Burning Inquiry MTG Card


Enables card advantage and disruption, facilitating unexpected twists in gameplay dynamics. Its low-cost, swift play can catch opponents unprepared, making it a strategic asset. Random discard elevates risk, providing a double-edged sword that requires careful deck integration.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Each player draws three cards, then discards three cards at random.

Jariad burned the midnight oil, burned through scroll after scroll, and then burned down his laboratory.


Cards like Burning Inquiry

Burning Inquiry has carved out a niche for itself among the card disruption options available to Magic: The Gathering players. This spell bears resemblance to Wheel of Fortune, which also forces players to discard their hand and draw seven new cards. However, Burning Inquiry offers a different strategic angle, requiring each player to draw and then discard three cards at random, making it more unpredictable.

Comparable too is Winds of Change, yet another reshuffling tool that has all players shuffle their hand into their library and draw that many cards. It’s non-random and allows players a degree of predictability, unlike the chaotic nature of Burning Inquiry. Another spell that involves a randomized element is Whirlpool Warrior. Upon entry and activation, it gives players the ability to shuffle their hand into their library and draws that many cards, effectively mimicking a portion of Burning Inquiry’s effect but with an added layer of control.

Ultimately, Burning Inquiry stands out with its low mana cost and effect. This makes it suitable for metagames where unpredictable disruption is key. Sketching parallels between these similar cards highlights how Burning Inquiry often leads to a high-stakes gamble, where the roll of the dice could turn the tide of the game.

Wheel of Fortune - MTG Card versions
Winds of Change - MTG Card versions
Whirlpool Warrior - MTG Card versions
Wheel of Fortune - MTG Card versions
Winds of Change - MTG Card versions
Whirlpool Warrior - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Burning Inquiry by color, type and mana cost

Earthquake - MTG Card versions
Fireball - MTG Card versions
Disintegrate - MTG Card versions
Goblin Grenade - MTG Card versions
Mana Clash - MTG Card versions
Winds of Change - MTG Card versions
Detonate - MTG Card versions
Blaze - MTG Card versions
Gamble - MTG Card versions
Meltdown - MTG Card versions
Landslide - MTG Card versions
Tremor - MTG Card versions
Ghitu Fire - MTG Card versions
Tahngarth's Glare - MTG Card versions
Lava Burst - MTG Card versions
Overmaster - MTG Card versions
Devil's Play - MTG Card versions
Firebolt - MTG Card versions
Crack the Earth - MTG Card versions
Meteor Shower - MTG Card versions
Earthquake - MTG Card versions
Fireball - MTG Card versions
Disintegrate - MTG Card versions
Goblin Grenade - MTG Card versions
Mana Clash - MTG Card versions
Winds of Change - MTG Card versions
Detonate - MTG Card versions
Blaze - MTG Card versions
Gamble - MTG Card versions
Meltdown - MTG Card versions
Landslide - MTG Card versions
Tremor - MTG Card versions
Ghitu Fire - MTG Card versions
Tahngarth's Glare - MTG Card versions
Lava Burst - MTG Card versions
Overmaster - MTG Card versions
Devil's Play - MTG Card versions
Firebolt - MTG Card versions
Crack the Earth - MTG Card versions
Meteor Shower - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Burning Inquiry. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Rakdos BreachRakdos Breach ModernRakdos BreachMTG SEA Championship Final Season 2 Round 2
MadnessMadness LegacyMadnessLegacy Challenge 32 2024-03-09
Jund MadnessJund Madness LegacyMadness2 LPL OPEN - SEASON V - Liga Paulista Legacy
Rakdos ControlRakdos Control ModernRakdos Midrange*HALF PRICE FRIDAY* Modern $10K Trial - SCG CON Atlanta - Friday - 4:00 pm
Rakdos MidrangeRakdos Midrange ModernRakdos MidrangeModern Preliminary 2024-02-21 (1)
CrabvineCrabvine Modern*HALF PRICE FRIDAY* $5K RCQ - Modern - SCG CON Atlanta - Friday - 1:00 pm
Rakdos DiscardRakdos Discard ModernRakdos MidrangeGrand Open Qualifier Prague 2024
Rakdos ComboRakdos Combo ModernRakdos MidrangeGrand Open Qualifier Prague 2024
Mono-Red MadnessMono-Red Madness ModernVengevineHBMO24 - Sunday Modern ReCQ
Gruul AsmoGruul Asmo ModernVengevine2024 Hunter Burton Memorial Open

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Burning Inquiry offers a unique approach to card advantage by making all players draw three cards, potentially disrupting your opponent’s strategy while refilling your own hand.

Resource Acceleration: This card can unexpectedly accelerate your game plan in decks that benefit from discarding, such as those with graveyard synergy or madness mechanics, giving you an edge by utilizing resources from your discard.

Instant Speed: Although not an instant, its low casting cost allows for swift and surprising play, catching opponents off guard and quickly changing the state of the game.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the drawbacks of Burning Inquiry is the mandatory discard of three cards at random, which can be risky if you’re in need of key cards in your hand.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring a single red mana can limit the flexibility in multicolor decks that may not always have the right mana available when needed.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Though costing only one red mana, the unpredictable nature of its discard effect can provide a potential disadvantage compared to other low-cost card draw spells that offer more control over the outcome.


Reasons to Include Burning Inquiry in Your Collection

Versatility: Burning Inquiry offers a unique dynamic to any deck by forcing both the player and opponents to draw and then discard cards at random. This can be a boon to strategies that thrive on disrupting the opponent’s hand while refilling their own.

Combo Potential: With the ability to unsettle an opponent’s carefully curated hand, it opens doors to numerous synergistic plays. Burning Inquiry can be a key piece in decks that capitalize on discard or graveyard strategies, acting as a powerful enabler for combo setups.

Meta-Relevance: Given its disruptive nature, Burning Inquiry can shine in metas where hand quality is paramount. As decks aim to optimize play sequences, even the smallest wrench in the works like a timely Burning Inquiry can tip the scales in your favor.


How to beat

Burning Inquiry is a unique spell in the world of Magic: The Gathering, known especially for its potential to disrupt the carefully sculpted hands of both the player who casts it and their opponents. This card compels each player to draw three cards and then discard three cards at random, a feature that can cause havoc in strategies that rely on specific card combinations.

To effectively counteract Burning Inquiry, consider incorporating cards that benefit from having cards discarded, such as those with Madness or abilities that trigger when a card is discarded. Graveyard-focused decks also turn what seems like a disadvantage into an asset by reaping benefits from discarded cards. Playing with a higher number of duplicate cards in your deck increases the chances that even after discarding, you’ll still have the essential pieces you need to execute your strategy.

Controlling when your opponent can cast Burning Inquiry is also crucial. Cards that restrict spell casting to specific times, or that tax your opponent’s resources for casting spells outside of their turn, can mitigate its impact. Past the chaos it introduces, adapting your strategy to anticipate the randomness can ensure that Burning Inquiry doesn’t devastate your game plan.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dive into the clever playstyles unlocked by Burning Inquiry and explore strategies where chaos reigns. Its ability to disrupt and accelerate holds potential for the sharp strategist. Ideal for decks that utilize graveyard synergy or crave the thrill of random chance, this card can become the lynchpin of an unexpected victory. Understand that each game is more than mere chance; it’s about adapting and optimizing with every draw and discard. Harness Burning Inquiry’s power to throw adversaries off balance or to fuel your own fiery combos. For more insights into mastering this tricky card, join our community and redefine your MTG experience.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Burning Inquiry MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2010 and Mystery Booster Retail Edition Foils, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Burning Inquiry and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Burning Inquiry Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2009-07-17 and 2020-03-08. Illustrated by 4 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12009-07-17Magic 2010M10 1282003NormalBlackZoltan Boros & Gabor Szikszai
22020-03-08Mystery Booster Retail Edition FoilsFMB1 482003NormalBlackZoltan Boros & Gabor Szikszai
32020-09-26The ListPLST M10-1282003NormalBlackZoltan Boros & Gabor Szikszai

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Burning Inquiry has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Burning Inquiry card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2009-10-01 Each player must discard three cards, even a player that (for some reason) didn’t actually draw three cards.
2009-10-01 First the player whose turn it is draws three cards, then each other player in turn order does so. Then the active player randomly chooses the three cards they will discard, then each other player in turn order does so. Then all the cards are discarded at the same time.