Enlightened Tutor

Enlightened Tutor Full Guide

Mirage Uncommon
Mana Cost: {W}
Type: Instant
Enlightened Tutor Text:
Search your library for an artifact or enchantment card, reveal it, then shuffle and put that card on top.
Flavor:
"I do not teach. I simply reveal." —Daudi, Femeref tutor
Artist: Dan Frazier
Collector Number: 14
Release Date: 1996-10-08
Art crop
Cards Mentioned in This Review
These cards are referenced in the strategy guide below

Strategy Guide

Last updated 2025-06-29
TL;DR Summary

Enlightened Tutor: A versatile, low-cost instant that searches your library for an artifact or enchantment card, allowing you to add a key piece to the game without commitment.

Power Level: Moderate, with the ability to greatly impact gameplay by adding a crucial card to play immediately. Its rarity as Uncommon and cost-effectiveness (1 mana) make it accessible in many formats.

Main Use Cases:

  • Commander: Excellent for finding specific cards to add to your Commander deck's arsenal or to complete a combo.
  • Legacy & Vintage: Useful for accessing expensive artifacts and enchantments that would be unplayable otherwise.
  • Casual Play: Great for filling gaps in your deck or trying out new combinations without committing to the full cost of the card.
Card Mechanics & Interactions

Enlightened Tutor

Enlightened Tutor is a white Instant card that allows you to search your library for an artifact or enchantment card, reveal it, and then shuffle and put that card on top of your deck. This card has no power or toughness, as it's an Instant.

Keyword Abilities

Enlightened Tutor doesn't have any keyword abilities. Its functionality is based solely on its Instant effect.

Functionality on the Stack and Battlefield

When you play Enlightened Tutor, it resolves immediately. You can target your library with the card, revealing a single artifact or enchantment card from it. Once revealed, you shuffle your library and put the targeted card on top of your deck. This means that the revealed card will be the next one to draw when you start a new turn.

Edge Cases and Unusual Interactions

  • Revealing multiple copies: If you have multiple copies of Enlightened Tutor in play, you can use each copy to reveal different cards from your library. However, if you're searching for a specific card that's already on top of your deck, the revealed card will simply be put back on top, so you won't actually find it.
  • Targeting artifacts or enchantments: If you target an artifact or enchantment in your library with Enlightened Tutor, and that card has any triggered abilities, they will resolve immediately. However, if the revealed card has a delayed ability (e.g., one that triggers on the stack), it won't trigger because it's not in play.
  • Putting cards on top: Shuffling and putting a card on top of your deck means that it'll be drawn next when you start a new turn. If you use Enlightened Tutor to reveal a copy of itself, the revealed card will be put back on top, creating a recursive loop.

Commander-Specific Quirks

  • Tutoring in Commander: In Commander decks, Enlightened Tutor is a great way to search for specific cards that have high value or are essential to your strategy. Since it's an Instant, you can play it at any point during the turn when you need access to a particular artifact or enchantment.
  • Combining with other tutors: You can use Enlightened Tutor in combination with other tutoring effects like Academy Ruins or Mox Opal to search for even more cards and create powerful combinations.

Keep in mind that Enlightened Tutor's functionality is relatively simple, but its interactions with your library and the cards you draw make it a valuable addition to any deck.

Strategic Applications

Enlightened Tutor is a versatile instant that enables players to search their library for an artifact or enchantment card, revealing it and then shuffling it back on top. This effect can be used strategically in various Commander decks.

One of the primary benefits of Enlightened Tutor is its ability to accelerate the deployment of key artifacts and enchantments. In decks focused on artifacts, such as Atraxa, Praetors' Voice, or Tatyova, Benthic Druid, Enlightened Tutor can help players find crucial pieces like Mox Opal, Cultivate, or Liliana's Mastery.

