Waking Nightmare MTG Card
2004-10-01 - Number 149
2015-05-22 - Number 103
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Sorcery — Arcane |
Text of card
Target player discards two cards.
"Once each year, the oni and other evil spirits paraded through villages to disturb mortals' sleep. During the war, this parade became a nightly event." —*Observations of the Kami War*
Cards like Waking Nightmare
Waking Nightmare joins the echelon of disruption spells in Magic: The Gathering, stepping into line with cards like Mind Rot. Mind Rot dominates the landscape as one of the basic staples allowing a player to force their opponent to discard two cards. Waking Nightmare mirrors this effect but distinguishes itself through its arcane subtype. This subtype offers players synergistic opportunities in decks focusing on arcane and spirit interactions.
Delving deeper into the pool, Distress is another kin, stretching out its tendrils to snatch any nonland card of choice from an opponent’s hand, unlike the random discard induced by Waking Nightmare. The precision of Distress provides a unique advantage, although it lacks the broader synergy with the arcane spells. Conversely, Hymn to Tourach is an iconic spell in the history of the game. Although not offering any synergies with the arcane, it was feared for its potential to discard two essential cards at random with just two mana, intensifying the psychological warfare on the opponent.
In essence, Waking Nightmare may not be as versatile as Distress or as formidable as Hymn to Tourach, but it carves its own place in decks that capitalize on the arcane subtype and the spirit of the Kamigawa sets.
Cards similar to Waking Nightmare by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Waking Nightmare card causes each opponent to discard two cards, which effectively disturbs their strategy and gives you a psychological edge by reducing their options.
Resource Acceleration: By disrupting your opponent’s hand, you indirectly accelerate your own resources compared to theirs, allowing you to capitalize on their decreased ability to respond to your plays.
Instant Speed: Though Waking Nightmare operates at sorcery speed, it’s crucial in setting the pace and can be timed to critically impact your opponent’s planning, especially post-draw phase or after a significant tutor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Waking Nightmare demands that you toss another card from your hand into the graveyard to cast it, a setback which might strain your hand when resources are already wearing thin.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both a black mana and two of any kind, this card slots primarily into decks where black mana is plentiful, potentially limiting its versatility across various deck types.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For three mana, the disruptive potential of Waking Nightmare confronts competition from other cards that could either affect the board state more significantly or provide alternative advantages for the same or less investment.
Reasons to Include Waking Nightmare in Your Collection
Versatility: Waking Nightmare, being a modal card offering players different options, can adapt to various situations on the battlefield. Whether you need to disrupt your opponent’s hand or address a threat immediately, this card provides flexibility within black-themed decks.
Combo Potential: This disruptive enchantment pairs well with strategies that capitalize on opponents’ reduced resources. It works seamlessly in discard-themed decks, enhancing the effect of other cards that benefit from your opponent’s empty hand.
Meta-Relevance: As the game environment often fluctuates with decks that hold onto key cards for the perfect play, Waking Nightmare can be especially effective. Forcing opponents to discard disrupts their game plan, making this card a relevant choice in a meta filled with intricate strategies and combo decks.
How to beat
Waking Nightmare stands out in the realm of hand disruption spells with its unique ability to force opponents to discard two cards. Its strength lies in diminishing your opponent’s options, which can be particularly crippling early in the game. When it comes to countering this, strategic deck building is key. Including cards that benefit from being in your graveyard turns a seeming disadvantage into a tactical benefit. Think about incorporating cards like Glimpse the Unthinkable or creatures with unearth and escape mechanics.
Another method to soften the blow of Waking Nightmare is through the use of spells that allow you to draw cards, ensuring that even after a forced discard, your hand remains resourceful. Cards with cycling can replace themselves in your hand, keeping your strategies alive. It’s also advantageous to play cards that work efficiently from the graveyard. Delve and flashback cards, such as Treasure Cruise or Lingering Souls, can bypass the discard effect by offering an alternative way to be played.
Ultimately, by anticipating potential disruptions like Waking Nightmare and adapting your strategy accordingly, you maintain control over the game. Thus equipped, you can turn the tables on your opponent, ensuring that you stay one step ahead.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Waking Nightmare MTG card by a specific set like Champions of Kamigawa and Modern Masters 2015, 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 Waking Nightmare and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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
Printings
The Waking Nightmare Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2004-10-01 and 2015-05-22. Illustrated by Mitch Cotie.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2004-10-01 | Champions of Kamigawa | CHK | 149 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Mitch Cotie | |
| 2 | 2015-05-22 | Modern Masters 2015 | MM2 | 103 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mitch Cotie |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Waking Nightmare has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |