Izzet Boilerworks

Izzet Boilerworks Full Guide

Commander 2013 Common
Mana Cost:
Type: Land
Izzet Boilerworks Text:
This land enters tapped. When this land enters, return a land you control to its owner's hand. {T}: Add {U}{R}.
Artist: John Avon
Collector Number: 296
Release Date: 2013-11-01
Art crop

Strategy Guide

Last updated 2025-06-28
TL;DR Summary

Izzet Boilerworks

A common Izzet-colored land that enters tapped, but offers a unique advantage: when it enters the battlefield, return another land to its owner's hand. This can be used to disrupt opponents or gain an advantage by drawing additional lands.

Its mana ability is straightforward, adding 2 colors of mana ({U}{R}) for {T}. With no color cost itself (CMC 0), it's a versatile addition to any Izzet-based deck.

Most popular formats: While not extremely powerful, it sees some play in Commander and casual games due to its ability to manipulate lands.

Card Mechanics & Interactions

Izzet Boilerworks

This land enters tapped. When this land enters, return a land you control to its owner's hand. {T}: Add {U}{R}.

As a land, Izzet Boilerworks' primary function is to generate mana for spells and abilities. However, it also has an interesting interaction with the game state when it enters the battlefield.

Keyword Abilities

Izzet Boilerworks does not have any keyword abilities in the classical sense. It doesn't tap for additional mana or provide a specific benefit like an ability would. Instead, its effects are tied to its own activation cost and the moment it enters the battlefield.

Stack Interaction

When Izzet Boilerworks is cast, it will enter tapped due to its Oracle Text. Once it's on the battlefield, it can be activated for {T} mana, which adds {U}{R}. However, when it first enters, something more interesting happens: its second effect triggers, which returns a land you control to your owner's hand.

This means that if Izzet Boilerworks is cast in response to another land being put into play, such as [Snap, it will return the land to its owner's hand immediately. If this land is returned to your own hand, you can then put it back onto the battlefield or use it for its mana.

Battlefield Interaction

Since Izzet Boilerworks enters tapped, any spells with a {T} cost will have their casting costs increased by one. This can impact the efficiency of spells that rely on tapping lands for mana.

When activating Izzet Boilerworks to add {U}{R}, you'll still need to pay its {T} cost in addition to generating two colors of mana. This means the actual benefit is relatively limited compared to more traditional lands, but it's still a useful source of mana generation.

Edge Cases and Unusual Interactions

Some interesting edge cases arise when considering Izzet Boilerworks' interaction with other cards:

  • If you use [Snap or another spell to put Izzet Boilerworks onto the battlefield, its effect will trigger immediately. However, if the land is removed from play before it can resolve (e.g., by a destruction spell), the returned land won't be affected.
  • If an opponent uses a card like Phantasmal Conjur] or [[Demonic Consultation to force you to sacrifice lands, Izzet Boilerworks will return the sacrificed land to your hand. However, its {T} cost still applies when activating it for mana.

Overall, while Izzet Boilerworks may not offer as direct a benefit as other cards in Magic, its unique interaction with returning a land to the owner's hand can be useful in specific situations, particularly in strategies that rely on manipulating lands or generating multiple colors of mana.

Strategic Applications

Izzet Boilerworks is a versatile and underutilized land that offers several strategic benefits in various Commander decks. Its primary function is to return a land to its owner's hand when it enters the battlefield, which can be used to disrupt opponents' plans or create a temporary advantage.

Color Identity: Izzet Boilerworks is particularly effective in Izzet (blue-red) decks, where it can be used to manipulate the board and generate card advantage. In these decks, it often pairs well with Snapcaster Mage and Sword of Light and Shadow, as they both benefit from disrupting opponents' plans.

Commander Strategies: The land's ability to return a land to its owner's hand makes it an excellent fit for Commander strategies that rely on tempo and manipulation. Some examples include:

  • Mill decks: Izzet Boilerworks can be used to mill out lands and other permanents, creating a disadvantage for opponents who rely heavily on these cards.
  • Combo decks: By returning lands to their owner's hand, Izzet Boilerworks can create opportunities for combo pieces like Thassa's Bounty or Tezzeret the Genius.
  • Control decks: The land's ability to disrupt opponents' plans makes it a great fit for control decks that rely on manipulating the board state.

Archetypes: Izzet Boilerworks is particularly effective in the following archetypes:

  • Azorius Control: This archetype relies heavily on card advantage and manipulation, making Izzet Boilerworks an excellent addition to the deck.
  • Jund Midrange: By returning lands to their owner's hand, Izzet Boilerworks can create opportunities for combo pieces like Thassa's Bounty or disrupt opponents' plans.

Competitive Builds: While Izzet Boilerworks is not a key component of competitive decks, it can be used in some niche builds. For example:

  • Estrid, the Masked: This deck relies on manipulation and tempo, making Izzet Boilerworks an excellent addition to the sideboard.
  • Nicol Bolas, Dragon-God: By returning lands to their owner's hand, Izzet Boilerworks can create opportunities for combo pieces like Tezzeret the Genius.

In summary, Izzet Boilerworks is a versatile land that offers several strategic benefits in various Commander decks. Its ability to return a land to its owner's hand makes it an excellent fit for manipulation and tempo-based strategies, particularly in Izzet (blue-red) decks.

Advanced Techniques

Izzet Boilerworks is a versatile land that can be used in various ways to generate card advantage and tempo. One of its most notable effects is the ability to return a land you control to your hand when it enters the battlefield, which can be used to generate more card draw or accelerate your mana development.

This effect pairs well with cards like Sisay's Ring, Mana Confluence, and Phantasmal Terrain, which allow you to manipulate lands in your hand or on the battlefield. For example, you could play Sisay's Ring, then use Izzet Boilerworks to return it to your hand, allowing you to generate more card draw with its ability.

Izzet Boilerworks also generates two mana of any color when tapped, making it a great addition to decks that rely heavily on Arcane Signet or other single-color mana accelerators. This can help you cast spells like Spellskite, Snapcaster Mage, and Golgari Findbroker, which are staples in many Izzet decks.

Another strategy with Izzet Boilerworks is to use it as a "land relocator" to generate card advantage. For example, if you have an opponent's land on the battlefield that you'd like to get rid of, you can play Izzet Boilerworks and return their land to their hand. This can be particularly effective against control decks or when facing opponents who rely heavily on land-based permanents.

In addition to its more obvious uses, Izzet Boilerworks has some less-obvious interactions with other cards in the game. For instance, it pairs well with Vandalblast, which allows you to destroy an opponent's artifact or enchantment and generate card draw. By using Izzet Boilerworks to return a land to your hand after Vandalblast resolves, you can create a powerful combo that generates both card advantage and damage.

Overall, Izzet Boilerworks is a valuable addition to any deck looking for flexible mana acceleration and card advantage. Its interactions with other cards make it an excellent choice for players who enjoy building complex strategies around their lands.

Common Mistakes

Common Mistakes with Izzet Boilerworks

Izzet Boilerworks is a versatile land that can provide a quick source of blue and red mana, but players often make mistakes when playing it. Here are some common errors to watch out for:

  • Misunderstanding the oracle text: Many players think Izzet Boilerworks returns a land to its owner's hand as soon as it enters the battlefield, which is not the case. The card actually returns a land when it itself enters the battlefield, so timing is crucial.
    • Example: Playing Izzet Boilerworks on turn 2 and immediately returning your tapped Tolarian Academy (a popular combo piece) to its owner's hand, only to have your opponent react by playing a land destruction spell. Instead, wait until both lands are on the battlefield before tapping them down and returning one of them.
  • Poor timing with combo pieces: Izzet Boilerworks is often used in combination with cards like Tolarian Academy or UnderPowered Dragonlord (to generate additional mana). However, players sometimes misplay by trying to activate their combo pieces too early:
    • Example: Playing Izzet Boilerworks and using its ability to add {U}{R} while your opponent's library is still in their deck. This means you're generating unnecessary mana and leaving yourself vulnerable to disruption.
  • Underestimating land destruction: Land destruction spells like Abrupt Decay or Kolaghan's Command are common in blue-white and other control decks. Players sometimes forget that these cards can neutralize Izzet Boilerworks' ability:
    • Example: Playing Izzet Boilerworks on turn 3, only to have your opponent play Abrupt Decay targeting it. Since Izzet Boilerworks is a land, the spell destroys its ability to generate mana.
  • Overvaluing Izzet Boilerworks in non-blue decks: While Izzet Boilerworks can be played in any color combination, players often overestimate its value in non-blue decks:
    • Example: Playing Izzet Boilerworks in a red-green deck and using it as a mana source. However, the card's ability to return a land is relatively weak in this context, and there are better options available for generating {R}.

By being aware of these common mistakes, players can make more informed decisions when playing Izzet Boilerworks and maximize its potential in their deck.

Conclusion

Based on the provided information, here's a rewritten version of the text in an easy-to-read format:

Izzet Boilerworks

The Izzet Boilerworks is a common land from the Coldsnap set. It was first printed in Core Set 2013 (C13) as a common rarity card.

Effect and Mana Generation

When an Izzet Boilerworks enters the battlefield, it creates a subtle yet intriguing effect: returning a land under your control to its owner's hand. This ability speaks to the Izzet's fascination with manipulating probability and exploiting the intricate balance of Ravnica's ecosystems.

The Boilerworks' mana generation is relatively weak, providing only a single blue-red mana for its colorless cost. However, this land shines in combo-oriented decks that seek to accelerate their mana development and create advantageous loops. Paired with cards like Dissolve or Disintegrate, the Boilerworks can help facilitate rapid, efficient spellcasting.

Flavor and Lore

Located in the city-state of Ravnica, the Izzet League is renowned for their mastery of arcane science and innovative technologies. Their Boilerworks is a key hub for their experiments, where they attempt to harness the fundamental forces of the multiverse.

The Izzet Boilerworks is a testament to the intricate dance between science and magic within Ravnica's world. Its presence on the battlefield reflects the League's relentless pursuit of innovation and their understanding of the delicate interplay between the land, air, and water.

Budget and Accessibility

Izzet Boilerworks is a relatively cheap card, with a price point of $0.28 USD in standard foil and $0.04 TIX. This makes it an affordable option for players looking to build or upgrade their decks.

If you're looking for alternative budget options in Commander, consider the following:

These lands offer similar or better effects than Izzet Boilerworks and can be used as drop-in replacements in a variety of decks.

Key Scenarios and Matchups

Izzet Boilerworks excels in strategies that rely on frequent card draw and mana acceleration. In multiplayer Commander games, its ability to return a land to your hand can be particularly useful for adapting to changing board states.

However, Izzet Boilerworks may struggle in situations where mana consistency is crucial or when facing aggressive strategies that seek to disrupt the board quickly. Some potential drawbacks include:

  • In mono-color or color-light Commander decks, Izzet Boilerworks may not provide enough mana acceleration on its own.
  • Against aggressive decks with early-game threats like Monastery Swiftspear or Goblin Guide, it can be difficult for Izzet Boilerworks to maintain a steady flow of mana.
  • When playing against opponents with abundant card draw and removal spells, Izzet Boilerworks may not have enough advantage to compensate for its drawbacks.

EDHREC Stats

According to EDHREC, a popular online platform for tracking deck-building data, Izzet Boilerworks is ranked 313th in terms of popularity among all lands. This suggests that while it may not be a highly sought-after card, it still has its place in various decks and strategies.

Tournament Presence

While Izzet Boilerworks may not be a staple in competitive Magic: The Gathering tournaments, it has appeared in various decks and formats throughout the years. Its ability to provide both blue and red mana makes it an attractive addition to combo and midrange decks.

Overall, Izzet Boilerworks is a common land with a distinctive ability that has been used in various decks and formats throughout the years. While it may not be a staple in competitive Magic: The Gathering tournaments, its unique functionality makes it an interesting addition to any deck.

Deckbuilding & Synergies

Izzet Boilerworks is a versatile land that can be built around to create efficient and explosive Izzet decks. Its ability to return a land to its owner's hand when it enters the battlefield makes it an excellent addition to any deck that wants to ramp up quickly or maintain a consistent mana base.

Commanders:

  • Chandra, Torch of Defiance (R)
  • Dack Fayden (U) - his ability to draw cards and disrupt opponents' plans pairs well with Boilerworks' ability
  • Narset, Parter of Veils (U) - her ability to manipulate card draws and returns can be amplified by Boilerworks

Color Identities:

Izzet decks are the most natural fit for Izzet Boilerworks, but it can also be included in other color combinations that have a strong blue or red presence.

