Visage of Bolas MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Rare
Type	Artifact
Released	2017-07-14
Set symbol
Set name	Hour of Devastation
Set code	HOU
Number	208
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Titus Lunter

Key Takeaways

Boosts card advantage by fetching a Nicol Bolas planeswalker directly into your hand.
Enhances mana fixing with the ability to add one mana of any color.
Despite its multiple pros, requires balancing with its high mana and color specificity.

Text of card

When Visage of Bolas enters the battlefield, you may search your library and/or graveyard for a card named Nicol Bolas, the Deceiver, reveal it, and put it into your hand. If you search your library this way, shuffle it. : Add , , or to your mana pool.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Visage of Bolas card enables you to search your library for a Nicol Bolas planeswalker card, effectively bringing more power to your hand and increasing the chances of turning the tides in your favor during gameplay. It digs through your deck, ensuring that you have access to your game-winning card when you need it most.

Resource Acceleration: By allowing you to add one mana of any color to your mana pool, Visage of Bolas aids in mana fixing, thus accelerating your resources. This can be particularly useful for multi-colored decks that require a variety of mana to cast different spells efficiently.

Instant Speed: While Visage of Bolas does not function at instant speed, the card it fetches, Nicol Bolas, can impact the board significantly upon arrival. This sets you up for advantageous board positions and reactive play, leveraging the dynamic abilities of Nicol Bolas once it’s in play.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While unleashing the power of Visage of Bolas on the battlefield, players face the drawback of needing to discard a card. This condition can be particularly taxing when your hand is already running low, potentially forcing you to sacrifice crucial late-game plays.

Specific Mana Cost: A key aspect to consider is the card’s color-weighted mana expense. Commanding a precise combination of blue and black mana, it integrates seamlessly into certain archetypes but may prove challenging for more color-flexible or mana-tight decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its caster having to allocate a substantial amount of mana, Visage of Bolas carries a high cost relative to other options in the game. This might deter players, especially given that other cards might provide similar benefits or better synergy with less mana investment.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Visage of Bolas is a unique asset that seamlessly integrates into a variety of deck builds, catering to both Nicol Bolas themed decks and those capitalizing on artifact synergy.

Combo Potential: This artifact unfolds its true potential when paired with other cards, setting the stage for the formidable planeswalker Nicol Bolas to make an impactful entrance, while also offering a toolkit for various in-game interactions.

Meta-Relevance: With the evolving nature of the game, having Visage of Bolas in your arsenal means that you stay competitive, especially in metas where long-term value and creature control are decisive.

How to beat

Visage of Bolas is a unique artifact card that brings a distinct dynamic to the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. As a card that not only whittles down an opponent’s deck but also serves as a gateway to call forth the mighty Planeswalker, Nicol Bolas, it can be a challenging card to play against. Skilled players, however, can counter it effectively.

The key strategy in overcoming Visage of Bolas lies in preparedness and timing. Employing removal spells or abilities that specifically target artifacts can dismantle your adversary’s strategy before it takes hold. Instant-speed interactions like Disenchant or Abrade allow you to respond swiftly, negating the card’s activation and its potential influence on the game.

Deck construction is equally vital. Incorporate artifact suppression cards in your deck to stay one step ahead. Cards like Naturalize or the aggressive Smash to Smithereens not only remove the threat but may also give you an added advantage. Managing your own board state with artifact-resistant options can also be crucial to withstand Visage of Bolas’s impact. In essence, your deck’s resilience and your own predictive play will be your main assets in claiming victory against the imposing Visage of Bolas.

BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the strategic value of Visage of Bolas is essential for MTG enthusiasts looking to add depth to their gameplay. To maximize this card’s potential in your deck, consider its synergies and the current meta. Whether you aim to build a Nicol Bolas themed deck or enhance your artifact game, exploring this card’s possibilities can be a rewarding experience. Stay competitive and adapt your strategy with our insights. Dive deeper into the game mechanics, and discover advanced techniques that will set you apart in the arena. Join the BurnMana community for comprehensive guides and tips to refine your MTG expertise.

Cards like Visage of Bolas

The Visage of Bolas brings a unique flavor to the world of artifact cards in Magic: The Gathering. This artifact evokes the power of the infamous dragon planeswalker, Nicol Bolas, and it stands out among other mana-rock type artifacts. Visage of Bolas is often contrasted with cards like Darksteel Ingot or Manalith, both providing a mana of any color when tapped. However, where Visage of Bolas goes a step further is in its ability to search your library for a Nicol Bolas planeswalker card, putting it into your hand. This effectively turns the artifact into a powerful tool for setting up your gameplan.

Comparing it further to Hedron Archive, another four-mana artifact, Visage of Bolas doesn’t provide the same level of immediate mana acceleration or card draw upon being sacrificed. Instead, it edges out by being a key piece in a Nicol Bolas themed deck, adding valuable consistency by fetching a central piece. Yet, for decks not centered around Bolas, the Hedron Archive may provide a more flexible advantage.

Choosing between these artifacts, therefore, becomes a matter of synergy versus utility, with Visage of Bolas offering a specialized approach for fans and players looking for a themed deck experience centered around the mighty Nicol Bolas.

Cards similar to Visage of Bolas by color, type and mana cost

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Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Visage of Bolas MTG card by a specific set like Hour of Devastation, 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 Visage of Bolas and other MTG cards: