Whims of the Fates MTG Card
2014-02-07 - Number 115
2016-11-11 - Number 139
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
Starting with you, each player separates all permanents he or she controls into three piles. Then each player chooses one of his or her piles at random and sacrifices those permanents. (Piles can be empty.)
Cards like Whims of the Fates
Whims of the Fates stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a card that embodies risk and potential reward. Its design invites comparisons to other MTG cards that manipulate fate and fortune. For instance, Thieves’ Auction, another red sorcery, shuffles up the entire battlefield, redistributing permanents in a game-altering fashion without the player choice element found in Whims of the Fates.
Similarly, Chance Encounter is an enchantment that takes advantage of luck by aiming to collect ten luck counters, which is a win condition in itself, though it does not involve direct player decision like Whims of the Fates. Risky Move, on the other hand, also toys with the idea of chance and control by passing around permanents, but it does so in a more controlled and predictable manner than Whims of the Fates, which can result in a total upheaval of the board state.
Each of these cards carries its own unique mechanic of altering game flow, but Whims of the Fates is unique in its demand for players to make high-stakes decisions with their permanents, making it a wild card that can turn the tides of a match with a single cast.
Cards similar to Whims of the Fates by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Whims of the Fates offers a potentially game-changing outcome by allowing players to gamble with their board state. This unique card can set you up to overshadow your opponents when luck is on your side by possibly leaving them with fewer resources.
Resource Acceleration: Although not directly accelerating resources, Whims of the Fates can obliterate resource disparities. It shifts the balance of power in the late game where accumulated assets are on the line, making it a strategic tool in altering the tide of the game.
Instant Speed: While Whims of the Fates is a sorcery, its impact resembles that of an instant speed board wipe due to its potential to drastically change the game state. It keeps opponents on edge, forcing them to consider the fate of their in-play cards every time they make a move.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Whims of the Fates requires a strategic mind to use effectively. Its chaotic nature means you risk sacrificing key cards, potentially leaving you in a worse position than your opponent. Discarding your assets without guarantee of a favorable outcome can be a daunting prospect, especially in close games where every card counts.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a triple red mana commitment, which can be restrictive. Players running multi-color decks may find it challenging to meet this requirement, especially early in the game or under mana pressure. This makes Whims of the Fates a somewhat situational card, best suited for mono-red or decks heavily skewed towards red mana sources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The card’s six mana cost is no trivial investment. In the fast-paced mtg environment, sinking such a significant portion of resources into a single card that doesn’t immediately alter the board state can set you back. Many players may opt for alternatives that offer more predictable and immediate impact for a similar, if not lesser, mana investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Whims of the Fates offers a unique approach to balancing power on the battlefield. Its ability to let players decide their fates by dividing their permanents into three piles can be a game-changer in a variety of decks, particularly in casual and multiplayer formats where unpredictability can be used to your advantage.
Combo Potential: This card shines in decks built around sacrificing permanents or those that benefit from dramatic shifts in board state. Pairing it with cards that capitalize on these sacrifices or that mitigate losses can create powerful, unexpected combos and turns.
Meta-Relevance: Whims of the Fates may not be a staple in competitive play, but its impact in a casual meta can be significant. It thrives in environments where players are open to high-risk, high-reward strategies, and its presence alone can deter opponents from overcommitting to the board.
How to Beat
Whims of the Fates is one of those unique Magic: The Gathering cards that can turn the tide of a game with its game-altering ability. The card promises high stakes, allowing players to gamble their permanents on a single roll of the die. To effectively counteract this card, it is essential to adopt a strategic approach. One of the most effective strategies is to maintain card advantage and a diverse permanent base, so the impact of the random distribution is less detrimental.
Spot removal spells and prevention measures also play a crucial role in mitigating the risks associated with Whims of the Fates. By keeping up instant-speed removal or counterspells, you can respond to unpredictable outcomes or even prevent the card from resolving. Another tactic could involve directing resources towards permanents with sacrifice or regeneration abilities, ensuring that you can rebound quickly should the whims not be in your favor.
Understanding the meta and anticipating your opponent’s deck can further prepare you for the chaotic situation that Whims of the Fates brings. By adapting your strategy and keeping your cool, you can overcome the unpredictable nature of this powerful card and guide your deck to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Whims of the Fates MTG card by a specific set like Born of the Gods and Commander 2016, 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 Whims of the Fates 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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Printings
The Whims of the Fates Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2014-02-07 and 2016-11-11. Illustrated by Seb McKinnon.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2014-02-07 | Born of the Gods | BNG | 115 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Seb McKinnon | |
| 2 | 2016-11-11 | Commander 2016 | C16 | 139 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Seb McKinnon |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Whims of the Fates has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Whims of the Fates card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2014-02-01 | If you put all permanents you control into one pile, you’ll have a two-thirds chance of not having to sacrifice any permanents, but a one-third chance of having to sacrifice all of them. |
| 2014-02-01 | To choose a pile at random, each pile must have an equal chance of being chosen. There are many ways to do this, including assigning each pile a number and rolling a die. |
| 2014-02-01 | You may put Auras or Equipment into one pile and the creatures they were attached to into a different pile. |