Library of Lat-Nam MTG Card
1996-06-10 - Number 31
1999-04-21 - Number 78
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
Target opponent chooses one: you draw three cards at the beginning of the next turn's upkeep; or you search your library for a card, put it into your hand, and then shuffle your library.
Cards like Library of Lat-Nam
Library of Lat-Nam is a unique inclusion in the card advantage department of Magic: The Gathering, offering players a distinct approach to drawing cards. Its mechanics are in some respects akin to those seen in cards like Gamble, wherein the card acquisition involves an element of chance and decision-making by opponents. Gamble, being a red card, allows a player to search for a card at the cost of potentially discarding one at random. Library of Lat-Nam’s difference lies within its ability to provide card choices – albeit controlled by the player’s adversary.
Analogous to the celebrated blue spell, Fact or Fiction, Library of Lat-Nam thrives on psychological play, presenting opponents with a dilemma to give you the best card or a selection of potentially helpful cards. However, Fact or Fiction splits cards into two piles while Library of Lat-Nam does not involve revealing any. Then comes Gifts Ungiven, another similar card where an opponent chooses two cards out of four to be discarded. Although Library of Lat-Nam does not offer as much choice or volume, it compensates with a cost-effective card that has no immediate downside.
Overall, Library of Lat-Nam stands its ground as a worthwhile card, particularly in environments where games are more nuanced and control strategies can fully utilize the leverage and mind games it offers.
Cards similar to Library of Lat-Nam by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Library of Lat-Nam offers a unique selection process that can lead to significant card advantage. By allowing you to potentially draw an extra card, it heightens your ability to outpace your opponent in terms of resources.
Resource Acceleration: Although not directly providing mana, this card can accelerate your game by obtaining the right answers or threats, depending on the choices made. It’s about quality over quantity, as the drawn card could be pivotal in swinging the game in your favor.
Instant Speed: Although Library of Lat-Nam operates at sorcery speed, its implications can have an instant impact on the state of the game. By forcing your opponent to make choices on their turn, you affect how they might have to react during yours.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Library of Lat-Nam requires a player to choose between granting an opponent a card advantage or discarding a card of their choice. This can be a significant setback if your hand contains crucial strategies or combo pieces.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a specific mana combination, including both blue and generic mana. This requirement can pose a challenge for multi-colored decks or those that struggle with mana consistency, potentially limiting its inclusivity.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that sits at the higher end of the spectrum, the Library of Lat-Nam may lag behind other options. Considering its output, there are alternative cards in MTG that may provide a similar or better effect without such a steep mana investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Library of Lat-Nam can serve various roles within your deck. Whether you’re searching for that key piece in a control approach or seeking additional options in a combo setup, this card offers valuable selection to adapt to numerous in-game scenarios.
Combo Potential: The ability of Library of Lat-Nam to selectively draw a card plays well with strategies that revolve around knowing or manipulating deck order. It expands possibilities for combos, especially in blue-centric decks that cherish specific card interactions.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where strategic card advantage can outpace aggressive tactics, the Library of Lat-Nam can be a top contender. Its contribution to hand quality over quantity can be critical in matching or outmaneuvering your competitors’ moves.
How to Beat
Confronting the Library of Lat-Nam card in Magic: The Gathering requires strategic ingenuity. This blue card is unique, allowing a player to search for any card in their deck or forcing an opponent to allow them to draw three cards. To tackle this advantage, it’s essential to disrupt your opponent’s plans before they can leverage the power this card provides.
One effective strategy is to employ counter spells to prevent the Library of Lat-Nam from being played at all. However, if the card does resolve, applying pressure with aggressive creatures or creating card advantage yourself can help to mitigate the benefit your opponent gains. Mindful resource management becomes pivotal when pacing the game against an opponent who utilizes this powerful search card.
Overall, keeping in mind that the Library of Lat-Nam card doesn’t affect the battlefield directly gives players a window to turn the tide. Your goal is to maximize each turn, optimize your hand, and keep your opponent’s searching to a minimum. By carefully navigating the situation, you can overcome the library’s vast knowledge and claim victory on the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Library of Lat-Nam MTG card by a specific set like Alliances 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 Library of Lat-Nam and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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 Library of Lat-Nam Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1996-06-10 and 1999-04-21. Illustrated by Alan Rabinowitz.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1996-06-10 | Alliances | ALL | 31 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Alan Rabinowitz | |
| 2 | 1999-04-21 | Classic Sixth Edition | 6ED | 78 | 1997 | Normal | White | Alan Rabinowitz |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Library of Lat-Nam has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |