Unexpected Results MTG Card


Unexpected Results can offer free spell casting or accelerate your mana pool when revealing nonland cards. Despite its versatility and surprise element, players risk card loss and must juggle color-specific mana requirements. Adding this card to your collection can enhance various deck strategies and help combat a predictable metagame.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Shuffle your library, then reveal the top card. If it's a nonland card, you may cast it without paying its mana cost. If it's a land card, you may put it onto the battlefield and return Unexpected Results to its owner's hand.


Cards like Unexpected Results

Unexpected Results stands out in the Magic: The Gathering lineup for offering a unique combination of mana ramp and spellcasting. It invites comparison to cards like Mind’s Desire, which also capitalizes on the thrill of playing with the top card of your library. However, Unexpected Results adds a twist with its singular shuffle-then-play feature, providing an extra layer of unpredictability. Mind’s Desire lacks the mana ramp ability but compensates with its storm mechanic, potentially cascading into multiple free spells.

Exploration is another card that grants you additional land plays, akin to the ramp aspect of Unexpected Results. While Exploration is strictly about playing extra lands, it lacks the serendipitous spellcasting chance. Then we have the Oracle of Mul Daya, which also allows for additional land play and provides knowledge of the top card of your library, similar to the information gained before activating Unexpected Results. But, again, Oracle is focused strictly on the lands aspect without the spellcasting surprise.

In the end, evaluating the features and tactical advantages of similar cards highlights Unexpected Results’ unique position in Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to randomly cast spells combined with mana ramp makes it a singular card that can swing the momentum of a game.

Mind's Desire - MTG Card versions
Exploration - MTG Card versions
Oracle of Mul Daya - MTG Card versions
Mind's Desire - MTG Card versions
Exploration - MTG Card versions
Oracle of Mul Daya - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Unexpected Results by color, type and mana cost

Jadzi, Oracle of Arcavios // Journey to the Oracle - MTG Card versions
Incubation // Incongruity - MTG Card versions
Rally the Galadhrim - MTG Card versions
Kellan, Inquisitive Prodigy // Tail the Suspect - MTG Card versions
Jadzi, Oracle of Arcavios // Journey to the Oracle - MTG Card versions
Incubation // Incongruity - MTG Card versions
Rally the Galadhrim - MTG Card versions
Kellan, Inquisitive Prodigy // Tail the Suspect - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
StormStorm LegacyCreative Technique93 / The 93rd Legacy at Home

Card Pros

Card Advantage: With Unexpected Results, you gain a potential edge with its shuffle and reveal feature. If a nonland card is revealed, you get to cast that card without paying its mana cost, possibly drawing you into a game-changing spell or creature for free.

Resource Acceleration: If Unexpected Results reveals a land card, you not only put that land onto the battlefield, thus increasing your resource pool, but you also get the chance to try your luck again by returning the spell to your hand.

Instant Speed: Although Unexpected Results is cast at sorcery speed, its unique ability to potentially cast spells of any kind – creature, instant, sorcery, artifact, enchantment, or planeswalker – without paying their mana costs can provide you with an instant-speed effect, which can dramatically sway the tempo of the game in your favor.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While playing Unexpected Results, players must be aware that any interruption to the casting may result in an unwanted discard, potentially reducing their hand advantage and losing vital resources necessary for later in the game.

Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost of Unexpected Results is quite specific, demanding both blue and green mana which could pose a challenge for decks that aren’t tailored to support such requirements or run on a more flexible mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its four mana investment, Unexpected Results stands at a higher bracket, which could be seen as less efficient when compared to other cards within the MTG universe that provide similar or more reliable benefits at a lesser cost.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Unexpected Results enriches a variety of deck strategies with its ability to potentially cast any spell from your library without paying its mana cost. Whether your deck is focused on big mana spells, creature heavy tactics, or spell-slinging combos, this card introduces an element of surprise that can turn the tide in any match.

Combo Potential: This card slots seamlessly into decks that play with the top of the library, such as those including cards like “Brainstorm” or “Sensei’s Divining Top”. Hitting a high-cost spell ahead of its curve can provide an immense advantage, or serve as a setup for even more thrilling plays.

Meta-Relevance: In a constantly shifting metagame, an ace in the hole like Unexpected Results can catch opponents off-guard. Given its unpredictable nature, it can be particularly effective in formats where players are familiar with the common lines of play and might not expect such a wildcard.


How to beat

Unexpected Results is a unique and unpredictable card in Magic: The Gathering that can either propel a player far ahead or result in a less significant outcome. The key to countering this card lies in timing and control. Cards that limit spell casting or counter direct spell plays can be essential. For instance, utilizing counterspells like Counterspell or Mana Leak can prevent Unexpected Results from ever resolving. Moreover, discard effects forcing the opponent to discard cards from their hand, such as Thoughtseize or Inquisition of Kozilek, disrupt their game plan and deny them the chance to cast Unexpected Results.

Strategy-wise, applying pressure with fast, aggressive creatures can force an opponent to respond instead of setting up the mana and board state they need to leverage Unexpected Results. Additionally, enchantments like Rule of Law, which permit only one spell to be cast each turn, stifle the element of surprise and potentiating power that Unexpected Results offers. Employing these methods will give you a good defense against the randomness and potential of this spell.

In assessing the challenge Unexpected Results poses, it’s evident that maintaining control and pressure can mitigate its impact, leaving you less vulnerable to the whims of chance and more in command of the game’s direction.


BurnMana Recommendations

As MTG players venture through the twists and turns of deck building and gameplay, they often come across unique cards like Unexpected Results. This card exemplifies the thrilling uncertainty that comes with each match – where each turn could unveil a new advantage. Harnessing its ability to potentially cast high-impact spells for free or accelerate land play adds a layer of unpredictability to your game. If you’re eager to add a wildcard to your arsenal and are curious about strategies that capitalize on its potential, dive deeper with us. Discover how to integrate Unexpected Results into your deck and revel in the element of surprise that it can offer in your next duel.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Unexpected Results MTG card by a specific set like Gatecrash and The List, 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 Unexpected Results and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Unexpected Results Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2013-02-01 and 2013-02-01. Illustrated by Mike Bierek.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12013-02-01GatecrashGTC 2032003NormalBlackMike Bierek
22020-09-26The ListPLST GTC-2032003NormalBlackMike Bierek

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Unexpected Results has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2013-01-24 If the card has in its mana cost, you must choose 0 as its value.
2013-01-24 If you can’t cast the card (perhaps because there are no legal targets), or if you choose not to, the card will remain on top of the library.
2013-01-24 If you cast a spell “without paying its mana cost,” you can’t pay alternative costs such as overload costs. You can pay additional costs such as kicker costs. If the card has mandatory additional costs, you must pay those.
2013-01-24 If you reveal a land card and put that card onto the battlefield, Unexpected Results will be put into its owner’s hand directly from the stack. It won’t be put into any graveyard.
2013-01-24 If you reveal a land card, Unexpected Results will be returned to your hand only if you put that land card onto the battlefield. If you don’t, Unexpected Results will be put into its owner’s graveyard.
2013-01-24 If you reveal a nonland card, you may cast it during the resolution of Unexpected Results. Ignore timing restrictions based on the card’s type. Other timing restrictions, such as “Cast
-his card] only during combat,” must be followed.