Cartouche of Ambition
Enchantment — Aura Cartouche
Enchant creature you control
When this Aura enters, you may put a -1/-1 counter on target creature.
Enchanted creature gets +1/+1 and has lifelink.
- CMC
- 3
- Mana cost
- Color identity
- B
- Rarity
- common
- Set
- Amonkhet Remastered
- Price
- —
- EDHREC rank
- #15021
Cartouche of Ambition puts a -1/-1 counter on any creature when it enters, then keeps pumping the enchanted creature with +1/+1 and lifelink — all for three mana. In The Scorpion God decks that want a steady counter delivery system, that's a real rate; everywhere else, it's a fair but unspectacular Aura.
Best Commanders
Commanders with the highest synergy
The Scorpion God
The Scorpion God draws a card whenever any creature gets a -1/-1 counter, so Cartouche of Ambition's on-entry trigger immediately replaces itself — and the +1/+1 lifelink buff keeps the enchanted creature relevant while the engine churns.
Format Analysis
Where it lives, where it can’t
| Format | Verdict |
|---|---|
| commander | legal |
| legacy | legal |
| modern | legal |
| pioneer | legal |
| standard | not legal |
| vintage | legal |
| pauper | legal |
| oathbreaker | legal |
In Commander, Cartouche of Ambition is a role-player in -1/-1 counter builds rather than a staple — it earns its slot in The Scorpion God or Hapatra, Vizier of Poisons shells where the enter-the-battlefield trigger does real work, but it's too narrow outside those homes. In Pauper it competes in black-based creature decks that want cheap lifelink, though more efficient options typically win the slot. Modern and Pioneer have long since outpaced it — three mana for a conditional -1/-1 and an Aura isn't a competitive rate when removal and threats are cheaper and more flexible. Legacy and Vintage don't register it at all.
Key Combos
Combo lines featuring this card
Price Context
Current price
unknown tier
Current price data for Cartouche of Ambition isn't available in this listing, but as a common from a heavily opened set it historically sits well under $1 and is easy to find in bulk. Pick it up from a dollar bin or a bulk order — there's no reason to pay a premium.
Explore
Sources
Mentioned
- The Scorpion God
Updated . Data from Scryfall, EDHREC, and Commander Spellbook.