Words of War MTG Card


Turning card draws into damage with Words of War pressures opponents while you sculpt your strategic hand. It allows for instant speed surprises, converting draws into damage when opponents least expect it. Words of War demands a card discard, potentially limiting its benefit during long, resource-driven matches.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeEnchantment

Text of card

o1: The next time you would draw a card this turn, Words of War deals 2 damage to target creature or player instead.

"Passions can't be shackled by laws or mastered with logic. The choice is freedom or death." —*Volume IV, The Book of Fire*


Cards like Words of War

Words of War offers a unique twist on direct damage abilities in Magic: The Gathering. It’s reminiscent of cards like Psionic Blast, which similarly delivers damage directly to any target. What distinguishes Words of War is its ability to replace any card draw with damage, essentially turning draw spells into potential burn spells. Unlike Psionic Blast, Words of War requires an ongoing investment of mana and the actual draw of a card to activate, yet it provides a more consistent damage output over time.

In the same category, we find cards like Flame Rift, a spell that deals damage to each player. Although Flame Rift doesn’t offer the tactical control of targeting that Words of War does, it excels in its low-cost, high-impact burst of damage. Comparably, Sulfuric Vortex is an enchantment that deals automatic damage during each player’s upkeep, ensuring a steady burn without the need for card sacrifice or mana investment; however, it lacks the controlled targeting of Words of War.

Considering the strategic flexibility and the potential to disrupt opponents’ plans through card draw conversion, Words of War presents itself as a powerful tool for players looking to turn card advantage into direct board influence and player damage within games of Magic: The Gathering.

Psionic Blast - MTG Card versions
Flame Rift - MTG Card versions
Sulfuric Vortex - MTG Card versions
Psionic Blast - MTG Card versions
Flame Rift - MTG Card versions
Sulfuric Vortex - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Words of War by color, type and mana cost

Mana Flare - MTG Card versions
Gravity Sphere - MTG Card versions
Goblin War Drums - MTG Card versions
Aggression - MTG Card versions
Heat Stroke - MTG Card versions
Seismic Assault - MTG Card versions
Torch Song - MTG Card versions
Ghitu War Cry - MTG Card versions
Goblin Warrens - MTG Card versions
Fervor - MTG Card versions
Spellshock - MTG Card versions
Mana Cache - MTG Card versions
Citadel of Pain - MTG Card versions
Insolence - MTG Card versions
Steam Vines - MTG Card versions
Curse of Hospitality - MTG Card versions
Anax, Hardened in the Forge - MTG Card versions
Draconic Destiny - MTG Card versions
Mechanized Warfare - MTG Card versions
Blood Moon - MTG Card versions
Mana Flare - MTG Card versions
Gravity Sphere - MTG Card versions
Goblin War Drums - MTG Card versions
Aggression - MTG Card versions
Heat Stroke - MTG Card versions
Seismic Assault - MTG Card versions
Torch Song - MTG Card versions
Ghitu War Cry - MTG Card versions
Goblin Warrens - MTG Card versions
Fervor - MTG Card versions
Spellshock - MTG Card versions
Mana Cache - MTG Card versions
Citadel of Pain - MTG Card versions
Insolence - MTG Card versions
Steam Vines - MTG Card versions
Curse of Hospitality - MTG Card versions
Anax, Hardened in the Forge - MTG Card versions
Draconic Destiny - MTG Card versions
Mechanized Warfare - MTG Card versions
Blood Moon - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
EnchantressEnchantress PremodernEternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Words of War card offers a unique way to turn potential card draw into direct damage, allowing you to keep the pressure on your opponent while shaping your hand to fit your strategy.

Resource Acceleration: This enchantment can transform any standard card draw into an efficient damage-dealing tool without the need for additional mana investment, speeding up your game plan significantly.

Instant Speed: Although Words of War itself doesn’t operate at instant speed, it allows you to utilize your card drawing spells at instant speed to turn them into sudden damage sources, catching opponents off-guard during their turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The ability of Words of War necessitates the discarding of a card, which can be a costly ordeal when your hand is dwindling. This trade-off can sometimes hinder your card advantage, particularly in prolonged games where each resource counts.

Specific Mana Cost: Words of War demands a precise combination of mana, including one red. This mana restriction can make it challenging to incorporate into multicolor decks that don’t heavily feature red, potentially limiting its versatility across various deck types.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With an activation cost of two generic and one red mana, Words of War may seem inefficient compared to other options that cost less but still provide similar or greater impact. Competitive players, in particular, may opt for alternatives that offer damage output or card influence at a lower mana investment.


Reasons to Include Words of War in Your Collection

Versatility: Words of War offers a unique ability to transform card draw into direct damage, making it a flexible tool in decks that revolve around card draw mechanics or require alternative win conditions.

Combo Potential: This card can synergize with effects that allow you to draw multiple cards per turn, turning surplus draws into a consistent damage output, which can close out games or disrupt opponent strategies.

Meta-Relevance: In metas where life totals can be a fragile resource, Words of War provides a repeatable method to whittle down an opponent’s health, making it a valuable inclusion in metagames where direct damage can turn the tides of battle.


How to beat

Words of War is an intriguing enchantment in Magic: The Gathering that offers a unique alternative to drawing cards. Instead of pulling a new card into your hand, it allows you to pay a fee and turn that draw into direct damage to any target. To effectively counter this, control of card advantage becomes crucial. Prioritizing the removal of enchantments, through cards like Disenchant or Naturalize, can swiftly nullify Words of War’s effect. Additionally, hand disruption tactics can strip this tool from an opponent before it ever hits the playfield.

Another critical strategy involves minimizing the chances for your opponent to capitalize on card draws. This can be achieved by utilizing counter spells to prevent Words of War from being cast in the first place, or by applying pressure with a quicker, more aggressive game plan. By forcing your opponent to use their mana to defend rather than fuel Words of War, you can significantly dampen the impact of this card on the game’s outcome. Remember to always watch for opportunities to disrupt your opponent’s strategies and maintain the upper hand.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Words of War MTG card by a specific set like Onslaught and The List, 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 Words of War and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Words of War Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2002-10-07 and 2002-10-07. Illustrated by Justin Sweet.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-10-07OnslaughtONS 2441997NormalBlackJustin Sweet
22020-09-26The ListPLST ONS-2441997NormalBlackJustin Sweet

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Words of War has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Words of War card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2004-10-04 If multiple Words have been used prior to drawing a card, then you can choose which one to apply (and use up) each time you draw a card.