Willing Test Subject MTG Card


Willing Test Subject - Unstable
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeCreature — Spider Monkey Scientist
Abilities Reach
Released2017-12-08
Set symbol
Set nameUnstable
Set codeUST
Power 2
Toughness 2
Number126
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderSilver
Illustred byDmitry Burmak
Un-set :-)This card is part of an Un-set

Key Takeaways

  1. Card advantage grows as Willing Test Subject evolves, becoming a bigger threat each turn.
  2. It’s a flexible deterrent, enabling undisturbed resource build-up while in play.
  3. Instant speed counter manipulation provides unexpected tactical advantages in-game.

Text of card

Reach Whenever you roll a 4 or higher on a die, put a +1/+1 counter on Willing Test Subject. : Roll a six-sided die.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Willing Test Subject comes into play with a complex mechanism that can significantly increase card quality over time. As a creature that evolves through accumulating experience counters, the potential to grow into a substantial threat gives you a distinct card advantage as the game progresses.

Resource Acceleration: The presence of Willing Test Subject can act as a deterrent, potentially dissuading opponents from attacking and allowing you to build your resources undisturbed. While not directly providing mana or tokens, it gives you the breathing room necessary for resource acceleration.

Instant Speed: Some builds might include ways to manipulate counters at instant speed, offering the chance to strengthen Willing Test Subject when opponents least expect it. Being able to react swiftly and adjust your strategy in response to the dynamic game state is an underappreciated tactical edge.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the drawbacks of Willing Test Subject is the need to discard a card in order to trigger certain abilities. This can be particularly challenging when your hand is running low on cards, forcing difficult decisions about resource management.

Specific Mana Cost: Willing Test Subject requires a precise combination of mana to cast. This requirement can make it a tough fit in multicolored decks that may not reliably produce the necessary mana types, thereby limiting its versatility and possibly causing it to be a dead card in hand.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: In a game where efficiency is key, the mana investment to get Willing Test Subject on the battlefield is notable. When compared to other creatures with similar stats or effects, the cost to bring this card into play might not always align with the pace or strategy of your game plan, especially in formats that favor lower-cost creatures.


Reasons to Include Willing Test Subject in Your Collection

Versatility: Willing Test Subject provides a balanced mix of a cheeky blocker and evolving threat. Being a creature with the capacity to grow throughout the game, it can adapt to various board states and serve multiple roles within your deck’s strategy.

Combo Potential: As it evolves with the accumulation of counters each time you roll a die, Willing Test Subject works great in decks built around manipulating and utilizing +1/+1 counters, enabling numerous synergistic opportunities.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state where dice rolling and counter strategies are prevalent or rising in popularity, including Willing Test Subject can help you stay abreast of evolving metagames, making it a suitable choice for players looking to experiment with emerging trends.


How to beat

Willing Test Subject is a creature that presents a unique dynamic on the battlefield with its potential to evolve into a truly formidable foe. The key to countering this creature lies in timing and strategy. Engaging in direct removal is the most straightforward method to prevent the card from escalating in threat. Spells such as Doom Blade or Path to Exile work efficiently to remove it from play before its power can be amplified. Additionally, countering the card upon cast can nip the problem in the bud, making counter spells your allies.

Another effective tactic is to utilize board control cards. Since Willing Test Subject relies on accumulating +1/+1 counters to become more dangerous, sweepers like Wrath of God can reset the field, thereby removing accumulated threats. Finally, preventing the accumulation of +1/+1 counters in the first place with cards that negate abilities or counter abilities, like Stifle or Voidslime, can halt the progression of the creature, thus maintaining the upper hand in the game against this evolving adversary.

Overall, swift and decisive action against Willing Test Subject can ensure it remains just a lab experiment rather than becoming the opponent’s winning creature in Magic: The Gathering.


Cards like Willing Test Subject

Willing Test Subject has carved its niche within the intriguing lineup of mana generators in Magic the Gathering. Its similarity to cards such as Rattleclaw Mystic is clear, with both having the capacity to bolster your mana reserves. However, Willing Test Subject comes with a unique spin – it has the potential to evolve into a beefier creature through its ability to gain +1/+1 counters whenever you roll a die and score a natural 20.

Comparable to this transformative feature is Managorger Hydra, another creature that flourishes each time you or your opponent casts a spell, getting progressively more formidable. But unlike Managorger Hydra, Willing Test Subject requires a chance element of dice rolling to enhance its power, offering a delightful uncertainty to the game. Ivy Lane Denizen presents a reliable alternative by permitting you to steadily place +1/+1 counters on creatures as long as you cast another creature that shares its color.

Pulling them all into perspective, Willing Test Subject stands out for those looking to engage with a bit of luck and strategy. It’s a creature that promises both a mana boost and the excitement of potential growth – a dual benefit that could prove critical in pivotal game moments.

Rattleclaw Mystic - MTG Card versions
Managorger Hydra - MTG Card versions
Ivy Lane Denizen - MTG Card versions
Rattleclaw Mystic - MTG Card versions
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Ivy Lane Denizen - MTG Card versions

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Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Willing Test Subject MTG card by a specific set like Unstable, 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 Willing Test Subject and other MTG cards:

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