Masterwork of Ingenuity MTG Card


Duplicates powerful equipment at low cost for immediate board advantage. One mana cost yields high efficiency but requires colorless mana. Crucial for decks that focus on equipment synergy and combos.
Card setsReleased in 7 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityRare
TypeArtifact — Equipment

Text of card

You may have Masterwork of Ingenuity enter the battlefield as a copy of any Equipment on the battlefield.

"The crucible yields what you have forged in your mind. You need only reach in and draw the masterwork forth." —Wahara, Keeper of the Crucible


Cards like Masterwork of Ingenuity

Masterwork of Ingenuity is a unique artifact card that commands attention for its cloning capabilities within Magic: The Gathering. This card echoes the effect of Sculpting Steel, with the special ability to copy any equipment on the field the moment it enters. However, what sets Masterwork of Ingenuity apart is its single mana cost for activation, a definition of efficiency.

Comparison draws near with Phyrexian Metamorph, which also offers a copy effect but with a broader range of targets including creatures. While the Metamorph costs more and requires blue mana combined with two life or {3}, it provides greater versatility. Another similar card is Saheeli’s Directive, a spell with the power to create copies of multiple artifacts. The directive’s escalated cost and complexity contrast Masterwork of Ingenuity’s straightforward and cost-effective single target approach.

Analyzing these counterparts helps highlight how Masterwork of Ingenuity fits into decks that benefit from a potent yet cost-effective equipment replication, solidifying its place for players who value strategic plays over a vast array of MTG artifacts.

Sculpting Steel - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Metamorph - MTG Card versions
Saheeli's Directive - MTG Card versions
Sculpting Steel - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Metamorph - MTG Card versions
Saheeli's Directive - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Masterwork of Ingenuity by color, type and mana cost

Glasses of Urza - MTG Card versions
Wooden Sphere - MTG Card versions
Sol Ring - MTG Card versions
Iron Star - MTG Card versions
Black Vise - MTG Card versions
Urza's Chalice - MTG Card versions
Ivory Cup - MTG Card versions
Brass Man - MTG Card versions
Mana Vault - MTG Card versions
Soul Net - MTG Card versions
The Rack - MTG Card versions
Helm of Chatzuk - MTG Card versions
Obelisk of Undoing - MTG Card versions
Feldon's Cane - MTG Card versions
Throne of Bone - MTG Card versions
Meekstone - MTG Card versions
Thran Foundry - MTG Card versions
Cursed Scroll - MTG Card versions
Candelabra of Tawnos - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Dreadnought - MTG Card versions
Glasses of Urza - MTG Card versions
Wooden Sphere - MTG Card versions
Sol Ring - MTG Card versions
Iron Star - MTG Card versions
Black Vise - MTG Card versions
Urza's Chalice - MTG Card versions
Ivory Cup - MTG Card versions
Brass Man - MTG Card versions
Mana Vault - MTG Card versions
Soul Net - MTG Card versions
The Rack - MTG Card versions
Helm of Chatzuk - MTG Card versions
Obelisk of Undoing - MTG Card versions
Feldon's Cane - MTG Card versions
Throne of Bone - MTG Card versions
Meekstone - MTG Card versions
Thran Foundry - MTG Card versions
Cursed Scroll - MTG Card versions
Candelabra of Tawnos - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Dreadnought - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Masterwork of Ingenuity offers a unique form of card advantage by cloning any equipment on the battlefield. This duplication capability means not just having another artifact but potentially an incredibly powerful equipment that can turn the tides of the game without requiring an extra card from your hand.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly generating mana resources, Masterwork of Ingenuity can accelerate your board state by copying high-cost equipment for just one mana. This efficient use of resources can be decisive, especially when you’re able to replicate a game-changing artifact early on.