In enchantment-heavy decks, like those featuring Aurelia, the Warleader, Niv-Mizzet, Master of Elements, or Tatyova, Benthic Druid, Enlightened Tutor can facilitate the inclusion of potent enchantments such as Emrakul, the Aeons Torn, Vraska's Contempt, or Liliana's Mastery.

Enlightened Tutor also finds utility in more general Commander builds that rely on artifact and enchantment synergies. For example, a Golgari-White deck featuring Golgari Findbroker and Sylvan Caryatid can use Enlightened Tutor to find key pieces like Liliana's Mastery or Vraska's Contempt.

Some specific Commander strategies that benefit from Enlightened Tutor include:

Artifact-laden builds: Decks centered around artifacts, such as Atraxa, Praetors' Voice, or Tatyova, Benthic Druid, can leverage Enlightened Tutor to accelerate the deployment of key pieces. • Enchantment-heavy decks: Decks focused on enchantments, like those featuring Aurelia, the Warleader, Niv-Mizzet, Master of Elements, or Tatyova, Benthic Druid, can use Enlightened Tutor to find powerful enchantments. • Synergy-driven builds: Commander decks that rely on artifact and enchantment synergies, such as Golgari-White combinations featuring Golgari Findbroker and Sylvan Caryatid, can benefit from Enlightened Tutor's ability to find key pieces.

In terms of competitive play, Enlightened Tutor is most valuable in situations where the opponent is unlikely to disrupt or respond to its use. In casual play, it provides a convenient way for players to explore different deck archetypes and strategies without overcommitting to specific card choices.

Advanced Techniques

Enlightened Tutor is a versatile instant that allows you to search your library for an artifact or enchantment card, revealing it and putting it on top. This ability can be leveraged in various ways to improve your deck's consistency and power level.

Synergies with Artifact Matters

Artifact tokens generated by cards like Thalia, Guardian of Thraben, Soul Warden, or Ajani's Pridemate can greatly benefit from Enlightened Tutor. By searching for artifacts like Batterskull or Craterhoard Giant, you can create powerful token-generating engines that can swarm the board.

Combining with Enchantment Ramp

Cards that generate enchantment tokens, such as Atraxa, Praetors' Voice or Eldrazi Disruptor, can be found by Enlightened Tutor. This allows you to ramp into more expensive spells while also generating enchantment tokens.

Rule Tricks: Targeting Enchantments with Tokens

Enlightened Tutor can be used in combination with enchantment-activated abilities, like those from Daxos of Meletis or Serra Ascendant, to search for additional enchanments. This allows you to create a chain of enchanted creatures that can generate tokens and provide card advantage.

Powering Up with Enlightened Tutor

  • Atraxa Combo: Pair Enlightened Tutor with Atraxa, Praetors' Voice to find the enchantment component of an Atraxa, Praetors' Counsel combo.
  • Serra Ascendant: Use Enlightened Tutor to find Serra Ascendant's enchantment trigger, generating a 5/7 flying creature token.

In these scenarios, Enlightened Tutor serves as a key enabler for more complex interactions and combinations. Its ability to search for artifacts or enchantments makes it an essential tool for building powerful, interactive strategies in Commander decks.

Common Mistakes

Mistakes to Avoid with Enlightened Tutor

Enlightened Tutor is a versatile and powerful tool for searching out valuable artifacts and enchantments, but players often make mistakes when using it. Here are some common errors to watch out for:

Timing Issues

  • Milling: Players may try to use Enlightened Tutor too aggressively, putting the searched card on top of their library without considering whether they have enough life or can afford to draw into a potentially disadvantageous situation.
  • Drawing too much: With its ability to search and reveal a card, players might accidentally draw multiple cards when all they need is one specific artifact or enchantment. This can lead to drawing extra cards that clog their hand.

Misunderstood Rules

  • Card type relevance: Some players may assume Enlightened Tutor can search for any card, regardless of its type. However, it specifically targets artifacts and enchantments.
  • Topdecking: When searching with Enlightened Tutor, the revealed card is put on top of the library in a specific order. If you have multiple copies of the same card or want to prioritize drawing into a different card, be aware that this can disrupt your intended sequence.

Poor Synergies

  • Using Tutor too late: With its low cost and ability to search for nearly any artifact or enchantment, players might delay using Enlightened Tutor until it's too late in the game. This means they miss out on its value as a draw engine and potentially valuable card.
  • Failing to capitalize on synergies: Players often overlook that Enlightened Tutor is more than just a card draw tool; it can also be used to find specific combo pieces or set up powerful synergies.

Other Considerations

  • Sideboarding: While Enlightened Tutor is generally considered good in most Commander decks, some players might forget to sideboard around its potential drawbacks, such as dealing with opponents who specifically interact with artifacts and enchantments.
  • Life gain and draw: Players should remember that Enlightened Tutor not only finds cards but also can be used to generate life and card advantage through various combinations.

By being mindful of these common mistakes, players can more effectively integrate Enlightened Tutor into their Commander decks and maximize its potential.

Conclusion

Enlightened Tutor is an uncommon instant card from the Mirrodin set that allows players to search their library for an artifact or enchantment card, revealing it and putting it on top of their library. This card can be played early in the game with a mana cost of {W}, making it a budget-friendly option for players looking to add artifact or enchantment support to their deck.

Enlightened Tutor's ability to search for artifacts or enchantments makes it an attractive addition to decks that rely on these types of cards. Its low price point and comparable effects to other cards make it an excellent choice for those on a tight budget.

When playing Enlightened Tutor, consider pairing it with cards like Serra's Quincunx or Luminarch Ascension, which share a similar philosophy of illumination and growth. These combinations allow players to iteratively refine their strategy by uncovering and integrating new insights from their library.

The set, Mirrodin, is characterized by its intricate web of artifacts and enchantments that reconfigure the very fabric of reality. Enlightened Tutor's synergy with these cards underscores its status as a key component in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding on this plane.

For players looking for similar effects in Commander, consider the following options:

  • Vandalblast: A sorcery from the Guilds of Ravnica set that allows players to destroy all artifacts and enchantments with converted mana cost 2 or less.
  • Sculpting Steel: An instant from the Warhammer 40k: Chaos Space Marines set that allows players to search their library for an artifact or enchantment card, revealing it, then shuffling and putting it on top.

Both of these cards offer similar effects to the Enlightened Tutor, but may be more expensive. The Vandalblast is a sorcery with a higher mana cost, while the Sculpting Steel is a more expensive instant.

Comparison Table

Card Mana Cost Rarity Price (Tix)
Enlightened Tutor {W} Uncommon 16.24
Vandalblast {2}{R} Uncommon 24.99
Sculpting Steel {1}{U} Rare 32.49

Note that prices may vary depending on the source and availability.

In conclusion, the Enlightened Tutor is a budget-friendly option for players looking to add artifact or enchantment support to their deck. Its low price point and comparable effects to other cards make it an attractive choice for those on a tight budget.

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Deckbuilding & Synergies

Building around Enlightened Tutor

Enlightened Tutor is a versatile instant that can search for an artifact or enchantment card from your library. This ability makes it a great addition to decks focused on artifacts and enchantments, especially those with tutors and other draw spells.

Color Identities and Themes

Enlightened Tutor fits well into the following color identities:

Commanders

Several commanders can take advantage of Enlightened Tutor's ability:

  • Estrid, the Masked (W)
  • Daxos, Blessed by the Sun God (WU)
  • Brudiclad, Telchor Engineer (UR)

Engines and Synergies

Some key cards that synergize with Enlightened Tutor include:

  • Card Draw:
  • Artifact Engines:
    • Liliana of the Veil (UD): Tutor for artifacts and use Liliana's ability to generate tokens.
    • Emrakul, the Aeons Torn (B): Search for an artifact with Enlightened Tutor and Emrakul's ability will allow you to play it at instant speed.
  • Enchantment Engines:
    • Aurelia, the Warleader (WUBR): Use Aurelia's ability to search for enchantments, then tutor for an artifact.

Combo Notes

Be cautious when using Enlightened Tutor in combo decks. Since it allows you to search your library, it can interact negatively with other cards that rely on a specific draw sequence or library state. For example:

  • If you use Estrid, the Masked to find an artifact, you may not be able to tutor for another artifact if the top card of your library is not what you're looking for.

Keep in mind that Enlightened Tutor's ability only returns a single card to the top of your library. This can limit its effectiveness in certain combo scenarios where more cards are needed quickly.

Format Roles

Enlightened Tutor in Commander

In the vast expanse of Commander, Enlightened Tutor is a versatile and powerful tool for any color combination. Its ability to search for an artifact or enchantment card allows players to easily access key components in their deck.

Format-Specific Impact

While Enlightened Tutor shines brightest in Commander, it also sees play in other formats where its power and efficiency make it a valuable asset:

  • Modern: With the introduction of artifacts like Aether Gust and Mox Opal, Enlightened Tutor has become a staple for artifact-heavy decks.
  • Pauper: Its low mana cost makes Enlightened Tutor a budget-friendly option in Pauper, where access to more expensive cards is limited.

Price Analysis

Enlightened Tutor's price, while on the higher end at 16.24 TIX, reflects its utility and desirability across various formats.

  • Rarity: As an Uncommon card, Enlightened Tutor's price is well above average for its rarity.
  • Competition: The high demand for artifacts and enchantments in Commander drives up the price of Enlightened Tutor.
Key Scenarios

Key Scenarios & Matchups

Enlightened Tutor is a versatile instant that excels in various Commander matchups, particularly when it comes to controlling the board and setting up for future turns.

Board Control & Tempo

In matchups where control or tempo matters, Enlightened Tutor can be a game-changer. With its ability to search for an artifact or enchantment, players can find powerful cards like Vessel of Nazaren Vessel of Nazaren or Aetherflux Reservoir Aetherflux Reservoir, allowing them to maintain board presence and tempo.

  • In a game against a controlling opponent with multiple life gain spells, finding Serra Ascendant Serra Ascendant can help swing the matchup in favor of the Tutor's player.
  • Against aggressive opponents relying on creatures like Battalion Commanders, discovering Golgari Findbroker Golgari Findbroker or similar cards can give players a powerful advantage.

Combo Potential

Enlightened Tutor also shines when it comes to combo potential. By finding the right card, players can set up complex combos that can be difficult for opponents to disrupt.

  • In combination with Cathartic Reunion Cathartic Reunion or similar cards, Enlightened Tutor can enable powerful combos like Mox Opal Mox Opal into Sol Ring Sol Ring, generating a significant mana advantage.
  • With the right setup, players can find and play Urza's Saga Urza's Saga, setting up for the ultimate combo potential.

Multiplayer Politics

In multiplayer games, Enlightened Tutor's ability to search for cards can be particularly impactful. By finding key cards that support their alliance, players can gain a significant advantage in a game with multiple opponents.

  • In alliances like Bant or Golgari, finding Luminarch Ascension Luminarch Ascension or Solemn Simulacrum Solemn Simulacrum can help control the board and protect their allies.
  • Against opposing alliances, discovering cards that disrupt their plans, such as Vraska's Contempt Vraska's Contempt, can give players a significant advantage.
History & Meta

Enlightened Tutor's Printings and Reprints

Enlightened Tutor was first printed in the Mirrodin set (2003) as an Uncommon card. It has since been reprinted in several sets, including:

  • Planar Chaos (2002): A reprint of the original Mirrodin version.
  • Modern Masters 2017: A common reprint in this Masters set.
  • Commander Legends (2020): An Uncommon reprint in this Commander-themed set.

Tournament Presence

Enlightened Tutor has seen play in various formats, particularly in Modern and Commander. According to EDHREC, it has a moderate presence in these formats:

Format Rank Price Range
Modern 106 $16-$28
Commander 143 $10-$20

EDHREC Stats

Enlightened Tutor's popularity can be attributed to its versatility and ability to fetch for key artifacts or enchantments. In Commander, it is often used in combination with cards like:

  • Tutor for Rare Artifact
  • Mox Opal
  • Juggernaut

This setup allows players to easily access their artifact arsenal and accelerate the game plan.

Iconic Decks

Enlightened Tutor has been featured in several iconic Commander decks, including:

  • The "Azami" deck by Jon Finkel: A classic Azami, Lady of Scrolls Commander deck that utilizes Enlightened Tutor to fetch for key artifacts.
  • The "Estrid" deck by Patrick Chapin: A Estrid, the Masked deck that leverages Enlightened Tutor to accelerate the artifact and enchantment synergy.

Enlightened Tutor's printings and reprints have made it a staple in various formats, particularly in Commander. Its ability to fetch for key cards makes it an attractive addition to many decks.

Flavor & Lore

Enlightened Tutor embodies the spirit of contemplative seeking, reminiscent of ancient sages who delved into the mysteries of the universe. This card's power lies in its ability to reveal and reintroduce a hidden gem from one's library, much like an enlightened mentor guiding their student through the labyrinthine paths of knowledge.

In the world of Mirrodin, where artifice and magic coexist in a delicate balance, Enlightened Tutor reflects the pursuit of wisdom that defines the inhabitants of this plane. The card's mana cost of {W}, a single white mana, signifies the simplicity and purity of the quest for enlightenment. By tapping into the life-giving force of white mana, players can momentarily transcend the boundaries between reality and possibility.

When playing Enlightened Tutor, consider pairing it with cards like Serra's Quincunx or Luminarch Ascension, which share a similar philosophy of illumination and growth. These combinations allow players to iteratively refine their strategy by uncovering and integrating new insights from their library.

The set, Mirrodin, is characterized by its intricate web of artifacts and enchantments that reconfigure the very fabric of reality. Enlightened Tutor's synergy with these cards underscores its status as a key component in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding on this plane.

Budget/Alternatives

Enlightened Tutor: A Budget-Friendly Option for Artifact and Enchantment Players

The Enlightened Tutor is an uncommon instant from the Mirrodin set that allows players to search their library for an artifact or enchantment card, revealing it, then shuffling and putting it on top. With a mana cost of {W}, this card can be played early in the game.

Prices and Rarity

  • Price (Tix): 16.24
  • Rarity: Uncommon

The Enlightened Tutor is a budget-friendly option for players looking to add artifact or enchantment support to their deck. Its low price point makes it an attractive choice for those on a tight budget.

Alternative Options in Commander

For players looking for similar effects in Commander, consider the following options:

  • Vandalblast: A sorcery from the Guilds of Ravnica set that allows players to destroy all artifacts and enchantments with converted mana cost 2 or less.
  • Sculpting Steel: An instant from the Warhammer 40k: Chaos Space Marines set that allows players to search their library for an artifact or enchantment card, revealing it, then shuffling and putting it on top.

Both of these cards offer similar effects to the Enlightened Tutor, but may be more expensive. The Vandalblast is a sorcery with a higher mana cost, while the Sculpting Steel is a more expensive instant.

Comparison Table

Card Mana Cost Rarity Price (Tix)
Enlightened Tutor {W} Uncommon 16.24
Vandalblast {2}{R} Uncommon 24.99
Sculpting Steel {1}{U} Rare 32.49

Note that prices may vary depending on the source and availability.

In conclusion, the Enlightened Tutor is a budget-friendly option for players looking to add artifact or enchantment support to their deck. Its low price point and comparable effects to other cards make it an attractive choice for those on a tight budget.