Thieves' Auction MTG Card


Thieves’ Auction balances tables by distributing resources, offering players novel strategic opportunities. It presents a mana cost challenge, demanding a strong red mana base for successful deck inclusion. This card’s unique blend of disruption and strategy makes it an intriguing addition to a variety of decks.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost7
RarityRare
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Set aside all permanents. You choose one of those cards and put it into play tapped under your control. Then your opponent chooses one and puts it into play tapped under his or her control. Repeat this process until all cards set aside this way have been chosen. (Local enchantments with no permanent to enchant remain removed from the game.)


Cards like Thieves' Auction

Thieves’ Auction is a unique red sorcery that stands out for its ability to dramatically shuffle the board state. One card that shares some mechanical similarities is Scrambleverse, which also redistributes permanents among players randomly. While Thieves’ Auction removes all permanents and has each player select them one at a time, Scrambleverse randomly reassigns them without the draft process, leading to a quicker but less strategic upheaval.

Another card worth mentioning is Warp World, which has a similar chaotic effect but focuses on shuffling all non-token permanents into the library and then putting that many permanents onto the battlefield from the top of the deck. This can lead to a wild transformation of the board, but it leaves the deck’s construction rather than player choices as the determining factor.

Illicit Auction, while not affecting the entire board, introduces an interactive bidding mechanic between players for control of a single creature. It creates a tense moment, quite different from the broad impact of Thieves’ Auction, which involves all non-token permanents and determines their fate through a structured draft-like selection process.

Thus, Thieves’ Auction holds its own as a fascinating card within MTG, offering a disruptive and entertaining way to level the playing field by reassigning ownership of all non-token permanents on the board, demanding both strategy and adaptability from players.

Scrambleverse - MTG Card versions
Warp World - MTG Card versions
Illicit Auction - MTG Card versions
Scrambleverse - MTG Card versions
Warp World - MTG Card versions
Illicit Auction - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Thieves' Auction by color, type and mana cost

Devastation - MTG Card versions
Fire Tempest - MTG Card versions
Flame Wave - MTG Card versions
Cinder Storm - MTG Card versions
Goblin Game - MTG Card versions
Kamahl's Sledge - MTG Card versions
Over the Top - MTG Card versions
Brass's Bounty - MTG Card versions
Searing Flesh - MTG Card versions
Twist Allegiance - MTG Card versions
Fury of the Horde - MTG Card versions
Disaster Radius - MTG Card versions
Destructive Force - MTG Card versions
Rite of Ruin - MTG Card versions
Volcanic Vision - MTG Card versions
Serpentine Spike - MTG Card versions
Star of Extinction - MTG Card versions
Sundering Stroke - MTG Card versions
Reckless Endeavor - MTG Card versions
Collision of Realms - MTG Card versions
Devastation - MTG Card versions
Fire Tempest - MTG Card versions
Flame Wave - MTG Card versions
Cinder Storm - MTG Card versions
Goblin Game - MTG Card versions
Kamahl's Sledge - MTG Card versions
Over the Top - MTG Card versions
Brass's Bounty - MTG Card versions
Searing Flesh - MTG Card versions
Twist Allegiance - MTG Card versions
Fury of the Horde - MTG Card versions
Disaster Radius - MTG Card versions
Destructive Force - MTG Card versions
Rite of Ruin - MTG Card versions
Volcanic Vision - MTG Card versions
Serpentine Spike - MTG Card versions
Star of Extinction - MTG Card versions
Sundering Stroke - MTG Card versions
Reckless Endeavor - MTG Card versions
Collision of Realms - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Thieves’ Auction is a formidable card when it comes to disrupting the existing board state and redistributing the in-game resources among players. This red sorcery enables a unique form of card advantage by reassigning all permanents, potentially providing you with more beneficial assets than you previously controlled.

Resource Acceleration: With Thieves’ Auction, the repositioning of lands and other mana-producing permanents can result in unexpected gains of valuable mana sources, setting the stage for explosive plays and potentially accelerating your in-game resources beyond typical ramping strategies.

Instant Speed: Even though Thieves’ Auction isn’t cast at instant speed, its high impact on the game can be considered a tempo reset, sometimes acting as a ‘pause button’ on strategies that rely heavily on specific board states, allowing players to reassess and respond under new conditions that can be more favorable to them.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Thieves’ Auction can force players to discard their strategic setup. By rearranging the board, it disrupts synergies and combos, potentially causing a loss of momentum and key pieces from a player’s established game plan.

Specific Mana Cost: It has a unique mana requirement that demands a combination of three red mana plus four of any other type, making it a tough fit for decks not heavily invested in red mana sources or those that operate on a tight mana curve.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a seven-mana cost, this card sits at the higher end of the mana spectrum. Given its relatively high investment, players might find that other cards can provide more immediate or less risky board impact without the potential downside of benefiting opponents as well.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Thieves’ Auction is a unique card capable of shaking up the game state no matter what the board looks like. It can be slotted into chaotic multiplayer decks or those looking to reset the playing field.

Combo Potential: This card has inherent synergy with strategies revolving around permanent control and can be paired with effects that allow you to gain control of the choicest permanents every time it’s played.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state that’s heavy on creature-based strategies or where board presence is crucial, Thieves’ Auction disrupts opponents’ plans. This can give you the upper hand in a game where players have developed significant board states.


How to beat

Confronting Thieves’ Auction on the battlefield is a unique challenge within Magic: The Gathering. To navigate this red sorcery that reshuffles and redistributes all non-token permanents, savvy players need to adopt a certain mindset. First and foremost, maintaining mana flexibility is crucial. Having a variety of low-cost spells at your disposal can grant you a faster recovery post-auction. The ability to cast multiple spells each turn allows you to quickly rebuild your board presence.

Card selection is equally important. Prioritizing permanents with enter the battlefield (ETB) effects can turn the tides in your favor even after your cards have been tossed into Thieves’ Auction’s chaotic swap. Creatures like Reclamation Sage or Eternal Witness can recover key pieces from your graveyard, ensuring you don’t lose momentum. And don’t overlook the power of instant-speed interaction. Cards such as Counterspell or Beast Within can disrupt your opponent’s strategy post-auction or protect your most valuable assets from being snatched away.

Ultimately, beating Thieves’ Auction comes down to preparation and adaptability. Consider your deck’s response to an entire board reset and be ready to capitalize on the new board state. A sharp strategic mind paired with a versatile deck can turn what seems like a disheartening upheaval into a golden opportunity to gain the upper hand.


BurnMana Recommendations

Thieves’ Auction is a card that brings a twist to the usual MTG gameplay, offering players a way to shake the foundation of the game itself. Its unique redistribution mechanic grants savvy players the chance to turn the tides of a match in their favor. This card can serve as a strategy pivot within chaotic multiplayer games or decks built to capitalize on its potential for dramatic swings in board state control. Its inclusion in a collection represents not just another card but a statement of adaptability and a readiness to surprise your opponents. Dive deeper into strategic deck building and optimize your play with our insights—your next game-changing move could start here.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Thieves' Auction MTG card by a specific set like Mercadian Masques and Eighth 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 Thieves' Auction and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Thieves' Auction Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1999-10-04 and 2003-07-28. Illustrated by Kevin Murphy.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11999-10-04Mercadian MasquesMMQ 2181997NormalBlackKevin Murphy
22003-07-28Eighth Edition8ED 227★2003NormalBlackKevin Murphy
32003-07-28Eighth Edition8ED 2272003NormalWhiteKevin Murphy
42020-09-26The ListPLST MMQ-2181997NormalBlackKevin Murphy

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Thieves' Auction has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2004-10-04 An Aura put onto the battlefield this way does not target the permanent it is placed upon.
2004-10-04 In multi-player games, it affects all players and players make choices in turn order.
2004-10-04 Triggers from the permanents leaving the battlefield and then being put back onto the battlefield are not put on the stack until the entire effect is done.
2004-10-04 You can’t pick a card that can’t legally be returned to the battlefield. If there are no cards that can be legally returned, then you can’t pick one.
2005-08-01 If you choose an Aura, you can put it on any permanent it can legally enchant. If there is nothing it can legally enchant, it remains exiled, and it can still be chosen by you or another player later in the auction. If there comes a point where only Auras and no legal permanents left, they stay exiled permanently.