Rhystic Study — Magic: The Gathering card

Rhystic Study

{2}{U}
Enchantment

Whenever an opponent casts a spell, you may draw a card unless that player pays {1}.

*Friends teach what you want to know. Enemies teach what you *need* to know.*

Set Jumpstart
Rarity Rare
Mana Value 3
Artist Terese Nielsen
Collector # 169
Scryfall

Why Play Rhystic Study

The value proposition is simple but devastating: opponents either pay extra mana for every spell or fuel your hand with card draw. Most players will occasionally forget the tax or lack the extra mana, giving you consistent card advantage throughout the game. Blue control and value-oriented decks prize this effect since it provides sustained card selection while slowing down aggressive strategies. Deploy it early when opponents have limited mana to maximize the tax pressure.

Format Notes

Commander represents this card's strongest showing, where multiplayer games create numerous draw triggers and the casual nature means players often skip the tax payment. The card sees occasional Legacy play in control shells but competes with more immediate card selection. Pauper inclusion comes from its Common printing in certain sets, though the format's low curve limits its impact. No ban history exists despite its power level, as the symmetrical tax keeps it from being oppressive in competitive formats.

Combos & Synergies

Teferi, Time Raveler creates a soft lock by forcing opponents to pay the tax on sorcery-speed spells while limiting their ability to respond. Notion Thief turns opponents' reluctance to pay into massive card advantage for you instead. Winter Orb and similar stax effects amplify the mana pressure, making the one-mana tax increasingly difficult to pay as games progress.

Learn More

Enchantment Cantrip Commander Pauper Legacy