Izzet Signet

Izzet Signet Full Guide

Commander 2018 Common
Mana Cost: {2}
Type: Artifact
Izzet Signet Text:
{1}, {T}: Add {U}{R}.
Flavor:
The Izzet signet is redesigned often, each time becoming closer to a vanity portrait of Niv-Mizzet.
Artist: Raoul Vitale
Collector Number: 207
Release Date: 2018-08-09
Art crop

Strategy Guide

Last updated 2025-06-30
TL;DR Summary

Izzet Signet

This artifact is a staple in Izzet decks, allowing for efficient mana acceleration on turns where it's played. For just two colorless mana, you get to add one blue and one red mana, making it an excellent value card.

Power Level: Very High Value Main Use Cases:

  • Accelerate your spells in the early game with Izzet Signet.
  • Fuel your burn spells or other aggressive strategies with {U}{R} mana acceleration.
  • Play alongside Simian Spirit Guide for a potent combo.

Popular Formats: Commander, Modern

Card Mechanics & Interactions

Izzet Signet Rules and Interactions

The Izzet Signet is a common artifact card from the Ixalan set. Its primary function is to provide an additional mana source for the player, particularly for blue and red mana.

Mana Cost and Activation

To activate the signet's ability, it requires two mana (2 colorless). Once activated, you can add two generic mana ({U}{R}) to your pool.

  • {T}:: The activation cost of {T} means that you must pay the 2 mana cost for Izzet Signet. After that, you can cast its ability.
  • {1}, {T}: Add {U}{R}. : This is the signet's keyword ability, which allows you to add two generic mana (blue and red) to your pool when it becomes tapped.

Functionality on the Stack and Battlefield

When Izzet Signet enters the battlefield, it doesn't have any immediate effect. However, as soon as it's activated (tapped), its ability becomes available.

  • Activated Abilities: When you tap Izzet Signet to activate its ability, it resolves immediately, adding two generic mana to your pool.
  • Triggered Abilities: If another card has a triggered ability that triggers when Izzet Signet is tapped, it will resolve once the signet's ability has been activated and resolves.

Edge Cases and Unusual Interactions

There are no unusual rules interactions or edge cases specific to this card. However, keep in mind that interacting with other cards' abilities can create interesting combinations:

  • Mana Generation: Cards like Villainous Wealth or Mana Confluence can provide additional mana, potentially generating excess tokens.
  • Tapping Costs: Other artifacts with tapping costs (like Sulfur Falls) may influence the availability of resources for Izzet Signet.

Commander-Specific Quirks

In Commander format, Izzet Signet is often used as a flexible artifact that can provide both blue and red mana. It's not specific to any particular commander but is versatile enough to be included in various decks:

  • Artifact Synergies: Cards like Sol Ring or Mox Opal can further accelerate mana generation, potentially leading to more aggressive gameplay.

Keep in mind that the Izzet Signet is a relatively straightforward artifact. However, combining it with other cards and commanders can lead to creative, high-powered combinations.

Strategic Applications

Izzet Signet is a staple artifact in Izzet and Esper decks, providing an efficient source of colorless mana to accelerate the game plan. Its ability to add two colors simultaneously makes it an attractive option for archetypes that rely on quick development and explosive starts.

In Izzet control decks, Aether Adept and Dovin's Veto can take advantage of the signet's mana acceleration to deploy their spells quickly and disrupt opponents' plans. With the added flexibility, Izzet combo decks featuring Simian Spirit Guide, [Snapcaster Mage, and [Counterspell can develop a board presence faster.

Esper control decks often pair Izzet Signet with cards like Sarkhan, Fire of Redemption and Drowned Ruin to generate card advantage while maintaining a consistent mana curve. In these builds, the signet enables players to cast powerful spells at an accelerated rate, pressuring opponents and generating value.

Izzet combo decks that rely on Aetherflux Reservoir] can use Izzet Signet to accelerate their mana generation, allowing them to ramp into more expensive spells like [[Lightning Bolt or Pyroblast. This allows the deck to develop a board presence faster and attack opponents more aggressively.

In addition, some Modern and Pauper decks incorporate Izzet Signet as an inexpensive way to accelerate their mana development. These lists often focus on aggressive creatures like Goblin Guide] and [[Monastery Swiftspear, using the signet's mana acceleration to develop a board presence quickly.

Advanced Techniques

Synergies with Izzet Signet

The Izzet Signet is a versatile artifact that can complement various cards in an Izzet-themed deck. For instance, pairing it with Snapcaster Mage allows for the signet's activated ability to be played at instant speed, enabling a more aggressive gameplan.

Rules Tricks and Interactions

  • Trample Enablers: Combine Izzet Signet with Dauthi Voidwalker, which has trample but no power or toughness. This creates a creature that can deal additional damage when attacking.
  • Card Advantage: Use the signet to accelerate your mana development, enabling you to play spells like Spellskite more quickly and effectively.
  • Color Fixing: In Izzet decks with multiple colors, the signet's ability to add two colors of mana (blue and red) can help fix any remaining color requirements, allowing for smoother gameplay.

Advanced Interactions

  • Simic Signet and Izzet Signet Combo: Pairing both Izzet Signet and Simic Signet in a single deck allows for the simultaneous addition of two different colors of mana. This enables an even more aggressive gameplan and increases card advantage.
  • Thopter Assembly: Combine Izzet Signet with Thopter Assembly, which requires two red mana to assemble, allowing you to accelerate your assembly process.

Commander Considerations

When building a Commander deck around the Izzet Signet, consider its ability to add blue and red mana. This can help support creatures like Snapcaster Mage and Tevesh Szat, Doom of Fools, while also enabling more aggressive strategies with cards like Spellskite.

Common Mistakes

Izzet Signet in Commander: Common Mistakes to Avoid

As a versatile and powerful artifact, Izzet Signet can be a game-changer in the right deck. However, there are several common mistakes players make when utilizing this card in Commander.

Poor Timing

One of the most common mistakes is using Izzet Signet's ability too early in the game. While it may seem tempting to play it on turn 2 and immediately add two colors, this can lead to overextending your board presence and leaving you vulnerable to removal spells.

  • Solution: Wait until turn 3 or later to play Izzet Signet, allowing you to develop your board and create a more stable game state before adding the extra color combinations.

Misunderstood Rules

Another common mistake is misunderstanding the rules surrounding Izzet Signet's ability. Some players believe that they can use it as many times as they want in one turn, while others think it only works if they already have a creature on the battlefield.

  • Solution: Pay close attention to the oracle text: "{1}, {T}: Add {U}{R}." This means that you can only use Izzet Signet's ability once per turn, and you must pay the {1} cost in addition to tapping it.

Poor Synergies

Some players try to force Izzet Signet into decks with poor synergies, thinking that its ability will automatically make up for lackluster gameplay. However, this can lead to a deck that is overly reliant on one card and struggles to adapt to changing circumstances.

  • Solution: Only play Izzet Signet in decks where it has strong synergies with other cards, such as those featuring the "Sisters of Wit" or "Teferi, Hero of Dominaria."
Conclusion

The Izzet Signet is a versatile artifact from the Commander 2018 set, known for its ability to accelerate mana development. Its value lies in its neutrality, allowing players to rapidly add blue and red mana while adapting to their deck's strategy. As part of the Guilds of Ravnica set, it embodies the Izzet League's focus on experimentation, adaptability, and innovation.

The card has been reprinted in several sets since its initial release, including Commander Anthology, making it a staple among Commander players. Its relatively low price point and accessibility make it an attractive option for budget decks. When paired with other artifacts like Glimmervoid or Sage of Epityr, the Izzet Signet can accelerate blue and red mana development.

For budget-conscious players, consider building a Commander deck around artifacts that provide flexibility and adaptability. The Izzet Signet is an excellent addition to such a deck, providing additional mana acceleration and synergy with other cards. Its reprint potential remains high due to its popularity among Commander players and affordability.

When including the Izzet Signet in your deck, consider pairing it with other artifacts that accelerate blue and red mana development. This can include Jeweled Lotus, Mox Jet, or Gilded Lotus, which provide additional mana acceleration and create opportunities for combo pieces. The card's ability to add two mana of any color when tapped allows players to rapidly adapt their strategy and respond to changing circumstances.

Overall, the Izzet Signet is a powerful and versatile artifact that can accelerate blue and red mana development in Commander decks. Its affordability, versatility, and potential for synergy with other cards make it an attractive option for budget-conscious players.

Deckbuilding & Synergies

The Izzet Signet is a versatile artifact that generates mana in the colors of blue and red. Its ability to add two mana of any color combination makes it an excellent addition to decks focused on Izzet, Azorius, or Simic themes.

Izzet Signet's sweet spot is in 2-color decks, particularly those featuring Simian Spirit Guide or Explosive Vegetation. These cards benefit from the additional mana generated by the signet, allowing for more complex combinations and spellcasting plans. In these decks, Izzet Signet can help accelerate your game plan by providing early blue and red mana.

Commanders that pair well with Izzet Signet:

Synergy cards:

  • Counterspell (a powerful blue spell that benefits from the early mana acceleration provided by Izzet Signet)
  • Liliana of the Veil (a versatile black card that can generate value with the additional mana)
  • Snapcaster Mage (an efficient artifact-synergizing mage that loves the extra mana)

Combo notes:

  • Foil and non-foil availability: Izzet Signet is relatively inexpensive, especially in foil form, making it easy to add to your deck without breaking the bank.
  • Budget considerations: If you're building a budget-friendly deck, consider using a lower-cost alternative like Icy Manipulator or Ceremonious Rejection.
Format Roles

Izzet Signet in Commander and Other Formats

The Izzet Signet is a versatile artifact that adds a single mana of blue and red to your deck. Its presence can significantly impact various Commander decks, especially those focused on Izzet or Azorius colors.

Commander

In the competitive Commander format, the Izzet Signet's impact is noticeable when paired with cards like Snapcaster Mage, which gains immense value from the added mana. Additionally, it complements blue-red artifacts such as Arcane Signet and Mox Opal, creating a cohesive artifact package.

However, in more casual Commander games, Izzet Signet's effect may be overlooked due to its low rarity and lack of flashy abilities. Players might prefer more impactful cards like Eldrazi Disintegrator or [Golgari Findbroker.

Pauper

In the Pauper format, Izzet Signet is a staple for any blue-red artifact-based strategy. Its ability to add a single mana makes it an excellent addition to decks centered around Potion of Umezawa, Kira's Orb, and other low-cost artifacts.

Its price point ($0.40 USD) also makes it highly accessible, contributing to its popularity in Pauper metagames.

Legacy

In the competitive Legacy format, Izzet Signet is a minor player due to its high likelihood of being countered by cards like Mana Leak or Spell Pierce. While it can still provide some value in certain scenarios, more impactful artifacts and spells dominate this format.

Key Scenarios

Key Scenarios & Matchups

Izzet Signet excels in aggressive, midrange decks that focus on early-game development and tempo manipulation. Its ability to add two colors' worth of mana for just {1}{T} makes it an attractive addition to any Izzet or Azorius deck.

  • Early Game Aggression: In the early game, Izzet Signet enables players to cast spells like Snapcaster Mage, Jace, the Mind Sculptor, or Spellskite more quickly, putting pressure on their opponents.
  • Midrange Decks: Midrange decks often rely on controlling threats and disrupting their opponent's plans. Izzet Signet helps these decks stay in control by accelerating mana development for cards like Thoughtseize], [[Inquisition of Kozilek, or Swords to Plowshares.
  • Combo Decks: Izzet Signet can also be a useful addition to combo decks that rely on explosive, colorless combos. Its ability to add red and blue mana makes it easier for these decks to develop their game plan.

However, Izzet Signet may struggle in more controlling or defensive deck archetypes that prioritize card draw and resource development over aggressive plays.

  • Control Decks: In control decks focused on card advantage and longevity, Izzet Signet's value may be diminished by the abundance of mana available through other means (e.g., Sol Ring, Mox Opal], or [[Thirst for Knowledge).
  • Defensive Archetypes: Defensive decks that rely heavily on creatures with built-in protection or token generation may find Izzet Signet less impactful, as they often prioritize resource development and card advantage over aggressive plays.

In multiplayer games, Izzet Signet's impact can be more pronounced due to the increased number of players. Its ability to accelerate mana development and enable tempo manipulation can make it a valuable addition to any multiplayer deck that focuses on controlling threats or disrupting opponents' plans.

History & Meta

History and Notable Appearances

Izzet Signet, a common artifact from the Core Set 2018 (C18), has been a staple in various formats. It was first introduced as part of C18, which featured a mix of reprints from previous sets and new cards.

  • Printings: Izzet Signet is currently available in Core Set 2018 and its subsequent reprint in Masterpiece Edition, but it's essential to note that the card has undergone no significant changes since its initial printing.
  • Tournament Presence:
    • In EDHREC rankings, which track decklist popularity for Commander (also known as Elder Dragon Highlander), Izzet Signet ranks 138th among common cards. This placement indicates moderate popularity and versatility in the format.
    • Its relatively low rank might be due to a lack of iconic decks or specific strategies centered around it.
  • Iconic Decks: Although Izzet Signet hasn't appeared in any highly influential or well-known Commander decks, its common status makes it accessible for players who want to incorporate the card into their own deck builds.
  • Price Trends:
    • The current prices of Izzet Signet are relatively low, with a US Dollar (USD) price around $0.40 and an Euro (EUR) price of approximately $0.39.
    • This accessibility in terms of cost is one reason it may appear in various deck lists, especially among players looking to save on mana costs without sacrificing power.
Flavor & Lore

The Izzet Signet, a humble yet potent artifact from the Izzet League. In the heart of Ravnica, where guild politics and magical innovation reign supreme, this card has found its place as a stalwart companion to spellcasters and inventors alike.

Its flavor is that of a functional key, a device used to unlock new possibilities in magic. The Izzet Signet's ability to add two mana of any color when tapped allows players to rapidly accelerate their mana development, much like the Izzet League itself accelerates innovation through its mastery of magical experimentation.

In gameplay, this card is often seen as a bridge between the early-game ramp and late-game tempo. It enables players to cast spells and activate abilities that would otherwise be out of reach at a given moment. The Signet's versatility lies in its neutrality – it doesn't care what colors you're playing or which guild you represent; it simply adds mana, giving freedom to explore and adapt.

As part of the Guilds of Ravnica set, the Izzet Signet finds itself nestled among cards that reflect the intricate relationships between the five guilds. Cards like [Azorius Knight(https://scryfall.com/card/gra/105)] or [Bloom Trident(https://scryfall.com/card/gor/141/)] showcase the interconnectedness of Ravnica's society, where even seemingly disparate elements contribute to a rich tapestry of magic and innovation.

In terms of lore, the Izzet Signet speaks to the core tenets of the Izzet League: experimentation, adaptability, and an insatiable drive for discovery. It embodies the spirit of the guild's founder, [Liliana Vess(https://scryfall.com/card/gra/106/)], who sought to harness magic as a tool for growth and progress.

In decks that emphasize early-game acceleration or tempo-based strategies, the Izzet Signet can be an invaluable addition. It allows players to break free from the constraints of their mana base, making room for more aggressive plays or spells that were previously out of reach.

Budget/Alternatives

Budget-Friendliness and Reprint Status

The Izzet Signet is a common artifact from the Commander 2018 set. Its price is relatively low, with a USD value of $0.40. While it's not the cheapest card in Magic, its affordability makes it an attractive option for budget decks.

Comparison to Other Options

For comparison, consider the following artifacts:

  • Arcane Signet: A similar artifact from Guilds of Ravnica, priced at $0.30 USD.
  • Fountain of Renewal: An artifact that produces two colorless mana and has a higher power level, priced at $1.50 USD.
  • Mox Opal: A more expensive but powerful artifact that can generate three mana of any color, priced at $10.00 USD.

Commander-Friendly Options

In Commander, where deck-building is often focused on affordability and consistency, the Izzet Signet shines as a versatile addition to any Izzet or blue-white artifact-based deck. Consider pairing it with other artifacts like:

  • Jeweled Lotus
  • Mox Jet
  • Gilded Lotus

These cards not only provide mana but also accelerate the game plan and create opportunities for combo pieces. The Izzet Signet, in particular, complements the colors well and can help to accelerate blue and red mana development.

Budget Deck Recommendations

For budget-conscious players, consider building a Commander deck around artifacts like:

  • Glimmervoid
  • Sage of Epityr
  • Atraxa, Praetors' Voice

These cards are all relatively affordable and can provide a strong foundation for a Commander deck focused on artifact synergy. The Izzet Signet is an excellent addition to such a deck, providing additional mana acceleration and flexibility.

Reprint Potential

The Izzet Signet has been reprinted in several sets since its initial release, including the Commander Anthology. Given its relatively low price and popularity among Commander players, it's possible that it may be reprinted again in the future to increase availability and affordability.