Bureau HeadmasterHow it works & interactions with other cards

Streamlining the Armory

Bureau Headmaster provides two distinct cost reductions. First, it makes every Equipment spell you cast cost {1} generic mana less. Second, it reduces the cost to activate 'Equip' abilities by {1} generic mana. This applies to standard equip abilities as well as variants like 'Equip legendary creature.' Note that it only reduces generic mana; it cannot reduce colored mana requirements, such as an equip cost of {G}.

Resolution and Timing

The cost reduction is applied as you are calculating the total cost to cast a spell or activate an ability. You first determine the base cost (or alternative cost), add any increases, and then apply reductions like Bureau Headmaster's. This happens before you pay any costs. If an Equipment costs {1} to cast, it becomes {0}. If an equip ability costs {1}, it also becomes {0}, allowing you to move Equipment for free.

Common Mistakes

A common point of confusion involves 'Reconfigure' or other abilities that attach cards to creatures. Bureau Headmaster strictly specifies 'Equip' abilities. Abilities like Reconfigure are distinct and do not receive the discount. Additionally, remember that this card only reduces the cost of Equipment spells you cast; it does not affect Equipment that are put directly onto the battlefield by other effects.

Strategic Placement

This creature is best utilized in aggressive decks that rely on buffing small creatures quickly. Because it is a creature itself, it can carry the weapons it helps you cast. Playing it on turn two sets up a turn three where you can cast multiple Equipment and attach them immediately without needing extra lands.

Interaction examples

Equipping the Sentinel

Esper Sentinel

With Bureau Headmaster on the battlefield, you can cast a 1-mana Equipment for {0}. Once it is on the battlefield, if that Equipment has an 'Equip {1}' ability, you can activate it for {0} to attach it to Esper Sentinel. This increases the Sentinel's power for free, making it harder for opponents to pay the tax for their noncreature spells.

Treasured Combat

Professional Face-Breaker

If you use Professional Face-Breaker to exile an Equipment card from the top of your library, Bureau Headmaster still reduces the cost to cast that spell by {1}. After dealing combat damage and creating a Treasure, you can use that Treasure to pay for even more discounted Equipment, maximizing your mana efficiency during your post-combat main phase.