Nezumi Bone-Reader MTG Card
2004-10-01 - Number 127
2005-08-22 - Number A50
2006-01-01 - Number 50
2022-12-02 - Number 122
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Rat Shaman |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
, Sacrifice a creature: Target player discards a card. Play this ability only any time you could play a sorcery.
Four generations ago, old Split-Tail stole a bundle of scrolls from the Minamo School. Soon after, the first nezumi shamans were born.
Cards like Nezumi Bone-Reader
Exploring the depths of creature abilities in Magic: The Gathering leads us to acknowledge the utility of Nezumi Bone-Reader. This creature card, like the notorious [[Burglar Rat]], forces your opponent to take decisive action by discarding cards. However, where Nezumi Bone-Reader shines is in its repeatable nature, allowing you to leverage this effect as long as you have creatures to sacrifice, compared to the one-time effect of Burglar Rat upon entering the battlefield.
Another noteworthy comparison is with [[Liliana’s Specter]], which also induces discards from the opponent. While the Specter hits all opponents once when it enters the field, Nezumi Bone-Reader can be more selective and potentially more oppressive over the course of a game by targeting a single player multiple times. On a strategic note, Nezumi Bone-Reader aligns closely with [[Mind Slash]] – a card with a similar sacrifice-and-discard mechanic, but as an enchantment rather than a creature, offering less flexibility in terms of blocking or attacking.
In evaluating sacrifice-driven discard cards, Nezumi Bone-Reader emerges as a valuable asset in MTG for those who wish to craft a strategy around consistent, targeted disruption. The card is a testament to the power of cumulative effects in controlling opponents’ hand sizes and influencing the flow of the game.
Cards similar to Nezumi Bone-Reader by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Nezumi Bone-Reader provides a strategic edge by requiring opponents to discard cards. This disrupts their hand, reducing their options and potential threats, while incrementally tilting the game in your favor. The ability to initiate this effect each turn ensures a continuous source of pressure, making it a valuable component in decks designed around attrition and control strategies.
Resource Acceleration: While Nezumi Bone-Reader doesn’t directly provide resource acceleration, its ability aids in resource denial, a key factor in slowing down your opponent’s game plan. By removing key cards from their hand, you can effectively accelerate your relative board position by negating their ability to build a stronger presence or execute pivotal combos.
Instant Speed: Nezumi Bone-Reader’s ability to force a discard at instant speed gives you the flexibility to wait until the most opportune moment, such as in response to an opponent drawing additional cards or attempting to set up for a next-turn play. This timing can be crucial for disrupting their strategy and maximizing the impact of each discard.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement:The Nezumi Bone-Reader requires a player to sacrifice a creature as part of its ability to force an opponent to discard a card. This could potentially diminish your board presence and backfire if you don’t have expendable creatures on hand.
Specific Mana Cost: Nezumi Bone-Reader’s casting cost demands one black mana, making it less flexible for decks that are not centered around black or those that cannot consistently produce the needed color.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although the casting cost itself is not excessive, continuously activating the ability can add up. Considering that there are cards with similar discard effects costing less, the Nezumi Bone-Reader may not be the most efficient choice in a tightly constructed deck.
Reasons to Include Nezumi Bone-Reader in Your Collection
Versatility: Nezumi Bone-Reader offers a level of control that can be integrated into various black decks, particularly those that focus on discard mechanics. This card allows players to force opponents to discard cards at a strategic moment, disrupting their gameplay.
Combo Potential: When paired with other cards that benefit from your opponents discarding or creatures dying, the Bone-Reader shines. It can initiate a chain reaction with cards that capitalize on these effects, enhancing your overall strategy and board presence.
Meta-Relevance: Facing an environment where players are holding onto key cards, Nezumi Bone-Reader can be crucial. It’s particularly effective against strategies that rely heavily on having certain cards in hand, making it a relevant choice for adapting to a varied meta.
How to beat
Nezumi Bone-Reader is a card that can put opponents in a precarious position, with its ability to force a player to discard whenever a rat you control is sacrificed. This creates an unwelcome dilemma for players on the receiving end. Despite its disruptive power, there are ways to navigate around its effects and maintain card advantage.
One strategy is to keep your hand filled with low-impact cards that can be discarded without significant loss. Spells with flashback or similar mechanics that play from the graveyard can blunt the impact of being forced to discard. Another tactic is to limit the number of creatures on board, especially rats, to curtail the Bone-Reader’s effectiveness. Furthermore, removal spells that can target and destroy Nezumi Bone-Reader before its ability becomes a nuisance are essential in any strategy against it.
Decks that operate efficiently with a minimal hand size or those that can quickly replenish their hand stand a better chance against Nezumi Bone-Reader. With careful play and an understanding of when to apply pressure, players can neutralize the impact of this pesky card and turn the tides of the match in their favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Nezumi Bone-Reader MTG card by a specific set like Champions of Kamigawa and Salvat 2005, 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 Nezumi Bone-Reader 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
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Printings
The Nezumi Bone-Reader Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2004-10-01 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2004-10-01 | Champions of Kamigawa | CHK | 127 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Dan Scott | |
| 2 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | A50 | 2003 | Normal | White | Dan Scott | |
| 3 | 2006-01-01 | Hachette UK | PHUK | 50 | 2003 | Normal | White | Dan Scott | |
| 4 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 122 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Leonardo Santanna |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Nezumi Bone-Reader has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Nezumi Bone-Reader card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2013-04-15 | If you cast this as normal during your main phase, it will enter the battlefield and you’ll receive priority. If no abilities trigger because of this, you can activate its ability immediately, before any other player has a chance to remove it from the battlefield. |