Thirst MTG Card


Thirst provides card advantage quickly, ensuring you maintain lead in the game’s momentum. Instant speed casting allows for adaptability and responsive play in complex situations. Discard requirement demands strategic hand management, adding to gameplay depth.
Thirst - Mirage
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeEnchantment — Aura
Abilities Enchant
Released1996-10-08
Set symbol
Set nameMirage
Set codeMIR
Number99
Frame1997
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byRoger Raupp

Text of card

When Thirst comes into play, tap enchanted creature. During your upkeep, pay o U or bury Thirst. Enchanted creature does not untap during its controller's untap phase.

The first of the Thousand Deaths.


Cards like Thirst

Thirst is a unique component in the realm of card draw and discard mechanics. It’s akin to cards like Compulsive Research, which also facilitates drawing three cards, but with Thirst, the requirement to discard an artifact rather than land cards presents a nuanced strategy for players. While Compulsive Research offers a broader discard choice post-draw, Thirst is more synergistic in decks that capitalize on artifact usage.

Comparatively, Thirst for Knowledge stands out in its own category. This instant-speed spell allows the draw of three cards with an ancillary discard condition, unlike Tezzeret’s Gambit which also draws cards but lacks an immediate discard element. The requirement in Thirst to discard two cards unless jettisoning an artifact offers a crucial decision-making juncture that rewards players for deckbuilding finesse.

Analyzing these card interactions, Thirst for Knowledge offers a dynamic blend of card draw and deck manipulation, particularly complementing artifact-laden decks. Its strategic depth in decision making around discard choices elevates it within its class of draw spells, illustrating its enduring popularity and functionality within the Magic: The Gathering sphere.

Compulsive Research - MTG Card versions
Tezzeret's Gambit - MTG Card versions
Compulsive Research - MTG Card versions
Tezzeret's Gambit - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Thirst by color, type and mana cost

Feedback - MTG Card versions
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Undertow - MTG Card versions
Mana Vortex - MTG Card versions
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Intruder Alarm - MTG Card versions
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Traveler's Cloak - MTG Card versions
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Threads of Disloyalty - MTG Card versions
Pemmin's Aura - MTG Card versions
Rhystic Study - MTG Card versions
Memory Erosion - MTG Card versions
Feedback - MTG Card versions
In the Eye of Chaos - MTG Card versions
Undertow - MTG Card versions
Mana Vortex - MTG Card versions
Energy Flux - MTG Card versions
Mesmeric Trance - MTG Card versions
Soul Barrier - MTG Card versions
Puppet Master - MTG Card versions
Intruder Alarm - MTG Card versions
Equilibrium - MTG Card versions
Mana Breach - MTG Card versions
Checks and Balances - MTG Card versions
Douse - MTG Card versions
Charisma - MTG Card versions
Traveler's Cloak - MTG Card versions
Shifting Sky - MTG Card versions
Threads of Disloyalty - MTG Card versions
Pemmin's Aura - MTG Card versions
Rhystic Study - MTG Card versions
Memory Erosion - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Thirst ensures that you stay ahead of the competition by replenishing your hand quickly, securing a strong position in the game by drawing three cards.

Resource Acceleration: By discarding an artifact, Thirst can effectively transform redundant or less useful resources into new opportunities, bolstering your board state and strategic options.

Instant Speed: The versatility of casting Thirst at instant speed means you can adapt to the evolving game state, using it most advantageously during your opponent’s end step or in response to actions that might alter the game’s dynamics.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Often, players must discard a card to activate Thirst’s ability, which can be counterproductive when your hand is already depleted or the card you’re forced to discard is crucial for future strategies.

Specific Mana Cost: Thirst presents a color-specific mana cost that requires a strict commitment to a blue mana base, potentially restricting the card’s inclusion in multicolored decks or those that cannot reliably generate blue mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Some players might find Thirst’s mana cost on the higher side for its effect, as there are alternative cards in the same mana range that could potentially provide immediate board presence or more versatile functions.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Thirst is a powerful tool, adept at slotting into various decks. It can serve as card draw in control decks or a fuel source for more aggressive strategies that need to keep their hand replenished.

Combo Potential: This card shines when paired with cards that benefit from discard or graveyard strategies. By discarding a high-cost creature, for instance, you could set up for a reanimation spell or trigger abilities that activate upon discarding.

Meta-Relevance: With ever-shifting deck archetypes, Thirst maintains relevancy through its ability to adapt. In a meta heavy with creature-based decks, it serves as an excellent means to find your answers, while in slower metas, it helps dig for key pieces to assemble your win conditions.


How to beat

The Thirst card in Magic: The Gathering presents a unique challenge with its ability to offer card advantage and control over the battlefield. This card allows a player to gain significant insight into their library while potentially disrupting an opponent’s strategy. To overcome a Thirst card, it’s essential to focus on hindering its activation or minimizing its impact. Cards that restrict spell casting or force discards put pressure on the Thirst user’s resources, challenging them to choose between retaining their Thirst card or playing out their strategy. Additionally, instant speed removal or counterspells can be effective in timing your interactions to disrupt the sequence of plays the Thirst card user might depend on.

Strategically, anticipating and playing around the high-value card reveals that Thirst enables, ensures you’re not caught off guard by the plays that follow. It’s all about keeping momentum in your favor and constraining the card advantage that Thirst would otherwise provide. By maintaining a proactive approach and reactive capabilities, you can effectively beat the challenges posed by the Thirst MTG card in your matches, securing a more favorable position for victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Thirst MTG card by a specific set like Mirage, 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 Thirst and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Thirst has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal