Mercurial Chemister MTG Card


Mercurial Chemister grants card advantage and instant speed response to maintain a flexible gameplay strategy. Its demand for specific mana and potential high casting cost could limit its inclusion in diverse decks. Countering Mercurial Chemister involves strategic disruption and board control through instant-speed interaction.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Human Wizard
Power 2
Toughness 3

Text of card

, : Draw two cards. , , Discard a card: Mercurial Chemister deals damage to target creature equal to the discarded card's converted mana cost.

What some see as "distracted" is really "fathoming the unfathomable."


Cards like Mercurial Chemister

Mercurial Chemister stands out in the lore of Magic: The Gathering as an intriguing option for card draw and removal. It offers parallels to Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind, which also combines card draw with the ability to deal damage. However, Mercurial Chemister provides more direct control, allowing targeted removal of creatures with its second ability, distinguishing itself by offering versatility beyond what the dragon offers.

Looking at another comparison, we have Goblin Electromancer, which reduces the cost of spells, indirectly increasing card efficiency much like Mercurial Chemister enhances gameplay through its dual abilities. While Goblin Electromancer won’t draw cards or remove threats on its own, the cost-effectiveness it brings to a deck can be a game-changer. We also have Keranos, God of Storms providing both card draw and lightning strikes to opponents’ faces or creatures, but this comes with the unpredictability of its trigger condition that depends on the top card of your library.

Ultimately, for players valuing strategic manipulation of the game state, Mercurial Chemister provides a unique blend of card advantage and tactical board control, making it a formidable presence in decks that capitalize on these dynamics.

Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind - MTG Card versions
Goblin Electromancer - MTG Card versions
Keranos, God of Storms - MTG Card versions
Niv-Mizzet, the Firemind - MTG Card versions
Goblin Electromancer - MTG Card versions
Keranos, God of Storms - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Mercurial Chemister by color, type and mana cost

Minotaur Illusionist - MTG Card versions
Kraum, Ludevic's Opus - MTG Card versions
Hypersonic Dragon - MTG Card versions
Uvilda, Dean of Perfection // Nassari, Dean of Expression - MTG Card versions
Ogre Savant - MTG Card versions
Izzet Chronarch - MTG Card versions
Stormcloud Djinn - MTG Card versions
Dominus of Fealty - MTG Card versions
Talonrend - MTG Card versions
Spellbound Dragon - MTG Card versions
Maverick Thopterist - MTG Card versions
Thundering Djinn - MTG Card versions
Zara, Renegade Recruiter - MTG Card versions
Oggyar Battle-Seer - MTG Card versions
Storm Skreelix - MTG Card versions
Lozhan, Dragons' Legacy - MTG Card versions
Firkraag, Cunning Instigator - MTG Card versions
Alora, Cheerful Swashbuckler - MTG Card versions
Gale, Storm Conduit - MTG Card versions
Najal, the Storm Runner - MTG Card versions
Minotaur Illusionist - MTG Card versions
Kraum, Ludevic's Opus - MTG Card versions
Hypersonic Dragon - MTG Card versions
Uvilda, Dean of Perfection // Nassari, Dean of Expression - MTG Card versions
Ogre Savant - MTG Card versions
Izzet Chronarch - MTG Card versions
Stormcloud Djinn - MTG Card versions
Dominus of Fealty - MTG Card versions
Talonrend - MTG Card versions
Spellbound Dragon - MTG Card versions
Maverick Thopterist - MTG Card versions
Thundering Djinn - MTG Card versions
Zara, Renegade Recruiter - MTG Card versions
Oggyar Battle-Seer - MTG Card versions
Storm Skreelix - MTG Card versions
Lozhan, Dragons' Legacy - MTG Card versions
Firkraag, Cunning Instigator - MTG Card versions
Alora, Cheerful Swashbuckler - MTG Card versions
Gale, Storm Conduit - MTG Card versions
Najal, the Storm Runner - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: When you activate the ability to draw two cards, Mercurial Chemister sets you up to outpace your opponent by amassing more resources in your hand, which can be pivotal for dominating the game.

