Excavation Technique MTG Card


Excavation Technique grants card advantage and dynamic board control with its “demonstrate” mechanic. At instant speed, it disrupts opponents and adds a layer of surprise and strategy to play. Despite its higher mana cost and white mana specificity, its versatility in decks is undeniable.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeSorcery
Abilities Demonstrate,Treasure

Text of card

Demonstrate (When you cast this spell, you may copy it. If you do, choose an opponent to also copy it. Players may choose new targets for their copies.) Destroy target nonland permanent. Its controller creates two Treasure tokens.

"Stand back. This part gets messy."


Cards like Excavation Technique

Excavation Technique has carved its niche within the plethora of spell cards Magic: The Gathering has to offer. It shares a functional similarity with cards like Nahiri’s Lithoforming which also allows players to sacrifice lands in exchange for potential game-shifting benefits. Excavation Technique, with its unique demonstrate mechanic, can set up powerful plays by destroying any nonland permanent and allowing a replication of the spell, albeit with an ally’s consent

Comparing it further, we see the resemblance to cards like Terastodon, which not only deals with permanents but also offers a creature on the battlefield. Each card brings something different to the table: Excavation Technique allows a more strategic approach through its replicate option while Terastodon can immediately impact the board state by providing a heavy-hitting creature. Another card that operates in a similar fashion is Rain of Thorns, offering versatile choices in the destruction of artifacts, enchantments, or lands at a six mana value.

While evaluating their amenities, it’s evident that Excavation Technique is a valuable card for the right deck, capable of swinging the momentum with its targeted removal and the potential to cast twice, crafting opportunities for savvy players in Magic: The Gathering.

Nahiri's Lithoforming - MTG Card versions
Terastodon - MTG Card versions
Rain of Thorns - MTG Card versions
Nahiri's Lithoforming - MTG Card versions
Terastodon - MTG Card versions
Rain of Thorns - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Excavation Technique by color, type and mana cost

Wrath of God - MTG Card versions
Armageddon - MTG Card versions
Resurrection - MTG Card versions
Cleanse - MTG Card versions
Breath of Life - MTG Card versions
Path of Peace - MTG Card versions
Vengeance - MTG Card versions
False Defeat - MTG Card versions
Ravages of War - MTG Card versions
Replenish - MTG Card versions
Gerrard's Wisdom - MTG Card versions
Decree of Justice - MTG Card versions
Day of Judgment - MTG Card versions
Starnheim Unleashed - MTG Card versions
Presence of the Wise - MTG Card versions
Divine Congregation - MTG Card versions
Retether - MTG Card versions
Misfortune's Gain - MTG Card versions
Windborne Charge - MTG Card versions
Captain's Call - MTG Card versions
Wrath of God - MTG Card versions
Armageddon - MTG Card versions
Resurrection - MTG Card versions
Cleanse - MTG Card versions
Breath of Life - MTG Card versions
Path of Peace - MTG Card versions
Vengeance - MTG Card versions
False Defeat - MTG Card versions
Ravages of War - MTG Card versions
Replenish - MTG Card versions
Gerrard's Wisdom - MTG Card versions
Decree of Justice - MTG Card versions
Day of Judgment - MTG Card versions
Starnheim Unleashed - MTG Card versions
Presence of the Wise - MTG Card versions
Divine Congregation - MTG Card versions
Retether - MTG Card versions
Misfortune's Gain - MTG Card versions
Windborne Charge - MTG Card versions
Captain's Call - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Excavation Technique opens the door to multiple card interactions due to its unique “demonstrate” capability. Every time it’s played, you can choose an opponent to also gain the spell’s effect. Ideally, when you partner with an ally in a multiplayer setup, you both can clear the field of unwanted permanents, effectively building up considerable advantage on the board.

Resource Acceleration: Removing key pieces from your opponent’s setup can drastically slow them down, giving you a significant upper hand. Denying resources or pivotal cards sets back other players and propels you closer to a winning state, especially in longer, grindy matches. This delay in your opponents’ strategies can be as beneficial as speeding up your own game.

