Ludevic's Test Subject // Ludevic's Abomination MTG Card


Transforming into Ludevic’s Abomination offers significant card advantage from a single versatile card. Instant speed hatchling counter placement allows flexible resource acceleration and strategic gameplay. Discarding for transformation can deplete your hand, consider mana costs and tempo.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Lizard Egg
Abilities Defender,Transform
Power 0
Toughness 3

Text of card

Defender : Put a hatchling counter on Ludevic's Test Subject. Then if there are five or more hatchling counters on it, remove all of them and transform it.


Cards like Ludevic's Test Subject // Ludevic's Abomination

Ludevic’s Test Subject // Ludevic’s Abomination nestles into the world of Magic the Gathering as an intriguing creature card that transforms. Its closest relatives are other flip cards like Delver of Secrets // Insectile Aberration, which starts as a modest creature and then morphs into a more powerful being. Delver of Secrets, like Ludevic’s Test Subject, begins the game as a small creature but quickly transforms into a formidable flier.

Examining another relative, we meet Thing in the Ice // Awoken Horror, a card with a transformation ability that bounces all non-horror creatures on the field—a powerful effect compared to the sheer size increase seen with Ludevic’s Abomination. Both cards share the theme of starting as small, unassuming creatures that evolve into massive threats that can dominate the battlefield. Additionally, both require specific conditions to be met before they can transform, making them strategic choices for gaming sessions where control and timing are key.

Transformation is a dynamic aspect of the game, adding layers to gameplay strategies. In the case of Ludevic’s Test Subject, the transformation requires a resource investment, which, while significant, results in a behemoth poised to overtake opponents. This dimension of potential and power scaling is a familiar yet engaging aspect that Magic players often look to exploit.

Delver of Secrets // Insectile Aberration - MTG Card versions
Thing in the Ice // Awoken Horror - MTG Card versions
Delver of Secrets // Insectile Aberration - MTG Card versions
Thing in the Ice // Awoken Horror - MTG Card versions

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Vodalian Soldiers - MTG Card versions
Zephyr Falcon - MTG Card versions
Lord of Atlantis - MTG Card versions
Giant Albatross - MTG Card versions
Phantasmal Sphere - MTG Card versions
Soldevi Sage - MTG Card versions
Skyshroud Condor - MTG Card versions
School of Piranha - MTG Card versions
Coral Merfolk - MTG Card versions
Wu Light Cavalry - MTG Card versions
Sea Eagle - MTG Card versions
Overtaker - MTG Card versions
Hazy Homunculus - MTG Card versions
Darting Merfolk - MTG Card versions
Thought Eater - MTG Card versions
Spellstutter Sprite - MTG Card versions
Sneaky Homunculus - MTG Card versions
Coral Eel - MTG Card versions
Storm Crow - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Ludevic’s Test Subject offers unique card advantage by transforming into Ludevic’s Abomination. Not only do you get a formidable creature from a single card, but the transformation mechanic effectively bypasses any card loss, giving you a significant edge on the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: The card’s ability to place hatchling counters at instant speed means you can develop your resources efficiently. With sufficient mana, you can potentially evolve your test subject into the powerful abomination ahead of the curve, effectively accelerating your board presence.

Instant Speed: Flexibility is key in MTG, and Ludevic’s Test Subject harnesses instant speed to great advantage. You can add counters at the end of your opponent’s turn, conserving mana for reactionary spells or bluffs, which maximizes your strategic options and keeps opponents guessing.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Flipping Ludevic’s Test Subject into Ludevic’s Abomination necessitates the discard of multiple cards to generate enough hatchling counters, potentially depleting your hand.

Specific Mana Cost: Ludevic’s Test Subject requires two blue mana to activate its ability, confining its playability to decks that can consistently produce blue mana sources.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The total investment to transform Ludevic’s Test Subject into its formidable abomination form is substantial. Given the amount of mana and effort required, players might find themselves sacrificing tempo and board presence.


Reasons to Include Ludevic’s Test Subject // Ludevic’s Abomination in Your Collection

Versatility: Ludevic’s Test Subject offers flexibility through its transformation into Ludevic’s Abomination. Initially, it acts as a defensive 0/3 creature. However, once transformed, it becomes a formidable 13/13 attacker that can swing games in your favor.

Combo Potential: Because of its ability to become a massive creature without a mana investment at the time of flipping, it works well with strategies focused on countering mechanics or using +1/+1 counters. This aspect also makes it a prime candidate for various synergistic interactions within Simic or other counter-inclusive decks.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state where your opponent constantly has to guess if and when you’ll flip Ludevic’s Test Subject, it poses a persistent threat. The raw power of Ludevic’s Abomination is a game-changer, especially against decks that lack sufficient exile or removal spells to deal with it once it’s transformed.


How to beat

Ludevic’s Test Subject is a unique card in MTG that transforms into Ludevic’s Abomination, a creature with substantial power and toughness. This card may seem daunting, but there are strategic ways to tackle it. One basic method is to prevent the accumulation of hatchling counters, which are essential for its transformation. Countering spells that target Ludevic’s Test Subject, like enchantments or instants designed to proliferate, can stymie the opponent’s strategy. Alternatively, engaging in direct removal or bounce spells before the transformation can effectively neutralize this looming threat.

Moreover, if Ludevic’s Test Subject has already transformed into Ludevic’s Abomination, managing this formidable creature requires targeted removals, such as Path to Exile, or utilizing board wipes like Wrath of God to reset the playing field. It’s also viable to block with numerous creatures, as Ludevic’s Abomination lacks trample, making chump blocking a viable option. Utilizing these tactics thoughtfully can provide a winning edge against this adaptable adversary and keep it from overwhelming the battlefield.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ludevic's Test Subject // Ludevic's Abomination MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Innistrad Promos, 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 Ludevic's Test Subject // Ludevic's Abomination and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Ludevic's Test Subject // Ludevic's Abomination Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2011-09-24 and 2011-09-30. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 428742003TransformBlackKarl Kopinski
22011-09-24Innistrad PromosPISD 64★2003TransformBlackKarl Kopinski
32011-09-30InnistradISD 642003TransformBlackNils Hamm

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Ludevic's Test Subject // Ludevic's Abomination has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Ludevic's Test Subject // Ludevic's Abomination card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2016-07-13 For more information on double-faced cards, see the Shadows over Innistrad mechanics article (http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/shadows-over-innistrad-mechanics).