Inspiration MTG Card
1997-02-03 - Number 35
1999-04-21 - Number 76
2001-04-11 - Number 81★
2001-04-11 - Number 81
2003-07-28 - Number 85★
2003-07-28 - Number 85
2012-10-05 - Number 42
2017-04-15 - Number 10
| Card sets | Released in 8 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Target player draws two cards.
"Madness and genius are separated only by degrees of success." —Sidar Jabari
Cards like Inspiration
When considering the qualities of Inspiration in the realm of Magic: The Gathering, we find it resides within the circle of blue instant spells that enable card drawing. Inspiration allows a player to draw two cards at instant speed for four mana, summoning an immediate source of new options during either player’s turn.
Comparing it to other card-drawing spells, Think Twice stands out with its flashback ability, offering a second chance to draw. While it only draws one card at a time, the total potential card advantage at a lower initial cost can rival that of Inspiration. Anticipate is another alternative, presenting a cheaper mana cost at two and allowing players to look at the top three cards of their library, then put one into their hand. However, unlike Inspiration, Anticipate doesn’t grant the raw card quantity.
A careful look at these spells reveals that Inspiration’s immediacy and volume of cards drawn set it apart, particularly in moments where having multiple options is crucial. Its ability to affect the game during critical junctures makes it a noteworthy pick, especially for players in need of a sudden influx of resources to turn the tide of the match.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Inspiration MTG card provides a unique benefit by drawing cards each time you cast a spell of the chosen kind, giving you the edge in hand resources over your opponent. It’s a robust engine for keeping your options plentiful and ensuring your late-game power.
Resource Acceleration: When you successfully draw into your key spells with Inspiration, you indirectly accelerate your resource potential. More cards often equate to more opportunities to play land drops and spells, which can be a critical factor in outpacing your adversary.
Instant Speed: Casting at instant speed is a remarkable tactical advent. It allows you to endow a spell with Inspiration when it’s most opportune, without sacrificing the tempo of your game plan. You can sculpt your strategy and respond to an evolving battlefield with precision and finesse.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: In certain gameplay scenarios where card advantage is king, the Inspiration card may demand a hefty price. Players must discard a card to tap into the arcane knowledge it offers, which can be a setback when your hand is already playing catch-up.
Specific Mana Cost: This card commands a strict allegiance to blue mana—necessitating a solid blue mana base. Players piloting multicolored decks may find it tricky to conjure the precise mana mix required, especially under the thrall of an enemy’s mana disruption tactics.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At a mana value that’s on the sharper end of the spectrum, Inspiration demands a significant investment for its effect. As spellcasters delve into modern formats where tempo reigns, they might find faster, more economical spells to fill their libraries—leaving Inspiration to the scholars of more casual conclaves.
Reasons to Include Inspiration in Your Collection
Versatility: Inspiration is a flexible card that can slide into various deck builds. Its ability to trigger instant card draw makes it a handy tool for decks that thrive on maintaining a full hand.
Combo Potential: This card excels in setups that capitalize on casting spells. It can be a key piece in decks that aim to trigger draw-related abilities or that harness spell count for a larger strategy.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where control decks are prevalent, Inspiration can provide the necessary edge by ensuring a steady flow of resources and keeping pace with opponents’ strategies.
How to Beat Inspiration
Inspiration stands out within the realm of instant card draw effects in MTG. When played, it targets a player, who then gains the thrilling advantage of drawing two cards. This instant speed is a key factor, as it allows players to hold up mana and decide the best moment to unleash their strategic draw, often at an opponent’s end step or in response to key plays.
However, facing off against Inspiration can be handled effectively. The key lies in proactive disruption or employing instant-speed counterspells such as Negate or Dovin’s Veto when the opponent casts it. Alternatively, a strategy could include utilizing discard effects to remove Inspiration from the opponent’s hand before it can be used, with Thoughtsieze and Duress being prime examples.
Denying resources is also a path to victory; this means attacking the mana base to restrict the opponent’s ability to cast Inspiration altogether or to leave them unable to respond with sufficient resources after its use. Cards like Blood Moon or Stone Rain can be precise tools in executing such a plan. Drawing cards is a powerful mechanic, but by staying one step ahead of your opponent’s plays, Inspiration’s edge can be mitigated, or better yet, turned into your advantage.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Inspiration MTG card by a specific set like Visions and Classic Sixth 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 Inspiration 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 Inspiration Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 1997-02-03 and 2017-04-15. Illustrated by 3 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1997-02-03 | Visions | VIS | 35 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Zina Saunders | |
| 2 | 1999-04-21 | Classic Sixth Edition | 6ED | 76 | 1997 | Normal | White | Zina Saunders | |
| 3 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 81★ | 1997 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | |
| 4 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 81 | 1997 | Normal | White | Matt Cavotta | |
| 5 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 85★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Matt Cavotta | |
| 6 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 85 | 2003 | Normal | White | Matt Cavotta | |
| 7 | 2012-10-05 | Return to Ravnica | RTR | 42 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Izzy | |
| 8 | 2017-04-15 | Welcome Deck 2017 | W17 | 10 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Izzy |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Inspiration has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |