Uthros PsionicistHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Mind for Savings

Uthros Psionicist provides a static ability that reduces the cost of the second spell you cast each turn by {2}. This reduction applies to any spell type, whether it is a creature, artifact, or instant. To determine the final cost, you start with the mana cost or an alternative cost, add any increases, and then apply this {2} reduction. Note that the mana value of the spell remains the same regardless of how much you actually pay.

Tracking Your Spells

The game tracks every spell you cast during a turn, regardless of whether those spells resolved, were countered, or are still waiting on the stack. If Uthros Psionicist was the very first spell you cast in a turn, its ability will immediately recognize the next spell you cast as your second one, granting the discount. If you cast a different spell earlier in the turn before Uthros entered the battlefield, your next spell will still be considered the second and receive the reduction.

Strategic Sequencing

A common mistake is forgetting that the reduction is mandatory for the second spell. You cannot 'save' the discount for a third or fourth spell later in the turn. To maximize Uthros Psionicist, you should try to cast a low-cost 'cantrip' or utility spell first, followed by a high-impact spell with a generic mana requirement of at least {2} to ensure you get the full value of the discount.

Interaction examples

The Golem Discount

Solemn Simulacrum

If Uthros Psionicist is already on the battlefield and you cast a cheap 1-mana spell, the next spell you cast is your second. If you then cast Solemn Simulacrum, the {4} mana cost is reduced by {2}, allowing you to play the Golem for only {2} mana while still getting its land-searching trigger.

Double Golem Efficiency

Roaming Throne

Imagine you cast Uthros Psionicist as your first spell of the turn for {2}{U}. Because Uthros is now on the battlefield, the very next spell you cast is your second spell. You can then cast Roaming Throne for only {2} mana instead of its usual {4}. If you choose 'Jellyfish' for the Throne, you'll be set up for even more triggers in future turns.

Chain Casting Uthros

If you have two copies of Uthros Psionicist in hand, casting the first one counts as spell number one. The second copy of Uthros Psionicist will then cost only {U} because it is the second spell of the turn. Once both are on the battlefield, they will each apply to the second spell of future turns, potentially reducing a spell's cost by a total of {4}!