Evaluating the "face down" mechanic | Forums

[psychobabble.]

just out of curiosity, which of the following cards do people think is more powerful:

#1 - Take a card from your hand and place it face down on the top of your library. Target friendly creature gains +2 [attack] until end of turn.
#2 - Discard a card. Target friendly creature gains +2 [attack] until end of turn.

At a fundamental level, and putting to one side synergies with specific cards like week of mercenaries or graveyard recursion, there is a correct answer to this quesion.

[ferere100]

I would take #2

[r3tsa]

2, I almost missread the effect. ;o

[Zmajoubica]

"Discard a card" and "Take a card from your hand and place it face down on the top of your library" is almost the same. In both cases, does not matter where, you lose 1 card from your hand. "Target friendly creature gains +2 [attack] until end of turn" and "Target friendly creature gains +2 [attack]" is too different. So, #2 is much better.

[IBasharAnge]

I think he meant the same effect for both abilities but different costs.

Spoiler:
Discarding a card (#2) is the same as putting one on top of your library (#1) but you get this free ability attached: "Draw a card then discard a card", a strictly better version of a free Day of Fortune. Unless you're close to be decked out, having this free effect is always good. So #2 > #1.


Note: if you want to add text that doesn't show unless it's highlighted, use COLOR="#171717".

[LQDBrunt]

Would take #2 anytime.
It allows me to get rid of the card i don't need at this moment and replace it with a new card the next time i draw.
Drawback would be one card less in your library when facing mill decks

[WalkingHawking]

In this case, #2, Ibashar explained it well.
Taking into account synergies, i'd possibly take #2 as well, not sure tho.

[Pjovejas]

just out of curiosity, which of the following cards do people think is more powerful:

#1 - Take a card from your hand and place it face down on the top of your library. Target friendly creature gains +2 [attack] until end of turn.
#2 - Discard a card. Target friendly creature gains +2 [attack].

If the wording i9s like this, then definetely #2. Just read the end of sentence in #1:

until end of turn.

almost nobody mentioned this huge difference

[IBasharAnge]

I think he meant the same effect for both abilities but different costs.

^^

[Pjovejas]

that's why I said "almost"