Strategic Planning MTG Card


Strategic Planning excels in hand sculpting and advancing specific game strategies through selective drawing. Although not instant-speed, it sets the stage for future plays, enhancing responsiveness in subsequent turns. The card’s downsides include a specific mana cost and potential hand depletion, which may hinder some decks.
Card setsReleased in 14 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Look at the top three cards of your library. Put one of them into your hand and the rest into your graveyard.

"Plans evolved within the tent decide a victory 1,000 *li* away."


Cards like Strategic Planning

Strategic Planning is a unique spell in the landscape of Magic: The Gathering, offering players a glimpse into the future by letting them look at the top three cards of their library. In action, it’s somewhat akin to the card Anticipate, allowing for the selection of one card to keep and putting the rest into the graveyard. While both enable precision in shaping your hand, Strategic Planning stands out with its synergy with graveyard strategies.

We also see Preordain in this category, another powerful selection tool. Like Strategic Planning, Preordain lets you dig through your library, but with scrying instead of direct draw. It’s cheaper by one mana, setting up your draws without impacting the graveyard. Then there’s Serum Visions, which also operates at one mana, offering both the immediate draw and scry mechanic. Though it does not interact with the graveyard, it provides instant deck filtering.

In evaluating comparative functionalities across cards, Strategic Planning carves a niche for itself, especially in decks that capitalize on graveyard mechanics or require specific card sequencing to execute a winning strategy in Magic: The Gathering.

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

Cards similar to Strategic Planning by color, type and mana cost

Time Walk - MTG Card versions
Drain Power - MTG Card versions
Braingeyser - MTG Card versions
Transmute Artifact - MTG Card versions
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Piracy - MTG Card versions
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Mana Vapors - MTG Card versions
Turbulent Dreams - MTG Card versions
Quiet Speculation - MTG Card versions
Muse Vortex - MTG Card versions
See the Truth - MTG Card versions
Fae of Wishes // Granted - MTG Card versions
Maddening Cacophony - MTG Card versions
Silver Scrutiny - MTG Card versions
Reshape - MTG Card versions
Eye of Nowhere - MTG Card versions
Skyscribing - MTG Card versions
See Beyond - MTG Card versions
Hands of Binding - MTG Card versions
Time Walk - MTG Card versions
Drain Power - MTG Card versions
Braingeyser - MTG Card versions
Transmute Artifact - MTG Card versions
Forget - MTG Card versions
Piracy - MTG Card versions
Wind Sail - MTG Card versions
Mana Vapors - MTG Card versions
Turbulent Dreams - MTG Card versions
Quiet Speculation - MTG Card versions
Muse Vortex - MTG Card versions
See the Truth - MTG Card versions
Fae of Wishes // Granted - MTG Card versions
Maddening Cacophony - MTG Card versions
Silver Scrutiny - MTG Card versions
Reshape - MTG Card versions
Eye of Nowhere - MTG Card versions
Skyscribing - MTG Card versions
See Beyond - MTG Card versions
Hands of Binding - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Simic RampSimic Ramp GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 14 2024
DecklistDecklist Free formCanadian Highlander for Duals - Underground Sea Guaranteed - Proxies Allowed
Neoform AtraxaNeoform Atraxa PioneerAtraxa NeoformNRG Series $5,000 Trial - Madison, Wisconsin (Pioneer)
Izzet PhoenixIzzet Phoenix PioneerIzzet PhoenixPioneer League 2023-11-09
Atraxa NeoformAtraxa Neoform PioneerAtraxa NeoformPioneer League 2023-11-02
URUR PioneerIzzet PhoenixCity Class Games Showdown IV | Ciclo 1 Ano 2

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Strategic Planning is a valuable card for scanning the top cards of your library, ensuring that you get to keep the most useful one in hand. This efficient filtering method fortifies your hand, thus bolstering your position in the match.

Resource Acceleration: Delving into your deck with Strategic Planning, you expedite finding key resources needed to execute your strategy more swiftly. By placing certain cards into the graveyard, it also potentially accelerates your game plan through synergies with graveyard mechanics.

Instant Speed: While Strategic Planning might not be cast at instant speed, its capability to set up future plays can be just as critical. By thoughtfully planning your turns ahead, you create a smooth and more responsive game flow, allowing for instant-speed reactions on subsequent turns with the right cards in hand.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Including this card in your deck means you may need to toss another potentially valuable card, making it less ideal when seeking to maximize hand potential.

Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a precise combination of mana types, which can strain your mana base, particularly in multicolored decks that require flexibility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When assessing its place in your deck, consider that there are cards available with lower mana demands providing similar strategic advantages.


Reasons to Include Strategic Planning MTG Card in Your Collection

Versatility: Strategic Planning allows for careful selection of your next moves by providing a peek into the top cards of your library. It’s a great fit in numerous deck types, particularly those looking to sculpt their hand for future turns.

Combo Potential: This card can set up game-winning combinations by filtering your deck and moving key pieces to your graveyard for easy recursion or to be used with various graveyard synergies.

Meta-Relevance: As games evolve and strategies get more refined, having a card like Strategic Planning helps keep your deck flexible and adaptive to counter prevalent tactics in the current competitive landscape.


How to beat

The Strategic Planning card from Magic: The Gathering serves as a crucial setup play for many decks, allowing players to look at the top three cards of their library, then put one into their hand and the rest into their graveyard. This card selection toolbox can quickly turn the tide of a game, giving players access to the tools they need when they need them.

To counteract this advantage, consider including cards that disrupt your opponent’s library. Cards like Ashiok, Dream Render can inhibit their search by exiling cards. Graveyard hate cards, like Rest in Peace or Scavenging Ooze, can nullify the advantage gained from strategically dumping cards in the graveyard. Timing is also key. Use instant-speed removal or disruption in response to Strategic Planning being cast, making your opponent’s choices less impactful or even disadvantageous. Lastly, aggressive decks can pressure the Strategic Planning player early on, forcing them to react rather than setting up their game plan.

Overall, the key to overcoming Strategic Planning lies in the anticipation of your opponent’s gameplay and disrupting their strategic setup. By preventing them from sculpting their hand and graveyard, you can thwart their long-term plans and maintain control of the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG requires a blend of shrewd strategy and tactical foresight, crucial skills that Strategic Planning can enhance significantly. This card is a powerhouse in foreseeing your moves, setting up combos, and adapting to the evolving game meta. With its unique ability to scout ahead and sift through your deck, it’s a splendid addition to a variety of deck builds. Keen on strengthening your deck’s potential or craving more insights into optimizing your playstyle? Our treasure trove of tips and strategies is here to guide you through. Embrace your next challenge with confidence—learn more with us and ascend to new heights in your MTG journey.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Strategic Planning MTG card by a specific set like Portal Three Kingdoms and Masters Edition III, 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 Strategic Planning and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Strategic Planning Magic the Gathering card was released in 11 different sets between 1999-05-01 and 2021-04-23. Illustrated by 5 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11999-05-01Portal Three KingdomsPTK 531997NormalWhiteZhang Jiazhen
22009-09-07Masters Edition IIIME3 511997NormalBlackZhang Jiazhen
32013-11-01Commander 2013C13 592003NormalBlackZhang Jiazhen
42017-07-14Hour of DevastationHOU 472015NormalBlackMatt Stewart
52019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 5072015NormalBlackMatt Stewart
62020-08-13Amonkhet RemasteredAKR 812015NormalBlackMatt Stewart
72020-09-26The ListPLST HOU-472015NormalBlackMatt Stewart
82020-11-20Commander LegendsCMR 1012015NormalBlackMatt Stewart
92021-02-05KaldheimKHM 4022015NormalBlackDonato Giancola
102021-02-05KaldheimKHM 772015NormalBlackDonato Giancola
112021-04-23Strixhaven Art SeriesASTX 68s2015Art seriesBorderlessRobbie Trevino
122021-04-23Strixhaven Art SeriesASTX 682015Art seriesBorderlessRobbie Trevino
132021-04-23Strixhaven Mystical ArchiveSTA 202015NormalBorderlessRobbie Trevino
142021-04-23Strixhaven Mystical ArchiveSTA 832015NormalBorderlessHatori Kyoka

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Strategic Planning has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Strategic Planning 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 If there are fewer than three cards in your library, you look at all of them, put one of them into your hand, and put the rest into your graveyard.