  • Azorius (WU) - while not as synergistic as Izzet, Boilerworks can still provide some value with its return ability
  • Rakdos (BR) - the removal and discard spells in this combination can complement Boilerworks' ability to accelerate mana development

Themes:

Boilerworks is particularly well-suited for decks that focus on:

  • Ramp: decks that want to develop their mana quickly and efficiently will appreciate Boilerworks' ability to return a land to its owner's hand
  • Combo: Izzet Boilerworks can help enable powerful combos by providing the necessary lands or acceleration
  • Control: boilers can also be used in control-oriented decks to disrupt opponents' plans and provide a steady stream of removal

Engine Cards:

Some synergy cards that pair well with Izzet Boilerworks include:

  • Mana Rocks: these cards accelerate mana development, making it easier to play more expensive spells
    • Sulfur Falls (U)
    • Arid Mesa (WU)
    • Steam Vents (UR)
  • Card Draw: cards that draw extra cards can help you adapt to changing board states and find the right answers
    • Opt (1UU)
    • Serum Visions (2UU)
    • Ponder (1UU)

Combo Notes:

Izzet Boilerworks can be used in conjunction with other engines, such as:

  • Chandra's Spark: this spell generates two mana of any color and can be accelerated by Boilerworks
  • Lightning Bolt: while a simple removal spell, it becomes much more efficient when combined with Boilerworks' ability to accelerate mana development
Format Roles

Izzet Boilerworks in Commander and Other Formats

In Commander, Izzet Boilerworks is a solid addition to any Izzet or Azorius control deck. Its ability to return a land to its owner's hand on enter, combined with its +2/+0 and 1R+U mana fixing capabilities, makes it an attractive option for players looking to maintain a high tempo of plays while also generating card advantage.

Competitive in Commander

  • In decks focusing on control or midrange strategies, Izzet Boilerworks can help to generate value by returning lands to the hand to draw into key cards or use as fuel for more complex spells.
  • When paired with +1/+1 counters or lifelink effects, its ability to provide 2 colorless mana accelerates gameplan development.

Casual Play

  • In casual environments where players are not focused on optimizing their decklists, Izzet Boilerworks remains a viable choice due to its ability to provide value through land recursion and mana fixing.
  • Its relatively low cost makes it an accessible option for newer players or those on a budget.

Banned in Some Formats

  • While not banned in Commander, Izzet Boilerworks is banned in Modern and Legacy formats. This is largely due to the potential for explosive combos when paired with cards like Mox Opal, Spike Feeder, or other mana-fixing effects.
  • In casual play, its inclusion in a deck may lead to power imbalances if opponents are not prepared to adapt.

Overall Performance

In terms of overall performance, Izzet Boilerworks sits at an EDHREC rank of 313, indicating it is a solid but not particularly exceptional choice for Commander decks. However, its versatility and ability to generate card advantage make it a valuable addition to any deck that can utilize its effects effectively.

Pairing Suggestions

When pairing Izzet Boilerworks with other cards, consider the following:

  • Azorius Signet: Provides additional mana-fixing options while leveraging Izzet Boilerworks' enter effect for land recursion.
  • Mox Opal: Accelerates gameplan development and combines with Izzet Boilerworks to generate explosive combos.
  • Spike Feeder: Enhances the value of lands returned by Izzet Boilerworks, creating opportunities for more complex plays.
Key Scenarios

Key Scenarios & Matchups

Izzet Boilerworks excels in strategies that rely on frequent card draw and mana acceleration. In multiplayer Commander games, its ability to return a land to your hand can be particularly useful for adapting to changing board states.

  • When paired with cards like Mistbind Clique, Izzet Boilerworks allows you to consistently draw into your creatures while maintaining a steady flow of mana.
  • In combination with Jace, the Mind Sculptor or other card draw spells, it becomes easier to maintain tempo and pressure on opponents.
  • When playing against control decks that rely heavily on lands, Izzet Boilerworks' ability can disrupt their plans by forcing them to discard a land.

However, Izzet Boilerworks may struggle in situations where mana consistency is crucial or when facing aggressive strategies that seek to disrupt the board quickly. Some potential drawbacks include:

  • In mono-color or color-light Commander decks, Izzet Boilerworks may not provide enough mana acceleration on its own.
  • Against aggressive decks with early-game threats like Monastery Swiftspear or Goblin Guide, it can be difficult for Izzet Boilerworks to maintain a steady flow of mana.
  • When playing against opponents with abundant card draw and removal spells, Izzet Boilerworks may not have enough advantage to compensate for its drawbacks.
History & Meta

Izzet Boilerworks: A Common Land with a Distinctive Ability

First printed in the Core Set 2013, Izzet Boilerworks is a common land that has been a part of various decks and strategies over the years. Its ability to return a land to its owner's hand when it enters the battlefield is a unique aspect that sets it apart from other lands.

Printings

Izzet Boilerworks was first printed in Core Set 2013 (C13) as a common rarity card. It has not had any reprints or variations since then, making it a relatively rare card to find.

Tournament Presence

While Izzet Boilerworks may not be a staple in competitive Magic: The Gathering tournaments, it has appeared in various decks and formats throughout the years. Its ability to provide both blue and red mana makes it an attractive addition to combo and midrange decks.

EDHREC Stats

According to EDHREC, a popular online platform for tracking deck-building data, Izzet Boilerworks is ranked 313th in terms of popularity among all lands. This suggests that while it may not be a highly sought-after card, it still has its place in various decks and strategies.

Iconic Decks

Izzet Boilerworks has appeared in several iconic decks over the years, including combo and midrange Izzet lists that rely on its ability to generate mana and disrupt opponents. Its versatility makes it an attractive addition to a wide range of decks, from control to aggressive strategies.

Overall, Izzet Boilerworks is a common land with a distinctive ability that has been used in various decks and formats throughout the years. While it may not be a staple in competitive Magic: The Gathering tournaments, its unique functionality makes it an interesting addition to any deck.

Flavor & Lore

The Izzet Boilerworks, a common land from the Coldsnap set. This unassuming card belies its significance in the complex web of Ravnica's guild politics and magical research.

Located in the city-state of Ravnica, the Izzet League is renowned for their mastery of arcane science and innovative technologies. Their Boilerworks is a key hub for their experiments, where they attempt to harness the fundamental forces of the multiverse. The boiler itself is a massive construct, churning out steam and generating magical energy.

When an Izzet Boilerworks enters the battlefield, it creates a subtle yet intriguing effect: returning a land under your control to its owner's hand. This ability speaks to the Izzet's fascination with manipulating probability and exploiting the intricate balance of Ravnica's ecosystems. It echoes the actions of cards like Simian Spirit Guide or Falkenrath Marauders, which similarly subvert expectations.

At first glance, the Boilerworks' mana generation may seem underwhelming: a single blue-red mana for its colorless cost. However, this land shines in combo-oriented decks that seek to accelerate their mana development and create advantageous loops. Paired with cards like Dissolve or Disintegrate, the Boilerworks can help facilitate rapid, efficient spellcasting.

The Izzet Boilerworks is a testament to the intricate dance between science and magic within Ravnica's world. Its presence on the battlefield reflects the League's relentless pursuit of innovation and their understanding of the delicate interplay between the land, air, and water.

Budget/Alternatives

Izzet Boilerworks is a common land from the Commander 2013 set. It's relatively cheap, with a price point of $0.28 USD in standard foil and $0.04 TIX. This makes it an affordable option for players looking to build or upgrade their decks.

One notable aspect of Izzet Boilerworks is its effect when it enters the battlefield. It returns a land from your hand to your owner's hand, which can be useful in certain situations, such as disrupting opponents' mana development or generating card advantage through lands like Simian Spirit Guide or Explosive Vegetation. However, this effect doesn't add to its overall value as it's relatively weak compared to other common lands.

In terms of budget-friendliness, Izzet Boilerworks is a decent option for Commander decks. It can be used in conjunction with other common and uncommon Izzet-colored spells and creatures to create a well-rounded deck. For example, Sizzle and Simian Spirit Guide are both relatively cheap cards that can be combined with Izzet Boilerworks to generate more card advantage.

If you're looking for alternative budget options in Commander, consider the following:

These lands offer similar or better effects than Izzet Boilerworks and can be used as drop-in replacements in a variety of decks.