Nahiri's Machinations MTG Card


Grants indestructible to creatures, acting as an indirect card advantage by saving valuable assets on the board. At two mana, efficient casting fits aggressive strategies, enabling early game dominance without slowing mana tempo. Instant-speed activation offers strategic flexibility, disrupting opponents’ plans and protecting key creatures in crucial moments.
Nahiri's Machinations - Shadows over Innistrad
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeEnchantment
Released2016-04-08
Set symbol
Set nameShadows over Innistrad
Set codeSOI
Number28
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byLake Hurwitz

Text of card

At the beginning of combat on your turn, target creature you control gains indestructible until end of turn. : Nahiri's Machinations deals 1 damage to target blocking creature.

"Sorin, I'm going to take everything from you."


Cards like Nahiri's Machinations

Nahiri’s Machinations is a unique enchantment in MTG that blends defensive and offensive strategies. It mirrors the function of cards like Ghostly Prison by providing a layer of protection, making it harder for opponents to attack you. What sets Nahiri’s Machinations apart is its added ability to give a creature indestructible until the end of the turn, which resonates with cards like Make a Stand.

Comparable to Darksteel Myr, Nahiri’s Machinations offers similar individual indestructibility but with the flexibility to target different creatures. While Darksteel Myr is perpetually indestructible, Nahiri’s Machinations allows for strategic plays during specific combat phases. On another front, we see similarities with cards like Indomitable Archangel for providing protection, though the latter focuses on artifacts, whereas Nahiri’s Machinations is more about creature defense in the heat of battle.

All in all, Nahiri’s Machinations showcases a unique combination of protective measures and combat tricks, securing its identity among MTG enchantments. It presents players with interesting choices for safeguarding their creatures and fortifying their battlefield presence.

Ghostly Prison - MTG Card versions
Make a Stand - MTG Card versions
Darksteel Myr - MTG Card versions
Indomitable Archangel - MTG Card versions
Ghostly Prison - MTG Card versions
Make a Stand - MTG Card versions
Darksteel Myr - MTG Card versions
Indomitable Archangel - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Nahiri's Machinations by color, type and mana cost

Suleiman's Legacy - MTG Card versions
Squee's Embrace - MTG Card versions
Rise of the Hobgoblins - MTG Card versions
Legion's Initiative - MTG Card versions
Path of Mettle // Metzali, Tower of Triumph - MTG Card versions
Lorehold Excavation - MTG Card versions
Fighter Class - MTG Card versions
Suleiman's Legacy - MTG Card versions
Squee's Embrace - MTG Card versions
Rise of the Hobgoblins - MTG Card versions
Legion's Initiative - MTG Card versions
Path of Mettle // Metzali, Tower of Triumph - MTG Card versions
Lorehold Excavation - MTG Card versions
Fighter Class - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Nahiri’s Machinations doesn’t directly allow you to draw cards, but its ability to give a creature indestructible until end of turn can effectively save your key creatures from destruction, maintaining your board presence. This indirect protection becomes a form of advantage as it can keep your card investments safe on the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: While Nahiri’s Machinations may not produce additional resources in the form of mana or tokens, its low casting cost makes it an efficient tool in decks focused on aggressive strategies. It can be played early to pave the way for your creatures to dominate the game without setting you back in terms of mana investment.

Instant Speed: The flexibility of Nahiri’s Machinations comes from its activated ability that can be used at instant speed. This allows you to react swiftly to your opponent’s actions, making it easier to surprise them by protecting your creature at a critical moment. It encourages strategic play, allowing you to optimize the timing of your protection and potentially disrupt your opponent’s plans.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Nahiri’s Machinations doesn’t require a card to be discarded. However, its ability does necessitate having another colorless creature to be fully effective, potentially limiting its use for players not running such decks.

Specific Mana Cost: Nahiri’s Machinations demands a specific color of mana for its activation, white. This means it can’t be effortlessly slotted into any deck, especially those that don’t favor white mana or aren’t built to accommodate the color requirement.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana value sitting at two, including one white, Nahiri’s Machinations might seem affordable. But its extra cost for the indestructible ability can be steep, considering you may need the mana for other crucial plays during your turn.


Reasons to Include Nahiri’s Machinations in Your Collection

Versatility: Nahiri’s Machinations boasts a unique ability to both protect your creatures and damage opponents, fitting well into decks that prioritize board control.

Combo Potential: This card can synergize with strategies that capitalize on activated abilities or those that benefit from consistent, targeted damage output.

Meta-Relevance: With its capability to shield your creatures, Nahiri’s Machinations is particularly useful in metas where direct damage and removal spells are prevalent.


How to Beat

Nahiri’s Machinations presents a strategic challenge on the battlefield in the realm of MTG. This enchantment stands out with its ability to grant indestructibility to a creature once each turn, potentially turning the tide of battle in your opponent’s favor. However, cracking this machination isn’t insurmountable. To start, consider cards that can remove enchantments directly, stripping your opponent of their trickery without resorting to combat. Naturalize, for instance, offers a straightforward solution to dispose of problematic permanents like Nahiri’s Machinations.

Disenchant also shines in this context as a versatile answer against artifacts and enchantments; it’s not only efficient but also available in any deck featuring white mana. Tapping into blue’s control magic, countering spells can effectively keep Nahiri’s Machinations from landing on the field altogether. Counterspell remains one of the most powerful tools in this approach, highlighting the advantage of anticipating and preventing your opponent’s moves. Importantly, while Nahiri’s Machinations can safeguard creatures on the field, it cannot protect itself. Capitalizing on your removal and counter spells will ensure that this enchantment never fully realizes its potential to disrupt your winning strategy.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding how Nahiri’s Machinations interweaves with your MTG strategy is crucial for a robust deck. The card presents both opportunities for enhanced board control and requires thoughtful consideration of your mana resources. Our insights dive into its multifaceted abilities to save your creatures and subtly damage your opponents. If you’re looking to refine your deck with a tactical edge or you aim to stay ahead of the meta, incorporating this card could be pivotal. Explore its depths with us, harness its potential, and advance your gameplay. Delve into more strategies and enhance your MTG collection with targeted expertise.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Nahiri's Machinations MTG card by a specific set like Shadows over Innistrad, 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 Nahiri's Machinations and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Nahiri's Machinations has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Nahiri's Machinations card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2016-04-08 Destroying a blocking creature doesn’t cause the creature it was blocking to become unblocked.
2016-04-08 Players can respond to the triggered ability of Nahiri’s Machinations by destroying the creature you target before the ability that gives it indestructible has resolved.