Watch: Why We Need Pithing Needle in Magic: The Gathering in Standard Now

Pithing Needle, one of the best one-drop Artifact in the history of Magic: The Gathering, can get really into your opponent's head. YouTuber TheMagicManSam has released a video explaining why we need Pithing Needle (or a variant of it) to return in the Standard format. In the 8-minute clip, he talks about how the card can often confuse even the most experienced players, highlighting the Modern match between Bob Huang and Bradley Carpenter in which Carpenter failed to name the full name of Borborygamos Enraged. The card also made bad beats when players were confused about using it against Underworld Connections. He also talks about the meaning of the word "Pithing" as well as the art. This is a great video to watch if you're confused about the rules surrounding Pithing Needle. 

Why bring it back in Standard now? According to TheMagicManSun, it's the "perfect sideboard card" that can keep midrange and control strategies in check. Watch the cool ideo below: 

I remember going to a Modern Grand Prix-Trial in Madcap Gaming, and I was running Jeskai Control; my opponent was playing Affinity, and he cast Pithing Needle. I was holding a Crytpic Command in my hand ready to counter it but before deciding to do so, I asked him to name a card, and he named "Flooded Strand" (I got 2 of them in play), to which I tried to cast my Crytpic Command to counter it but it was too late. My opponent called the judge and said I couldn't do that since he already named a card, so that means it was already resolved and I missed my chance to counter it, so I couldn't crack my fetchlands in play. Fortunately, I was still able to use Engineered Explosives to destroy the needle and fetch my way to victory. 

It was one of the biggest misplays I've done, but it also taught me more about the rules of Magic: The Gathering, so I'm thankful for the experience. Magic is such a complex and deep game with tons of possibilities, and even experienced players can be confused by a card's ruling.

It would be exciting to see Pithing Needle reprinted or see a new card like it printed for Standard format to keep Planeswalkers and other powerful strategies in check. Do you think Standard needs a card like Pithing Needle right now? Share your thoughts in the comments section below. 

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