Scholar of Stars MTG Card


Scholar of Stars grants card advantage through draw, amplifying resources when artifacts are present. When integrated in artifact-focused decks, it accelerates resource accessibility and fuels combos. Instant speed decks benefit from its synergy, making timing of plays a strategic asset.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Human Artificer
Power 3
Toughness 2

Text of card

When Scholar of Stars enters the battlefield, if you control an artifact, draw a card.

"The path of the stars is as reliable as the instruments that measure them."


Cards like Scholar of Stars

Scholar of Stars is an intriguing creature in Magic: The Gathering, fitting neatly into decks that capitalize on artifacts. Its kinship with cards like Aether Swooper becomes evident through the shared affinity for artifacts — both releasing potential when you control one. Yet, Scholar of Stars demands no energy counterpart, differentiating itself by offering direct card draw if you meet its condition.

Akin to the Scholar, Filigree Familiar offers its controller card advantage, but through a different avenue. While the familiarity exits the battlefield to provide the draw, the Scholar yields immediate value as soon as it enters, provided you have an artifact in play. Trophy Mage is another notable comparison, neither drawing cards directly nor when entering the battlefield, but specifically tutoring for a qualifying artifact, offering a more targeted approach to accessing your deck’s resources.

Ultimately, Scholar of Stars provides a robust choice for players looking to synergize with artifacts while also seeking to maintain card advantage, making it an efficient piece in strategies that favor such interactions within Magic: The Gathering.

Aether Swooper - MTG Card versions
Filigree Familiar - MTG Card versions
Trophy Mage - MTG Card versions
Aether Swooper - MTG Card versions
Filigree Familiar - MTG Card versions
Trophy Mage - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Scholar of Stars by color, type and mana cost

Phantasmal Forces - MTG Card versions
Wall of Vapor - MTG Card versions
Tradewind Rider - MTG Card versions
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Fatestitcher - MTG Card versions
Argent Sphinx - MTG Card versions
Lumengrid Drake - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Infuser - MTG Card versions
Phantasmal Dragon - MTG Card versions
Havengul Runebinder - MTG Card versions
Phantasmal Forces - MTG Card versions
Wall of Vapor - MTG Card versions
Tradewind Rider - MTG Card versions
Archivist - MTG Card versions
Thieving Magpie - MTG Card versions
Inga Rune-Eyes - MTG Card versions
Sakashima of a Thousand Faces - MTG Card versions
Laboratory Drudge - MTG Card versions
Johnny, Combo Player - MTG Card versions
Dream Prowler - MTG Card versions
Cytoplast Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Crookclaw Transmuter - MTG Card versions
Turtleshell Changeling - MTG Card versions
Glen Elendra Archmage - MTG Card versions
Fatestitcher - MTG Card versions
Argent Sphinx - MTG Card versions
Lumengrid Drake - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Infuser - MTG Card versions
Phantasmal Dragon - MTG Card versions
Havengul Runebinder - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The ability of Scholar of Stars to enable a card draw after casting another artifact provides players with an edge by refilling their hand, thus potentially outpacing opponents by sheer volume of resources.

Resource Acceleration: This card contributes to resource acceleration in decks centered around artifacts. When synergizing with other artifact-based strategies, Scholar of Stars can be part of a combo that unlocks your deck’s full potential more quickly.

Instant Speed: While Scholar of Stars itself is not an instant, it fits snugly into decks that operate at instant speed. Its role bolsters the strategy of deploying threats and interacting with the board at times that are most inconvenient for opponents.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the drawbacks of Scholar of Stars is that it doesn’t have any built-in mechanism to offset the downside of losing resources which can be prevalent in game situations where hand size is diminished.

Specific Mana Cost: Players must allocate a specific combination of mana to cast Scholar of Stars. This can create challenges in decks that have a diverse color palette or those that require mana flexibility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For three mana, Scholar of Stars offers a moderate body and a conditional ability. There are alternatives in the format that could provide a more immediate impact on the game or demand less stringent conditions for their effects.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Scholar of Stars shines when you’re running a deck rich in artifacts. Being able to draw a card when it enters the battlefield, provided you control an artifact, easily fits into artifact-centric or blue-based strategies.

Combo Potential: This creature can be a cog in engine decks, triggering when artifacts come into play or are sacrificed. Its ability to help cycle through your deck can unearth key combo pieces when you need them the most.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where drawing cards can make or break a match, Scholar of Stars is particularly useful. Its role in any deck that seeks to maintain a full grip of options cannot be overstated, especially in matches that pivot on card advantage.


How to beat

Scholar of Stars is a card that casts its magic in the world of MTG by leveraging the presence of artifacts. This spell’s ability to draw a player a card when an artifact is in play can be a game-changer, pacing the player towards victory with a fuller hand. However, the key to neutralizing this academic powerhouse lies in artifact control.

Effective artifact removal cards are quintessential in disabling the Scholar’s advantages. Cards like Abrade or Naturalize offer a low-cost solution to this challenge, sweeping away the artifacts that fuel the Scholar’s thirst for knowledge and leaving your opponent’s strategy in disarray. Additionally, counter spells that prevent the Scholar of Stars from ever entering the battleground, like Counterspell or Essence Scatter, can nip the problem in the bud and secure your dominance on the playing field.

In essence, keeping your opponent’s artifacts at bay or preventing the Scholar from seeing play altogether are clear pathways to ensure this creature doesn’t tip the scales against you. While this method requires precise timing and strategy, its effectiveness is well-tested in the MTG environment, safeguarding you against the tactical advantage that Scholar of Stars might otherwise provide.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Scholar of Stars MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2019 and Commander Legends, 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 Scholar of Stars and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Scholar of Stars Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2018-07-13 and 2020-11-20. Illustrated by Tommy Arnold.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12018-07-13Core Set 2019M19 712015NormalBlackTommy Arnold
22020-11-20Commander LegendsCMR 922015NormalBlackTommy Arnold

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Scholar of Stars has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal