Magic: The Gathering

Cunning Rhetoric

Commander 2021 38 • rare

Set: Commander 2021
Collector number: 38
Rarity: Rare
Mana cost: 2 generic mana black mana
Type: Enchantment
Colors: Black
Artist: Chris Rallis
Market price: $2.39

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$2.39est. via TCGplayer

104,743cards tracked

3other printings of this card

Market

What it's worth

$2.39market price via TCGplayer · Oct 7, 2026$1.92 – $2.39 over the tracked period

Estimate for a typical copy of Cunning Rhetoric; condition, printing, and grading move the real number.

Lore

Why it matters

This rare card provides a defensive mechanic that discourages opponents from targeting you, turning their aggression into a strategic liability. Its function encourages a cautious board state, making it a valuable tool for players who prefer to manipulate the flow of interaction during a game.

Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI

Card face

What it does

Whenever an opponent attacks you and/or one or more planeswalkers you control, exile the top card of that player's library. You may play that card for as long as it remains exiled, and you may spend mana as though it were mana of any color to cast it.

Formats

Where you can play it

StandardNot legal
PioneerNot legal
ModernNot legal
LegacyLegal
VintageLegal
CommanderLegal
PauperNot legal
BrawlNot legal
HistoricNot legal
TimelessNot legal
Penny DreadfulNot legal
OathbreakerLegal

Portions of the materials used are property of Wizards of the Coast. ©Wizards of the Coast LLC. Card text via Scryfall. Not approved or endorsed by Wizards. As of the last catalogue refresh.

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Where to find one

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Provenance

Where it came from

Cunning Rhetoric was released in 2021 as part of the Commander 2021 set, specifically within the Silverquill Statement preconstructed deck. The card is designed to embody the political and manipulative nature of the Silverquill college from the Strixhaven: School of Mages expansion, focusing on themes of 'goad' and taxing opponents who dare to attack the controller.

The artwork was illustrated by Magali Villeneuve, a prominent figure in the Magic: The Gathering community known for her elegant and high-fantasy aesthetic. Her work on this piece captures the essence of refined, academic intimidation, visually representing the card's mechanical ability to discourage direct aggression through the threat of future consequences.

Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI

Other printings

Every version of this card

The same card, printed again — different sets, treatments, and prices.

Collectors

Who's collecting this

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About

About Cunning Rhetoric

Cunning Rhetoric is a card in the Magic: The Gathering catalog on collecto.rs. Commander 2021 38 • rare. Catalog data is sourced from Scryfall. No public cards collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.

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Can I track my own copy of Cunning Rhetoric?

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Where does the Cunning Rhetoric catalog entry come from?

The catalog entry for Cunning Rhetoric is sourced from Scryfall. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.