Nessian Asp MTG Card
2013-09-27 - Number 164
2015-02-27 - Number 48
2016-08-26 - Number 187
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Snake |
| Abilities | Monstrosity,Reach |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 5 |
Text of card
Reach : Monstrosity 4. (If this creature isn't monstrous, put four +1/+1 counters on it and it becomes monstrous.)
It's not the two heads you should fear. It's the four fangs.
Cards like Nessian Asp
In the diverse realm of creatures in Magic: The Gathering, Nessian Asp holds a unique place among those with the potential to grow over time. Comparable to it, we encounter cards like Titanic Growth, which offers an instant but temporary power surge instead of Nessian Asp’s long-term investment in its formidable reach and scaling ability with monstrosity. Another parallel is found in cards like Baloth Gorger. This creature also carries the inherent capability to grow, but through a different mechanic known as kicker, presenting a more immediate, if less flexible, boost.
We can’t overlook creatures like Thornweald Archer, which, similar to Nessian Asp, comes with reach, allowing it to defensively control the skies—a key tactical advantage against flying threats. While Thornweald Archer lacks the monstrosity feature, its deathtouch compensates by posing a lethal risk to any attacker. Then there’s Canopy Spider, a smaller and more cost-efficient creature with reach. It serves as an early game deterrent to flying creatures, yet doesn’t offer the growth potential that makes Nessian Asp a looming presence on the battlefield.
When considering utility and adaptability in a game, Nessian Asp stands out in its class for players who prefer creatures that can evolve with the context of the match, safeguarding the board while steadily growing into a substantial threat.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Nessian Asp can increase its power and toughness through its monstrous ability, effectively serving as a late-game mana sink that can turn into a significant threat on the board. In addition, the reach attribute can provide a defensive advantage while preserving card resources by neutralizing flying creatures.
Resource Acceleration: While Nessian Asp itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, playing it in decks focused on generating large amounts of green mana can turn it into a formidable creature quickly. It rewards players who effectively manage their lands and mana sources.
Instant Speed: Although the Asp is a creature and not an instant, its monstrous ability can be activated at instant speed. This versatile feature allows players to catch opponents off-guard by enlarging the Asp during the combat phase or at the end of the opponent’s turn, creating unexpected blockers or attackers.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Nessian Asp doesn’t have a discard requirement itself, the need to maintain a strong board presence means you might have to make tough decisions about which creatures to keep and which to let go, especially when playing in a green deck that typically doesn’t have much card draw.
Specific Mana Cost: Nessian Asp requires a significant commitment to green mana. With a casting cost of 4G, it necessitates a solid green mana base, making it less flexible in multi-colored decks that might not reliably produce enough green mana in the early to mid-game.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although Nessian Asp’s ability to become a large threat with reach is advantageous, the total cost of 8G (including its monstrosity activation) is quite high. Considering the rapid pace of many MTG games, investing nine mana into a single creature without immediate impact may put you at a disadvantage compared to other options available.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Nessian Asp is a flexible choice for decks that focus on reaching the late game, thanks to its scalable power from mana investment. It thrives in environments where board presence and creature strength are paramount.
Combo Potential: Its monstrosity ability allows it to become a formidable threat, and its interaction with cards that manipulate +1/+1 counters or benefit from large creatures can create unexpected and powerful synergies.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta filled with flying creatures, Nessian Asp stands out as a reliable blocker, due to its reach ability. This could provide a significant edge, especially in green-centric or limited formats where evasion is commonly leveraged.
How to beat
Nessian Asp has made its mark in MTG due to its reach ability and the potential for size growth with monstrosity. Facing this formidable creature places you against a significant blocker that can morph into a substantial threat. The key to overcoming Nessian Asp lies in preemptive measures and flexible removal strategies.
In terms of combat, evasion tactics such as flying can bypass the Asp before it becomes monstrous. Removal spells like Doom Blade or Path to Exile serve as a neat solution, disposing of the Asp regardless of its size. Counteracting the Asp’s growth can also be crucial. Engaging it while it’s still manageable, or using enchantments that limit its capabilities, are effective strategies. In essence, addressing Nessian Asp promptly and utilizing your deck’s removal resources will mitigate the impact this snake can have on your game.
Ultimately, while Nessian Asp can be a thorn in your side with its latent power, a well-considered approach with a mix of control and pressure will keep it in check, ensuring your path to victory remains clear.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Nessian Asp MTG card by a specific set like Theros and Duel Decks: Elspeth vs. Kiora, 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 Nessian Asp 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
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Printings
The Nessian Asp Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2013-09-27 and 2016-08-26. Illustrated by Alex Horley-Orlandelli.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2013-09-27 | Theros | THS | 164 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Alex Horley-Orlandelli | |
| 2 | 2015-02-27 | Duel Decks: Elspeth vs. Kiora | DDO | 48 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Alex Horley-Orlandelli | |
| 3 | 2016-08-26 | Conspiracy: Take the Crown | CN2 | 187 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Alex Horley-Orlandelli |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Nessian Asp has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Nessian Asp card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2013-09-15 | An ability that triggers when a creature becomes monstrous won't trigger if that creature isn't on the battlefield when its monstrosity ability resolves. |
| 2013-09-15 | Monstrous isn't an ability that a creature has. It's just something true about that creature. If the creature stops being a creature or loses its abilities, it will continue to be monstrous. |
| 2013-09-15 | Once a creature becomes monstrous, it can't become monstrous again. If the creature is already monstrous when the monstrosity ability resolves, nothing happens. |