Introduction
In the intricate world of Magic: The Gathering, where every card drawn and every decision made can swing the balance of power, card advantage and precise deck manipulation are paramount. Even the smallest edge, a slight tweak in your library’s contents, can be the difference between victory and crushing defeat. That’s where “Magic The Gathering Scry” comes into play. Scry, in its essence, allows you to peek at the top cards of your library and rearrange them to your advantage, discarding unwanted cards and securing the resources you need for the turns ahead.
But what *is* Scry, exactly? In straightforward terms, Scry lets you look at the top X cards of your library, then put any number of them on the bottom of your library in any order. The rest are then put back on top of your library in any order. It’s like a mini-fortune-telling, giving you a glimpse into the future and allowing you to shape your destiny, one card at a time. The mechanic grants you a degree of control unmatched by simple card draw, granting the ability to improve your draws and find the spells you need.
This article will illuminate why Magic The Gathering Scry is a highly valued and surprisingly common mechanic in Magic. We’ll explore the intricacies of how it functions, trace its evolution through Magic’s history, delve into the strategic depths it unlocks, showcase potent examples of its application, and offer actionable tips for mastering its use. Scry is much more than a simple mechanic; it’s a pathway to greater consistency, improved decision-making, and ultimately, more wins in your Magic: The Gathering games.
Understanding Scry Mechanics
Let’s break down the process step-by-step, making sure there’s no ambiguity. When a card instructs you to “Scry X,” you follow these steps:
First, you look at the top X cards of your library. Importantly, you do this secretly. Your opponent cannot see these cards. This information is only for you. Second, after looking at the cards, you decide which cards you want to put on the bottom of your library. You may put any number of those cards on the bottom, from zero to all of them. If you put more than one card on the bottom of your library, you get to choose the order in which they go. Finally, you put the cards you did not send to the bottom on top of your library in any order.
One key aspect of Scry is that it is generally an instant-speed decision. This means you can often use Scry at the end of your opponent’s turn or in response to a spell, maximizing its utility. You can also sequence Scry along with other deck manipulation effects like tutors to create even more potent combinations. For instance, you might Scry to find a specific land type before playing a fetch land, or you might Scry after playing a card that shuffles your library, allowing you to mitigate the randomness of the shuffle.
A somewhat niche but important rule interaction involves what happens when you have less cards than the number you’re supposed to scry. If you have fewer than X cards in your library while instructed to Scry X, you simply look at all the cards in your library, order them, and put them back. You can only look at the cards that are in your library at that time.
The History of Scry in Magic The Gathering
The ability to “Scry” burst onto the Magic: The Gathering scene with the release of the *Fifth Dawn* expansion in 2004. *Fifth Dawn* had an artifact theme, and the ability to peek at the top card of your library synergized with this theme as you searched for the right artifacts to cast.
Since its inception, the Scry mechanic has woven itself into the fabric of Magic, becoming a frequently revisited and highly regarded tool for players. Its versatility and power have made it a staple in numerous sets and across various formats. The design of scry cards have shifted slightly over the years, with some early cards offering scry as a bonus on already powerful effects.
Over the years, Scry has appeared in several key sets, becoming integral to the themes and strategies of those expansions. Sets like the *Theros* block (Theros, Born of the Gods, Journey into Nyx), which were heavily inspired by Greek mythology, prominently featured Scry to represent visions and prophecies. The mechanic fit perfectly within the thematic context of divining the future and manipulating fate. Scry also appears on the Temple lands, dual lands that are extremely popular in Commander.
The enduring appeal of Scry lies in its evergreen nature. It’s a mechanic that seamlessly integrates into almost any set, providing a consistent source of card selection and deck smoothing. Its presence signals Wizards of the Coast’s commitment to providing players with tools for strategic decision-making and deck refinement. It provides a small power boost to players without being overly complicated or warping the meta, making it ideal for Standard play.
Strategic Value and Magic The Gathering Scry
The true power of Magic The Gathering Scry resides in its strategic value. It offers a multitude of benefits that contribute to a more consistent and controlled gameplay experience:
Improved Card Quality: Scry drastically improves the quality of your draws by allowing you to filter out unwanted cards. If you’re desperate for a land but keep drawing spells, Scry gives you the opportunity to send those spells to the bottom of your library, increasing the odds of drawing the land you need.
Smoothing Draws: Mana flood (drawing too many lands) and mana screw (not drawing enough lands) are the bane of every Magic player’s existence. Scry acts as a buffer against these undesirable scenarios, helping you maintain a more balanced flow of resources.
Setting Up Future Turns: Scry is a powerful tool for planning ahead. By looking at your upcoming draws, you can make informed decisions about how to sequence your plays and prepare for your opponent’s potential actions. If you know you’re going to draw a powerful removal spell on your next turn, you can hold back your own threats and wait for the opportune moment to strike.
Information Gathering: While not its primary function, Scry can occasionally provide valuable information about your opponent’s strategy. If you Scry a key card to the bottom of your library, you know that it won’t be available to your opponent for the next few turns, allowing you to adjust your game plan accordingly. Scry also provides you with more information about what’s left in your deck.
Synergies with Other Mechanics: Scry often synergizes beautifully with other mechanics, creating powerful and unexpected combinations. Cards that care about the top card of your library, such as “Sensei’s Divining Top,” become even more potent when paired with Scry. Additionally, “Miracle” cards, which can be cast for a reduced cost when drawn as your first card each turn, benefit immensely from the ability to Scry them to the top of your library at the right moment. Many cards trigger off of you drawing a card, and it’s important to note that these do *not* trigger from scrying.
Scry Card Examples and Decks
Several iconic and powerful cards showcase the strength of Magic The Gathering Scry. “Preordain” and “Serum Visions” are format-defining blue spells that see play in multiple formats. Their low mana cost and efficient Scry ability make them essential tools for smoothing draws and finding key cards. The Temple lands, such as “Temple of Epiphany,” provide dual mana and allow you to Scry, making them valuable assets in two-color decks. Lastly, “Search for Azcanta” is a powerful land that provides card filtering and card advantage.
Various deck archetypes thrive on the consistency and control that Scry provides. Control decks, which aim to disrupt the opponent’s strategy and win in the late game, rely heavily on Scry to find removal spells, counterspells, and card draw engines. Combo decks, which seek to assemble a specific combination of cards to win the game in a single turn, use Scry to find the missing pieces of their combo. Scry can even be used in aggro decks to make sure they keep drawing creatures to keep the pressure on the opponent.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though Magic The Gathering Scry is a relatively simple mechanic, it’s easy to make mistakes if you’re not careful. Here are a few common pitfalls to avoid:
Rushing the Decision: Take your time to carefully consider your options. Don’t just blindly send cards to the bottom of your library without thinking about the consequences. It’s important to consider what your opponent might do.
Not Thinking Long-Term: Plan multiple turns ahead. Don’t just focus on the immediate turn; think about what cards you’ll need in the future.
Ignoring Context: Consider the current game state, your hand, and your opponent’s strategy. Your Scry decisions should be based on the specific circumstances of the game.
Overvaluing Specific Cards: The best card to keep on top of your library is highly dependent on the situation. Don’t be afraid to send a powerful card to the bottom if it’s not what you need at that moment.
Tips and Tricks to Level Up Your Scry
Mastering Magic The Gathering Scry requires practice, experience, and a deep understanding of your deck. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you improve your Scry skills:
Practice and Experience: The more you play with Scry, the better you’ll become at using it effectively. Experiment with different cards and strategies to see what works best for you.
Consider Your Mana Curve: Think about the mana costs of the cards you’ll need in the coming turns. If you need a three-mana play next turn, make sure you keep a three-mana card on top of your library.
Anticipate Your Opponent’s Plays: Try to predict what your opponent might do and Scry accordingly. If you suspect they’re going to play a creature, keep a removal spell on top of your library.
Know Your Deck: The better you understand your deck’s contents, the more effectively you can Scry. Keep track of the cards you’ve already seen and what cards are still in your library.
Mental Math: Remember the number of lands, creatures, and spells in your deck. This helps you make informed decisions about what to keep on top and what to send to the bottom.
Conclusion
Magic The Gathering Scry is an incredibly valuable and versatile mechanic that can significantly improve your win rate in Magic: The Gathering. It provides consistent card selection, smooths out your draws, and allows you to plan ahead. By mastering the art of Scry, you’ll gain a significant edge over your opponents.
I encourage you to continue to explore and experiment with Scry in your own decks. Try out different cards and strategies and see what works best for you. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at using Scry effectively.
Ultimately, remember the game is all about knowledge and control. Magic The Gathering Scry gives you both and allows you to shape your destiny, one card at a time. So go forth, embrace the power of Scry, and may your draws always be in your favor!
