Oracle of Nectars MTG Card
2008-05-02 - Number 233
2019-11-07 - Number 1529
2020-09-26 - Number SHM-233
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Creature — Elf Cleric |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Key Takeaways
- Oracle of Nectars offers flexible life gain, aiding in endurance during extensive MTG matches.
- With instant speed use, it provides flexibility and surprise potential versus opponents.
- Attention to mana base and hand management is essential when including this card.
Text of card
, : You gain X life.
When elves find a fount of beauty, they protect it. Where there is beauty, there is hope.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Oracle of Nectars provides consistent card advantage by letting you exchange mana for essential life points, helping you to outlast opponents in prolonged matches.
Resource Acceleration: While not generating mana or tokens directly, the card can effectively extend your life total, giving you more time to access your resources and play high-impact spells.
Instant Speed: Its activated ability can be used at instant speed, giving you the flexibility to respond to threats or utilize mana efficiently during the end phase of your opponent’s turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Oracle of Nectars requires pitching a card, which could deplete your hand when you might least afford it. Resource management is crucial in MTG, and unwanted discards could set you back at pivotal moments in the game.
Specific Mana Cost: Its activation hinges on having white mana available. This could restrict its playability outside mono-white or certain two-color decks. It’s essential for players to consider their mana base when including cards with such requirements to ensure consistency in gameplay.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost that’s on the higher side for its effects, players might find the Oracle of Nectars less appealing compared to other options. In the landscape of MTG, where efficiency is vital, its mana-to-benefit ratio may not always justify a slot in your deck.
Reasons to Include Oracle of Nectars in Your Collection
Versatility: Oracle of Nectars is a great addition to any collection for its flexible mana sink ability. It can adapt to various game situations, whether you need to gain life quickly or incrementally during longer games.
Combo Potential: This card shines in decks built around life gain strategies. Pair it with cards that trigger effects each time you gain life or those that capitalize on high life totals for powerful synergies.
Meta-Relevance: In a game where aggro decks are prevalent, Oracle of Nectars can provide the necessary life gain to stabilize. Conversely, in a slower, control-oriented meta, it offers a valuable recurring benefit over the course of the game.
How to beat
The Oracle of Nectars stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a card that offers a substantial life gain for players. As you build your strategy against it, consider that timing is crucial. Since the card allows its controller to pay X mana to gain X life, disrupt this ability by removing the card before significant mana can be accumulated. This is effectively accomplished through spells that force sacrifices or provide targeted removal.
Using cards that restrict the tap abilities of creatures also serves as a reliable countermeasure, preventing your opponent from exploiting the Oracle’s life-gain ability. Additionally, implementing a swift and aggressive deck can be beneficial. It applies pressure and reduces the window for your adversary to utilize the Oracle to stabilize. Aim to beat them down before they can establish a comfortable life total buffer.
Lastly, including graveyard hate cards can thwart any strategies aimed at recurring the Oracle of Nectars from the graveyard to the battlefield. Without the Oracle’s life-gain capability, your opponent may struggle to stay in the game against an aggressive assault or disruption plan. Focus on maintaining control and pace to efficiently dominate the Oracle of Nectars in your MTG matches.
Cards like Oracle of Nectars
The Oracle of Nectars is an intriguing Magic: The Gathering card that allows players to pay varied amount of mana to gain life. It’s similar to the mechanics of cards like Chaplain’s Blessing, which grants a flat five life for one white mana. Oracle of Nectars, however, provides flexibility, letting players invest any amount of mana at any time they could cast a sorcery, potentially gaining massive amounts of life.
Another comparable card is the well-known Beacon of Immortality, which doubles a player’s life total. While this effect can be more dramatic, it’s less controllable than Oracle of Nectars, which can be used strategically across multiple turns. Comparatively, Alhammarret’s Archive enhances any life gain by doubling it, which could make an interesting synergy with Oracle of Nectars for those looking to maximize their life total.
All in all, Oracle of Nectars presents an intriguing option for players looking to incorporate life gain into their strategy. Its versatility in the amount of life gain it provides sets it apart from other cards in MTG with a similar life gain theme.
Cards similar to Oracle of Nectars by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Oracle of Nectars MTG card by a specific set like Shadowmoor and Mystery Booster, 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 Oracle of Nectars and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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 Oracle of Nectars Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2008-05-02 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Brandon Kitkouski.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2008-05-02 | Shadowmoor | SHM | 233 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Brandon Kitkouski | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 1529 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Brandon Kitkouski | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | SHM-233 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Brandon Kitkouski |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Oracle of Nectars has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
