Position：home

Cipher Suite: 9 Must-Know Facts about Cipher MTG

Introduction

Cipher MTG (Magic: The Gathering) is an innovative card mechanic introduced in the Theros block expansion. First appearing in 2013, it has since become a fan favorite due to its unique gameplay mechanics. This article delves into the intriguing world of Cipher MTG, exploring its origins, strategies, and impact on the game.

12 Key Points about Cipher MTG

Definition: Cipher is a keyword ability that allows certain creatures to exile cards from opponents' libraries when they enter the battlefield.
Exiling Cards: Cipher cards typically have a number associated with them, indicating how many cards can be exiled. For example, a creature with "Cipher 2" exiles two cards from its opponent's library.
Copying Instant or Sorcery Spells: When the creature enters the battlefield, its controller may copy any instant or sorcery spell exiled by Cipher for each card exiled.
Costless Copying: The exiled spell copies can be cast without paying their mana costs. This costless spellcasting provides significant mana advantage.
Drawback: The exiled cards are revealed as they are exiled, giving opponents information about the spells cast from the copies.
Strategic Advantages: Cipher can be used to disrupt opponents' game plans by exiling key cards, while simultaneously providing the caster with additional spellcasting options.
Deck Construction: Cipher decks typically include cards that generate tokens or other creatures that can enter the battlefield multiple times, maximizing the number of Cipher triggers.
Reliance on Instant and Sorcery Spells: Cipher decks rely heavily on instant and sorcery spells to take advantage of the copies created by Cipher abilities.
Impact on the Meta: Cipher has had a significant impact on the MTG meta, leading to the rise of decks that focus on exiling opponents' libraries.
Banned in Commander: Due to its potential for abuse in multiplayer formats, Cipher is banned as a mechanic in Commander.
Popular Cipher Cards: Some notable Cipher cards include [[Agent of the Fates]], [[Duskmantle Seer]], and [[Slither Blade]].
Future of Cipher: Cipher remains a popular mechanic despite its ban in Commander, and it is likely to continue to be used in other MTG formats in the future.

How to Use Cipher MTG Effectively

Maximize Card Exiles: Use creatures with high Cipher numbers to exile multiple cards from opponents' libraries.
Target Key Cards: Exiling key cards like counterspells or removal spells can disrupt opponents' game plans.
Chain Cipher Triggers: Create multiple creatures with Cipher to trigger multiple times, increasing the number of spell copies generated.
Take Advantage of Mana Economy: Using costless spell copies can save mana for other spells or abilities.
Be Aware of the Drawback: Exiled cards are revealed, so opponents can plan accordingly.

Cipher MTG in Competitive Play

Tournament Success: Cipher decks have seen success in competitive MTG tournaments, particularly in formats like Modern and Legacy.
Deck Archetypes: Popular Cipher deck archetypes include Cipher Burn, Cipher Control, and Cipher Combo.
Strengths: Cipher decks can quickly dominate the board by exiling key cards and casting multiple spells for free.
Weaknesses: Cipher decks can be vulnerable to disruption and exile effects that target their creatures.

Conclusion

Cipher MTG is a captivating mechanic that has left an enduring mark on the world of Magic: The Gathering. Its combination of exiled card manipulation and costless spellcasting has opened up new avenues of gameplay strategy, making it a favorite among both casual and competitive players alike. With its profound impact on the MTG meta, Cipher continues to inspire creative deck-building and thrilling matches. As the game evolves, it remains to be seen what future iterations of Cipher will bring to the world of MTG.

Appendix

Cipher Strategy Table

Strategy	Advantages	Disadvantages
Multiple Cipher Triggers	High volume of spell copies	Requires multiple creatures with Cipher
Target Key Cards	Disrupt opponent's game plan	Opponents may have backups or countermeasures
Mana Advantage	Cast spells for free	Relies on having creatures with Cipher
Surprise Factor	Can catch opponents off guard	Exiled cards provide information to opponents

Cipher Card Table

Card Name	Mana Cost	Cipher Number
[[Agent of the Fates]]	3U	1
[[Duskmantle Seer]]	2BB	2
[[Slither Blade]]	1G	3
[[Conspiracy Theorist]]	1U	1
[[Xathrid Gorgon]]	3B	1

Cipher Deckbuilding Table

Deck Type	Key Cards	Strategy
Cipher Burn	[[Goblin Guide]], [[Lightning Bolt]], [[Boros Charm]]	Aggressively exile cards and deal direct damage
Cipher Control	[[Counterspell]], [[Cryptic Command]], [[Snapcaster Mage]]	Control the board and disrupt opponents' strategies
Cipher Combo	[[Pestermite]], [[Deceiver Exarch]], [[Splinter Twin]]	Infinite creature combos using exiled card copies

Cipher FAQ

Q: What is the difference between copying a spell and casting a copy of a spell?
A: Copying a spell means creating a new spell that is an exact copy of the original. Casting a copy of a spell means playing the copied spell from your hand.

Q: Can I copy a spell that targets a specific player or permanent?
A: Yes, you can copy the spell and choose the same target for the copy.

cipher mtg

Q: What happens if an exiled card is countered?
A: The spell copy is also countered.

Cipher Suite: 9 Must-Know Facts about Cipher MTG

Q: Can I copy a spell multiple times with Cipher?
A: Yes, you can copy a spell once for each exiled card.

Q: What are some good cards to use with Cipher creatures?
A: Cards that generate tokens, cards that give creatures evasion, and cards that protect creatures are all good choices for use with Cipher creatures.

Introduction

Q: What are some ways to counter Cipher decks?
A: Using exile effects to remove Cipher creatures or using counterspells to counter the spells they copy are effective ways to counter Cipher decks.

Q: Is Cipher a banned mechanic in any MTG formats?
A: Yes, Cipher is banned in Commander format as of January 1, 2023.