Tutors are those cards that let you search your library for something specific, then either put it in your hand, on top of your deck, or sometimes directly onto the battlefield. If you’ve had those moments when you desperately wanted one particular card, you probably wished you had a tutor. They can seem too good, but they’re perfectly legal in most formats. Some decks rely on them to find key cards, while others enjoy the random nature of top-decking. Both strategies have their appeal. Tutors, however, give your deck a tighter level of control.
A tutor is any card that lets you look through your library for another card. Demonic Tutor and Vampiric Tutor are the classic examples. Some tutors, like Enlightened Tutor, grab artifacts or enchantments specifically, while others can find any card. By searching instead of waiting to draw, you reduce the luck factor in a big way. You still need mana to cast that card, but at least you know you’ll have it when you want it.
Tutors bring consistency. If your plan hinges on a key enchantment or creature, it’s a relief to know you can grab it when you’re ready. This also helps you adapt to changing situations. If your opponent is pressuring you with something huge, maybe you grab a removal spell. If you have a full grip of lands, you can fetch the threat that best closes out the game. Tutors let you include unique cards you might only need once, because you can always search them up when they become relevant.
Some players dislike tutors because it feels unfair that you can just pick exactly what you need. They also complain that tutors slow things down, since every time you cast one you have to shuffle. On top of that, tutors can make games repetitive if you keep searching for the same few cards. Usually, everyone knows Magic includes tutors, but they can still stir up some frustration. If your tutor grabs a piece that wins the game on the spot, expect some eye rolls.
Combos thrive on specific cards. When you need Kiki-Jiki, Mirror Breaker plus Zealous Conscripts for infinite creatures, tutors make finding those pieces easier. Three- or four-card combos become more consistent too. Just be aware that tutoring puts a spotlight on you. People will hold up a counterspell or removal spell the moment they see you start searching for your combo pieces.
In a format like Commander, tutors often push a deck’s power level higher. Grabbing any card at instant speed for one mana is huge. That doesn’t mean you’ll always dominate, but it does give you a leg up on players who rely on top-deck luck. In a casual group, too many tutors can create mismatched power levels. Some folks limit themselves to tutors that cost more or only find certain types of cards, so the game doesn’t feel too lopsided.
Demonic Tutor is often considered the best because it costs two mana and fetches any card to your hand.
Vampiric Tutor is one black mana, but you lose two life and the card goes on top of your deck. It’s still powerful since it’s an instant.
Enlightened Tutor, Mystical Tutor, and Worldly Tutor each search for specific card types—artifacts, enchantments, instants, sorceries, or creatures.
Some tutors, like Imperial Seal, are pricey in real money, which can make them less accessible for many players.
There are also budget-friendly tutors that might cost more mana or come with extra requirements, but still get the job done.
Tutors boost consistency and flexibility. You can grab combo pieces, removal, or that single card you need to handle an awkward situation. This level of reliability in a game that usually relies on random draws is a big advantage. On the flip side, tutors can lead to stale gameplay if you always fetch the same card. They also slow down the game a bit due to shuffling and can draw unwanted attention—players often assume you’re about to do something nasty if you cast a tutor.
Using tutors in Magic: The Gathering is about finding the balance between power and fun. They let you pull off game-winning strategies more consistently, but they can frustrate people who enjoy the thrill of random draws. While I don’t think tutors should be removed from the game, I do see why they can be controversial. In casual settings, it’s worth chatting with your group to see if heavy tutoring fits everyone’s comfort level. If it does, then search away—just be ready to handle the heat when your opponents realize you’ve fetched the perfect card.
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