Jin-Gitaxias is a legendary creature card in the Magic: The Gathering (MTG) game. It is a blue-aligned Phyrexian Praetor that was first introduced in the New Phyrexia expansion set in 2011.
The card’s abilities include ward and the ability to draw a card whenever a noncreature spell with mana value 3 or greater is cast.
With a mana cost of 5, Jin-Gitaxias is a high-cost card that can be a game-changer if played correctly. Its design is also notable, featuring a grotesque creature with multiple tentacles and a humanoid head.
Key Takeaways
- Jin-Gitaxias is a legendary creature card in the MTG game that was first introduced in the New Phyrexia expansion set in 2011.
- The card’s abilities include ward and the ability to draw a card whenever a noncreature spell with mana value 3 or greater is cast.
- Jin-Gitaxias is a popular card among players due to its powerful abilities, unique design, and collectibility.
Overview of Jin-Gitaxias
As an avid Magic: The Gathering player, I can confidently say that Jin-Gitaxias is one of the most powerful and feared legendary creatures in the game. This Phyrexian Praetor is known for its intimidating presence on the battlefield and its ability to control the game with its unique set of attributes.
Phyrexian Origin
Jin-Gitaxias is a Phyrexian, a race of biomechanical creatures that seek to perfect themselves and their surroundings through the use of technology and magic. He is the author of a revisionist philosophy known as “Great Synthesis,” which takes some liberties with Phyrexia’s core religious philosophy to make progress easier.
His voice sounds like metal grating against metal, and his appearance is that of a giant, insectoid creature with metal tentacles and glowing eyes.
Card Type and Attributes
Jin-Gitaxias is a legendary creature card in Magic: The Gathering, with a mana cost of seven, requiring two blue mana. It has a 5/5 body, but its true value comes from its two abilities.
The first is Ward, which protects Jin-Gitaxias from being targeted by opponents’ spells or abilities. The second ability allows the player to draw a card whenever they cast a noncreature spell with mana value 3 or greater.
This ability is extremely useful in control decks that rely on spells to control the game.
Gameplay Mechanics
Mana Value and Costs
As a player, I find the mana value and costs of Jin-Gitaxias to be very reasonable. The card has a converted mana cost of 10, which means it requires a significant amount of mana to cast. However, the card’s effects are well worth the cost, making it a great addition to any deck that can support it.
Ward and Protection Abilities
Jin-Gitaxias has both Ward and protection abilities, which make it very difficult for opponents to deal with. The Ward ability means that opponents must pay an additional cost to target the card with spells or abilities, making it much harder to remove from the battlefield.
Additionally, the card has protection from colored spells, which means that opponents cannot target it with spells of the specified color.
Drawing and Hand Size Mechanics
One of the most powerful aspects of Jin-Gitaxias is its ability to draw cards and increase the player’s maximum hand size. The card’s ability allows players to draw seven cards when it enters the battlefield, which is a massive advantage.
Additionally, while Jin-Gitaxias is on the battlefield, players have no maximum hand size, which means they can continue to draw and keep all the cards they want.
Deck Building with Jin-Gitaxias
As a blue creature with a high mana cost, Jin-Gitaxias is a popular commander choice for players looking to build a control-heavy deck. In this section, I will discuss some considerations and synergies to keep in mind when building a deck with Jin-Gitaxias as the commander.
Commander Considerations
When building a deck with Jin-Gitaxias as the commander, it is important to keep in mind his high mana cost of 10 blue mana. This means that the deck should be built with a focus on mana ramp, such as with artifacts like [[Thran Dynamo]] or [[Gilded Lotus]], or with spells like [[Rampant Growth]] or [[Kodama’s Reach]].
Another consideration is the fact that Jin-Gitaxias is a creature, which means that the deck should be built with a focus on protecting him.
Cards like [[Lightning Greaves]] or [[Swiftfoot Boots]] can help to keep Jin-Gitaxias safe from removal spells, while counterspells like [[Negate]] or [[Counterspell]] can be used to protect him from spells that would otherwise remove him from the battlefield.
Synergies and Combos
Jin-Gitaxias is a powerful card on his own, but there are several noncreature spells that work well with him to create powerful synergies and combos.
For example, cards like [[Brainstorm]] or [[Ponder]] can be used to draw additional cards and help to find the cards needed to control the game.
Another powerful synergy is with cards that allow you to discard cards from your hand, such as [[Frantic Search]] or [[Careful Study]].
This can be used to fill up your graveyard with cards that can be recurred later, or to fuel cards like [[Dig Through Time]] or [[Treasure Cruise]].
Jin-Gitaxias in Different Formats
Jin-Gitaxias, Core Augur is a powerful card in the Magic: The Gathering universe. Its ability to draw seven cards at the end of each opponent’s turn, coupled with its impressive 5/4 body, makes it an excellent addition to any deck. However, the legality of the card varies depending on the format being played.
Standard and Pioneer Play
In Standard and Pioneer play, Jin-Gitaxias is not legal. This means that players cannot include the card in their decks for these formats. However, there are other cards with similar abilities that can be used instead.
For example, Teferi, Master of Time is a popular choice for Standard and Pioneer players looking to draw additional cards.
Modern and Commander
In Modern and Commander formats, Jin-Gitaxias is legal. This means that players can include the card in their decks for these formats.
In Modern, Jin-Gitaxias is often used in control decks, where its ability to draw additional cards can help players stay ahead of their opponents. In Commander, Jin-Gitaxias is a popular choice for players looking to draw additional cards and disrupt their opponents’ strategies.
It is important to note that Jin-Gitaxias is not legal in all Commander variants. For example, the card is not legal in Standard Brawl or Pauper Commander. However, it is legal in regular Commander, Oathbreaker, and Penny Dreadful Commander.
Card Transformations and Sagas
As a seasoned MTG player, I know that card transformations and sagas can add a lot of depth and excitement to a game. Two important aspects of this are the Great Synthesis saga and the transformation of Jin-Gitaxias.
The Great Synthesis Saga
The Great Synthesis saga is an enchantment that tells a story in three parts. As each part is completed, a lore counter is placed on the saga. Once all three counters are on the saga, it is sacrificed.
During each of the three parts, different effects are triggered, which can help turn the tide of the game in a player’s favor.
Transforming Jin-Gitaxias
Jin-Gitaxias is a legendary creature that can be transformed through the use of the incubation station transform ability. To activate this ability, a player must first exile Jin-Gitaxias, then return it to the battlefield transformed under its owner’s control. This can only be done as a sorcery and only if the player has seven or more cards in hand.
Once transformed, Jin-Gitaxias becomes a Phyrexian Praetor with the Ward ability and a powerful card draw effect. Whenever a noncreature spell with mana value 3 or greater is cast, the player draws a card. This can be a game-changing ability that can quickly turn the tide of the game in a player’s favor.
Artwork and Design
Artist Contribution
The artwork of the Jin-Gitaxias MTG card is a result of the contribution of artist Ekaterina Burmak. Her unique style is evident in the depiction of the Phyrexian Praetor. Burmak has skillfully captured the essence of the character and brought it to life through her art. The intricate details of the character’s armor and the color scheme used in the artwork add to the overall aesthetic appeal of the card.
Card Aesthetics
The Jin-Gitaxias MTG card has a color indicator of blue, which signifies its color identity. The card’s design is in line with the theme of the Phyrexian Praetors, with its metallic finish and intricate details. The card’s border is also in line with the theme, with its metallic finish and intricate patterns. The card’s text box is clear and easy to read, with the text in black and the card’s mana cost in blue.
Overall, the Jin-Gitaxias MTG card is a well-designed card with a unique aesthetic appeal. The artist’s contribution and the card’s design combine to create a visually stunning card that is sure to capture the attention of any MTG player.
Collectibility and Value
Market Price and Rarity
As an iconic Mythic Rare card, Jin-Gitaxias has always been a highly sought-after card by Magic: The Gathering players and collectors alike. The market price of Jin-Gitaxias varies over time and can be influenced by various factors such as supply and demand, format popularity, and reprints.
At the time of writing, the market price of Jin-Gitaxias is around $6.00 USD on Card Kingdom and $5.02 USD on TCGplayer. However, it’s worth noting that the price can fluctuate based on the availability of the card and the demand for it in the market.
The rarity of Jin-Gitaxias also contributes to its collectibility and value. Being a Mythic Rare card, Jin-Gitaxias is harder to find than other cards of lower rarity, which makes it more valuable and desirable for collectors.
Promo Versions and Reprints
Jin-Gitaxias has been reprinted once in the Commander 2020 set, which has helped to increase its availability and reduce its price to some extent. However, the original version of the card from the March of the Machines set remains the most collectible and valuable.
Jin-Gitaxias has also been featured in various promotional versions, including the Judge Promo and the Grand Prix Promo. These versions of the card are rarer and more valuable than the regular version, making them highly sought-after by collectors.
Related Reading: Jin-Gitaxias MTG Card
Commander Deep Dive: March Of The Machine’s Jin-Gitaxias – Explore the strategic depths of playing with Jin-Gitaxias in your commander deck, focusing on noncreature spells to dominate the game.
Jin-Gitaxias – MTG Wiki – Delve into the lore and impact of Jin-Gitaxias, the blue-aligned praetor of New Phyrexia, on the game’s universe and strategies.
The New Jin Gitaxias is NUTS But These MTG Cards Make it Even Better – Uncover how the latest iteration of Jin-Gitaxias revolutionizes gameplay, alongside key cards that enhance its potential.
Jin-Gitaxias Commander Decks – MTGGoldfish – Explore various Jin-Gitaxias commander decks, offering insights into building competitive decks around this powerful card.
Jin-Gitaxias, Core Augur · New Phyrexia (NPH) #37 – Gain insights into Jin-Gitaxias, Core Augur’s role in New Phyrexia, including its mechanics and how it influences deck construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current market value of the Jin-Gitaxias, Core Augur card?
The current market value of the Jin-Gitaxias, Core Augur card varies depending on the condition and edition of the card. As of February 24, 2024, the market value for a near-mint condition card ranges from $30 to $50 USD. However, prices are subject to change depending on market demand and supply.
How does Jin-Gitaxias, Progress Tyrant fit into a commander deck?
Jin-Gitaxias, Progress Tyrant is a powerful card in Commander format, especially in control decks. Since Jin-Gitaxias has a high mana cost, it is best to include ramp spells and mana rocks to ensure that you can cast the card early in the game. Jin-Gitaxias can also be used in a combo deck, where it can be paired with other cards to create a game-winning combination.
What are the key strategies for using Jin-Gitaxias in an EDH deck?
The key strategy for using Jin-Gitaxias in an EDH deck is to control the game by drawing a large number of cards and denying your opponents the ability to draw. Jin-Gitaxias can also be used to disrupt your opponent’s game plan by making them discard their hand. It is important to protect Jin-Gitaxias from removal spells and counterspells by including cards that provide protection, such as Swiftfoot Boots or Lightning Greaves.
Can you list all the different printings of Jin-Gitaxias cards?
Jin-Gitaxias has been printed in two different sets: New Phyrexia and Commander 2015. The New Phyrexia version is the original printing and is the most common. The Commander 2015 version has alternate art and is less common.
What is the lore behind Jin-Gitaxias in the Magic: The Gathering universe?
In the Magic: The Gathering universe, Jin-Gitaxias is a Phyrexian Praetor who is obsessed with knowledge and experimentation. He is responsible for many of the twisted sciences that contributed to the power of New Phyrexia. Jin-Gitaxias was also instrumental in discovering the method by which Planeswalkers could be compleated. He is known for his cold and calculating personality and his disregard for the lives of others.
How does Jin-Gitaxias interact with artifact creatures in the game?
Jin-Gitaxias does not have any specific interactions with artifact creatures in the game. However, Jin-Gitaxias is a powerful card that can draw a large number of cards. It can be used in artifact-based decks that rely on drawing cards to find their win conditions.
Additionally, Jin-Gitaxias can be used to disrupt your opponent’s artifact-based strategies by making them discard their hand.