Well of Knowledge MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Artifact |
| Released | 1997-06-09 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Weatherlight |
| Set code | WTH |
| Number | 162 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | D. Alexander Gregory |
Text of card
Any player may pay during his or her draw phase to draw a card. Players may use this ability as many times as they choose.
Cards like Well of Knowledge
The Well of Knowledge is a unique artifact in the Magic: The Gathering universe, offering a symmetrical draw effect to both players. While reminiscent of other cards that enhance card draw, Well of Knowledge stands out with its flexible, albeit costly, ability to pay mana for each additional card. Cards like Temple Bell allow players to draw a card without a cost, yet it doesn’t give the option to draw more at one time, and it isn’t a choice but a must during each player’s turn.
Another related card is Font of Mythos, which doubles the number of cards each player draws in their draw step, a more passive effect compared to the well’s active resource investment. Then we have Otherworld Atlas, which requires incremental investment to ultimately provide a burst of cards for everyone. However, the Well of Knowledge’s immediate impact and adjustable draw power offer a strategic advantage, albeit at the risk of equipping your opponent with the same opportunity.
Evaluating these cards, Well of Knowledge holds a distinctive place for players willing to strategically manage their resources and outdo their opponents in a battle of wits and card advantage in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Well of Knowledge by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Well of Knowledge enables players to pay additional mana to draw extra cards during their draw step, thus offering a substantial boost in card flow and the opportunity to outpace opponents with a fuller hand.
Resource Acceleration: By facilitating additional card draws, this artifact indirectly accelerates resource acquisition, allowing savvy players to access more lands and spells sooner than their adversaries.
Instant Speed: Since Well of Knowledge affects the draw step, it combines smoothly with instant-speed spells. Players can adapt their strategies in response to the unfolding game, choosing whether to invest in drawing extra cards or hold resources for reactive plays.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Well of Knowledge forces players to discard a card, which can be particularly taxing when you’re trying to maintain hand advantage against your opponent. During a game where each card in hand counts for strategy and combos, having to let go of potentially crucial pieces can set you back significantly.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring a very specific mana investment to utilize its effect, Well of Knowledge demands blue mana, which could restrict its inclusion to blue-centric or compatible multicolored decks. This specific requirement could make it less desirable for decks that cannot consistently provide blue mana sources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: When evaluating the mana cost for the effect it provides, Well of Knowledge might not come out on top. The card requires a substantial amount of mana to both play and activate. Players might find the investment steep when compared to other cards in the game that offer similar benefits without the continued cost to draw additional cards.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: The Well of Knowledge card offers a powerful draw mechanic that can benefit a wide array of deck types. Its ability to provide additional card advantage can be particularly useful in control decks or any format where maintaining a sturdy hand size is critical to outpacing opponents.
Combo Potential: For enthusiasts of intricate interactions, Well of Knowledge has excellent synergy with strategies that capitalize on high card flow. It meshes well with decks that have no maximum hand size or those that use the number of cards drawn as a resource for potent combos.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where games typically go long, having consistent access to more cards can give you an edge. Well of Knowledge is relevant in meta situations where drawing more cards allows players to find answers or game-winning conditions quicker than their adversaries.
How to beat
The Well of Knowledge is an intriguing card that serves as a resource pool for players in Magic: The Gathering. Its ability allows any player to pay two mana to draw a card. It introduces a shared benefit that could potentially accelerate an opponent’s strategy. Facing such an asset, a keen understanding of timing and disruption is crucial to gain the upper hand.
To effectively counteract the advantage provided by Well of Knowledge, consider holding onto instant-speed removal or hand disruption spells until the most opportune moment. For instance, disenchant effects or spells that specifically target artifacts can neutralize the Well before an opponent draws significant power from it. Moreover, strategies that restrict the number of spells a player can cast or the number of cards they can draw each turn will undercut the utility of such a resource.
Ultimately, combatting Well of Knowledge calls for a blend of foresight and control, ensuring that its potential for card advantage doesn’t outpace your strategy. Keep an eye on the mana available to your adversary, prepare to respond with swift intervention, and you’ll contain the wellspring of their knowledge – and their chances of victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Well of Knowledge MTG card by a specific set like Weatherlight, 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 Well of Knowledge 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 Well of Knowledge has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Well of Knowledge 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 | Each player may use this ability as many times as they choose during their turn’s draw step. |