Resource Acceleration: This card gives you the unique benefit of converting cards into direct damage. By discarding a card, you transform a potential excess resource into an immediate threat, thereby accelerating your offensive capabilities.

Instant Speed: The flexibility of activating Mercurial Chemister’s abilities at instant speed means you can optimize your plays in response to the evolving battlefield, maintaining the element of surprise and maximizing your tactical options.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: To activate one of Mercurial Chemister’s abilities, you need to discard a card, which might force you to make tough decisions, especially when your hand is nearly empty or filled with key pieces of your strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: Mercurial Chemister’s casting cost demands both blue and red mana, making it less flexible and a challenging fit for decks that are not geared towards an Izzet (blue-red) mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Five mana for summoning this creature can be quite steep, considering there are other cards in the Izzet archetype that can draw cards or deal damage at a lower mana cost, which could result in a more streamlined game plan.


Reasons to Include Mercurial Chemister in Your Collection

Versatility: The Mercurial Chemister card offers a flexible approach to managing in-game actions. Not only can it draw you cards to provide a steady flow of resources, but it also has the ability to target and remove opposing threats through its direct damage ability.

Combo Potential: This wizard not only synergizes well with decks that are focused on instants and sorceries, but also with those that leverage draw or discard mechanics. The interactions your deck can harness through these combinations can help turn the tides of play to your favor.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state that values control and tempo, having a card like Mercurial Chemister can make the difference. Its ability to both refill your hand and deal with problematic creatures makes it a valuable asset against various popular strategies.


How to Beat

Overcoming Mercurial Chemister in MTG revolves around strategic disruption and board control. This crafty Izzet guildmage has the potential to tilt card advantage in your opponent’s favor, with both a card draw and a creature removal ability to worry about. One recommended tactic is to prioritize instant-speed removal or countermeasures. Cards like Disallow or Murderous Rider can handle the Chemister before its abilities can be activated. Additionally, keeping a check on your opponent’s mana and countering the Chemister when it hits the stack is crucial. Cards like Dovin’s Veto and Negate can be game-changers in such situations.

Another effective strategy is to outpace your adversary. Applying pressure with aggressive creatures forces your opponent to use their resources defensively, limiting their ability to invest in sustaining a Chemister’s presence. Should the Chemister manage to land on the board, don’t underestimate the value of enchantments like Pacifism or Dark Steel Mutation, which can neutralize its abilities without having to remove it entirely. It’s all about anticipation and preemptive measures when facing down this tricky wizard on the battlefield.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG gameplay with cards like Mercurial Chemister is an exciting challenge that can lead to a rewarding experience on the battlefield. With its dual abilities of card advantage and tactical removal, this creature can be a versatile powerhouse in your Izzet-themed deck. Consider how it can synergize with your current strategy and the ways it could improve your control over the game’s tempo. If you’re captivated by the intricate play Mercurial Chemister promises, we encourage you to delve deeper into our resources. Let’s optimize your deck together and unlock new levels of strategy to secure your victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Mercurial Chemister MTG card by a specific set like Return to Ravnica and Commander 2017, 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 Mercurial Chemister and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Mercurial Chemister Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2012-10-05 and 2020-04-17. Illustrated by Wesley Burt.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12012-10-05Return to RavnicaRTR 1802003NormalBlackWesley Burt
22017-08-25Commander 2017C17 1802015NormalBlackWesley Burt
32020-04-17Commander 2020C20 2212015NormalBlackWesley Burt
42020-09-26The ListPLST RTR-1802003NormalBlackWesley Burt

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Mercurial Chemister has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2012-10-01 If the discarded card has no mana symbols in its upper right corner (because it’s a land card, for example), its mana value is 0.
2012-10-01 If the discarded card has in its mana cost, X is 0.