Mana Crypt is a powerful, low-tix artifact that adds two mana to your pool for one colorless mana. Its ability to generate double blue or any other two-color combo's worth of mana makes it an attractive inclusion in many decks, particularly those relying on cards like Tolarian Academy or Mox Opal. As a result, Mana Crypt is highly sought after and pricey, with foil versions reaching up to $599.92 USD.

Mana Crypt sees play in various formats, including Commander, where it's often used to accelerate mana development for powerful spell-casting or combo strategies. However, its damage trigger can be hazardous if not managed carefully, especially against opponents running burn-heavy decks like Burn or Niv-Mizzet, Master of Hype.

Mana Crypt is a classic artifact that has been a staple in many Commander decks for years. Its rules and interactions are straightforward, but understanding its nuances requires attention to detail.

Card Functionality

At the beginning of your upkeep, Mana Crypt forces you to flip a coin. If you lose the flip, it deals 3 damage to you. This is an automatic trigger that happens every turn, regardless of whether you're taking any other actions. The flip itself has no effect on game state, but losing the flip causes the artifact to deal 3 damage.

On the other hand, when a player casts a spell or ability with {T} (Tap) in its mana cost, Mana Crypt allows them to add two Colorless mana to their pool at any time. This is an additional way to generate mana, which can be used for casting spells or activating abilities.

Stack Interaction

When the upkeep trigger resolves, it will always cause one of two outcomes: either you flip a coin and lose, dealing 3 damage to yourself, or you win the flip and do nothing. If another player tries to interrupt this process with an ability that says "counter" Counterspell, for example), they'll fail because Mana Crypt's trigger is already resolving.

Similarly, if someone attempts to destroy Mana Crypt with an effect like Abrupt Decay, it will only affect the artifact after its upkeep trigger has resolved and dealt damage (if applicable). Be aware that any ability that destroys artifacts can be tricky when paired with Mana Crypt, as the destruction might not occur until after the artifact has done its damage.

Battlefield Interaction

Mana Crypt remains on the battlefield throughout the game, continuing to force you to flip a coin at the beginning of your upkeep. If you lose the flip, it'll deal 3 damage every turn until someone destroys or sacrifices it.

Keep in mind that if you have multiple copies of Mana Crypt, each one will still deal its own damage and force flips independently. This can lead to interesting scenarios where a single player is taking repeated damage from their own artifacts while trying to stabilize the board.

Commander-Specific Quirks

In Commander, Mana Crypt's ability to generate two Colorless mana at any time makes it an excellent inclusion in green or multi-color decks that rely on a high number of lands. Its relatively low cost and easy-to-remember abilities make it accessible to players of all skill levels.

In terms of unusual interactions with other cards, consider pairing Mana Crypt with Goblin Rabblemaster, which allows you to tap the artifact to create an additional {C} Colorless mana when attacking with a creature. This creates an efficient way to generate Colorless mana for your spells and abilities while also ramping up your creature power.

In summary, Mana Crypt is a straightforward but potent artifact that offers both benefits (additional mana generation) and drawbacks (damage on loss). When combined with other cards in Commander decks, its versatility shines through.

Mana Crypt is a versatile and powerful artifact that has been a staple in many competitive, casual, and niche Commander decks. Its ability to add two colorless mana at the beginning of your turn makes it an attractive inclusion for any deck looking to ramp up their mana development.

One of the most significant benefits of Mana Crypt is its ability to mitigate the risk of early-game aggression from opponents. By adding a layer of protection, players can safely play aggressive strategies without worrying about being disrupted by their opponent's early-game plays. This makes it an excellent fit for aggressive Commander decks that rely on fast creatures and burn spells.

In particular, Mana Crypt is highly valued in colorless aggro strategies that aim to disrupt the opponent's mana development with early-game artifacts and removal spells. Cards like Shattering Blow, Searing Blood, and Mox Opal work well in conjunction with Mana Crypt to create a formidable aggressive deck. Additionally, its ability to add two colorless mana allows players to play around cards that exile or destroy creatures, making it an excellent fit for strategies that rely on creature tokens.

Mana Crypt is also highly prized in control and combo decks that require rapid development of their mana base. Cards like Mnemic Wall, Atraxa, Praetors' Voice, and Sol Ring benefit from the additional two colorless mana generated by Mana Crypt, allowing players to more quickly develop their board state and set up for big plays.

Its impact on certain Commander archetypes is worth noting:

• Bolas's Throne and Atraxa, Praetors' Voice: Both decks rely heavily on rapid development of their mana base. Mana Crypt enables them to accelerate their ramp and play the cards they need to win the game.
• Mono-Blue Weenie and Golgari Aggro: These aggressive strategies benefit from Mana Crypt's ability to add two colorless mana, making it easier for players to develop their board state and deal damage quickly.
• Simic Combo and Izzet Control: These control decks use Mana Crypt to accelerate their mana development and set up for combo pieces like Liliana of the Veil and Vraska's Contempt.

Mana Crypt's Unconventional Synergies

This card, while often seen as a straightforward mana acceleration tool, holds more depth when combined with specific strategies. For instance, pairing Mana Crypt with cards like Sol Ring or Mox Opal creates an explosive combo, allowing for rapid development of the board and aggressive plays.

Another notable combination is with enchantments that generate card advantage or protection from damage, such as Vital Force or Daxos, Blessed by the Sun God. In this context, Mana Crypt can help to fuel these effects while mitigating potential drawbacks like damage taken during upkeep.

Rules Tricks and Interactions

Mana Crypt's coin flip at the beginning of upkeep offers opportunities for clever play. If you anticipate a critical phase or an important turn where drawing cards is essential, flipping heads on the coin flip allows you to add two mana without taking any damage.

Conversely, if you're in a desperate situation with low life total and no means to recover, losing the coin flip can be used as a sacrificial measure to deal 3 damage to yourself. This might seem counterintuitive at first but demonstrates the card's versatility when paired with more aggressive strategies.

Synergies with Specific Commanders

Mana Crypt finds a home in various Commander decks, particularly those centered around aggressive or midrange strategies. For example:

• Krenko, Mob Boss and other creatures that generate token armies can greatly benefit from Mana Crypt's accelerated mana generation.
• Atraxa, Praetors' Voice, which amplifies card draw effects, can utilize Mana Crypt to fuel its abilities more efficiently.

In these decks, Mana Crypt serves as a crucial tool for generating the necessary resources to execute complex combos and generate value through card advantage.

Mana Crypt: Common Mistakes and Misplays

As a powerful artifact with a low mana cost, Mana Crypt is a staple in many Commander decks. However, its unique ability can lead to common mistakes if not handled properly.

Timing Issues

• Failing to account for the coin flip: During your upkeep, flipping a coin is a crucial part of Mana Crypt's ability. If you forget to flip the coin or misjudge the outcome, it can deal unnecessary damage to you.
• Not considering the artifact's potential for indirect damage: In some cases, Mana Crypt's damage can be mitigated by equipping other artifacts that reduce damage taken. However, forgetting about this interaction can lead to an unpleasant surprise.

Misunderstood Rules

• Ignoring the "beginning of your upkeep" trigger: It's essential to remember that Mana Crypt's ability triggers at the beginning of your upkeep, not on your main phase or during combat.
• Overlooking the importance of a coin flip: The coin flip is a crucial part of Mana Crypt's ability. Failing to account for this mechanic can lead to misunderstandings about how the card functions.

Poor Synergies

• Equipping Mana Crypt in a mono-color deck: While Mana Crypt can be an excellent addition to many Commander decks, equipping it in a mono-color deck can limit its potential. Consider building around other artifacts that complement Mana Crypt's ability.
• Pairing Mana Crypt with cards that reduce artifact mana costs: Cards like Mana Confluence or Mana Vault can significantly enhance Mana Crypt's power level. However, be cautious when pairing these cards together, as they can create an exponential increase in mana generation.

Additional Considerations

• Be mindful of your life total: Mana Crypt's damage can quickly add up, especially if you're not prepared to mitigate it.
• Keep an eye on your artifact count: If you have multiple artifacts with the ability to deal indirect damage, consider how they interact with Mana Crypt's ability.

By being aware of these potential pitfalls, you can harness the full potential of Mana Crypt in your Commander deck and make informed decisions about its inclusion.

Mana Crypt is a special artifact card from the set mps. Its unique ability allows it to deal damage to its controller when flipping a coin at the beginning of upkeep, and also add two mana.

Mana Crypt has been printed in several sets since its original release in mps. It was reprinted in various sets, including the Explorer set. This artifact card is often considered a key component in various deck archetypes, particularly in combination with Ancestral Recall or Mox Sapphire.

In tournament settings, Mana Crypt has made appearances in competitive decks due to its ability to generate additional mana. It's also seen play in Commander formats, where its value lies in generating 2 mana and potentially dealing 3 damage to the player if a coin flip goes against them.

EDHREC ranks Mana Crypt at number 219, indicating moderate popularity among players building EDH decks. The card has an estimated price of around $5-$10 in TIX format, making it a relatively affordable option for players looking to include it in their decks.

For budget-conscious players, alternatives like Mox Opal or Sol Ring can provide similar functionality at a lower cost. These cards have been reprinted multiple times and are widely available.

Mana Crypt's power level makes it an attractive addition to many Commander decks. Its ability to add two mana of any color on each turn, combined with its potential for incidental damage, make it a valuable asset in the right deck.

In terms of flavor, Mana Crypt is said to have been forged in the depths of the ancient city of Urborg, where the whispers of the past seep through crumbling stone. Its primary function is simple yet diabolical: at the beginning of your upkeep, it forces you to flip a coin. If fate betrays you and the flip turns up tails, the Mana Crypt exacts its price in blood – 3 damage to your life total.

When fortune favors you, however, the crypt rewards your audacity with a generous gift: two mana of any color. This boon can be used to accelerate your plans, fueling the creation of formidable spells like Solve for Instant or Ancestral Recall, or perhaps bolstering the defenses of stalwart creatures such as Golgari Findbroker.

In certain circles, whispers persist of a more sinister purpose behind the Mana Crypt. Some claim that, when paired with the right artifacts – say, Sanguine Bond or Sol Ring – the crypt can forge an unholy union, amplifying its effects and rendering it an instrument of unrelenting aggression on the battlefield. Such theories are, of course, mere speculation... but one cannot help but wonder if there is truth to these rumors, hidden in the shadows waiting to be uncovered.

Mana Crypt's rarity and elusive nature have only served to fuel its mystique. A prized find for collectors and a sought-after addition to any serious deck, this enigmatic artifact continues to captivate the imagination of Magic's most skilled players. Will you dare to wield its unpredictable power, embracing the thrill of chance as you navigate the intricate web of Dominaria's magic?

Mana Crypt is a potent artifact that generates two colorless mana on demand, making it an excellent addition to any color combination. Its unique ability to flip a coin at the beginning of upkeep and deal 3 damage if the result is heads or tails creates a sense of unpredictability.

Commanders that Benefit from Mana Crypt:

• Ezuri, Renowned Leader: As a green commander, Ezuri can easily leverage Mana Crypt's colorless mana to generate a strong ramp into his more expensive spells.
• Kurkesh, Onakke Ancient: This blue-red commander benefits greatly from the consistent two-mana acceleration provided by Mana Crypt.

Color Identities and Themes that Synergize with Mana Crypt:

• Monored: With cards like Golgari Findbroker, Sylvan Caryatid, and Mistbind Clique, monored decks can generate an abundance of colorless mana to accelerate into more expensive spells.
• Blue-Red: Paired with cards like Luminarch Ascension, Rapid Hybridization, and [Trostani's Suitor, blue-red decks can create a potent engine for generating card advantage.

Engine Cards that Amplify Mana Crypt:

• Sol Ring: This artifact provides an instant burst of mana acceleration, perfectly complementing the two-mana generated by Mana Crypt.
• Mox Opal: As a colorless mana source, Mox Opal increases the reliability and speed at which you can utilize Mana Crypt's abilities.

Combos that Involve Mana Crypt:

• Mana Burn: Pair Mana Crypt with cards like Mizzium Mortars, [Pyrostatic Pillar, or [Lightning Helix to generate a massive amount of mana, then immediately burn it away for maximum damage.
• Accelerated Ramp: Combine Mana Crypt with cards like Arcane Signet, Azor's Sanctuary], and [[Trostani's Suitor to rapidly accelerate into more expensive spells.

Mana Crypt is an extremely versatile artifact that offers a unique combination of consistent mana acceleration and unpredictability. Its ability to provide two-mana on demand makes it a staple in many Commander decks, especially those with strong ramp engines or color combinations that can take advantage of its effects.

Format Impact: Commander and Beyond

Mana Crypt is a high-impact artifact in Commander, often serving as the primary source of mana acceleration. Its ability to add two mana on tap makes it an essential inclusion in many strategies. However, its impact extends beyond Commander.

• Commander: In this format, Mana Crypt is considered a staple due to its reliability and consistent output.
• Pauper and Budget Commander: Its presence allows for more aggressive gameplay and increases the viability of low-to-the-ground strategies.
• Casual Play: Mana Crypt remains a popular choice among casual players seeking to accelerate their mana development.

Competitive Implications

Mana Crypt's inclusion in competitive decks can be situational, depending on the metagame and strategy. In some cases, it may provide a necessary boost to mana acceleration, while in others, its presence might not offer significant advantages.

• High-Damage Decks: Mana Crypt is often used in high-damage strategies that prioritize early game aggression.
• Combo Decks: Its ability to accelerate mana development makes it an attractive inclusion for combo decks looking to quickly assemble a win condition.
• Midrange Decks: In midrange strategies, Mana Crypt can provide flexibility and allow for more aggressive plays.

Notable Synergies

Mana Crypt pairs well with various cards that benefit from early-game acceleration or provide additional benefits when used in conjunction with the artifact.

• Ancestral Recall: This card's ability to search for a card while generating mana makes it an excellent combination with Mana Crypt.
• Simian Spirit Guide: The trample and haste provided by this creature amplify the impact of Mana Crypt's accelerated mana generation.
• Sol Ring: When combined, these two artifacts enable rapid development of mana and increased aggression.

Rarity and Pricing

Mana Crypt's rarity as a special card contributes to its high price point. Its value in Commander and other formats has led to a relatively stable market, with some fluctuations depending on demand.

• Foil Prices: The foil version of Mana Crypt fetches around $599.92 USD, making it one of the more expensive options in the format.
• Non-Foil Prices: The non-foil version is significantly cheaper at around $4.28 TIX or 0.28 EUR.

Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on your region and vendor.

Key Scenarios & Matchups

The Mana Crypt excels in a variety of scenarios, particularly when combined with other low-toughness artifacts or creatures that benefit from the added mana.

• Early-game ramp: In mono-black or black-green strategies, the Mana Crypt can provide two mana immediately after being cast, allowing for more aggressive plays and faster development of the board. Cards like Sylvan Caryatid or Cultivate can further accelerate mana production.
• Token strategies: With the proliferation of token-generating creatures in Commander, such as Liliana's Reclamation or Vivien, Arkbow Guardian, the Mana Crypt can provide a steady supply of additional mana to fuel these strategies. Cards like Thalia, Guardian of Thraben can further restrict opponents' ability to interact with the tokens.
• Combo decks: In combination with other artifacts and enchantments that generate value on upkeep, such as Exaric's Totem or Korlash, Truth-Raiding Heir, the Mana Crypt can provide a consistent source of mana while also generating incidental damage.

However, the Mana Crypt can struggle in matchups where opponents have effective ways to disrupt its function or destroy it outright. These include:

• Ramp-heavy decks: Decks that already have access to multiple mana sources may not appreciate the additional two mana provided by the Mana Crypt.
• Board wipes: Opponents with cards like Eternity Surge or Maelstrom Pulse can clear the board, making it difficult for the Mana Crypt to generate value.
• Artifact destruction: Cards like Shatter or Surgical Extraction can target and destroy the Mana Crypt, rendering its benefits null.

In general, the Mana Crypt excels when combined with other low-toughness artifacts or creatures that benefit from accelerated mana production. However, it requires careful consideration of the metagame and deck composition to maximize its potential impact.

Mana Crypt is a special artifact card from the set mps. Its unique ability allows it to deal damage to its controller when flipping a coin at the beginning of upkeep, and also add two mana.

Mana Crypt has been printed in several sets since its original release in mps. It was reprinted in various sets, including the Explorer set. This artifact card is often considered a key component in various deck archetypes, particularly in combination with Ancestral Recall or Mox Sapphire.

In tournament settings, Mana Crypt has made appearances in competitive decks due to its ability to generate additional mana. It's also seen play in Commander formats, where its value lies in generating 2 mana and potentially dealing 3 damage to the player if a coin flip goes against them.

EDHREC ranks Mana Crypt at number 219, indicating moderate popularity among players building EDH decks. The card has an estimated price of around $5-$10 in TIX format, making it a relatively affordable option for players looking to include it in their decks.

In the realm of Dominaria, where planeswalkers and artifacts hold sway, the Mana Crypt stands as a testament to the cunning ingenuity of its creators. This enigmatic artifact is said to have been forged in the depths of the ancient city of Urborg, where the whispers of the past seep through crumbling stone.

The crypt's primary function is simple yet diabolical: at the beginning of your upkeep, it forces you to flip a coin. If fate betrays you and the flip turns up tails, the Mana Crypt exacts its price in blood – 3 damage to your life total, a harsh reminder that even the most powerful creations are not immune to chance.

When fortune favors you, however, the crypt rewards your audacity with a generous gift: two mana of any color. This boon can be used to accelerate your plans, fueling the creation of formidable spells like Solve for Instant or Ancestral Recall, or perhaps bolstering the defenses of stalwart creatures such as Golgari Findbroker. The possibilities are endless, and it is here that the crypt's true cunning lies: by embracing chance, you open yourself to limitless potential.

In certain circles, whispers persist of a more sinister purpose behind the Mana Crypt. Some claim that, when paired with the right artifacts – say, Sanguine Bond or Sol Ring – the crypt can forge an unholy union, amplifying its effects and rendering it an instrument of unrelenting aggression on the battlefield. Such theories are, of course, mere speculation... but one cannot help but wonder if there is truth to these rumors, hidden in the shadows waiting to be uncovered.

The rarity and elusive nature of the Mana Crypt have only served to fuel its mystique. A prized find for collectors and a sought-after addition to any serious deck, this enigmatic artifact continues to captivate the imagination of Magic's most skilled players. Will you dare to wield its unpredictable power, embracing the thrill of chance as you navigate the intricate web of Dominaria's magic?