Ponder MTG Card


Ponder is a well-known card that lets players manipulate their decks, enabling strategies around card draw and library arrangement. This spell is a staple in formats where it isn’t banned, empowering combo decks and improving consistency across the game. Knowing how to effectively utilize Ponder can greatly enhance gameplay efficiency, sharpening skills in prediction and planning ahead.
Card setsReleased in 17 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Look at the top three cards of your library, then put them back in any order. You may shuffle your library. Draw a card.

"We see the same sky as you, just through a different lens."


Cards like Ponder

Ponder, an enchanting card draw spell in MTG, shares a number of traits with its counterparts like Serum Visions and Preordain. All these cards play a crucial role in deck manipulation or “scrying” — altering the order of cards in a player’s deck.

Serum Visions, allows the player to first draw a card from their deck and then scry two. The actions follow this specific order which might leave the player wishing they’d seen the next two cards before drawing that first card. Preordain, too, works in a comparable manner but offers the flexibility of scrying prior to drawing, allowing calculated decision-making.

As you compare these with Ponder, one observes the increased variability it offers. It allows the player to look at the top three cards of their deck, rearrange them, and then draw a card. If those top three cards weren’t appealing, Ponder also gives the option to shuffling your entire deck and drawing a new card.

In conclusion, Ponder indeed stands unique among similar card draw spells in MTG, due to its greater degree of flexibility and deeper level of deck manipulation.

Serum Visions - MTG Card versions
Preordain - MTG Card versions
Serum Visions - MTG Card versions
Preordain - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Ponder by color, type and mana cost

Drafna's Restoration - MTG Card versions
Reconstruction - MTG Card versions
Psychic Purge - MTG Card versions
Energy Tap - MTG Card versions
Part Water - MTG Card versions
Mind Bomb - MTG Card versions
Recall - MTG Card versions
Portent - MTG Card versions
Taunt - MTG Card versions
Sorcerous Sight - MTG Card versions
Prosperity - MTG Card versions
Eye Spy - MTG Card versions
Sleight of Hand - MTG Card versions
Broken Dam - MTG Card versions
Index - MTG Card versions
Extract - MTG Card versions
Retraced Image - MTG Card versions
Merfolk Secretkeeper // Venture Deeper - MTG Card versions
Preordain - MTG Card versions
Serum Visions - MTG Card versions
Drafna's Restoration - MTG Card versions
Reconstruction - MTG Card versions
Psychic Purge - MTG Card versions
Energy Tap - MTG Card versions
Part Water - MTG Card versions
Mind Bomb - MTG Card versions
Recall - MTG Card versions
Portent - MTG Card versions
Taunt - MTG Card versions
Sorcerous Sight - MTG Card versions
Prosperity - MTG Card versions
Eye Spy - MTG Card versions
Sleight of Hand - MTG Card versions
Broken Dam - MTG Card versions
Index - MTG Card versions
Extract - MTG Card versions
Retraced Image - MTG Card versions
Merfolk Secretkeeper // Venture Deeper - MTG Card versions
Preordain - MTG Card versions
Serum Visions - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
ReanimatorReanimator LegacyReanimatorLegacy Preliminary 2024-04-29 (1)
InfectInfect LegacyInfectLegacy Preliminary 2024-04-29
URUR PauperPauper League 2024-04-29
Izzet DelverIzzet Delver LegacyTemur DelverLegacy League 2024-04-29
Grixis TempoGrixis Tempo LegacyGrixis TempoLegacy League 2024-04-29
Beanstalk ControlBeanstalk Control LegacyBeanstalk ControlLegacy League 2024-04-29
Grixis ScamGrixis Scam LegacyGrixis ScamLegacy Preliminary 2024-04-29
StiflenoughtStiflenought LegacyStiflenoughtLegacy Preliminary 2024-04-29 (1)
Jeskai StonebladeJeskai Stoneblade LegacyJeskai StonebladeLegacy League 2024-04-29
Cephalid BreakfastCephalid Breakfast LegacyCephalid BreakfastLegacy League 2024-04-29
 


Pros of Ponder

Card Advantage: With Ponder, you get to peek at the top three cards of your library while also having the option to shuffle your library and draw a card. This allows you to filter your deck, making sure you have the right cards when you need them, thus providing strong card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: Although Ponder doesn’t directly provide mana, it accelerates your resources by allowing you to strategically plan your next moves and optimize your resources better. It lets you manage your draws efficiently, accelerating your game progression while preserving your important resources.

Instant Speed: What makes Ponder so favored is its instant speed. Being a sorcery, it allows you to play it on your turn but its quick nature means you can effectively plan your strategies without wasting precious time. This can be a game changer especially when you are looking for particular responses or key cards in a fast-paced game.


Potential Drawbacks of Ponder MTG

Discard Requirement: While Ponder doesn’t have a direct discard requirement, it does require you to rearrange the top three cards of your library. If those three cards are not to your benefit, you may find yourself effectively discarding valuable draw opportunities.

Specific Mana Cost: Being of blue color identity, Ponder mandates the need for blue mana. This means it is primarily suited for blue decks or multicolored decks that can generate blue mana, which may not always align with your strategic deck build.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although Ponder only costs one blue mana, in the context of similar effects, there are alternative cards which provide similar library manipulation or card draw at a lesser cost or with additional benefits.


Reasons to Include Ponder in Your Collection

Versatility: Ponder is a versatile card that find its place easily in different deck types. The primary advantage of Ponder lies in its ability to allow you to look at the top three cards of your library, putting them back in any order and drawing a card. This capability enhances the control you have over your deck, helping to draw exactly what you need at the right time.

Combo Potential: The ability to manipulate the top cards of your library opens up a widespread range of combo potentials. Whether you are setting up for a high-cost spell for the next turn or quickly searching for that game-changing spell, Ponder adds a significant role in building and executing successful combo strategies.

Meta-Relevance: In terms of meta-relevance, Ponder is a solid choice. This card maintains its usefulness irrespective of the prevailing meta due to its ability to bolster core mechanics such as card draw and library manipulation. Whether it’s an aggressive, midrange, or control deck, Ponder provides a consistent level of support, making it a valuable addition to your collection.


Similar Cards

Ponder, an enchanting card draw spell in MTG, shares a number of traits with its counterparts like Serum Visions and Preordain. All these cards play a crucial role in deck manipulation or “scrying” — altering the order of cards in a player’s deck.

Serum Visions, allows the player to first draw a card from their deck and then scry two. The actions follow this specific order which might leave the player wishing they’d seen the next two cards before drawing that first card. Preordain, too, works in a comparable manner but offers the flexibility of scrying prior to drawing, allowing calculated decision-making.

As you compare these with Ponder, one observes the increased variability it offers. It allows the player to look at the top three cards of their deck, rearrange them, and then draw a card. If those top three cards weren’t appealing, Ponder also gives the option to shuffling your entire deck and drawing a new card.

In conclusion, Ponder indeed stands unique among similar card draw spells in MTG, due to its greater degree of flexibility and deeper level of deck manipulation.


How to Beat Ponder

Ponder is a classic blue spell that offers an intuitive player a glimpse of what’s to come. How do you counter such foreknowledge? The trick lies in sound strategies. Utilize spell counter torment to limit the efficiency of Ponder. A simple Counter Spell or Mental Misstep can disrupt an opponent who relies on this particular card. The key aspect to note here is to make your move during the casting of Ponder, as that’s when it’s vulnerable.

Another method is to speed-up your gameplay. Ponder’s strength lies in its ability to provide foresight and therefore enables the user to set a thoughtful pace for the game. Challenging this by maintaining aggressive tactics can pressure the opponent into hastily using Ponder, which may lead to a less than optimal execution.

In addition, game cards that force card shuffling or mess with the top of the deck, like Path to Exile, Plow Under or Terminus, can significantly hinder the efficacy of Ponder. These can effectively disrupt the player’s careful planning facilitated by Ponder, leaving room for a surprise offensive.

Ultimately, neutralizing Ponder’s foresight requires keen strategies, careful game pacing, and the smart use of counter spells or deck manipulation.


Deep Dive into Ponder – The Staple Cantrip of Magic the Gathering

When it comes to Magic the Gathering, strategy and foresight are key elements that determine the outcome of a game. Ponder, a commonly known cantrip within the MTG community, has been a staple in players’ decks for offering just that—an opportunity to look ahead and arrange the top cards of your library to your advantage. This simple blue spell has been a part of Magic the Gathering’s history since its appearance in Lorwyn and remains a favorite for its utility in shaping the early game and sculpting the perfect hand.

Understanding the Power of Ponder

At its core, Ponder is a powerful spell that epitomizes blue’s ability to control the game by manipulating the deck. For one blue mana, this sorcery allows the caster to look at the top three cards of their library, put them back in any order, and choose to shuffle their library. Then, the player draws a card. This decision-making process is critical as it can set up the player’s next moves or dig for a much-needed answer. Experienced players recognize the value of such choice and control in a game where every card drawn counts.

Strategic Integration in Various Decks

From aggressive decks looking to guarantee their next play to combo decks attempting to assemble their pieces, Ponder finds a place in myriad strategies. It has seen play in Legacy, Modern, Casual, and even Commander formats, underlining its versatility and value across different styles of MTG gameplay. No matter the format, the ability to sift through your library and enhance your card quality cannot be understated. By incorporating Ponder into your deck, you significantly boost your chances of finding the right card at the right time.

Deck Synergy and Combo Potential

Ponder doesn’t just work in isolation. It synergizes with a variety of cards that benefit from or contribute to library and card manipulation. Cards like Brainstorm, Preordain, and Fetch Lands can often be found alongside Ponder, creating a robust card-filtering engine. When optimized, this synergy leads to a more consistent and threatening deck—a recipe for victory in the hands of a skilled player.

The Impact of Ponder on MTG Gameplay

The subtle yet profound effect of Ponder stretches beyond individual decks. As part of MTG’s larger metagame, it has influenced the way players prepare for and engage in matches. Its presence can dictate the pace and approach of a game, with players either leveraging its capabilities for their gain or devising strategies to mitigate its impact when used by opponents. Ponder’s ability to fix draws and increase consistency makes it a card that will always be relevant in evolving metagames, a shining example of MTG’s dynamic gameplay.

Rules and Restrictions

While Ponder is invaluable, it’s subject to rules and restrictions that govern its use. In certain formats, such as in Modern, it’s legal and can be played without restrictions. However, its potency has led it to be banned in other competitive platforms such as MTG Arena’s Historic format. It’s always essential to stay updated with the current ban lists and format legalities to ensure you’re playing within the guidelines of organized play.

Navigating Availability and Reprints

For collectors and players alike, the availability of Ponder has varied with different reprintings and art variations over the years. Depending on your preference and budget, you can choose from the original Lorwyn version, the Magic 2010 and 2012 editions, or the stunning full-art promotional version. The card’s popularity ensures it maintains a presence on the secondary market, making it accessible to players who wish to add it to their arsenal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating the rich landscapes of Magic the Gathering requires strategy, insight, and a bit of adventure. Whether you’re planning your next big win or fine-tuning your deck for maximum impact, there’s always room to elevate your game. As you continue to delve into the MTG universe, remember that it’s not just about the single triumphs but the continuous journey towards mastery. We invite you to keep exploring this fascinating world, discovering new techniques, and unearthing valuable cards to ensure your next match is more than just a game, but a Big Score. Ready to level up your play? Join us to learn more and become the ultimate MTG champion.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ponder MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Lorwyn, 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 Ponder and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Ponder Magic the Gathering card was released in 16 different sets between 2007-10-12 and 2024-04-19. Illustrated by 8 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 351182003NormalBlackSteve Argyle
22007-10-12LorwynLRW 792003NormalBlackMark Tedin
32008-01-01Magic Player Rewards 2008P08 62003NormalBlackSteve Argyle
42009-07-17Magic 2010M10 682003NormalBlackDan Scott
52011-07-15Magic 2012M12 732003NormalBlackDan Scott
62018-08-09Commander 2018C18 962015NormalBlackDan Scott
72019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 2452015NormalBorderlessEjiwa "Edge" Ebenebe
82020-09-26The ListPLST C21-1252015NormalBlackDan Scott
92021-03-19Time Spiral RemasteredTSR 3151997NormalBlackDan Scott
102021-04-23Commander 2021C21 1252015NormalBlackDan Scott
112021-08-26Jumpstart: Historic HorizonsJ21 7822015NormalBlackDan Scott
122022-04-29New Capenna CommanderNCC 2292015NormalBlackDan Scott
132022-11-02Secret Lair 30th Anniversary Countdown KitSLC 20072015NormalBorderlessLauren YS
142022-11-26Eternal WeekendPEWK 21997NormalBlackJulie Dillon
152023-10-13Doctor WhoWHO 2172015NormalBlackPauline Voss
162023-10-13Doctor WhoWHO 8082015NormalBlackPauline Voss
172024-04-19Outlaws of Thunder Junction CommanderOTC 1052015NormalBlackDan Murayama Scott

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Ponder has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernBanned
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageRestricted
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2021-03-19 If you choose to shuffle your library, that includes the three cards you just looked at and put back on top of it.