Mystic Remora MTG Card


Draws extra cards as opponents cast noncreature spells, creating persistent card advantage. Strategically flexible, fits well in blue decks and combos with cost-reducing mechanics. Outperform similar cards in long games due to economic casting with consistent advantage.
Card setsReleased in 6 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeEnchantment
Abilities Cumulative upkeep

Text of card

Cumulative Upkeep: o1 Whenever target opponent successfully casts a non-creature spell, you may draw a card. That player may pay o4 to counter this effect.


Cards like Mystic Remora

Mystic Remora is a distinctive staple within the blue strategies of Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to draw cards for the minimal upkeep cost keeps it relevant in games, distinguishing it from other card-drawing enchantments. Rhystic Study is often compared for its semblance in card drawing capability. The notable difference is in their trigger conditions; Rhystic Study requires opponents to pay mana to prevent the card draw, whereas Mystic Remora taxes only noncreature spells without such an option.

Consecrated Sphinx takes card advantage a step further and akin to Mystic Remora, it reaps benefits from your opponents’ actions, allowing you to draw two cards whenever an opponent draws one. Although the Sphinx has a greater impact per trigger, its higher casting cost makes Mystic Remora an early-game alternative. Finally, we consider Standstill, which shares the passive card draw approach. Standstill rewards you with three cards after any player casts a spell, ceasing its own effect. Each of these cards holds a strategic place in Magic: The Gathering, but Mystic Remora’s low cost and consistent demand for your opponent’s resources make it a contention point in many blue decks.

While strategies and deckbuilding philosophies differ, Mystic Remora’s economical casting cost coupled with its potential for steady card advantage gives it an edge particularly in games that extend multiple turns, making it a powerhouse in the format it resides in.

Rhystic Study - MTG Card versions
Consecrated Sphinx - MTG Card versions
Standstill - MTG Card versions
Rhystic Study - MTG Card versions
Consecrated Sphinx - MTG Card versions
Standstill - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Mystic Remora by color, type and mana cost

Flight - MTG Card versions
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Field of Dreams - MTG Card versions
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Soothsaying - MTG Card versions
Flight - MTG Card versions
Unstable Mutation - MTG Card versions
Field of Dreams - MTG Card versions
Dream Coat - MTG Card versions
Tangle Kelp - MTG Card versions
Flood - MTG Card versions
Tidal Flats - MTG Card versions
Backfire - MTG Card versions
Essence Flare - MTG Card versions
Mystic Might - MTG Card versions
Awesome Presence - MTG Card versions
Cloak of Invisibility - MTG Card versions
Vanishing - MTG Card versions
Mana Chains - MTG Card versions
Shimmering Wings - MTG Card versions
Robe of Mirrors - MTG Card versions
Censorship - MTG Card versions
Telepathy - MTG Card versions
Veiled Sentry - MTG Card versions
Soothsaying - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Esper TinkerEsper Tinker VintageBlue TinkerVintage Challenge 32 2024-01-28
Lurrus SagaLurrus Saga VintageLurrus SagaVintage Challenge 32 2023-12-24
Jeskai Underworld BreachJeskai Underworld Breach VintageUnderworld BreachVintage Challenge 32 2023-12-24
WUWU VintageVintage League 2023-12-03
Jeskai ControlJeskai Control VintageJeskai ControlVintage League 2023-12-10 (1)
Azorius ComboAzorius Combo Vintage2023 NA Vintage Champs
Azorius ControlAzorius Control Vintage2023 NA Vintage Champs
Esper ComboEsper Combo Vintage2023 NA Vintage Champs
WUBWUB VintageVintage League 2023-11-05

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Mystic Remora excels at providing sustained card advantage by drawing you additional cards every time an opponent casts a noncreature spell. This can quickly lead to an overwhelming advantage as you accumulate more resources than your opponents.

Resource Acceleration: Though Mystic Remora doesn’t directly accelerate resources like some mana-generating cards, the cards it draws can lead to resource acceleration by providing you with more options and potentially more plays each turn. This enables a quicker development of your board state and strategies.

Instant Speed: Although Mystic Remora itself is an enchantment, its cumulative upkeep cost is paid in the upkeep phase, leaving your mana free during your opponents’ turns. This allows you the flexibility to interact at instant speed with other spells while still reaping the benefits of the Remora’s ability to draw extra cards during their turns.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Mystic Remora doesn’t make you discard directly, its cumulative upkeep cost can end up being a hefty price to pay. If you can’t afford the growing cost, you’ll have to let this enchantment go, possibly at a moment when its card draw ability would be most beneficial.

Specific Mana Cost: Mystic Remora demands a single blue mana to hit the board. This narrows its ideal inclusion to blue-centric or blue-supporting decks, which may not fit the strategy or mana base of all deck builds.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Cost-effective in the early game, Mystic Remora’s cumulative upkeep grows each turn, potentially rendering its continued presence on the battlefield a resource drain. In longer matches, the investment to keep it around might outweigh the benefits, as its effective cost becomes higher than other card selection or draw options.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Mystic Remora offers a unique advantage by allowing card draw at a minimal upkeep cost. This can be beneficial in various deck builds, particularly those seeking to maintain a steady flow of options without sacrificing significant resources.

Combo Potential: In decks that revolve around casting numerous spells, Mystic Remora becomes a powerhouse, turning each opponent’s spell into a potential card for you. Its synergy with cards that reduce upkeep costs is also noteworthy, adding to its value in combo-centric strategies.

Meta-Relevance: Given its ability to thrive in environments where opponents deploy numerous non-creature spells, Mystic Remora is especially relevant in competitive scenes where control and combo decks are prevalent. The card presents a strategic deterrent, potentially limiting your opponents’ willingness to cast spells, lest they provide you with additional draw opportunities.


How to beat Mystic Remora

In the ecosystem of MTG, Mystic Remora is a card that stands out for its ‘Cumulative Upkeep’ and drawing ability, often giving players a continuous advantage by cashing in on opponents’ spells. It’s a cheap enchantment that can rapidly become a significant impediment, demanding a strategic approach to dismantle. Key are spells that destroy enchantments without giving opponents a chance to draw, like Nature’s Claim or Disenchant. These tools slip under Mystic Remora’s radar, as they cost less than the four-mana threshold that triggers Remora’s effect.

Another effective strategy is keeping the game pace slow and your spending tight. Limit casting noncreature spells that won’t critically impact the board state until you can deal with the Remora, or opt to flush it out naturally by letting its cumulative upkeep become unsustainable for your opponent. Remember, patience and precise actions are your allies when navigating around Mystic Remora’s slippery waters, ensuring that you withhold enough resources to checkmate it at an opportune moment. Attune your play to outlast the pressuring presence of Mystic Remora and emerge victorious.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dive deeper into the strategic depths of MTG and harness the power of understanding essential cards like Mystic Remora. Enhance your deck’s capability by exploiting card advantage and staying ahead in resource competition. Whether you’re looking to make significant strides in a blue-centric deck or fortify your collection with versatile, synergistic options, learning about and integrating Mystic Remora can be a game-changer. Fine-tune your approach to deckbuilding and in-game tactics to circumvent the common pitfalls experienced by less prepared players. Take the next step in your MTG journey with us and unlock the full potential of your plays. Discover more about maximizing your cards’ effectiveness and stay on top of your game with BurnMana.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Mystic Remora MTG card by a specific set like Ice Age and Masters Edition, 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 Mystic Remora and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Mystic Remora Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 1995-06-03 and 2023-01-13. Illustrated by 4 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11995-06-03Ice AgeICE 871993NormalBlackKen Meyer, Jr.
22007-09-10Masters EditionME1 421997NormalBlackKen Meyer, Jr.
32019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 4062015NormalBorderlessKelogsloops
42023-01-13Dominaria RemasteredDMR 592015NormalBlackJesper Ejsing
52023-01-13Dominaria RemasteredDMR 4202015NormalBorderlessRon Spears
62023-01-13Dominaria RemasteredDMR 2881997NormalBlackJesper Ejsing

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Mystic Remora has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderBanned
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2022-12-08 Paying cumulative upkeep is always optional. If it’s not paid, the permanent with cumulative upkeep is sacrificed. Partial payments of the total cumulative upkeep cost can’t be made. For example, if Mystic Remora has three age counters on it when its cumulative upkeep ability triggers, it gets another age counter and then its controller chooses to either pay or sacrifice it.