Scrying in Magic: The Gathering

As a Magic: The Gathering (MTG) player, you likely know that scrying is a key mechanic in the game. But what exactly is scrying? How does it work, and why is it important? In this in-depth blog post, we will explore the concept of scrying in MTG, its history, various card interactions, and strategies to enhance your gameplay.

What is Scrying?

Scrying is a game mechanic in MTG that allows a player to look at a certain number of cards from the top of their library, rearrange them if desired, and place them back on top of the library in any order. The number of cards you can scry is usually specified on a card as a part of its ability.

The act of scrying offers players the ability to manipulate the order of upcoming draws and gives them more control over their future plays. It provides a glimpse of what is to come, potentially giving players an advantage by planning their next moves more effectively.

A Brief History of Scrying

Scrying made its debut in MTG with the release of the Fifth Dawn expansion set in 2004, in which it became a recurring mechanic across multiple sets.

Since its introduction, scrying has become an integral part of the game, featuring in various colors and card types. It has been recognized for its strategic value and ability to influence gameplay decisions.

Scrying Card Interactions

Scrying can be found on a wide range of card types, including sorceries, instants, artifacts, enchantments, and creatures. Each scrying ability may have a different triggering condition and effect.

For example, the card “Preordain” allows you to scry 2, meaning you get to look at the top two cards of your library, rearrange them if you choose, and decide the order in which they go back on top of your library. This can help you set up your draws and potentially filter out unwanted cards.

Another popular scry-related card is “Temple of Enlightenment.” This land card enters the battlefield tapped but allows you to scry 1 when it does. This means that by playing Temple of Enlightenment, you can set up your next draw even without using an additional spell or ability.

Scrying can also be found in combination with other abilities. For example, some cards may allow you to draw an additional card after scrying or interact with cards based on the number of cards you scryed. These interactions offer additional strategic possibilities and increase your chances of finding the cards you need at crucial moments.

Strategies for Utilizing Scrying

Scrying can be a powerful tool if used strategically. Here are a few key strategies to consider when incorporating scrying into your gameplay:

Filtering Your Library

One of the primary benefits of scrying is the ability to filter your library, allowing you to remove unwanted cards from your upcoming draws. By setting up the top of your library with cards that align with your current game plan, you increase your chances of drawing useful spells, creatures, or lands in subsequent turns.

For example, if you don’t need additional land cards at the moment, scrying can help you push them to the bottom of your library, reducing the likelihood of drawing them on your upcoming turns. This way, you can focus on finding the specific cards that will advance your strategy.

Setting Up Combos

Scrying can also assist in setting up powerful card combinations. By rearranging the order of your library, you can ensure that the necessary pieces of a combo are in your hand or within your next few draws. This allows you to unleash devastating combinations and catch your opponents off guard.

For example, if you have a combo that requires specific cards to be in your hand, scrying can help you dig deeper into your library to find those cards. By prioritizing those cards and potentially rearranging your library to draw them, you increase your chances of executing your strategy successfully.

Countering Your Opponent

Scrying can also be employed defensively to counter your opponent’s strategy. By scrying and rearranging your library, you can increase your chances of drawing answers or disruption cards that directly prevent or hinder your opponent’s game plan.

For instance, if you are facing an opponent who relies heavily on a specific creature or strategy, scrying can help you find removal spells or cards that neutralize their threats. By strategically manipulating the top of your library, you can improve your chances of drawing the cards you need to disrupt their strategy.

Conclusion

Scrying is a valuable tool in any MTG player’s arsenal. It provides strategic advantages by allowing players to manipulate their upcoming draws, filter their libraries, set up powerful combos, and counter their opponents’ strategies. By understanding and utilizing the scry mechanic effectively, you can enhance your gameplay and increase your chances of victory.

So, next time you scry in a game of Magic: The Gathering, consider how you can use this powerful ability to shape your future draws and take control of the game.