Withering GazeHow it works & interactions with other cards

A Strategic Inspection

When you cast Withering Gaze, you choose a single opponent to reveal their entire hand to all players. Unlike some discard spells that only let you look, this card forces a public reveal while checking for two specific criteria: Forest land cards and green nonland cards. You then draw a card for every item that meets at least one of these criteria.

The Resolution Process

First, the spell targets an opponent upon casting. As it resolves, that opponent displays their hand. You count every card that is a Forest (including nonbasic lands with the Forest subtype) and every card that is green. Note that a green card that is also a Forest, like a Dryad Arbor, only counts as one card for the total tally. After counting, you draw that many cards all at once.

Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is assuming you draw twice for a green card that is also a Forest; however, the spell counts the 'cards' that meet the criteria, not the criteria themselves. Additionally, remember that Withering Gaze is a sorcery, so you cannot use it in response to an opponent's spell to see what else they have unless you have an effect that grants flash.

When to Cast

This card is a specialized tool. Against a mono-green or multicolored deck featuring green, it can be a high-value draw engine. If you suspect your opponent is holding up specific green threats or utility spells, Withering Gaze provides both card advantage and vital information about their future turns.

Interaction examples

Scouting the Green Menace

You cast Withering Gaze targeting an opponent. They reveal a hand containing two Forests, one Llanowar Elves, and two Islands. Since there are three qualifying cards (two Forests and one green creature), you draw three cards.

Refilling After a Reset

Windfall

If you use Windfall to force everyone to draw a new hand and your opponent happens to draw into several green cards, you can follow up with Withering Gaze on your next turn to capitalize on their new hand composition.

Information Overlap

Fabricate

If an opponent uses Fabricate to search for an artifact, you know at least one card in their hand is not green. You can use Withering Gaze afterward to see the rest of their hand and verify if they have the green mana sources required to cast other spells in their deck.