Preordain MTG Card


Preordain is a powerful card selection spell, allowing players to control their draws and smooth out their game plan. As a staple in formats like Commander, this card is essential for decks that prioritize finding specific combo pieces or answers efficiently. Because of its versatility, Preordain is a frequent choice in competitive decks, reinforcing its prominence in the game’s strategic landscape.
Card setsReleased in 18 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeSorcery
Abilities Scry

Text of card

Scry 2, then draw a card. (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.)


Cards like Preordain

Preordain, a staple in MTG decks, is one of several scry-draw cards, likening it to others like Serum Visions and Opt. Each of these strategies offers different strengths. Serum Visions might give the player access to one card immediately, but it’s the follow-up scry of two that plans for future turns. On the other hand, Opt’s primary advantage is its capability to be played as an instant, empowering flexibility in complex game scenarios.

Ponder is another mention in this category. It offers deck manipulation like Preordain, but the player sees three cards, providing one more advantage. There’s flexibility, but the catch is the lack of choice to discard unwanted cards. This ability to sift through the deck is where Preordain truly shines.

Lastly, there’s Sleight of Hand, another card similar to Preordain. It lets the player see and choose from two cards from the top, but doesn’t offer a pre-draw scry. Deciding which to use- Preordain, Serum Visions, Opt, Ponder, or Sleight of Hand will largely depend on individual deck goals and the dynamics of a match.

Serum Visions - MTG Card versions
Opt - MTG Card versions
Ponder - MTG Card versions
Sleight of Hand - MTG Card versions
Serum Visions - MTG Card versions
Opt - MTG Card versions
Ponder - MTG Card versions
Sleight of Hand - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Preordain 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
Merfolk Secretkeeper // Venture Deeper - MTG Card versions
Serum Visions - MTG Card versions
Ponder - MTG Card versions
Gitaxian Probe - 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
Merfolk Secretkeeper // Venture Deeper - MTG Card versions
Serum Visions - MTG Card versions
Ponder - MTG Card versions
Gitaxian Probe - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Temur ProwessTemur Prowess ModernTemur ProwessModern Challenge 32 2024-04-29
FamiliarsFamiliars PauperFamiliarsPauper Preliminary 2024-04-30 (1)
Jeskai ControlJeskai Control VintageJeskai ControlVintage League 2024-04-30
Oracle SpoilsOracle Spoils ModernOracle SpoilsModern League 2024-04-30
Jeskai ProwessJeskai Prowess ModernJeskai ProwessModern Challenge 64 2024-04-29
Dimir FaeriesDimir Faeries PauperDimir FaeriesPauper League 2024-04-30
Jeskai EphemerateJeskai Ephemerate PauperJeskai EphemeratePauper Preliminary 2024-04-30 (1)
Ad NauseamAd Nauseam ModernAd NauseamModern Challenge 64 2024-04-29
DoomsdayDoomsday VintageDoomsdayVintage League 2024-04-30
Caw-GatesCaw-Gates PauperCaw-GatesPauper Preliminary 2024-04-30 (1)

Pros of Preordain

Card Advantage: With Preordain MTG, your deck’s performance improves as you gain control over your deck’s flow. It enables you to sift through your library and keep the advantageous cards on top. By doing so, you maintain or increase your card’s advantage in the game.

Resource Acceleration: Preordain can be executed early in the game, aiding in resource acceleration. It contributes to quicker mana availability, putting together your perfect combo rapidly and assisting with strategy execution.

Instant Speed: Even though Preordain is a sorcery card, it’s best used at the beginning of your turn. This early play allows for strategic play for the rest of your turn, serving a similar purpose to an instant. This means you can hold mana for other spells, utilizing Preordain if better options do not occur later in the game.


Preordain Cons

Discard Requirement: Preordain does not require discarding, but it does necessitate drawing and then potentially sending beneficial cards to the bottom of your library, which can be akin to a discard if those cards were needed immediately.

Specific Mana Cost: Preordain requires one blue mana to cast. This can limit its inclusion to decks that either have blue as a primary color or have sufficient means of generatıng blue mana within their mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While costing only one mana, Preordain’s real cost may come from its scry effect, potentially sending valuable cards to the bottom of your library early in the game when they might be needed the most.


Reasons to Include Preordain in Your Collection

Versatility: Preordain can easily adapt to multiple deck types, primarily those benefiting from skillful card selection and efficient library manipulation. Its effect of scrying and drawing provides not only advantage but also control over your future draws.

Combo Potential: Within combo decks, Preordain serves as a vital cog in the engine. Its capability to filter through your deck fast and efficiently allows you to assemble necessary pieces of your combo with more speed and reliability.

Meta-Relevance: In the current meta-game revolving around control or combo strategies, the one-step-ahead advantage and deck filtering provided by Preordain proves to be indispensable. It keeps your deck competitive and relevant by providing answers or crucial plays exactly when needed.


Similar Cards

Preordain, a staple in MTG decks, is one of several scry-draw cards, likening it to others like Serum Visions and Opt. Each of these strategies offers different strengths. Serum Visions might give the player access to one card immediately, but it’s the follow-up scry of two that plans for future turns. On the other hand, Opt’s primary advantage is its capability to be played as an instant, empowering flexibility in complex game scenarios.

Ponder is another mention in this category. It offers deck manipulation like Preordain, but the player sees three cards, providing one more advantage. There’s flexibility, but the catch is the lack of choice to discard unwanted cards. This ability to sift through the deck is where Preordain truly shines.

Lastly, there’s Sleight of Hand, another card similar to Preordain. It lets the player see and choose from two cards from the top, but doesn’t offer a pre-draw scry. Deciding which to use- Preordain, Serum Visions, Opt, Ponder, or Sleight of Hand will largely depend on individual deck goals and the dynamics of a match.


How to beat Preordain

Preordain is a card that has seen its fair share of play in the MTG arena, and with good reason. This blue sorcery allows a player to significantly manipulate their deck, enhancing their drawing strategy by scrying first, and then drawing a card. To effectively beat this card requires combined tactics and precise timing.

Counterspells are an effective line of defense, quickly disabling Preordain’s scrying and draw ability. Instant speed spells like “Counterspell” or “Spell Pierce” could be your best play in intercepting an opponent’s Preordain action.

Besides countering, strategic hand disruption can prevent the usefulness of Preordain. Cards with discard abilities strip your opponent of resources, making their Preordain lose potential effectiveness. Notable cards like “Thoughtseize” or “Inquisition of Kozilek” can disrupt your opponent’s well-laid plans.

Another strategy could involve aggressive gameplays, making use of red burn spells and creatures for speedy attacks. Forcing a player to use their Preordain early in the game will pressure them to search for defensive answers instead of advancing their own strategy.

Overall, countering, hand disruption, and pressure tactics are effective ways to diminish a well-used Preordain, marking the path towards overcoming this popular MTG card.


### Understanding Preordain in Magic the GatheringIn the complex and strategic game of Magic the Gathering, players are constantly seeking ways to gain an advantage over their opponents. One card that consistently finds its way into both casual and competitive decks is Preordain, a simple yet incredibly potent spell that embodies the core attributes of blue mana—manipulation and foresight.#### What Makes Preordain Staple in Decks?Preordain is widely appreciated for its ability to smooth out a player’s draws and increase consistency in reaching key cards. With Preordain, players can look at the top two cards of their deck, put any number of them on the bottom of their library, and then draw a card for a minimal investment of one blue mana. This level of control over upcoming draws is invaluable in a game where strategy and resource management can dictate the victor of a match.#### The Mechanics Behind PreordainLet’s break down what makes Preordain particularly effective. For a single mana, you activate not one, but two of the most powerful actions in MTG—scrying and drawing. The scry 2 effect allows a look into the immediate future of your deck, giving an opportunity to adjust based on your needs. This is followed by the draw, ensuring that even if both cards are unwanted, you are not left with a completely wasted turn.#### Strategic Considerations with PreordainWhen integrating Preordain into your deck, consider what you aim to achieve with it. Are you looking to hit your land drops, find a specific combo piece, or perhaps digging for that game-ending spell? This card is a chameleon, capable of adapting its role to suit the situation, which makes it a valuable asset in any stage of the game.#### Rules and Legality ConcernsWhile being a powerful tool, Preordain is not without its restrictions in the MTG realm. It has faced bans in certain formats like Modern due to its high impact on the game flow. Always check the latest tournament rules and banned lists before including it in your competitive deck to ensure compliance with format regulations.#### Deckbuilding with PreordainWhen constructing a deck with Preordain, it’s not just about slotting it in and expecting it to perform miracles. It works best when synergizing with the deck’s overall strategy. Being in the blue color pie, it accompanies counter spells, creature control, and bounce effects harmoniously, making your deck not just reactive but also strategically proactive.#### Comparable Alternatives to PreordainAlthough Preordain is unique, there are other similar cards in MTG that execute the manipulating draws in various ways. Ponder and Serum Visions are often mentioned in the same breath due to their ability to sift through the deck. They each have their nuances and understanding how they differ from Preordain is key to identifying which is most suited for your deck’s needs.#### Mastery Through PreordainEvery card played in MTG is a lesson in constraint balance and opportunity, Preordain exemplifies this. Mastering its use involves more than knowing when to play it but also interpreting the information it provides to make informed decisions. This requires experience, intuition, and a deep comprehension of your deck’s mechanics.#### Maximizing Preordain’s PotentialWhile executing Preordain’s functionality is straightforward, the real art lies in decision-making. Choosing to bottom both cards takes guts when in search of a solution, and knowing when to keep even an average card on top demands a good read of the current game state. It’s about timing, prediction, and sometimes, a bit of calculated risk.#### Preordain in Different FormatsPreordain’s flexibility makes it a fixture not just in one but multiple MTG formats. From Commander, where its single usage can shape the game, to Vintage, where every card counts towards achieving a quick win, Preordain has a place. Each format brings a different angle to consider, showcasing the card’s multifaceted utility.#### Enhancing Your Play with PreordainAdopting Preordain into your playstyle is more than adding a card; it’s incorporating a philosophy. It teaches patience, planning, and a deeper connection to your deck. It’s about refining the path to victory, one draw at a time. Integrating it into your MTG repertoire is a step towards becoming a stronger, more calculated player.#### Preordain’s Place in MTG HistoryIntroduced in the “Magic 2011” core set, Preordain has become a card that encapsulates what MTG is all about—possibility and choice. Its simplicity in design but complexity in application reflects the robust history and evolution of the game it belongs to, and its continued relevance is a testament to its enduring appeal to players worldwide.

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 Preordain MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Magic Online Promos, 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 Preordain and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Preordain Magic the Gathering card was released in 14 different sets between 2010-07-16 and 2024-04-19. Illustrated by 6 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 996751997NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
22002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 860922015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
32010-07-16Magic 2011M11 702003NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
42012-03-30Duel Decks: Venser vs. KothDDI 242003NormalBlackScott Chou
52015-11-13Commander 2015C15 1012015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
62019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 4602015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
72019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 1862015NormalBorderlessAlexis Ziritt
82020-09-26The ListPLST C15-1012015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
92020-09-26The ListPLST CMR-842015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
102020-11-20Commander LegendsCMR 842015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
112020-11-20Commander LegendsCMR 6402015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
122022-04-29New Capenna CommanderNCC 2302015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
132022-11-18The Brothers' War CommanderBRC 921997NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
142022-12-02Jumpstart 2022J22 632015NormalBlackAyuko
152023-06-23Tales of Middle-earth CommanderLTC 1962015NormalBlackArthur Yuan
162023-10-13Doctor WhoWHO 8092015NormalBlackLuisa J. Preissler
172023-10-13Doctor WhoWHO 2182015NormalBlackLuisa J. Preissler
182024-04-19Outlaws of Thunder Junction CommanderOTC 1072015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Preordain has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal