Weave the NightmareHow it works & interactions with other cards

Choosing Your Nightmares

When you cast Weave the Nightmare, you typically choose one of three modes: heisting a library, shrinking a creature, or countering a noncreature spell. However, there is a powerful condition: if you control a nonland permanent you don't own as you cast the spell, you may choose two modes instead of one. Note that this check happens specifically at the moment you begin to cast the spell.

Resolution Step-by-Step

First, you declare the spell and choose your mode or modes. If you chose two, you must select valid targets for each applicable mode. Second, pay the mana cost of {1}{U}{B}. Upon resolution, the effects happen in the order they are printed on the card: you heist the opponent's library (look at the top three cards, exile one face down, and you may cast it later), the targeted creature receives the -5/-5 penalty, and/or the targeted noncreature spell is countered.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is forgetting the targeting requirements. If you choose the second and third modes, and one of your targets becomes illegal (for example, the creature gains Hexproof), the other mode will still resolve if its target is still legal. Additionally, remember that the heist effect doesn't require a target, but the other two modes do. You cannot choose the counter mode unless there is a noncreature spell currently on the stack.

Strategic Timing

This card is best used as a two-for-one tool during your opponent's turn. By holding up three mana, you can wait for them to cast a noncreature threat and then simultaneously remove a creature they already have on the board, provided you have successfully stolen a permanent earlier in the game.

Interaction examples

Stacking the Defense

Counterspell

If an opponent casts Counterspell targeting one of your creatures, you can respond with Weave the Nightmare. You choose the third mode to counter their noncreature spell. Because Weave the Nightmare is on the stack above Counterspell, it resolves first, sending Counterspell to the graveyard and saving your creature.

Double Trouble with Stolen Goods

Arcane Denial

Suppose you control a creature you previously stole from your opponent. You cast Weave the Nightmare. Because you control a nonland permanent you don't own, you choose two modes: heist and counter. You target your opponent's Arcane Denial. Upon resolution, you first heist their library to steal a new card, and then their Arcane Denial is countered, preventing them from stopping your plays.

Solo Heisting

If you do not control any permanents owned by an opponent, you cast Weave the Nightmare choosing only the first mode. You look at the top three cards of target opponent's library, exile one face down, and put the rest on the bottom of their library. Even though you only got one effect, you now have access to a card you can cast later using mana of any color.