Instant Speed: The real strength comes from Masterwork of Ingenuity’s ability to be cast at sorcery speed, which allows for strategic planning and immediate impact upon casting. Although it doesn’t have the flexibility of an instant, the timing of this card can be critical, enabling it to mimic the most opportunistic equipment as soon as it hits the board.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Although Masterwork of Ingenuity doesn’t necessitate discarding as a cost, its dependency on other artifacts means you could potentially be sacrificing a different card to copy if there’s nothing valuable on the field.

Specific Mana Cost: While this card only requires a single mana, it must be colorless. This can be a hindrance in mana bases that are tight on colorless sources, limiting its inclusion to certain types of decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Even though one mana is generally low, the true cost comes from the artifact you choose to copy. Should the target artifact have a high casting cost, you’re indirectly committing to a high-mana strategy, which can be less efficient compared to other low-cost artifact options.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Masterwork of Ingenuity stands out due to its ability to copy any equipment on the field the moment it comes into play. This adaptability allows it to fit seamlessly into a variety of deck archetypes, especially those that capitalize on equipment synergies.

Combo Potential: The card opens the door to numerous combos by replicating powerful equipment pieces, potentially doubling their effects or creating new interactions on the battlefield. Its inclusion can lead to game-changing plays and unexpected advantages.

Meta-Relevance: Considering the prevalence of equipment-based strategies in various formats, Masterwork of Ingenuity has a solid place in the current MTG meta. Its capability to mimic key equipment can be crucial in outmaneuvering opponents and asserting dominance in a match.


How to beat

Masterwork of Ingenuity is a versatile artifact that stands out in the arsenal of Commander players. Its unique ability to become a copy of any Equipment on the battlefield at the time it enters allows for significant adaptability. The challenge lies in preventing opponents from leveraging this to their advantage. Beating Masterwork of Ingenuity involves foresight and strategic removals. Consider holding onto instant-speed removal spells until the Masterwork has been cast. This forces your opponent to commit mana to their play before you efficiently dismantle their strategy with your spot removal.

Artifact removal spells like Disenchant or Nature’s Claim offer swift solutions to the Masterwork problem at minimal mana cost, keeping your play streamlined and reactive. Additionally, keep an eye on the board state. Masterwork of Ingenuity needs potent Equipment to copy; if you manage to limit those targets through constant pressure on your opponent’s key artifacts, the power of Masterwork diminishes significantly.

In sum, to handle Masterwork of Ingenuity effectively, aim to control when and how your adversaries can use their artifacts, and be ready to respond with precise removal at the right moment, this way you undercut the value of the Masterwork and maintain the upper hand.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the nuances of Masterwork of Ingenuity is essential for MTG players looking to optimize their decks with this flexible artifact. Integrating it requires strategic foresight to fully capitalize on its equipment cloning capacity. If you’re intrigued by the prospect of duplicating powerful artifacts for a single mana and shaping your game with masterful moves, delving deeper into its potential is key. Curious about unlocking the full potential of Masterwork of Ingenuity in your arsenal? Embrace the strategic depth it offers and join us to discover how to enhance your MTG collection and gameplay with this unique card.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Masterwork of Ingenuity MTG card by a specific set like Commander 2014 and Double Masters, 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 Masterwork of Ingenuity and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Masterwork of Ingenuity Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2014-11-07 and 2024-03-08. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12014-11-07Commander 2014C14 572015NormalBlackUlrich Brunin
22020-08-07Double Masters2XM 2712015NormalBlackUlrich Brunin
32021-07-23Forgotten Realms CommanderAFC 2092015NormalBlackUlrich Brunin
42024-03-08FalloutPIP 7622015NormalBlackDaarken
52024-03-08FalloutPIP 10112015NormalBlackDaarken
62024-03-08FalloutPIP 2342015NormalBlackDaarken
72024-03-08FalloutPIP 4832015NormalBlackDaarken

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Masterwork of Ingenuity has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2020-08-07 Masterwork of Ingenuity enters the battlefield unattached. It doesn't enter attached to the same creature as the Equipment it copies.