doesn’t deal direct damage but instead offers haste to unleash a swift attack, notably contributing to fast-paced aggressive strategies.

Each of these cards presents unique advantages, and when comparing their potential impact on the game, Anathemancer provides a specialized role against decks heavy on nonbasic lands, affirming its place among its peers as a card that can offer a fiery surprise to unsuspecting adversaries.

Avalanche Riders - MTG Card versions
Fulminator Mage - MTG Card versions
Gray Merchant of Asphodel - MTG Card versions
Exava, Rakdos Blood Witch - MTG Card versions
Avalanche Riders - MTG Card versions
Fulminator Mage - MTG Card versions
Gray Merchant of Asphodel - MTG Card versions
Exava, Rakdos Blood Witch - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Anathemancer by color, type and mana cost

Sedge Troll - MTG Card versions
Shauku's Minion - MTG Card versions
Army Ants - MTG Card versions
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Hellhole Flailer - MTG Card versions
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Kathari Bomber - MTG Card versions
Xantcha, Sleeper Agent - MTG Card versions
Weldfast Engineer - MTG Card versions
Sedge Troll - MTG Card versions
Shauku's Minion - MTG Card versions
Army Ants - MTG Card versions
Pyre Zombie - MTG Card versions
Lava Zombie - MTG Card versions
Sarcatog - MTG Card versions
Avatar of Discord - MTG Card versions
Vial Smasher the Fierce - MTG Card versions
Cryptborn Horror - MTG Card versions
Lyzolda, the Blood Witch - MTG Card versions
Rakdos Augermage - MTG Card versions
Sedge Sliver - MTG Card versions
Ashenmoor Gouger - MTG Card versions
Pestilent Kathari - MTG Card versions
Shambling Remains - MTG Card versions
Hellhole Flailer - MTG Card versions
Ragemonger - MTG Card versions
Kathari Bomber - MTG Card versions
Xantcha, Sleeper Agent - MTG Card versions
Weldfast Engineer - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Anathemancer provides a significant edge by dealing damage to an opponent based on the number of nonbasic lands they control. This ability not only paves the way to victory but by potentially reusing this effect through its unearth ability, you can gain additional value by retriggering the damage.

Resource Acceleration: Although Anathemancer itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, it fits well into a strategy designed to punish opponents for overextending with nonbasic lands. In decks that exploit land recursion or sacrifice for gain, Anathemancer acts as a catalyst for a punishing mana base strategy, indirectly benefiting your resource acceleration.

Instant Speed: The unearth ability can be activated at instant speed, allowing for surprise end-of-turn reentrance, making Anathemancer a recurring threat. This sneaky maneuver can catch an unwary opponent off-guard, dealing unexpected damage and can be strategically timed to maximize impact during the late game stages.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Anathemancer does not have an innate discard requirement, but it’s worth noting that spells or abilities that complement its effect might. Always consider the potential card deficit when building your deck around these synergies.

Specific Mana Cost: Anathemancer’s mana cost demands both red and black mana, restricting its integration primarily to multicolored decks that can accommodate this specific cost without compromising mana base consistency.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a combined cost of three mana, Anathemancer may be deemed costly for its initial impact on the game. Efficiency-conscious players could find alternative cards to apply pressure or manipulate the board at a lower mana investment.


Reasons to Include Anathemancer in Your Collection

Versatility: Anathemancer’s ability to deal damage upon entering the battlefield makes it a flexible choice for any deck that aims to pressure life totals. Its recurrence from the graveyard gives it enduring value throughout the game.

Combo Potential: This card can synergize with effects that manipulate the number of nonbasic lands opponents control or that repeatedly bounce Anathemancer to your hand, therefore multiplying the pain for your adversaries.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where decks heavily rely on nonbasic lands, Anathemancer can serve as an unexpected punisher, turning your opponent’s mana base against them and providing a significant advantage.


How to beat

Anathemancer is a force causing tremors in the world of MTG, known for its potential to throw opponents off balance with its unearth ability and damage infliction based on the nonbasic lands they control. Facing such a card requires a strategy that encompasses precision and anticipatory actions.

A strong move against Anathemancer is to limit the number of nonbasic lands in play. Focusing on a mana base with basic lands ensures the Anathemancer’s entry or unearth ability inflicts minimal damage. Employing graveyard disruption also serves as a viable tactic to prevent an unearth from even occurring. Cards that exile or shuffle graveyards into libraries, like Rest in Peace or Primal Command, can neutralize the threat that Anathemancer poses after its initial play.

Moreover, including instant-speed removal in your arsenal allows you to swiftly respond to the Anathemancer’s unearth trigger, ensuring it is dealt with before it can wreak havoc. By implementing these strategies, MTG players can effectively diminish Anathemancer’s impact and maintain control over the game state.


BurnMana Recommendations

Wrapping up our insights on Anathemancer within MTG, we recognize its unique role in decks that strategically capitalize on an opponent’s nonbasic land count. Its unearth ability poses a persistent threat, and when leveraged correctly, can frequently tip the scales in your favor. Whether taking the lead in a match or searching for that perfect creature to round out your strategy, Anathemancer is worth considering. Eager to unearth further tactics and refine your deck’s edge? Dive deeper alongside us and harness the full potential of your MTG collection to dominate the battlefield.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Anathemancer MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Alara Reborn, 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 Anathemancer and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Anathemancer Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2009-04-30 and 2009-04-30. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 376062003NormalBlackMark Hyzer
22009-04-30Alara RebornARB 332003NormalBlackRichard Whitters

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Anathemancer has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal