The main difference between this card and Fact of Fiction is that - forget about all those mind tricks and only focus on an abstract idea of how many cards' worth of power you're getting - you get a maximum of 2.5 cards from this card while a minimum of 2.5 cards from FoF. Whoever seperates the piles (you in Steam Augury, your opponent in FoF) will generally try to make the two piles as even as possible (hence "2.5 cards".) The point is that you get the worse pile (at most 2.5 cards) with Steam Augury, but the better pile (at least 2.5 cards) with FoF.
This of course says almost nothing about Steam Augury, since FoF itself would have been insanely broken for Standard. A good comparison would be Inspiration, which is slightly subpar and just need a little bit extra on it to see play. Going from 2 to 2.5 cards makes a big difference. However, this card does suffer from a number of issues. The instant speed matters less today since counterspells are in... (see all)
Posted By:
sweetgab
(9/21/2013 11:48:19 PM)
Split 5-0, confuse opponent, always get the 5.
Posted By:
Purplerooster
(9/17/2013 4:30:41 PM)
Fact or Fiction will mostly be a better card, but this is no slouch. Will give instant speed card advantage, and stocks up the graveyard for decks that care about it.
Also worth noting that this might be the best card draw spell that is usable with Sunforger shenanigans.
Posted By:
Tayren
(10/14/2013 6:11:40 AM)
And the award for most Modern-playable new Theros card goes to... (smartass Kurraga)
Posted By:
Continue
(9/17/2013 5:26:27 PM)
This seems like it will be a VERY fun card for both players. Easily one of my favorite cards in the set, even if I don't see myself playing it.
Posted By:
.Blaze.
(9/17/2013 5:15:33 PM)
Really good with Spellheart Chimera.
Posted By:
Lord_of_Gelectrodes
(9/17/2013 5:09:57 PM)
An inverse Fact or Fiction. And it's still playable?
Posted By:
TheManakinTransfer
(9/17/2013 4:57:53 PM)
Not sure if just Good or if Very Good. :/
Should be called Truth or Dare. :P
Posted By:
Lord_of_Tresserhorn
(9/17/2013 5:05:19 PM)
I took one look at this card and almost dropped my laptop. "Good Lord," I thought to myself, "It's Fact or Fiction. Wizards reprinted Fact or Fiction." Then I re-read it and realized it was more like an reversed FoF and still got a little worried.
Posted By:
Avensai
(9/17/2013 9:16:48 PM)
The thing I like about this as opposed to Fact or Fiction is that this allows you to initiate the mindgames, not your opponent. I'm not sure how, but I feel that has some potential to be an advantage. Not that that makes it better, just more interesting.
Posted By:
MadMethod
(9/17/2013 9:50:39 PM)