Imaginary Pet MTG Card
1998-10-12 - Number 81
2005-07-29 - Number 82★
2005-07-29 - Number 82
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Illusion |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
During your upkeep, if you have a card in hand, return Imaginary Pet to owner's hand.
"It followed me home. Can I keep it?"
Cards like Imaginary Pet
The Imaginary Pet card offers a unique dynamic for players who enjoy deploying elusive creatures. One may draw parallels with Norin the Wary, who also has an avoidance ability, slipping out of reach whenever a spell is cast or a creature attacks. Yet, unlike Norin, the Imaginary Pet requires a different condition to bounce back to your hand, ensuring it remains a consistent blocker, much in the vein of a Whitemane Lion but without the need to pay mana.
Looking at other companions in the MTG realm, Æther Adept and Man-o’-War also carry the ability to return creatures to their owner’s hand. However, their abilities target other creatures, not themselves, which allows for more control over the board but doesn’t provide an ever-present defensive option like Imaginary Pet. Lack of self-bounce distinguishes these cards quite significantly, influencing both deck construction and gameplay strategy.
At its core, the Imaginary Pet card reinforces a strategy based on patience and timing. Taking cues from cards like these, it emphasizes evading danger while providing opportunities to reset the board or avoid detrimental effects. It aligns well with cards that reward players for clever timing and the ability to adapt to the changing game states.
Cards similar to Imaginary Pet by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Embracing the whimsical power of Imaginary Pet, this card grants its controller the ability to explore the depths of their deck, drawing additional cards and potentially offering a superior position as they unleash a menagerie of strategies against their opponent.
Resource Acceleration: The mystical presence of this fantastical ally brings forth a surge of mana, providing a crucial boost to any player’s resources. This acceleration can be the pivot point for a swift and decisive victory, propelling one towards casting more formidable spells at a moment’s notice.
Instant Speed: The enchanting surprise of the Imaginary Pet can materialize at the slipstream of combat or at the end of an adversary’s turn, allowing flexibility in play and safeguarding one’s own strategies while being prepared to counter any unforeseen threats.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Imaginary Pet card demands players to discard another card as part of its casting cost. This can be a significant setback, especially in moments when your hand is already stretched thin. Essentially, you’re sacrificing momentum and potential plays, which might leave you vulnerable to your opponent’s strategies.
Specific Mana Cost: Its mana cost is not just steep but also color-specific, requiring a commitment to blue mana. This restricts the card’s flexibility, as it isn’t a viable option for all types of decks, particularly those that aren’t built around blue mana resources. Players without a strong blue mana base will find the Imaginary Pet less accessible.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The card poses a significant investment of resources at a high mana cost. When evaluated against other creatures or spells at similar mana levels, the Imaginary Pet may not hold up in terms of board impact or strategic value, which can make it a less attractive option during deck construction and in the heat of gameplay.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Imaginary Pet offers flexibility in deck building, easily slotting into various archetypes that prioritize creatures with unique abilities or require specific creature types for synergy.
Combo Potential: Its unique interaction with hand dynamics can be exploited to trigger on-demand effects, making it a linchpin in decks that aim to maximize enter-the-battlefield or leave-the-battlefield triggers.
Meta-Relevance: Given its adaptability to fluctuating meta conditions, Imaginary Pet can provide an edge in environments where managing creature presence and hand resources is key.
How to Beat Imaginary Pet
Imaginary Pet is a quirky creature card designed to bring tactical twists to your game. At first glance, its ability to return to the hand during your upkeep might seem disadvantageous, but it results in a strategic boon for bouncing synergies. Compare it with cards like Man-o’-War, which provides an opportunity for repeatable bounce effects that can clear the board and re-use enter-the-battlefield abilities.
In a direct comparison, Man-o’-War stands out, as it doesn’t have the upkeep return condition of Imaginary Pet. It allows for a more controlled gameplay experience. There’s also the much-celebrated Venser, Shaper Savant. Venser offers the flexibility of targeting spells or creatures, propelling him into higher competitive tiers and providing a silver bullet against Imaginary Pet strategies.
Ultimately, the key to overcoming Imaginary Pet lies in employing cards that disrupt its enter-the-battlefield journey or capitalize on its absence from the battlefield during your opponent’s turn. This could include strategies utilizing flash creatures or instant removals that limit the chances of Imaginary Pet benefiting from its unique mechanic. With careful planning and an understanding of timing, you can transform this challenging card into an advantage for your winning strategy.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Imaginary Pet MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Saga and Ninth Edition, 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 Imaginary Pet and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Printings
The Imaginary Pet Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1998-10-12 and 2005-07-29. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1998-10-12 | Urza's Saga | USG | 81 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Heather Hudson | |
| 2 | 2005-07-29 | Ninth Edition | 9ED | 82★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Christopher Rush | |
| 3 | 2005-07-29 | Ninth Edition | 9ED | 82 | 2003 | Normal | White | Christopher Rush |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Imaginary Pet has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Imaginary Pet card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2005-08-01 | Imaginary Pet’s ability triggers only if you have cards in your hand as your upkeep begins, and the ability checks again as it resolves. If your hand is empty at both those times, Imaginary Pet stays on the battlefield. |