Crystal Ball MTG Card


Instant speed scrying with Crystal Ball adjusts game plans swiftly and effectively for control and midrange decks. Scrying streamlines draw quality, making Crystal Ball a potent tool for maintaining strategic advantage. High mana costs and specific requirements highlight a balance between Crystal Ball’s power and deck synergy.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeArtifact
Abilities Scry

Text of card

, : Scry 2. (To scry 2, look at the top two cards of your library, then put any number of them on the bottom of your library and the rest on top in any order.)

It glints with arcane truths to those who know how to glimpse them.


Cards like Crystal Ball

The Crystal Ball is an intriguing artifact in MTG that offers foresight into upcoming draws. It bears resemblance to other scrying tools such as Sensei’s Divining Top which also allows players to manipulate the top cards of their library. The Crystal Ball, however, requires a mana investment for its activation, making the process slightly slower yet still a powerful deck manipulation method.

Peering further into the world of scrying artifacts, we encounter the Mystic Speculation. While this card demands blue mana and falls into the category of sorceries, it provides a repeatable scry 3 effect, presenting a trade-off between card type and the depth of scrying offered. Another comparable permanent is the Soothsaying enchantment which allows unlimited scrys at a variable mana cost.

To summarize, while each artifact and spell presents its unique avenue for strategic deck sifting in MTG, Crystal Ball stands out for those who prefer a reusable scrying option without committing to a certain color, fitting seamlessly into a wide array of decks seeking to optimize draw quality.

Sensei's Divining Top - MTG Card versions
Mystic Speculation - MTG Card versions
Soothsaying - MTG Card versions
Sensei's Divining Top - MTG Card versions
Mystic Speculation - MTG Card versions
Soothsaying - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Crystal Ball by color, type and mana cost

Celestial Prism - MTG Card versions
Runed Arch - MTG Card versions
Clay Pigeon - MTG Card versions
Ashnod's Altar - MTG Card versions
Jalum Tome - MTG Card versions
Patchwork Gnomes - MTG Card versions
The Stasis Coffin - MTG Card versions
Captain's Hook - MTG Card versions
Spellweaver Helix - MTG Card versions
Scale of Chiss-Goria - MTG Card versions
Lightning Coils - MTG Card versions
Loxodon Warhammer - MTG Card versions
Sword of Feast and Famine - MTG Card versions
Training Drone - MTG Card versions
Pristine Talisman - MTG Card versions
Alloy Myr - MTG Card versions
Guardians of Meletis - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Shackles - MTG Card versions
Herald's Horn - MTG Card versions
Manalith - MTG Card versions
Celestial Prism - MTG Card versions
Runed Arch - MTG Card versions
Clay Pigeon - MTG Card versions
Ashnod's Altar - MTG Card versions
Jalum Tome - MTG Card versions
Patchwork Gnomes - MTG Card versions
The Stasis Coffin - MTG Card versions
Captain's Hook - MTG Card versions
Spellweaver Helix - MTG Card versions
Scale of Chiss-Goria - MTG Card versions
Lightning Coils - MTG Card versions
Loxodon Warhammer - MTG Card versions
Sword of Feast and Famine - MTG Card versions
Training Drone - MTG Card versions
Pristine Talisman - MTG Card versions
Alloy Myr - MTG Card versions
Guardians of Meletis - MTG Card versions
Vedalken Shackles - MTG Card versions
Herald's Horn - MTG Card versions
Manalith - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Crystal Ball’s scrying ability greatly enhances your ability to sift through the top cards of your deck, effectively allowing you to find the key components you need to execute your strategy. This improved selection process ensures that you maintain a high quality of draws, which can be a decisive factor for victory.

Resource Acceleration: While the Crystal Ball itself does not directly accelerate resources, it indirectly contributes to resource optimization. By facilitating better draw quality, it ensures that you’re more likely to access the lands and spells you need exactly when you need them, enabling smoother gameplay and quicker access to your deck’s full potential.

Instant Speed: One of the most attractive features of the Crystal Ball is its flexibility. It can be activated at instant speed, allowing you to make informed decisions on the fly without having to commit to a certain line of play until necessary. This utility shines in the control and midrange archetypes where discerning the correct path forward can be game-deciding.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Engaging with the Crystal Ball requires a certain level of commitment. To activate its predictive powers, you must be willing to let go of a card from your hand. This can be particularly taxing if your hand is already running low, making each card an essential component to your strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: Commanding the forces of prophecy doesn’t come without its restrictions. The Crystal Ball demands a precise combination of mana to harness its potential, which may not always align with the energy you have at your disposal. This constraint could narrow the card’s compatibility, favoring decks that can readily meet its criteria over those with a more diverse mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: To pierce through the veil of the future, a considerable mana investment is necessary. When you compare the Crystal Ball to other available options, you might find that its cost is on the higher end. As players look for the most efficient ways to gain an advantage, they might opt for alternative cards that strike a better balance between cost and effect.


Reasons to Include Crystal Ball in Your Collection

Versatility: Crystal Ball is an asset to any deck that aims for consistent draws or needs to control the top cards of the library. It excels in formats where having the right card at the right time is crucial.

Combo Potential: With its ability to scry multiple cards, Crystal Ball can sift through decks quickly to find combo pieces or set up the perfect sequence of draws, enhancing your deck’s synergies and interactions immensely.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state where knowing your next moves can make or break your strategy, Crystal Ball provides a level of control and foresight that can be a deciding factor in matches, especially in slower, more control-oriented metas.


How to beat

Crystal Ball is an intriguing artifact in MTG that allows players to manipulate the top of their library for strategic advantage. Boasting the ability to scry 2 for just 3 mana, it can significantly improve the quality of draws over time. However, going up against this powerful card requires a smart approach. Artifact removal spells are your best bet. Cards like Naturalize or Disenchant can take care of the Crystal Ball quickly and prevent your opponent from setting up their draws. It’s also worth considering more versatile options like Abrade, which can deal with creatures or artifacts alike.

Furthermore, if you’re playing blue, countering Crystal Ball on its initial cast is an efficient way to nip the problem in the bud. Keep an eye out for spells like Negate or Counterspell. These can effectively deny your opponent their crystal visions. Finally, if the Crystal Ball does slip through, instant-speed artifact removal is crucial. Thriving on its owner’s turn, you’ll want to remove the artifact before they gain the full value from scry. Staying a step ahead, disrupting key strategies, and understanding when to strike can turn the tide in your favor against a card like Crystal Ball.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dive into the depths of deck refinement with the Crystal Ball and harness the power of scrying to steer your MTG matches towards victory. Whether it’s achieving card advantage, hastening your plays, or making decisive moves at instant speed, the Crystal Ball can sharpen your strategic edge. It’s crucial to weigh its mana demands and consider how it fits into your deck’s composition. Yet, the potential for seamless synergy with your combos and its standing in the meta make it a considerable contender. Enhance your collection’s prowess, outmaneuver your opponents, and shine a light on your path to triumph with this mystical artifact. Delve into the specifics and watch your gameplay evolve with all the insights we’ve gathered just for you.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Crystal Ball MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2011 and Commander 2018, 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 Crystal Ball and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Crystal Ball Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2010-07-16 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Ron Spencer.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12010-07-16Magic 2011M11 2032003NormalBlackRon Spencer
22018-08-09Commander 2018C18 2012015NormalBlackRon Spencer
32019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 15682015NormalBlackRon Spencer
42020-09-26The ListPLST C18-2012015NormalBlackRon Spencer

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Crystal Ball has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal