Argothian WurmHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Massive Threat with a Choice

Argothian Wurm is a 6/6 creature with Trample for {3}{G}. Its low cost is balanced by its enters-the-battlefield ability, which allows any player to sacrifice a land. If anyone chooses to do so, the Wurm is removed from the battlefield and placed back on top of its owner's library. This means the creature essentially becomes a recurring threat that drains your opponents' mana base if they want to avoid facing it.

Step-by-Step Resolution

When Argothian Wurm enters, its ability triggers and goes on the stack. Upon resolution, the active player (usually the person whose turn it is) is given the first option to sacrifice a land. If they choose not to, the option passes to the next player in turn order. If a player decides to sacrifice a land, Argothian Wurm is immediately moved to the top of its owner's library. Even after the Wurm has been moved, the remaining players in the turn order are still offered the choice to sacrifice a land, though doing so usually provides no additional benefit once the Wurm is already gone.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is thinking the Wurm is countered or destroyed. Because the ability says 'put this creature on top of its owner's library,' it bypasses effects that care about dying or being destroyed. Additionally, players often forget that the owner of the Wurm can also choose to sacrifice a land to put it back on top of their own library—perhaps to protect it from a board wipe or to trigger a shuffle effect later.

When to Play Argothian Wurm

This card is most effective when your opponents are low on lands or are playing decks that cannot afford to lose their mana sources. It forces a 'punisher' mechanic where the opponent must decide if the 6/6 Trampler is more dangerous than losing their own land. It also pairs well with cards that benefit from having a high-power creature enter the battlefield multiple times.

Interaction examples

Recovering from the Sacrifice

Eternal Witness

If your opponent sacrifices a land to put Argothian Wurm back on your library, you will draw it again next turn. If you later play Eternal Witness, you can return a card you previously used to ramp into the Wurm, ensuring you maintain the resource advantage while your opponent continues to lose lands to keep the Wurm away.

Resource Parity

Solemn Simulacrum

By playing Solemn Simulacrum before the Wurm, you ensure you have extra lands on the battlefield. If an opponent sacrifices a land to stop your Argothian Wurm, they are falling behind in mana while you remain stable. If they allow the Wurm to stay, you have a 6/6 Trampler alongside your utility creature, putting them in a lose-lose situation.