Consecrated Sphinx MTG Card


Consecrated Sphinx grants major card advantage, potentially doubling your hand as your opponents draw cards. It indirectly accelerates resources, with increased chances to draw into lands or ramp spells. The Sphinx thrives in meta play, offering versatility and combo potential, especially in control decks.
Card setsReleased in 7 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityMythic
TypeCreature — Sphinx
Abilities Flying
Power 4
Toughness 6

Text of card

Flying Whenever an opponent draws a card, you may draw two cards.

Blessed by the hands of Jin-Gitaxias.


Cards like Consecrated Sphinx

Consecrated Sphinx is a powerhouse in Magic: The Gathering, particularly lauded for its card draw ability. Each time an opponent draws a card, the Sphinx allows you to draw two, vastly increasing your potential for card advantage. A comparable card to consider is Jin-Gitaxias, Core Augur, which not only gives you seven new cards each turn but also caps your opponent’s hand size, potentially disrupting their strategy.

Another card worthy of comparison is Rhystic Study, a notable option that prompts an opponent to pay additional mana or let you draw a card. While not as directly impactful as the Sphinx’s guaranteed draws, the incremental advantage can stack up significantly. Additionally, Windfall deserves mention; it’s a spell that replenishes both your own and your opponents’ hands based on the hand size of the player with the most cards. Though offering a one-time effect, it can lead to a substantial shift in game dynamics.

When evaluating the various card advantage engines available, Consecrated Sphinx emerges as a particularly formidable option, excelling in matchups where sustaining an abundant hand aligns with your victory strategy.

Jin-Gitaxias, Core Augur - MTG Card versions
Rhystic Study - MTG Card versions
Windfall - MTG Card versions
Jin-Gitaxias, Core Augur - MTG Card versions
Rhystic Study - MTG Card versions
Windfall - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Consecrated Sphinx by color, type and mana cost

Sea Serpent - MTG Card versions
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Skyline Predator - MTG Card versions
Isperia's Skywatch - MTG Card versions
Sphinx of the Chimes - MTG Card versions
Sea Serpent - MTG Card versions
Sibilant Spirit - MTG Card versions
Drifting Djinn - MTG Card versions
King Crab - MTG Card versions
Sea Monster - MTG Card versions
Sun Quan, Lord of Wu - MTG Card versions
Sliptide Serpent - MTG Card versions
Mahamoti Djinn - MTG Card versions
Deepfathom Skulker - MTG Card versions
Shoreline Ranger - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Dismisser - MTG Card versions
Novijen Sages - MTG Card versions
Draining Whelk - MTG Card versions
Arcanis the Omnipotent - MTG Card versions
Frost Titan - MTG Card versions
Deadeye Navigator - MTG Card versions
Harbor Serpent - MTG Card versions
Skyline Predator - MTG Card versions
Isperia's Skywatch - MTG Card versions
Sphinx of the Chimes - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Consecrated Sphinx. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Omni-TellOmni-Tell LegacyOmni-TellLegacy Challenge 64 2024-05-05
Bant Sphinx RampBant Sphinx Ramp Free formSet Roulette Feburary 2024

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Consecrated Sphinx excels in granting unparalleled card advantage by drawing you two cards each time an opponent draws one. This powerful effect means potentially doubling your hand size while playing, keeping you well ahead in resources.

Resource Acceleration: While this card doesn’t directly produce mana or tokens, its dominance in card draw facilitates resource acceleration indirectly. More cards in hand increase the likelihood of pulling lands or ramp spells, effectively accelerating your mana base.

Instant Speed: Though not an instant itself, the Consecrated Sphinx dramatically rewards players during times when others draw at instant speed. Its passive ability can trigger during any draw, providing a steady flow of cards even on opponents’ turns, which can often be as valuable as any instant-speed interaction.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Although the Consecrated Sphinx has compelling abilities, it can potentially become a liability in the face of hand disruption tactics. In game states where opponents force discards, having a Consecrated Sphinx in hand without the means to cast it promptly could pressure players into making tough decisions about what card to discard.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost demands two blue mana which ties it specifically to blue mana sources. This requirement can be restrictive for decks that run multiple colors or lack sufficient mana fixing, potentially causing the card to be a dead draw if the necessary blue mana isn’t available.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of six mana, the Consecrated Sphinx is undoubtedly a late-game play. This higher mana investment means this creature might come into play too late during a game where faster, more aggressive strategies are prevailing. Players may opt for lower-cost creatures or spells that impact the board sooner.


Reasons to Include Consecrated Sphinx in Your Collection

Versatility: Consecrated Sphinx offers a unique edge by drawing additional cards, making it a powerful addition across various deck archetypes. Whether you’re piloting a control deck that thrives on card advantage or a combo deck that needs to dig for key pieces, the Sphinx’s ability to potentially double your card draw each round is invaluable.

Combo Potential: With this card, the possibilities to kickstart combos are vast. For instance, it pairs exceptionally well with effects that profit from drawing cards or having a large hand size. The Sphinx can also work with enchantments like Rhystic Study to apply significant pressure on your opponents.

Meta-Relevance: Given its capacity to rapidly change the tide of a game, Consecrated Sphinx is a staple in formats where drawing cards equates to gaining a significant advantage. In metas dominated by control and grindy games, having a card that continuously fuels your hand can be the key to outpacing your competition.


How to beat

Consecrated Sphinx is a formidable card in MTG that can quickly tilt the game in favor of the player who wields it. With an ability to draw two cards for every card drawn by an opponent, it creates a vast advantage in card resources. To effectively counter this, one needs to be strategic. Removal spells that can target creatures regardless of their size, such as Path to Exile or Murder, are effective tools for dealing with Consecrated Sphinx. Players may also turn to counterspells like Negate or Mana Leak to prevent the Sphinx from ever entering the battlefield. For those with a knack for preemptive measures, a card like Pithing Needle can be used to shut down the Sphinx’s drawing ability directly.

Another tactic is to limit the card advantage it provides by curbing your own card draws or by employing spells like Notion Thief to redirect the benefit to yourself. Lastly, leveraging graveyard-based strategies can also be effective, as cards like Tormod’s Crypt can stifle recurring Sphinx plays from an opponent utilizing a reanimation strategy. It’s crucial to have a plan for Consecrated Sphinx, as ignoring it can lead to an unstoppable tide of card advantage for your opponent.


BurnMana Recommendations

For MTG enthusiasts, the Consecrated Sphinx stands as a beacon of strategic depth and deck-building prowess. Boasting an ability to double your card draw, it’s no wonder this card has become a cornerstone in blue-centric decks. If you’re looking to gain an edge through superior card advantage, incorporating this flying titan into your collection could be a game-changer. It’s important to consider both the immense potential and the strategic counters to this sphinx. Want to dive deeper into optimizing your deck and mastering your matches? Explore further and arm yourself with the knowledge to both wield and outwit one of MTG’s most iconic cards.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Consecrated Sphinx MTG card by a specific set like Mirrodin Besieged and Amonkhet Invocations, 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 Consecrated Sphinx and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Consecrated Sphinx Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2011-02-04 and 2022-07-08. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12011-02-04Mirrodin BesiegedMBS 212003NormalBlackMark Zug
22017-04-28Amonkhet InvocationsMP2 82015NormalBorderlessLius Lasahido
32017-11-17Iconic MastersIMA 472015NormalBlackMark Zug
42019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 1652015NormalBlackVictor Adame Minguez
52022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 432015NormalBlackMark Zug
62022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 3452015NormalBorderlessMark Zug
72022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 4272015NormalBlackMark Zug

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Consecrated Sphinx has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2017-11-17 If each player controls a Consecrated Sphinx, their abilities will cause each other to trigger until one player chooses not to draw cards.
2017-11-17 The ability triggers once for each card an opponent draws. You choose whether to draw two cards as each of those abilities resolves.
2017-11-17 You may either draw two cards or not draw at all. You can’t choose to draw only one card.