Shimmer of Possibility MTG Card


Card selection with Shimmer of Possibility can strategically strengthen hands by filtering the top four cards of a library. The need for blue mana and its cost may occasionally hinder deck fluidity and mana curve considerations. Lower mana-efficiency compared to other selection spells may affect its inclusion in highly competitive decks.
Shimmer of Possibility - Ravnica Allegiance
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeSorcery
Released2019-01-25
Set symbol
Set nameRavnica Allegiance
Set codeRNA
Number51
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byVolkan Baǵa

Text of card

Look at the top four cards of your library. Put one of them into your hand and the rest on the bottom of your library in a random order.

"There's something peculiar about the rain today." —Janoc, Tin Street tinker


Cards like Shimmer of Possibility

Shimmer of Possibility arrives as a notable pick in the Magic: The Gathering spectrum of card selection spells. This card parallels to Serum Visions, which is also a boon for players looking for deck manipulation. Shimmer of Possibility lets a player dig deeper, examining the top four cards and selecting one, compared to Serum Visions’ one-card draw paired with a Scry 2 function, which provides less immediate selection.

In a juxtaposition, Anticipate presents a closer match to Shimmer of Possibility, offering a peek at the top three cards to choose from, albeit at instant speed, which grants players flexibility during an opponent’s turns. Conversely, Shimmer of Possibility, while limiting usability to one’s own main phases, presents a broader array, improving the odds of finding that key card decivisely.

Observing these alternatives, it’s apparent that Shimmer of Possibility holds its ground in deck refinement activities. Its capacity to unveil more options distinctly positions it as a tool for those aiming to sculpt their hand with greater precision, adapting to strategies and other spells that rely on a specific mix of cards in hand.

Serum Visions - MTG Card versions
Anticipate - MTG Card versions
Serum Visions - MTG Card versions
Anticipate - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Shimmer of Possibility. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Simic RampSimic Ramp GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 14 2024
Hidden StringsHidden Strings PioneerHidden StringsPioneer League 2024-01-27
Sultai Some Brand of CerealSultai Some Brand of Cereal GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 10 2024
Sultai ComboSultai Combo GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 06 2024
Lotus Field ComboLotus Field Combo PioneerHidden StringsNRG Series $10,000 Showdown - Chicagoland, Illinois (Pioneer)

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Shimmer of Possibility presents players with an opportunity to meticulously sift through the top four cards of their library, selecting exactly the one that suits their strategy best—effectively aligning future plays while subtly padding their hand with quality over quantity.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly injecting mana, Shimmer of Possibility accelerates your resource pool by cleverly filtering the upper layer of your library. This precision increases the likelihood of drawing into your deck’s key components more swiftly, thus optimizing your gameplay and setting up for success.

Instant Speed: The swiftness of instant-speed spells is paramount in MTG, and Shimmer of Possibility is no exception. Cast it on an opponent’s end step to keep your options open, adapting to the board state with agility. This card enables a reactive playstyle, keeping opponents guessing while you refine your hand for the next turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Shimmer of Possibility allows you to look at the top four cards of your library, it doesn’t come without sacrifices. If you’re tight on resources, you might find yourself unable to play another spell in the same turn after casting it, placing you at a potential strategic disadvantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Shimmer of Possibility requires two mana of any color plus one blue mana to cast. This specific mana requirement can occasionally be restrictive, especially in decks that run on a tight mana curve or multi-color decks that might have difficulty producing the required blue mana consistently.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For its effect, the cost might appear slightly elevated, particularly when looking at the broader card pool. With a casting cost of three mana, Shimmer of Possibility is less mana-efficient compared to some other card selection spells that cost less but may offer a comparable or even a better rate of return on mana investment.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Shimmer of Possibility shines in its ability to seamlessly adapt to different playstyles and strategies, aptly fitting into decks that seek consistent card selection to sculpt the perfect hand.

Combo Potential: Due to its nature of looking at the top four cards of your library, Shimmer of Possibility can play a pivotal role in assembling combos, hitting the necessary pieces at the right moment.

Meta-Relevance: As decks continually strive for efficiency and effectiveness in the current meta, the inclusion of Shimmer of Possibility allows for greater deck resilience and adaptability in matching up against diverse opponents.


How to Beat

Shimmer of Possibility is a versatile sorcery spell that lets players look at the top four cards of their library and put one of them into their hand, the rest on the bottom of their library in any order. This presents a clear card selection advantage, allowing for strategic planning and smoother deck execution. In order to counteract this spell, one could employ tactics that restrict the opponent’s ability to sift through their deck and select cards.

Utilizing counter spells known to disrupt sorceries can effectively negate the benefits of Shimmer of Possibility. Cards such as Negate or Counterspell are examples of strong defense against it. Additionally, applying pressure through quick aggro strategies can also outpace the tempo gain provided by Shimmer of Possibility, reducing the overall impact the card can have on the game. Thus, presenting a formidable offense or having the right countermeasures can diffuse the advantageous card selection that Shimmer of Possibility could otherwise provide an MTG player.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Shimmer of Possibility MTG card by a specific set like Ravnica Allegiance, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Shimmer of Possibility and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Shimmer of Possibility has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
TimelessLegal