Nim Abomination MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Creature — Zombie
Released	2004-02-06
Set symbol
Set name	Darksteel
Set code	DST
Power	3
Toughness	4
Number	49
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Jim Murray

Key Takeaways

Nim Abomination excels in pushing opponents, forcing them to use resources due to its recurring threats.
Its synergy with graveyard strategies can accelerate your game plan, offering unexpected advantages.
The card introduces a tactical edge with its instant speed abilities, impacting game outcomes significantly.

Text of card

At the end of your turn, if Nim Abomination is untapped, you lose 3 life.

It is one of the oldest nim, steeped so long in the Dross that it has lost all vestiges of humanity.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Nim Abomination’s potential to provide perpetual damage threats puts ongoing pressure on an opponent. It can force them to expend their resources to deal with a recurring threat, skewing the card economy in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: If the creature synergizes with graveyard mechanics, Nim Abomination can inadvertently ramp up your strategic plays by populating the graveyard with potentially recurrible creatures.

Instant Speed: The ability to activate abilities or trigger during an opponent’s turn can drastically alter the pace and outcome of a game, providing a significant tactical advantage.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Nim Abomination’s upkeep cost requires discarding a card, which can put you at a disadvantage if your hand size is depleted or if you need to maintain card advantage against an opponent.

Specific Mana Cost: It necessitates black mana exclusively to cast, which can limit the card’s potential in multi-color decks or formats where mana flexibility is key.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For three mana, Nim Abomination offers a 3/4 creature which, while reasonably sized, could be overshadowed by other creatures that offer more impactful abilities or lower casting costs in competitive play.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Nim Abomination has a place in decks that capitalize on creature sacrifices. Its hefty attack power for a relatively low mana cost makes it a solid choice in aggressive strategies.

Combo Potential: Since it damages its controller if you have no cards in hand, this card is ideal for hellbent mechanics or strategies that play around having an empty hand, adding depth to gameplay.

Meta-Relevance: Nim Abomination can be quite effective in environments where its ability to discourage card hoarding can upset the balance against control decks, making it a crafty addition in the right meta.

How to beat

Nim Abomination represents a unique challenge on the battlefield, with its strong attack for a relatively low mana cost. Understanding the dynamics of card abilities is crucial in Magic: The Gathering, especially when facing creatures like this. The key to overcoming a Nim Abomination lies in its own ability, which requires its controller to sacrifice it unless they discard a card each turn.

To capitalize on this, ensure your strategy either limits your opponent’s hand size, making it difficult for them to have extra cards to discard, or use removal spells to force decisions that could disadvantage them. Cards with direct removal abilities or those which can deliver damage without requiring combat are particularly effective. By keeping your own hand size substantial, you can outlast the forced discard and maintain control over the game. Nim Abomination’s vulnerability can be your strategic gain with the right approach and timing during play.

Navigating around the drawbacks of opposing cards often gives players the upper edge in matches. With Nim Abomination, it’s about leveraging its disadvantage for your benefit while maintaining the flow of your own game plan.

Cards like Nim Abomination

Exploring the depths of graveyard-interacting creatures in Magic: The Gathering, Nim Abomination presents a unique take on a self-imposed penalty for an underpopulated graveyard. It shares some similarities with cards like Gurmag Angler which also benefits from a well-stocked graveyard to effectively reduce its casting cost. Both challenge players to manage their graveyard with strategic finesse.

Another card worth contrasting is Mortivore. Like the Nim Abomination, Mortivore’s power and toughness hinge upon the number of creature cards in graveyards, though Mortivore can grow significantly more powerful over time with more creatures in all graveyards. Mortivore isn’t hindered by a potential life loss condition, offering a more stable, albeit sometimes slower, board presence compared to the more risky Nim Abomination.

Evaluating the cost of power against the risk of life loss, Nim Abomination stands as a calculated gamble in MTG’s creature roster. Its 4/1 stats for three mana are a deal most aggressive decks might consider, especially those that can ensure a consistent stream of graveyard fodder. Thus, within its niche, Nim Abomination offers a compelling option for daring deck builders looking for a potent early-game threat.

Cards similar to Nim Abomination by color, type and mana cost

Mischievous Poltergeist - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Nim Abomination MTG card by a specific set like Darksteel, 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 Nim Abomination and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Nim Abomination has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Restricted
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal