Meddling Mage MTG Card


Meddling Mage provides a preemptive measure against opponents, blocking pivotal spells and disrupting their game plan. Specific mana cost and deck knowledge make it a selective, yet potentially game-altering, addition to your deck. It remains highly relevant in various formats, countering trending strategies and proving its long-term value.
Card setsReleased in 10 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Human Wizard
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

As Meddling Mage comes into play, name a nonland card. The named card can't be played.

Meddling mages chant so loudly that no one can get a spell in edgewise.


Cards like Meddling Mage

Meddling Mage is a unique card in MTG that brings a distinct strategic advantage to the battlefield. It is often compared to cards like Gaddock Teeg and Tidehollow Sculler. Gaddock Teeg limits the playing of high-cost noncreature spells, providing a barrier similar to Meddling Mage’s ability to shut down specific spells altogether. However, unlike Meddling Mage, Gaddock Teeg’s effect is broader and cannot be tailored to target individual threats.

On the other hand, Tidehollow Sculler offers a different take on disrupting opponents’ plans. Upon entering the battlefield, it allows you to look at your opponent’s hand and exile a card, providing you with information and a temporary way to remove a threat. While Tidehollow Sculler’s effect is more temporary and subject to the card’s presence on the field, Meddling Mage’s effect persists and requires the opponent to find a way to remove the Mage to regain access to their spell.

Evaluating their roles in control strategies, Meddling Mage presents a proactive choice to preemptively stop key cards from being played, making it a favored option in formats where specific spells can dictate the game’s outcome.

Gaddock Teeg - MTG Card versions
Tidehollow Sculler - MTG Card versions
Gaddock Teeg - MTG Card versions
Tidehollow Sculler - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Meddling Mage by color, type and mana cost

Crystalline Sliver - MTG Card versions
Niambi, Esteemed Speaker - MTG Card versions
Azorius Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Deft Duelist - MTG Card versions
Sighted-Caste Sorcerer - MTG Card versions
New Prahv Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Deputy of Acquittals - MTG Card versions
Battlewise Hoplite - MTG Card versions
Dauntless River Marshal - MTG Card versions
Temmet, Vizier of Naktamun - MTG Card versions
Lavinia, Azorius Renegade - MTG Card versions
Pride of the Clouds - MTG Card versions
Skycat Sovereign - MTG Card versions
Watcher of the Spheres - MTG Card versions
Dennick, Pious Apprentice // Dennick, Pious Apparition - MTG Card versions
Mistmeadow Witch - MTG Card versions
Kwain, Itinerant Meddler - MTG Card versions
Devoted Grafkeeper // Departed Soulkeeper - MTG Card versions
A-Dorothea, Vengeful Victim // A-Dorothea's Retribution - MTG Card versions
Dorothea, Vengeful Victim // Dorothea's Retribution - MTG Card versions
Crystalline Sliver - MTG Card versions
Niambi, Esteemed Speaker - MTG Card versions
Azorius Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Deft Duelist - MTG Card versions
Sighted-Caste Sorcerer - MTG Card versions
New Prahv Guildmage - MTG Card versions
Deputy of Acquittals - MTG Card versions
Battlewise Hoplite - MTG Card versions
Dauntless River Marshal - MTG Card versions
Temmet, Vizier of Naktamun - MTG Card versions
Lavinia, Azorius Renegade - MTG Card versions
Pride of the Clouds - MTG Card versions
Skycat Sovereign - MTG Card versions
Watcher of the Spheres - MTG Card versions
Dennick, Pious Apprentice // Dennick, Pious Apparition - MTG Card versions
Mistmeadow Witch - MTG Card versions
Kwain, Itinerant Meddler - MTG Card versions
Devoted Grafkeeper // Departed Soulkeeper - MTG Card versions
A-Dorothea, Vengeful Victim // A-Dorothea's Retribution - MTG Card versions
Dorothea, Vengeful Victim // Dorothea's Retribution - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Meddling Mage’s unique ability to name a card as it enters the battlefield can disrupt your opponent’s strategy, effectively removing key cards from their hand without physically discarding them. This disrupts their card advantage by narrowing their range of effective plays.

Resource Acceleration: While Meddling Mage itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, it can slow down your opponent’s resource acceleration by preventing the casting of critical ramp spells. This can give you a temporal advantage and maintain your pace in the game.

Instant Speed: Despite Meddling Mage being a creature spell without instant speed, the knowledge of your opponent’s deck allows you to deploy this card as a preemptive measure, similar to the strategic use of instant timing. This ensures you’re always one step ahead, effectively reacting to their future plays before they even have the chance.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Despite the power to shut down an opponent’s strategy, Meddling Mage requires a clear understanding of the opponent’s deck to effectively name the right card. This strategic prerequisite can lead to a disadvantage if you’re unable to accurately predict or remember the opponent’s key cards.

Specific Mana Cost: Meddling Mage’s mana cost demands both white and blue mana, making it less flexible and harder to include in multicolored decks that don’t focus on these colors. This can restrict deck-building options and potentially slow down your mana curve if you’re not running a dedicated Azorius (blue-white) deck.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While costing only two mana may seem efficient, in competitive play where every turn counts, dedicating your second turn to play Meddling Mage can be risky. There are situations where deploying other two-mana creatures or spells that impact the board immediately could be more advantageous.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Meddling Mage shines in various deck archetypes, serving as a proactive measure to hinder opponents’ strategy. Its ability to name any card forces opponents to adapt around your play, often disrupting their game plan from the onset.

Combo Potential: In combination with cards that reveal the opponent’s hand or control the top deck, Meddling Mage can lock down key pieces of your adversary’s strategy with surgical precision. This creates opportunities for you to establish dominance on the board without fear of specific counterplays.

Meta-Relevance: With an ever-shifting competitive scene, having a card that can adapt to any meta makes it an enduring addition to your collection. Meddling Mage’s capacity to preemptively deal with trending threats or combo pieces ensures its relevance, making it a staple in formats like Legacy and Vintage.


How to beat

Meddling Mage presents a unique challenge on the battlefield. As a creature that can shut down any spell simply by naming it upon its arrival, this card requires strategic maneuvering to overcome. Key to surpassing this obstacle is relying on a diverse suite of removal spells that can deal with creatures without needing to name them. Options like Path to Exile or Fatal Push can bypass the restrictions set by Meddling Mage, allowing you to clear the path for your other key spells.

In metagames where Meddling Mage is prevalent, it’s crucial to adjust your deck to be less reliant on any single spell. Versatility in your spells ensures that a single Meddling Mage isn’t enough to disrupt your entire game plan. Another effective tactic is to utilize creature abilities that aren’t spells, such as activated or triggered abilities, to sidestep its ruling. Lastly, having access to board wipes, such as Supreme Verdict, can reset the playing field, taking Meddling Mage and other potential threats out of the equation altogether. By implementing these strategies, you can mitigate the impact of Meddling Mage and maintain control over the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

Meddling Mage stands as a testament to the dynamic nature of MTG, offering players a chance to engage in the psychological side of the game. With its capacity to significantly throw off an opponent’s plan, this card is more than a mere creature; it’s a strategic tool in your arsenal. Whether facing off in Legacy or crafting a unique deck in Commander, including Meddling Mage could be the difference between a predictable match and a thrilling victory. Harness its potential to curtail your opponent’s tactics and ensure that your next encounter across the battlefield is one you control. Dive deeper with us and perfect your game plan with this remarkable card.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Meddling Mage MTG card by a specific set like Planeshift and Magic Online 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 Meddling Mage and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Meddling Mage Magic the Gathering card was released in 8 different sets between 2001-02-05 and 2020-08-07. Illustrated by 4 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12001-02-05PlaneshiftPLS 1161997NormalBlackChristopher Moeller
22002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 828302015NormalBlackJeff Simpson
32002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 363042003NormalBlackNottsuo
42006-01-01Judge Gift Cards 2006G06 32003NormalBlackNottsuo
52009-04-30Alara RebornARB 82003NormalBlackTodd Lockwood
62019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 14532003NormalBlackTodd Lockwood
72020-03-12Historic Anthology 2HA2 172015NormalBlackTodd Lockwood
82020-08-07Double Masters2XM 3552015NormalBorderlessJeff Simpson
92020-08-07Double Masters2XM 2102015NormalBlackTodd Lockwood
102020-09-26The ListPLST ARB-82003NormalBlackTodd Lockwood

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Meddling Mage has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
GladiatorLegal
BrawlBanned
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Meddling Mage 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 No one can cast spells or activate abilities between the time a card is named and the time that Meddling Mage's ability begins to apply.
2020-08-07 Spells with the chosen name that somehow happen to already be on the stack when Meddling Mage enters the battlefield aren't affected by Meddling Mage's ability.