Somnomancer MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Kithkin Wizard |
| Released | 2008-05-02 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Shadowmoor |
| Set code | SHM |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 149 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Lars Grant-West |
Text of card
When Somnomancer comes into play, you may tap target creature.
"Are you tired? You look tired."
Cards like Somnomancer
Somnomancer is a unique creature card that brings an enchanting touch to player decks in Magic: The Gathering. It shares the characteristic tap ability with cards like Matsu-Tribe Sniper, where both possess the ability to tap target creatures. Nonetheless, Somnomancer goes a step further by having the ability to tap a creature upon entering the battlefield, not just during the turn.
Additionally, there is Frost Lynx, which freezes an opponent’s creature on arrival, preventing it from untapping on the next turn. Though Frost Lynx and Somnomancer both manipulate the battlefield, Somnomancer has the added benefit of being repeatable every turn with its tapping ability.
Exploring another dimension, we have cards like Siren’s Ruse which temporarily exiles a creature only to return it with an effect similar to Somnomancer’s. While this offers a momentary evasion from threats, Somnomancer provides a continuous tactical advantage by keeping potential blockers or attackers at bay. Therefore, Somnomancer holds a strategic position within the creature control aspect, offering versatility and control in various situations throughout the game.
Cards similar to Somnomancer by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Somnomancer provides players with a unique edge. Coaxing your opponent into a false sense of security, this card can suddenly tip the scales in your favor by effectively managing and manipulating sleep counters, all while setting up for a strategic advantage on the board.
Resource Acceleration: This card serves as a conduit for resource acceleration. Through its synergistic interactions with other sleep-themed cards, Somnomancer can rapidly enhance your mana availability. This acceleration enables swift execution of your game plan and can keep you steps ahead in the race for board dominance.
Instant Speed: The instant speed nature of Somnomancer’s abilities offers dynamic play options. It allows you to act reactively to your opponent’s moves, maintaining the upper hand. The ability to use its effects when most opportune can disrupt your adversary’s strategies mid-turn, further solidifying your control of the game’s flow.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: When playing the Somnomancer, you may find the necessity to discard a card limiting, especially if your hand is already running on empty. This requirement can put you at a disadvantage by depleting valuable resources that could be pivotal in the later stages of the game.
Specific Mana Cost: The Somnomancer’s mana cost demands a specific combination of colors, thus restricting its play to decks that can generate those particular mana types. This can result in the card being a less versatile choice when compared to those with a generic mana cost, potentially hindering its integration into a variety of strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Leveraging the Somnomancer’s ability comes at a high mana expense. For the mana invested, other cards might offer more impactful effects or synergies, making the Somnomancer less attractive in terms of cost-benefit when constructing your deck.
Reasons to Include Somnomancer in Your Collection
Versatility: Somnomancer can seamlessly fit into different deck archetypes that utilize tap and untap mechanics. Its ability to affect the board immediately upon entering the battlefield makes it a useful tool in both offensive and defensive situations.
Combo Potential: This card holds potential for combinations with cards that capitalize on tapped creatures, or with those that benefit from creature ETB (Enter the Battlefield) triggers. It can serve as a key piece in puzzle-like decks aiming to assemble a specific interaction.
Meta-Relevance: Given the right circumstances, Somnomancer can counter decks that rely heavily on creature-based strategies. Its ability to tap a target creature can disrupt opponent’s plans especially if the meta favors creature-heavy decks or ones with key creatures that need to stay untapped.
How to Beat Somnomancer
Somnomancer, a niche card in Magic: The Gathering, carves its own space in the realm of sleep-inducing spells. While it might not be the centerpiece of many strategies, it can be disruptive by tapping target creatures, which in certain decks can be quite a hindrance. Against Somnomancer, the key to maintaining an advantage is staying adaptive and resourceful.
Countering its entrance onto the battlefield with instant-speed removal lets you keep the tempo in your favor, as it eliminates the Somnomancer before its ability triggers. Alternatively, tactics such as flash creatures or spells that untap your creatures ensure that the Somnomancer’s effect is short-lived. Deck archetypes brimming with vigilance or haste creatures can effortlessly circumvent the temporary obstacle posed by Somnomancer, maintaining pressure on the opponent.
The art of outmaneuvering a Somnomancer lies in preemptive strategy and situational reactivity. It’s not just about the single play but orchestrating a sequence of moves that negate the card’s impact. Ensuring your deck has answers to various threats allows you to navigate around the drowsy spells of creatures like Somnomancer, keeping your game plan undisturbed and your creatures ready for battle.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Somnomancer MTG card by a specific set like Shadowmoor, 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 Somnomancer 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Somnomancer has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |