Sinister Waltz MTG Card


Enables significant card advantage by recovering up to four creatures, which poses a threat to opponents. Indirectly accelerates resource availability, freeing mana for more strategic plays during crucial game moments. Operates at instant speed for higher tactical flexibility, allowing response to game state changes and opponent actions.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Choose three target creature cards in your graveyard. Return two of them at random to the battlefield and put the other on the bottom of your library.


Cards like Sinister Waltz

Sinister Waltz is an intriguing entrant in the suite of reanimation spells within Magic: The Gathering. It bears resemblance to cards like Unearth and Exhume, which also aim to bring creatures back from the graveyard to the battlefield. However, Sinister Waltz adds a novel twist by allowing the selection of multiple creatures based on the number of opponents you have. This multi-targeting edge stands out, separating it from the more singular focus of Unearth and Exhume.

Analogously, Zombify emerges as another comparison point. It singularly resurrects a creature, but without the conditional aspect based on opponents that Sinister Waltz presents. Moreover, Zombify does this at a static four mana, while Sinister Waltz’s mana cost is scaled to the number of creatures it targets. Victimize is one more card to consider; it similarly presents a way to sacrifice one creature in order to bring back two from the graveyard – a balanced exchange in certain deck strategies.

In sum, Sinister Waltz offers a unique proposal in the realm of reanimation spells in Magic: The Gathering. Its strength lies in its potential for multiplayer formats, setting it apart from the more conventional single-target resurrection spells.

Unearth - MTG Card versions
Exhume - MTG Card versions
Zombify - MTG Card versions
Victimize - MTG Card versions
Unearth - MTG Card versions
Exhume - MTG Card versions
Zombify - MTG Card versions
Victimize - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Sinister Waltz by color, type and mana cost

Fumarole - MTG Card versions
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Skull Rend - MTG Card versions
Angrath's Fury - MTG Card versions
Carnival // Carnage - MTG Card versions
Mordor on the March - MTG Card versions
Fumarole - MTG Card versions
Pain // Suffering - MTG Card versions
Void - MTG Card versions
Wake to Slaughter - MTG Card versions
Allure of the Unknown - MTG Card versions
Torrent of Souls - MTG Card versions
Traitor's Roar - MTG Card versions
Tyrannize - MTG Card versions
Skull Rend - MTG Card versions
Angrath's Fury - MTG Card versions
Carnival // Carnage - MTG Card versions
Mordor on the March - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Sinister Waltz offers a unique spin on card advantage by enabling a player to return up to four creature cards from their graveyard to their hand. This reclamation process not only increases the number of resources in hand but also sets up potential recurring threats that can overwhelm opponents.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly adding mana like traditional ramps, Sinister Waltz indirectly accelerates resources. By retrieving key creatures from the graveyard, you’re essentially drawing into action without expending additional mana for those turns, thus freeing up mana for other strategic moves on the board.

Instant Speed: The instant speed nature of Sinister Waltz allows for tactical flexibility. Players can wait until the end of an opponent’s turn to make a decision based on the evolving state of the game, ensuring that they are always maximizing their plays and keeping their opponents guessing.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Sinister Waltz comes with a stipulation that dictates you part with a card from your hand to activate its effect. For players who are already contending with a depleted grip of cards, this can exacerbate the challenge of maintaining a hand advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Sinister Waltz is not only particular because it requires black mana but also because it binds the spell to decks that can yield such mana reliably, potentially excluding it from more colorful or flexible deck constructions.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value that suggests a significant investment, Sinister Waltz may not be the most economical choice for reanimating creatures from your graveyard. In environments where game pace is essential, this card may fall short compared to its alternatives which could provide a more impactful effect for the same, if not a lesser, mana commitment.


Reasons to Include Sinister Waltz in Your Collection

Versatility: Sinister Waltz offers a unique twist to graveyard interaction, blending well with decks that hinge on creature recycling. Its capacity to selectively return creatures to your hand means it can be a key card in various strategies, from control to combo.

Combo Potential: This card shines in situations where you can maximize the efficiency of repeated creature abilities. Each creature returned can potentially unlock new avenues for combos or synergistic plays, making it a valuable engine in the right setup.

Meta-Relevance: As the MTG landscape evolves, the ability to recover key creatures can be crucial. In environments where removal spells are prevalent, Sinister Waltz provides resilience and recurring threats that can outmaneuver opponent strategies and maintain your board presence.


How to beat

Sinister Waltz is a unique card that can set the stage for interesting dynamics in MTG gameplay. This card presents a challenge with its potential to return creatures from a player’s graveyard to their hand, creating a recurring threat. To effectively counter Sinister Waltz, players should consider using graveyard hate cards to remove key creatures before they can make a comeback. Cards like Rest in Peace or Scavenging Ooze disrupt graveyard strategies and limit the impact of Sinister Waltz significantly. Another strategy could involve denying your opponent resources, such as through land destruction or discard effects, thereby keeping their available mana low and forcing them to prioritize their plays. Playing around Sinister Waltz requires careful planning and a focus on proactive disruption to prevent an opponent from fully leveraging its power.

Control decks with counter spells can also shut down Sinister Waltz before it takes effect. By keeping up mana for spells like Counterspell or Dovin’s Veto, you can ensure Sinister Waltz never resolves, protecting your position and maintaining the upper hand. Timing and knowing when to apply pressure or hold back for the right moment to counter are crucial in outmaneuvering an opponent banking on the return of their creatures with this card.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG means not only understanding individual card advantages but also knowing how to counteract their strengths. Sinister Waltz is a card that can tip the scales with its graveyard retrieval capability, bringing a strategic edge to your gameplay. Enhancing your collection to prepare for this and similar cards can make all the difference. Whether it includes incorporating graveyard hate or finding the perfect counter spells, stay one step ahead. Dive deeper into the tactics and deck building strategies that can help you excel in your MTG endeavors. Strengthen your arsenal and ensure your next duel showcases your strategic prowess.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Sinister Waltz MTG card by a specific set like Crimson Vow Commander and Crimson Vow Commander, 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 Sinister Waltz and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Sinister Waltz Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2021-11-19 and 2021-11-19. Illustrated by Jason Rainville.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12021-11-19Crimson Vow CommanderVOC 682015NormalBlackJason Rainville
22021-11-19Crimson Vow CommanderVOC 302015NormalBlackJason Rainville

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Sinister Waltz has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2021-11-19 If only one or two creatures cards are legal targets as Sinister Waltz resolves, all the legal targets will be put onto the battlefield and no cards will be put on the bottom of your library.