Mastering Dredge Cards in MTG: Uncovering the Secrets of N

When it comes to Magic: The Gathering, few abilities are as intriguing and powerful as dredge. This static ability has been a staple in many decks for years, but its intricacies can be daunting even for experienced players. In this article, we'll delve into the world of dredge cards and explore what they entail.

So, what exactly does 'dredge N' mean? Simply put, it means that as long as you have at least N cards in your library, when you would draw a card, you can instead mill N cards and return this card from your graveyard to your hand. This ability is only active while the card with dredge is in your graveyard, making it a crucial consideration for deckbuilders.

But what about wither, the ability that causes players and planeswalkers to lose life? According to the Comprehensive Rules (June 16, 2023, The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth), damage from sources with wither affects players and planeswalkers normally. When a source deals damage, its last known information is used if it has left the battlefield by then.

Interestingly, wither's effects are not limited to combat damage alone. Any damage dealt by an object with wither will cause lifelink and similar abilities to trigger. This means that the -1/-1 counters remain on the creature indefinitely, making it a formidable force on the battlefield.

But here's the twist: multiple instances of wither on the same object are redundant. And, regardless of what zone an object with wither deals damage from, its effects will still apply. Even if an object changes zones before dealing damage, its last known information is used to determine whether it had wither.

So, what does this mean for players? It means that when a source with wither deals damage, the controller of that source puts -1/-1 counters on the creature, rather than marking the damage on the creature itself. This subtle distinction can have significant implications for deckbuilding and strategy.

In conclusion, dredge cards are a powerful tool in MTG, but mastering them requires a deep understanding of their intricacies. From the effects of wither to the rules surrounding redundancy, there's no room for error when building a dredge-based deck. By studying these abilities and honing your skills, you can unlock the full potential of your MTG game.

Dredge cards mtg