Venarian Glimmer is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.
Official card text
Target player reveals their hand. You choose a nonland card with mana value X or less from it. That player discards that card.
Complete guide
Venarian Glimmer is a versatile blue hand-disruption spell that scales with the amount of mana you invest. Unlike black discard spells, this instant allows you to peek at an opponent's resources and remove a specific threat at the perfect moment. Whether you need to strip away a cheap cantrip or a mid-game powerhouse, this card provides valuable information and card advantage.
How it Works
Venarian Glimmer is an X-cost instant that targets a specific player. When the spell resolves, the chosen player must reveal their entire hand to all players in the game. You then look through those cards and select one nonland card that has a mana value (formerly converted mana cost) equal to or less than the value you chose for X. The player is then forced to discard that specific card into their graveyard.
Step-by-Step Resolution
First, you cast the spell and choose a value for X, paying the total cost of X plus one blue mana. Second, the spell is put onto the stack and players may respond. Third, if the spell resolves, the target player reveals their hand. Fourth, you verify the mana values of the nonland cards shown. Finally, you choose a valid card based on your X value, and that card is moved to the graveyard.
Common Pitfalls
A common mistake involves the timing of the reveal. You do not see the player's hand until the spell actually resolves; you must choose the value of X blindly unless you have other information. Additionally, remember that you cannot choose land cards, regardless of how high you set X. If you choose yourself as the target, you must reveal your own hand to every other player in the game.
Strategic Timing
Because Venarian Glimmer is an instant, it is best used during an opponent's draw step or at the end of their turn. This allows you to see what they have drawn for the turn and remove a reactive spell before they have a chance to use it on their own terms. It is also an excellent tool to use when you suspect an opponent is holding up a specific interaction.
Interaction examples
CounterspellIf you suspect your opponent is holding a Counterspell, you can cast Venarian Glimmer with X=2. Upon resolution, you see their hand. If Counterspell is there, you choose it for discard because its mana value is 2, which is equal to your X. This clears the way for your next big play.
An Offer You Can't RefuseSuppose your opponent has one blue mana open. You cast Venarian Glimmer with X=1. If they are holding An Offer You Can't Refuse, its mana value is 1. Since 1 is less than or equal to X, you can force them to discard it, preventing them from countering your noncreature spells later in the turn.
You cast Venarian Glimmer targeting an opponent with X=0. Even if they have no cards with mana value 0, they must still reveal their entire hand to you. This provides complete information about their future turns for a very low mana investment, even if you don't make them discard anything.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Venarian Glimmer
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
- #1· Wizards of the Coast
If you target yourself with this spell, you must reveal your entire hand to the other players just as any other player would.
No other card is named in this ruling.
Legal formats
Commentaires
- Sois le premier à commenter cette carte.
Read next
Meta decks with Venarian Glimmer
No archived Top 8 deck with this card yet.