While this card isn't strictly worse than tidings, it's very close. Just pretend your opponent says, "Ok, I don't care what the first 3 cards are, I'll let you draw them." Then this is 4U for three cards (that your opponent can see), while tidings is basically the same cost (3UU) for 4 cards that other players don't get to look at. Plus, if the 3 cards happen to be amazing, this gives you opponent the option to get rid of them.
Therefore, other than the slightly more restrictive cost, this card is strictly worse than tidings.
Posted By:
marmaris74
(8/8/2011 10:49:11 AM)
jank
Posted By:
Arachibutyrophobia
(8/17/2011 10:22:18 PM)
The only way to use this is library manipulation and a good poker face. But why bother? Just throw down Concentrate...
Posted By:
LordRandomness
(1/5/2012 4:46:23 PM)
To simplify: Giving your opponent 0 choice > Giving your opponent 1 or more choices.
1/5
Posted By:
YawgmothsWish
(2/18/2012 3:15:25 PM)
there's no doubt about it, this card is just awful. if the top three cards are irrelevant you A) paid 2 more than counsel of the soratami AND your opponent knows three of the cards in your hand. if the top three cards are stuff you actually need at that point in the game, you get 5 cards that are likely to be just far less relevant and game breaking.
Posted By:
Hydrogoose
(3/22/2009 2:30:09 AM)
...And why exactly is this piece of junk rare?! I demand an explanation! This is strictly worse than Tidings. Give me back my good blue drawing spells, Wizards!!! 1/5.
Posted By:
True_Mumin
(6/16/2009 12:09:38 PM)
jace's ingenuity is the same cost, doesn't let your opponent have you draw other cards instead, and is instant speed.
Posted By:
catowner
(7/17/2010 11:35:17 AM)
Awful. As True_Mumin said, this is strictly worse than tidings. ShoeZ, even if you are playing something with graveyard effects, you're still giving your opponent the option to put those cards into the graveyard, which they won't do: they'll let you draw them, and thank you for letting them see what's in your hand.
Posted By:
ScissorsLizard
(10/14/2009 5:33:54 PM)
i get that the idea is for grixis, but for the same CMC you can instead have the awesome hilarity of drastic revelation.
Posted By:
metalevolence
(11/19/2009 11:55:05 PM)
Looks like the same ***ure as Sign in Blood
Posted By:
NeoSin
(8/25/2010 7:17:24 PM)