Dream Salvage MTG Card

Enables significant card draw if the opponent discards, potentially filling up your hand quickly. Instant speed allows for timely plays and opponent turn responses for strategic advantages. Dependency on opponent discards can sometimes limit its effectiveness in game play.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	1
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Instant
Released	2008-05-02
Set symbol
Set name	Shadowmoor
Set code	SHM
Number	160
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Howard Lyon

Text of card

Draw cards equal to the number of cards target opponent discarded this turn.

Awylla tried hard to forget the horrors she had seen, but someone else had developed a keen interest in them.

Cards like Dream Salvage

Dream Salvage stands out in Magic: The Gathering’s landscape of hand advantage strategies. This unique card allows a player to draw cards equal to the number of cards an opponent discarded this turn for just one blue or black mana. It compares interestingly with Whispering Madness, which also hinges on card discard but affects all players and has the added Cipher mechanic to be used multiple times. Both leverage discard, yet Dream Salvage provides a more targeted approach.

Another card that comes to mind is Notion Thief, a creature that turns any card draw advantage for opponents into an advantage for the controller. While Notion Thief can have a longer-lasting effect throughout the game, Dream Salvage offers a low-cost, one-time significant draw spike. Mind Shatter is also a related card creating discard opportunities, but it acts proactively to empty an opponent’s hand without the card draw kickback that Dream Salvage affords.

These cards illustrate the various ways to manipulate draw and discard mechanics within the game. Dream Salvage presents a reactive but highly efficient draw mechanism that can turn an opponent’s loss decidedly to your gain, a standout aspect making it a notable choice for players focusing on maximizing hand advantage.

Cards similar to Dream Salvage by color, type and mana cost

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Dream Salvage. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

Name	Format	Archetype	Event
The EPIC Gamble	Legacy	The EPIC Gamble	Legacy Challenge 32 2024-05-11 (1)
WURG	Legacy		Legacy League 2024-04-12
Waste Not Storm	Vintage	Waste Not Storm	Vintage Preliminary 2024-01-02

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Dream Salvage enables you to draw cards equal to the number discarded by an opponent this turn, potentially netting substantial card advantage and replenishing your hand effectively.

Resource Acceleration: Gaining extra cards at a very low cost can surge your resources, giving you the tools to accelerate your game plan and apply pressure to your opponent.

Instant Speed: As an instant, Dream Salvage can be cast in response to discard triggers in your opponent’s turn, keeping your options flexible and maximizing the surprise factor.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: A significant drawback of Dream Salvage is its reliance on the opponent discarding cards to be effective. Without a discard trigger, the card can be rendered useless in hand, turning potential game-changing moments into frustrating standstills.

Specific Mana Cost: Dream Salvage’s unique mana requirement can be restrictive as it needs a combination of blue mana. This stipulation means it often fits exclusively into blue-centered or multicolored decks, reducing its overall versatility in deck-building.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For an effect that depends on your opponent’s actions, Dream Salvage’s mana cost can be seen as a steep investment. Other cards in the format may offer more immediate or guaranteed card drawing capabilities for a similar or lower mana investment.

Reasons to Include Dream Salvage in Your Collection

Versatility: Dream Salvage doesn’t just shine in discard-themed decks. It’s a card that can find a spot in any strategy aiming to disrupt the opponent’s hand. The ability to draw cards equal to the number discarded this turn, by any player, makes it a flexible choice for any collection.

Combo Potential: This card pairs excellently with forced discard effects. Its low mana cost enables you to play a discard spell and follow it up with Dream Salvage on the same turn, refilling your hand and maintaining card advantage.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where information warfare is key and players are tossing cards from hands, Dream Salvage turns an opponent’s loss into your gain. It’s particularly effective in formats where “wheel” effects or heavy discard strategies are prevalent.

How to beat

Understanding how to navigate against Dream Salvage can give you the upper hand in Magic: The Gathering matches. This card thrives in environments where both players are drawing multiple cards. It allows its caster to draw cards equal to the number discarded by an opponent this turn for just one blue mana.

To effectively counteract Dream Salvage, limit forced discards in your strategy, especially in a turn where they can leverage its effect. Consider using instant-speed removal or counterspells when your opponent discards as part of their game plan, reducing the value they get from playing Dream Salvage. Additionally, employing graveyard shuffling effects can disrupt strategies focused on retrieving Dream Salvage using cards like Snapcaster Mage or Eternal Witness, ensuring its one-time effect remains just that. Aim to control the pace of card draw and discard in the game, steer clear of unnecessary discards, and prepare disruption for when your opponent attempts to gain an advantage with this unique draw spell.

With smart play and strategic deck building, triumphing over a deck utilizing Dream Salvage is an attainable and rewarding challenge.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Dream Salvage MTG card by a specific set like Shadowmoor, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Dream Salvage and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Dream Salvage has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal