Unnerve MTG Card
1998-10-12 - Number 162
1999-11-12 - Number 91
2011-06-17 - Number 105
2016-08-26 - Number 150
2018-06-08 - Number 81
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
Each of your opponents chooses and discards two cards.
"If fear is the only tool you have left, then you'll never control me." —Xantcha, to Gix
Cards like Unnerve
Unnerve is a distinctive spell in Magic: The Gathering which commands attention for its collective oppressing ability. It stands alongside other hand-disruption cards such as Mind Rot, both designed to erode the opponent’s hand by forcing them to discard two cards. While Mind Rot targets a single adversary, Unnerve stretches its influence to all opponents, escalating its impact in multiplayer games.
Another comparable spell is Hymn to Tourach, a potent force in stripping away the opponent’s options with its random discard element. Unnerve, however, consistently hits each opponent for two cards, removing that element of chance but also losing the potential to disrupt more than two cards at the lower cost of Hymn to Tourach. Syphon Mind is also worth mentioning in this context, offering the added bonus of drawing you a card for each opponent who discards, addressing the card advantage aspect of the game while Unnerve focuses solely on the disruption.
The strategic advantages of Unnerve become especially apparent in games with multiple opponents where the ability to affect each player’s hand simultaneouly can tip the scales. While it doesn’t offer the card advantage of Syphon Mind or the low cost of Hymn to Tourach, its sweeping range makes it a formidable inclusion in any deck designed to unsettle and unnerve the opposition.
Cards similar to Unnerve by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Unnerve enables you to disrupt your opponent’s hand significantly, often creating a card advantage by forcing them to discard two cards. This can lead to a dominant position in the game as you deplete their resources while maintaining your own hand size.
Resource Acceleration: While Unnerve doesn’t directly accelerate your resources, it can indirectly influence the game’s pace. By removing key cards from your opponents’ hands, you slow down their strategy and can accelerate your board state unimpeded.
Instant Speed: Although Unnerve is a sorcery, its strength lies in the timing of its cast during your turn. It prepares the ground for your plays by ensuring your opponent has fewer options to counteract your strategy during their next turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Casting Unnerve forces your opponents to discard two cards, which can be less effective if your opponents have already played out their hands or if they benefit from having cards in their graveyard.
Specific Mana Cost: Unnerve requires both black mana, making it a card that can’t be easily slotted into decks without a strong black mana base, potentially limiting its versatility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana, Unnerve might seem costly when compared to other disruption spells. This can potentially slow down your own game plan as you may forgo developing your board to cast it.
Reasons to Include Unnerve in Your Collection
Versatility: Unnerve is a card that acts as a universal disruptor in any black deck strategy. Its ability to force each opponent to discard two cards makes it useful in a variety of situations, stripping adversaries of their resources regardless of their chosen archetype.
Combo Potential: For players who capitalize on their opponents’ misfortune, Unnerve can be a cornerstone. It synergizes with strategies that benefit from opponents discarding cards, such as reanimator tactics or decks utilizing cards like Waste Not for additional value.
Meta-Relevance: In environments flush with hand-sculpting and careful strategy, Unnerve serves as an equalizer. Its importance increases when facing decks that rely heavily on card synergy or require specific combinations, making it a wise choice for decks looking to disrupt the competition.
How to beat
Unnerve is a card that can create a significant impact in a game of Magic: The Gathering by forcing each opponent to discard two cards. Its power lies in the simultaneous hand disruption it causes, which can be disheartening for your adversaries. However, there are strategies to diminish its effect.
To effectively counter Unnerve, consider employing cards that benefit from being in the graveyard or cards that allow you to draw more cards to replenish your hand. Dredge mechanic cards or the retrace ability can turn a disadvantage into an advantage, by discarding cards that are more useful from the graveyard or cards that can be played again from there. Alternatively, instant-speed card draw spells mean you can refill your hand before your discards negatively impact your game plan too severely.
Additionally, having an ’empty hand’ strategy, such as the one adopted by the Hellbent mechanic, can nullify Unnerve’s disruption. Utilizing discard synergies with cards like Waste Not gives you benefits when discarding, effectively turning your opponent’s Unnerve against them. Ultimately, with the right setup and a cool head, you can make sure that Unnerve isn’t the card that tilts the balance of the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Unnerve MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Saga and Battle Royale Box Set, 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 Unnerve 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
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Printings
The Unnerve Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 1998-10-12 and 2018-06-08. Illustrated by Terese Nielsen.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1998-10-12 | Urza's Saga | USG | 162 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Terese Nielsen | |
| 2 | 1999-11-12 | Battle Royale Box Set | BRB | 91 | 1997 | Normal | White | Terese Nielsen | |
| 3 | 2011-06-17 | Commander 2011 | CMD | 105 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Terese Nielsen | |
| 4 | 2016-08-26 | Conspiracy: Take the Crown | CN2 | 150 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Terese Nielsen | |
| 5 | 2018-06-08 | Commander Anthology Volume II | CM2 | 81 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Terese Nielsen |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Unnerve has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Unnerve card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | Players with less than 2 cards discard all they have. |