Instant Speed: This card’s flexibility to be cast at instant speed is crucial. It allows for strategic depth and surprise factor, as you can wait for the most opportune moment to dismantle a problematic permanent. Combine this with resource denial or interference with an opponent’s grand plan at a pivotal turn, and Excavation Technique stands out as a dynamic and potentially game-swinging card.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Excavation Technique necessitates the discard of a card as an additional cost, presenting a potential setback when you’re managing a thin hand and needing to maintain resource advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a precise mana alignment with white, potentially constraining its integration into decks that span multiple colors or those that have a base other than white mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With an investment of five mana, Excavation Technique’s cost is significant, especially when evaluating it against other options that can accomplish similar effects or board control at a more reasonable mana expenditure.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Excavation Technique offers flexibility in gameplay, as it’s a card that can be used in multiple scenarios. Its dual ability to destroy a nonland permanent and provide additional card advantage through its demonstrate keyword allows it to be a useful tool in an array of decks, ranging from control to midrange.

Combo Potential: This card opens up avenues for combo interactions within decks focusing on spellslinging or permanent destruction. By choosing to demonstrate the spell, you can essentially double its effect, leading to potential game-changing moments if paired with the right cards.

Meta-Relevance: Given the right meta, Excavation Technique becomes a valuable asset against opponents’ strategies that rely on key permanents. Its ability to disrupt and turn the tide of a game makes it a worthy inclusion during times when the meta is laden with heavy-hitters or intricate combo pieces.


How to beat

Excavation Technique is a unique card that introduces a twist to Magic: The Gathering’s removal and duplication strategies. Its highlight is the Demonstrate keyword, allowing you to copy the spell if you let an opponent do the same. To effectively tackle this spell, one must weigh the risks and benefits of its potential impact on the game. A strategic approach involves maintaining a minimalistic board presence, reducing the spell’s value and duplicates your opponent may obtain. It’s also beneficial to hold onto instant-speed removal or counterspells to address the duplicated threat directly. Holding back key creatures or permanents until after Excavation Technique is resolved can mitigate its impact. Finally, considering graveyard interactions and exile effects can help manage the aftermath, as it leaves a clear path for recursion strategies otherwise.

By carefully controlling the board state and keeping a sharp eye on your opponent’s mana availability, you can prepare for possible copies of Excavation Technique. Proper timing, resource evaluation, and threat assessment are crucial to outmaneuver this potentially game-altering spell. Hence, the flexibility in response and strategic forethought play pivotal roles in turning the tide against the daunting duplication power of Excavation Technique.


BurnMana Recommendations

For the versatile strategist, Excavation Technique offers a fresh take on control and card advantage. Its ability to disrupt the playing field while potentially doubling its impact makes it a smart addition to many MTG decks. As you refine your deck, consider how it could shift the balance in your favor, exploiting the demonstrate mechanic for powerful plays. If you aim to broaden your horizons within the MTG world, incorporating nuanced cards like this could very well be your ace in the hole. Keen to enhance your deck’s potency and outplay your opponents? We’re here to guide you on this captivating journey through the art of deckbuilding and strategic gameplay. Stay ahead of the curve and transform each duel into a showcase of finesse and tactical acumen with BurnMana’s insights.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Excavation Technique MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Commander 2021, 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 Excavation Technique 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 Excavation Technique Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2021-04-23 and 2021-04-23. Illustrated by Francisco Miyara.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 899962015NormalBlackFrancisco Miyara
22021-04-23Commander 2021C21 162015NormalBlackFrancisco Miyara
32021-04-23Commander 2021C21 3432015NormalBlackFrancisco Miyara

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Excavation Technique has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2021-04-16 If the spell requires targets, you choose the target of the original spell as you cast it. If you create a copy of the spell, you may choose new targets for the copy as you create that copy. Similarly, the opponent you chose to create a copy may choose new targets for that copy as it’s created. In other words, your opponent will know the targets of your original spell and your copy when choosing the new targets, if any, for their copy.
2021-04-16 If you cast the spell and choose not to copy it, no opponent will get to copy it either.
2021-04-16 If you copy a spell with demonstrate, you then immediately choose an opponent. If they copy the spell, it goes on top of the stack.
2021-04-16 This means that if you cast a spell with demonstrate and both you and an opponent copy it, the opponent’s copy will resolve first, then your copy will resolve, and finally the original spell will resolve.
2021-04-16 You choose whether to make a copy as the demonstrate ability resolves. This happens before the original spell resolves. Your copy goes on the stack above the original spell.