Wandering MindHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

When Wandering Mind enters the battlefield, it triggers a 'dig' effect. You look at the top six cards of your library and have the option to pick a card that is neither a creature nor a land. This includes artifacts, enchantments, instants, sorceries, and planeswalkers. If you find a valid card and choose to reveal it, it goes to your hand; otherwise, all six cards (or the remaining five) are placed at the bottom of your library in a random order.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, Wandering Mind enters the battlefield, putting its triggered ability on the stack. When the ability resolves, you look at the top six cards. You check the card types: if a card has the type 'Creature' or 'Land' (even if it has other types, like Artifact Creature), it cannot be chosen. If you find a valid noncreature, nonland card, you may reveal it to all players and put it into your hand. Finally, any cards not chosen are randomized and put on the bottom of your library. You do not shuffle your library.

Common Mistakes

The most common error is trying to pick a card that shares a type with creatures or lands. For example, an Artifact Creature or a Land Creature is ineligible because it possesses the forbidden types. Additionally, remember that revealing the card is mandatory if you choose to put it in your hand. If you look at the top six and see nothing you want, or only cards that don't fit the criteria, all six cards simply go to the bottom in a random order.

When to Play It

This card is best played when you are searching for specific utility spells or win conditions like powerful enchantments and sorceries. Because it puts the unchosen cards on the bottom at random, it is an excellent way to clear the top of your library if you know the upcoming cards are not what you need. It also serves as a reliable blocker or attacker thanks to its Flying keyword.

Interaction examples

The Throne's Influence

Roaming Throne

If Roaming Throne enters the battlefield and you choose 'Horror', it will see Wandering Mind enter later. Because Wandering Mind is a Horror, its 'enters' ability triggers twice. You will look at the top six cards, potentially take a noncreature/nonland card, put the rest on the bottom, and then repeat the entire process for a second set of six cards.

Type Restrictions

Solemn Simulacrum

When you resolve Wandering Mind's ability and see a Solemn Simulacrum in your top six, you cannot put the Simulacrum into your hand. Even though it is an Artifact, it is also a Creature. Wandering Mind specifically forbids choosing any card with the 'Creature' type, so the Simulacrum must be put on the bottom of the library with the other unchosen cards.