Thought Dissector MTG Card
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 4 |
Rarity | Rare |
Type | Artifact |
Released | 2004-02-06 |
Set symbol | |
Set name | Darksteel |
Set code | DST |
Number | 152 |
Frame | 2003 |
Layout | Normal |
Border | Black |
Illustred by | Matt Cavotta |
Text of card
, : Target opponent reveals cards from the top of his or her library until an artifact card or X cards are revealed, whichever comes first. If an artifact card is revealed this way, put it into play under your control and sacrifice Thought Dissector. Put the rest of the revealed cards into that player's graveyard.
Cards like Thought Dissector
Thought Dissector stands out in Magic: The Gathering’s wide array of control tools. It has parallels with other notorious control pieces like Mind Rot, which forces the opponent to discard two cards. However, Thought Dissector brings a unique dynamic by empowering the caster to choose which card to discard, whereas Mind Rot leaves the choice to the opponent. This can lead to more strategic plays and potential game swings by directly targeting the opponent’s key cards.
Another close relative is Duress, which also disrupts the opponent’s hand by discarding, but is limited to noncreature, nonland cards. Thought Dissector offers more flexibility with its broader targeting scope. Besides, there’s Appetite for Brains, a spell that exiles a card from an opponent’s hand, but is restricted to cards with a high converted mana cost. Thought Dissector doesn’t have this limitation, making it a more versatile option in decks that aim to control the early to mid-game stages.
Considering functionality and strategic applications across various MTG formats, Thought Dissector provides valuable disruption while giving the caster increased decision-making power over the opponents’ plans. This adept versatility can be a game-changer in matches where hand information and control are crucial to victory.
Cards similar to Thought Dissector by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Thought Dissector excels in ensuring players stay ahead by offering a consistent source for card selection, thereby keeping their hands filled with options to counter an opponent’s actions or to forge their own path to victory.
Resource Acceleration: By allowing players to manipulate their library while potentially unlocking earlier access to powerful spells or crucial lands, Thought Dissector grants a subtle but impactful form of resource acceleration.
Instant Speed: Its capability to be activated at instant speed gives players flexibility, allowing them to adapt to the evolving game state without sacrificing the potential to surprise their opponents with unexpected tricks or responses.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Thought Dissector requires discarding another card as part of its activation, which could deplete your hand faster and leave you without options in critical moments.
Specific Mana Cost: This artifact demands a precise blend of mana to cast, needing at least one swamp’s dark energy. This necessity might not always align with a player’s mana base, particularly in multicolor decks that may not focus on black mana sources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Thought Dissector comes with a steeper mana value. Its cost may overshadow its utility, especially when placed in direct comparison with other cards that could advance your game strategy without the same level of investment.
Reasons to Include Thought Dissector in Your Collection
Versatility: Thought Dissector is a flexible card that can be seamlessly integrated into various deck strategies, particularly those requiring precise hand manipulation and graveyard filling. Its ability to selectively discard makes it a valuable addition to control or reanimator builds.
Combo Potential: This card shines when combined with spells or abilities that benefit from card types entering the graveyard, enabling powerful synergies that can turn the tide of gameplay in your favor.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment that’s heavy on hand disruption and tactical play, Thought Dissector can be a game-changer, disrupting the opponent’s strategies while fueling your own. Its relevance is particularly noted in formats where strategic discards can decisively impact the match outcome.
How to beat
Thought Dissector is a card that presents a unique challenge in the world of Magic the Gathering. As a card that revolves around the control and manipulation of an opponent’s hand, it can be quite the hurdle to overcome in a game. Its versatile nature can derail strategies that are heavily reliant on specific cards, highlighting the importance of diversification in your deck choices. To effectively counteract Thought Dissector, it’s advantageous to deploy cards that replenish your hand quickly or to utilize cards with graveyard retrieval capabilities. A strategy that accommodates for low hand counts can also blunt the impact of Thought Dissector’s interference.
Considering the metagame, a player might also look into running cards that offer hexproof protection to shield from targeted effects or employing cards that can counteract Thought Dissector’s activated ability. Keeping the pressure with an aggressive board presence can divert your opponent’s focus and resources away from activating Thought Dissector. Above all, anticipation and adaptation are key. Being cognizant of when to play your important spells and when to hold back can determine whether you successfully navigate around the disruptive forces of Thought Dissector.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Thought Dissector 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 Thought Dissector 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 Thought Dissector has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Commander | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Modern | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Predh | Legal |
Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Thought Dissector card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
Date | Text |
---|---|
2004-12-01 | You put the artifact card onto the battlefield even if Thought Dissector has already left the battlefield and you can’t sacrifice it. |