Conspiracy Theorist MTG Card


Card advantage through recovery on discard is the core strength of Conspiracy Theorist. Mandatory discard and specific mana cost may hinder its versatility in some decks. It’s a strategic addition, especially in decks designed around discard synergies.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Human Shaman
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

Whenever Conspiracy Theorist attacks, you may pay and discard a card. If you do, draw a card. Whenever you discard one or more nonland cards, you may exile one of them from your graveyard. If you do, you may cast it this turn.


Cards like Conspiracy Theorist

Conspiracy Theorist broadens the stratagems for players looking to recycle their resources in Magic: The Gathering. It draws a parallel with the likes of Academy Raider, which encourages card filtering through its looting ability upon dealing combat damage. The Theorist, though, expands on this concept by allowing the recovery of any nonland card discarded this way, not just through combat but from any source, enhancing its utility.

Another analogue is Rummaging Goblin, which enables a tabled approach to card selection, with its ability to exchange unneeded cards for potentially better options. Conspiracy Theorist, however, ups the ante by putting discarded cards back into action, becoming a catalyst for recurring advantageous plays. In comparison, the card Call to the Netherworld flaunts a similar resurrection mechanic targeted specifically at black creature cards and touts it without cost given the Madness condition is met, but it operates with narrower parameters than the broad recuperative scope of Conspiracy Theorist.

Scrutinizing the interplay of card advantages and recycling capabilities, Conspiracy Theorist proves itself a noteworthy contender. It not only accelerates card flow but also grants a strategic edge in utilizing the full spectrum of one’s arsenal, distinguishing itself in the vast catalog of MTG strategies.

Academy Raider - MTG Card versions
Rummaging Goblin - MTG Card versions
Call to the Netherworld - MTG Card versions
Academy Raider - MTG Card versions
Rummaging Goblin - MTG Card versions
Call to the Netherworld - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Rakdos MidrangeRakdos Midrange PioneerRakdos MidrangePioneer League 2024-01-27
Riddlesmith ComboRiddlesmith Combo LegacyRiddlesmith ComboLegacy Challenge 32 2023-11-25

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Conspiracy Theorist shines at granting consistent card advantage. Each time you discard a card, you’re offered the opportunity to achieve something back, propelling you ahead in resources.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly producing additional resources, the card encourages a cycle of card draw and use that can rapidly dig through your deck to find the accelerants needed or clear the way for pivotal plays.

Instant Speed: Though it operates at sorcery speed, its ability to interact with the discard mechanic can be indirectly linked to numerous instant speed actions – making it flexible and reactive within complex game states.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One notable drawback is Conspiracy Theorist’s discard mechanic. While this can be a strategic advantage in the right setup, players must discard a card to trigger card recovery abilities. In certain gameplay situations, particularly those where hand size is critical, this can lead to a deficiency in card options.

Specific Mana Cost: Conspiracy Theorist requires a precise mana combination to cast. With a split cost needing both red and other colors, it may not fit seamlessly into all decks. Players running multi-color decks or ones that can’t reliably produce the necessary mana may find incorporating Conspiracy Theorist challenging.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When evaluating the overall efficiency, Conspiracy Theorist stands on the higher side of the mana curve for its effects. For players looking to maximize their mana economy, there may be reservations around including it in a deck, as there are other creatures and spells that could potentially deliver a similar impact for less investment.


Reasons to Include Conspiracy Theorist in Your Collection

Versatility: Conspiracy Theorist offers a unique effect by allowing its controller to capitalize on discarding cards, thus integrating seamlessly into multiple deck archetypes. Its ability to draw into more options makes it a solid fit for decks that strategically cycle through their library.

Combo Potential: The synergies that emerge with Conspiracy Theorist are substantial, especially in decks that utilize wheels or discard effects. By reclaiming discarded cards, it presents countless opportunities to weave together powerful combinations, ensuring that each discard advances your board state.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where hand disruption and card advantage are key, Conspiracy Theorist shines. It can tip the scales in matchups that hinge on incremental value, making it a savvy pick for savvy players who aim to stay one step ahead of the competition.


How to beat

Conspiracy Theorist offers Magic: The Gathering players an intriguing way to benefit from discarded cards, a trait that could alter the momentum of a match. Nevertheless, countering this card involves several strategies. Priority should be given to removing Conspiracy Theorist from play swiftly. Spells like Fatal Push or Path to Exile can deal with it efficiently before its ability triggers. Artifact control can also dampen its effectiveness by targeting key pieces that synergize with the discard mechanic.

Similarly, hand disruption tactics can play a vital role, ensuring that the player controlling Conspiracy Theorist has fewer cards to work with, thus limiting the potential of its ability. Cards like Thoughtseize or Inquisition of Kozilek prove invaluable here. Additionally, graveyard manipulation can disrupt the engine that Conspiracy Theorist thrives on, making Rest in Peace a potent countermeasure, as it prevents players from recycling their discarded cards.

Conclusively, while Conspiracy Theorist can be a strong card in the right setup, its impact is mitigable by prompt and strategic use of removal, hand disruption, and graveyard control within MTG games.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the intricate balances of MTG is a captivating and ever-evolving quest. With the insightful analysis of Conspiracy Theorist’s strengths and drawbacks, we understand the delicate interplay between card advantage and strategic deckbuilding. Enhancing your collection with this card could shape the course of play, offering novel tactical avenues. Your quest towards excellence in the MTG realm is ongoing, a journey where every card counts and every strategy makes a difference. For enthusiasts eager to refine their gameplay, building synergies and staying ahead of the meta, exploring Conspiracy Theorist’s potential is a step towards sharpening your competitive edge. Continue your exploration with us and unlock the full potential of your MTG arsenal.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Conspiracy Theorist MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Strixhaven: School of Mages, 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 Conspiracy Theorist and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Conspiracy Theorist Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2021-04-23 and 2021-04-24. Illustrated by Svetlin Velinov.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 900902015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
22021-04-23Strixhaven: School of MagesSTX 3072015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
32021-04-23Strixhaven: School of MagesSTX 942015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
42021-04-24Strixhaven: School of Mages PromosPSTX 94p2015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
52021-04-24Strixhaven: School of Mages PromosPSTX 94s2015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Conspiracy Theorist has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2021-04-16 The card exiled by the second ability is exiled face up. Casting it follows the normal rules for casting that card. You must pay its costs, and you must follow all applicable timing rules. For example, if it’s a creature card, you can cast it only during your main phase while the stack is empty. In most cases, if you exile a non-instant card during an opponent’s turn, you won’t be able to cast it that turn.
2021-04-16 While resolving Conspiracy Theorist’s ability, you can’t pay and discard a card multiple times to draw more cards.