Thoughtpicker Witch MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Wizard |
| Released | 2005-10-07 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Ravnica: City of Guilds |
| Set code | RAV |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 109 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Pete Venters |
Text of card
, Sacrifice a creature: Look at the top two cards of target opponent's library, then remove one of them from the game.
"Once the brew gets the brains nice and pickled, they're a lot easier to pick through."
Cards like Thoughtpicker Witch
Thoughtpicker Witch offers a unique strategic edge similar to cards that manipulate opponents’ decks within Magic: The Gathering. While its closest cousin, Burglar Rat, forces opponents to discard a card upon entry to the battlefield, Thoughtpicker Witch takes a different approach by controlling their draw with its sacrifice ability, affecting the game subtly but significantly over time. It makes for a nuanced gameplay element focused on disrupting the opponent’s plans directly.
Seeing similarities with Dimir Guildmage, both create an environment of hand and draw control, yet Thoughtpicker Witch excels in its persistent potential to filter an opponent’s upcoming cards. Dimir Guildmage leans towards hand disruption and card draw for the player. We can also draw parallels with Condor’s Claws, which gives the wielder a say in what their opponent draws, but unlike Thoughtpicker Witch, it requires the player to commit more mana upfront.
In analyzing these comparisons, Thoughtpicker Witch stands out with its ability to significantly impact the board by targeting the core of an opponent’s strategy – their next draw. This provides insightful players with a tactical advantage that, while not as direct as other cards, carves out a niche role for Thoughtpicker Witch in deck manipulation tactics within Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Thoughtpicker Witch by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Thoughtpicker Witch can disrupt an opponent’s draw by controlling the top cards of their library, potentially denying them key resources and improving your strategic position.
Resource Acceleration: In decks designed around sacrificing creatures, this witch synergizes with other cards to turn creatures into a renewable asset, accelerating your board state and unlocking new strategies.
Instant Speed: The witch’s ability can be used at instant speed, offering flexibility and surprise disruption against an opponent’s plans, especially during their draw or upkeep phases.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Thoughtpicker Witch necessitates the player to sacrifice a creature, which could potentially set them back if they’re running low on creatures or facing a board where every creature counts.
Specific Mana Cost: This card requires black mana, restricting its inclusion to black-inclusive decks and potentially hindering its versatility compared to colorless options.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Though it costs one black mana to play, the activated ability also demands one mana every time it’s used. In a fast-paced game, this can add up and might be considered inefficient when compared to other disruption or control options available.
Reasons to Include Thoughtpicker Witch in Your Collection
Versatility: Thoughtpicker Witch serves as a flexible inclusion that adapts to a wide range of deck strategies. It has the capability to control opponents’ top deck, which proves crucial in both offensive and defensive situations.
Combo Potential: With the right setup, this card transforms into an engine that can disrupt opponent plays. Its synergy with token-generating cards or sacrificial mechanics enables intricate combinations that can lock opponents out of their key resources.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state where top deck control and graveyard manipulation are prevalent, Thoughtpicker Witch fits well. It can thwart strategies hinging on specific cards and is particularly useful in formats like Commander, where key card access often dictates the pace of the game.
How to Beat Thoughtpicker Witch
Thoughtpicker Witch is a unique creature card that can potentially disrupt your opponent’s strategy in Magic: The Gathering. This card allows a player to look at the top two cards of an opponent’s library and then exile one of them for just one black mana and the sacrifice of a creature. This effect can tamper with an opponent’s draws and remove key cards from their deck.
To effectively counter this card, it’s essential to limit the Witch’s opportunities. This can be done by controlling the number of creatures your opponent has available to sacrifice. Removal spells that specifically target creatures, such as Doom Blade or Path to Exile, can keep their creature count low. Additionally, graveyard manipulation with cards like Scavenging Ooze can remove the potential sacrifice fodder from being reused from the graveyard.
Drawing upon disruption tactics of your own is equally effective. Cards like Pithing Needle can shut down the Witch’s activated ability, thereby nullifying its control over your library. Lastly, aggressive decks that prioritize speed and board presence can often outpace the Witch’s slower, more controlling game plan. By maintaining pressure and reducing your opponent’s resources, the impact of Thoughtpicker Witch can be minimized in your matches.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Thoughtpicker Witch MTG card by a specific set like Ravnica: City of Guilds, 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 Thoughtpicker Witch 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
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Thoughtpicker Witch has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |