Unleashing the Power of Your Deck: Exploring the Best Card Draw Strategies for EDH
Discover the top card draw spells for EDH, including Rhystic Study, Mystic Remora, and Consecrated Sphinx. Keep your hand full and your opponents on their toes!
As a commander player, it’s essential to have a deck that can consistently draw cards. Card draw is crucial because it allows you to dig deeper into your library and find the cards you need to win the game. However, not all card draw spells are created equal. Some are too expensive, while others don't provide enough value. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the best card draw options available in EDH.
One of the most popular card draw spells in EDH is Rhystic Study. This enchantment is a powerhouse in multiplayer games, allowing you to draw a card every time an opponent casts a spell unless they pay one mana. The beauty of Rhystic Study is that it's incredibly cheap to cast, making it accessible to most decks, and it provides excellent value over time.
Another great option for card draw is Mystic Remora. This enchantment works similarly to Rhystic Study, except instead of opponents paying mana, they must pay four mana or let you draw a card. While Mystic Remora does require some upkeep, it can generate a ton of card advantage in the early game when opponents are casting spells frequently.
If you're looking for a creature that can draw you cards, then look no further than Edric, Spymaster of Trest. This legendary creature encourages your opponents to attack each other, rewarding you with a card draw for each creature that deals combat damage to an opponent. Edric can quickly become a target for removal, but if left unchecked, he can generate obscene amounts of card advantage.
One of the most powerful card draw spells in EDH is Consecrated Sphinx. This creature has an incredibly high mana cost, but it's worth it for the sheer amount of cards it can draw you. Whenever an opponent draws a card, you get to draw two cards. This effect is incredibly potent, especially in multiplayer games where opponents are drawing cards left and right.
Another great option for card draw is Necropotence. This black enchantment allows you to pay life instead of drawing cards, allowing you to draw an insane amount of cards each turn. While Necropotence does come with some risks since you can't draw cards during your draw step, it's an excellent option for decks that can mitigate the life loss or use it to their advantage.
If you're looking for a card draw spell that can also remove threats from the board, then consider Mystic Confluence. This instant allows you to choose between drawing cards, returning a creature to its owner's hand, or countering a spell. The versatility of Mystic Confluence makes it an excellent option for decks that need to be able to react to a wide range of threats.
For decks that rely on artifacts, there's no better card draw spell than Staff of Nin. This artifact allows you to draw a card and deal one damage to any target at the beginning of your upkeep. While the damage may not seem like much, it can add up over time, and the card draw is invaluable.
If you're looking for a budget-friendly option for card draw, then consider Phyrexian Arena. This black enchantment allows you to draw an additional card each turn at the cost of one life. While the life loss can add up over time, Phyrexian Arena is an excellent option for decks that need consistent card draw but don't have access to more expensive options.
Another great budget-friendly option for card draw is Read the Bones. This sorcery allows you to scry 2, then draw 2 cards at the cost of 2 life. While Read the Bones may not provide as much card advantage as some of the other options on this list, it's an excellent option for decks that need to dig deeper into their library.
Lastly, there's the classic blue instant, Brainstorm. This spell allows you to draw three cards, then put two cards from your hand back on top of your library in any order. While Brainstorm may not provide as much card advantage as some of the other options on this list, its ability to filter your draws can be invaluable in the right deck.
In conclusion, card draw is essential for EDH decks, and there are plenty of great options to choose from. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly option or a powerful spell that can generate insane amounts of card advantage, there's something on this list for everyone. Remember that card draw alone won't win you games, but it will give you the tools you need to pull off your game-winning strategy.
Introduction
Card draw is an essential aspect of any EDH deck as it ensures that players have access to the necessary cards to win. However, not all card draw spells are created equal. This article will explore the best card draw spells available in EDH decks.
Blue Card Draw Spells
Brainstorm
Brainstorm is a classic blue card draw spell that allows players to draw three cards and then put two cards back on top of their library. This spell is excellent for setting up future draws and can be used to shuffle away unwanted cards.
Ponder
Ponder is another blue card draw spell that enables players to draw three cards and then shuffle their library. This spell is particularly useful for finding specific cards or setting up future draws.
Mystic Remora
Mystic Remora is an enchantment that provides card draw whenever an opponent casts a spell. This spell is incredibly powerful in the early game and can quickly draw a large number of cards for minimal mana investment.
Green Card Draw Spells
Harmonize
Harmonize is a green sorcery that allows players to draw three cards for a modest mana cost. This spell is excellent for decks that require a significant amount of card draw to function effectively.
Soul's Majesty
Soul's Majesty is a green sorcery that allows players to draw cards equal to the power of a creature they control. This spell is particularly useful for decks that focus on large creatures and can quickly refill a player's hand.
Greater Good
Greater Good is an enchantment that enables players to draw cards equal to the power of a sacrificed creature. This spell is incredibly powerful in decks that focus on sacrificing creatures for value.
Black Card Draw Spells
Night's Whisper
Night's Whisper is a black sorcery that allows players to draw two cards and lose two life. This spell is excellent for decks that require card draw at a low mana cost.
Phyrexian Arena
Phyrexian Arena is an enchantment that provides card draw at the cost of one life per turn. This spell is incredibly powerful in decks that can afford to lose life, such as decks that focus on lifegain.
Sign in Blood
Sign in Blood is a black sorcery that allows players to draw two cards and lose two life. This spell is similar to Night's Whisper but can also be used to target opponents for direct damage.
Artifact Card Draw Spells
Mind's Eye
Mind's Eye is an artifact that allows players to draw cards whenever an opponent draws a card. This spell is incredibly powerful in multiplayer games and can quickly refill a player's hand.
The Immortal Sun
The Immortal Sun is an artifact that provides card draw and other benefits, such as reducing the cost of spells and preventing planeswalker abilities. This spell is particularly useful in decks that utilize planeswalkers or require a significant amount of card draw.
Sensei's Divining Top
Sensei's Divining Top is an artifact that enables players to look at the top three cards of their library and then put them back in any order. This spell is incredibly powerful for setting up future draws and can be used to shuffle away unwanted cards.
Conclusion
Card draw is an essential aspect of any EDH deck, and there are numerous powerful spells available to players. Whether you prefer blue's classic card draw spells or green's focus on creatures, there is a card draw spell available to suit your needs. By utilizing these powerful spells, players can ensure that they always have the necessary cards to win.
Why Card Draw is Important in EDH
Card draw is one of the most crucial elements of any Commander deck, particularly in EDH. In a format where you only have access to a single copy of each card, drawing extra cards can be the difference between victory and defeat. Card draw enables you to keep a steady stream of resources flowing into your hand, allowing you to play multiple spells per turn, respond to your opponents' threats, and ultimately win the game.Without card draw, you risk running out of steam and being left with an empty hand, which can result in you being unable to cast any spells or respond to your opponents. This is especially problematic in EDH, where games can last longer than in other formats, and where you're likely to face multiple opponents, each with their own threats and strategies.The Top 5 EDH Commanders for Card Draw
1. Niv-Mizzet, Parun - This legendary creature from Guilds of Ravnica has an ability that triggers whenever you draw a card, dealing damage to any target. With Niv-Mizzet as your commander, you can build a deck around drawing as many cards as possible, dealing damage to your opponents in the process.2. Edric, Spymaster of Trest - This Merfolk from the Commander 2011 set allows you to draw a card whenever a creature you control deals combat damage to an opponent. By filling your deck with evasive creatures like flying or unblockable ones, you can draw a ton of cards and overwhelm your opponents.3. The Locust God - This insect god from Hour of Devastation creates a 1/1 flying insect token whenever you draw a card. Not only does this provide you with a swarm of creatures, but it also triggers Niv-Mizzet-like abilities that deal damage to your opponents.4. Kozilek, Butcher of Truth - This Eldrazi titan from Rise of the Eldrazi allows you to draw four cards whenever it enters the battlefield. With its Annihilator 4 ability, you can force your opponents to sacrifice four permanents, clearing the way for your creatures to attack.5. Damia, Sage of Stone - This legendary creature from Commander 2011 allows you to draw cards equal to the number of cards in your hand when it enters the battlefield. By keeping your hand size large and constantly drawing cards, you can out-resource your opponents and dominate the game.How to Build a Deck with Strong Card Draw Engines
Building a deck with strong card draw engines requires careful consideration of multiple factors, including the commander, color identity, and card selection. Here are some tips to help you build a deck that can draw cards consistently:1. Choose a commander with card draw abilities - As discussed earlier, there are several commanders that have built-in card draw abilities. Choosing one of these as your commander can make it easier to build a deck around drawing cards.2. Include card draw spells and artifacts - There are many spells and artifacts that can help you draw cards, including Brainstorm, Ponder, Rhystic Study, and Staff of Nin. Including a mix of these in your deck can ensure that you always have access to card draw.3. Utilize your colors wisely - Some colors have more access to card draw than others. Blue and black, for example, have some of the best card draw spells in the game, while red and green have fewer options. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of each color when building your deck.4. Include cards that synergize with card draw - Some cards become much more powerful when combined with card draw effects. For example, cards with cascade or rebound can allow you to cast multiple spells per turn, while cards with madness or flashback can be cast from your graveyard after being drawn.The Best Color Combinations for Card Draw in EDH
As mentioned earlier, some colors have more access to card draw than others. Here are the best color combinations for card draw in EDH:1. Blue/Black - This color combination has access to some of the best card draw spells in the game, including Ancestral Recall, Brainstorm, and Necropotence.2. Blue/Green - While green has fewer card draw options than blue or black, it makes up for it with its ability to ramp and fix mana. This allows you to cast more spells per turn and draw more cards overall.3. Blue/Red - Red has fewer card draw options than blue or black, but it makes up for it with its ability to deal damage to opponents. This can enable Niv-Mizzet-like abilities that deal damage whenever you draw a card.4. Black/Green - While green has fewer card draw options than blue or black, it makes up for it with its ability to tutor for specific cards. This allows you to search for your most powerful card draw spells and ensure that you always have access to them.The Power of Artifacts in Card Draw
Artifacts are some of the most powerful cards in EDH, and they can be especially useful when it comes to card draw. Here are a few artifacts that can help you draw cards:1. Staff of Nin - This artifact allows you to draw a card at the beginning of your upkeep and deals one damage to any target. This can provide a steady stream of resources while also dealing damage to your opponents.2. Alhammarret's Archive - This artifact doubles the number of cards you draw each turn. While it comes with a hefty mana cost, it can quickly provide you with a massive card advantage.3. Mind's Eye - This artifact allows you to draw a card whenever an opponent draws a card. While it requires a bit of setup, it can provide a huge amount of card advantage if left unchecked.The Importance of Instant Speed Card Draw Effects
Instant speed card draw effects are crucial in EDH, as they allow you to respond to your opponents' threats while also drawing cards. Here are a few instant speed card draw spells that you should consider including in your deck:1. Fact or Fiction - This spell allows you to reveal the top five cards of your library and have your opponent separate them into two piles. You then choose one pile to add to your hand. While it can be risky, it can provide a huge amount of card advantage.2. Dig Through Time - This spell allows you to look at the top seven cards of your library and choose two to add to your hand. With its delve ability, it can be cast for a reduced mana cost if you exile other cards from your graveyard.3. Frantic Search - This spell allows you to draw two cards and then discard two cards. While it can be risky to discard cards, it can also enable madness or flashback effects and provide a huge amount of card advantage.The Pros and Cons of Using Creature-Based Card Draw
Creature-based card draw spells can be powerful in EDH, but they come with their own set of pros and cons. Here are a few things to consider when using creature-based card draw:Pros:1. Creatures can provide additional value beyond just card draw. For example, Edric, Spymaster of Trest also provides you with evasive creatures that can deal combat damage.2. Creature-based card draw can be less vulnerable to removal than spells or artifacts.Cons:1. Creatures are vulnerable to removal spells and board wipes, which can leave you without any card draw.2. Creature-based card draw can be less consistent than spells or artifacts, as it requires you to have creatures on the battlefield.How to Balance Card Draw and Other Key Elements in EDH Decks
While card draw is important in EDH, it's not the only element that you need to consider when building a deck. Here are a few tips for balancing card draw with other key elements:1. Include enough removal spells to deal with your opponents' threats. Without removal, you risk being overrun by your opponents' creatures and unable to draw cards.2. Include enough ramp spells to ensure that you can cast your spells on time. Without ramp, you risk being unable to play any spells at all, regardless of how many cards you draw.3. Include enough win conditions to close out the game. While card draw can help you stay in the game, you still need to be able to win eventually.The Top 10 Card Draw Spells for EDH
1. Rhystic Study - This enchantment allows you to draw a card whenever an opponent casts a spell unless they pay an additional mana.2. Necropotence - This black enchantment allows you to pay life instead of mana to draw cards, providing a massive amount of card advantage.3. Consecrated Sphinx - This creature from Mirrodin Besieged allows you to draw a card whenever an opponent draws a card. With its flying and high toughness, it can also provide a strong defensive presence.4. Mystic Remora - This blue enchantment allows you to draw a card at the beginning of each opponent's upkeep unless they pay four mana. While it can be expensive, it can provide a massive amount of card advantage if left unchecked.5. Mind's Eye - This artifact allows you to draw a card whenever an opponent draws a card. While it requires a bit of setup, it can provide a huge amount of card advantage if left unchecked.6. Sylvan Library - This green enchantment allows you to draw extra cards each turn by paying life. With its ability to manipulate the top of your library, it can provide a huge amount of selection and card advantage.7. Treasure Cruise - This blue spell allows you to draw three cards for a reduced mana cost if you exile other cards from your graveyard.8. Dig Through Time - This blue spell allows you to look at the top seven cards of your library and choose two to add to your hand. With its delve ability, it can be cast for a reduced mana cost if you exile other cards from your graveyard.9. Sphinx's Revelation - This white and blue spell allows you to gain life and draw cards equal to the amount of mana spent to cast it. With its flexible cost and powerful effect, it can provide a huge amount of card advantage.10. Harmonize - This green spell allows you to draw three cards for a reasonable mana cost, providing a solid source of card advantage.The Role of Card Draw in Competitive vs Casual EDH Playstyles
The role of card draw in EDH can vary depending on the playstyle. In competitive play, card draw is crucial for keeping up with your opponents' powerful decks and strategies. Decks that lack card draw are unlikely to succeed in a competitive environment, as they will quickly run out of resources and be unable to compete.In casual play, card draw is still important, but it may not be as crucial as in competitive play. Casual players may prioritize fun or thematic decks over powerful ones, and card draw may not be as necessary for those types of decks. However, even in casual play, card draw can provide a steady stream of resources and help players stay in the game longer.Overall, card draw is a key element of any EDH deck, providing a steady stream of resources and enabling players to respond to their opponents' threats. By building a deck with strong card draw engines, utilizing powerful artifacts and spells, and balancing card draw with other key elements, you can create a deck that is both fun to play and competitive.Best Card Draw EDH - A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
In the game of Magic: The Gathering, card draw is a fundamental aspect that can make or break the game. In the world of EDH, card draw is even more important as it determines the longevity and consistency of your deck. In this guide, we will explore the best card draw options available in EDH and their pros and cons.Top 5 Best Card Draw Options in EDH
1. Rhystic Study - This enchantment card is considered the best card draw option in EDH. It allows you to draw cards whenever an opponent casts a spell unless they pay an additional mana. The only downside is that experienced players will often choose to pay the extra mana, making it less effective.
2. Mystic Remora - This enchantment card is similar to Rhystic Study but requires you to pay one mana during each of your turns. However, this card is more cost-effective and can be used in multiple decks.
3. Consecrated Sphinx - This creature card allows you to draw two cards every time an opponent draws a card. It is expensive but can be a game-changer if left unchecked.
4. Necropotence - This enchantment card allows you to exile as many cards from your hand as you want and draw that many cards. It is powerful but can be risky as you must skip your draw step for the rest of the game.
5. Phyrexian Arena - This enchantment card allows you to draw one card at the beginning of your upkeep. It is a consistent source of card draw but can be slow in a fast-paced game.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Card draw provides consistency and longevity to your deck
- Allows you to find answers to opponents' threats
- Can give you an advantage in a game
- Helps you maintain a full hand of cards
Cons:
- Some card draw options can be expensive in terms of mana cost or monetary value
- Some options require specific colors or decks, limiting their versatility
- Some options can be risky or have downsides such as losing life or skipping draw steps
- Excessive card draw can lead to decking yourself out
Comparison Table
| Card Draw Option | Type | Mana Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rhystic Study | Enchantment | 3U | Powerful, consistent source of card draw | Can be countered by experienced players |
| Mystic Remora | Enchantment | 1U | Cost-effective, can be used in multiple decks | Requires payment of one mana each turn |
| Consecrated Sphinx | Creature | 4UU | Draws two cards every time an opponent draws a card | Expensive and can be targeted by removal spells |
| Necropotence | Enchantment | BBB | Allows you to draw multiple cards at once | Risky as you must skip your draw step for the rest of the game |
| Phyrexian Arena | Enchantment | 1B | Consistent source of card draw | Slow in a fast-paced game |
Conclusion
In EDH, card draw is crucial for consistency and longevity. The best card draw options are Rhystic Study, Mystic Remora, Consecrated Sphinx, Necropotence, and Phyrexian Arena. Each option has its pros and cons, and it is up to the player to decide which option works best for their deck. Remember, excessive card draw can lead to decking yourself out, so use these options wisely and strategically.The Best Card Draw Options for EDH
Gathering the perfect hand in EDH can be difficult, especially when it comes to drawing cards. The ability to draw cards is essential for any Magic: The Gathering player, as it allows them to access more options and build momentum towards victory. In EDH, card draw is even more important due to the higher life total and number of players. In this article, we will explore the best card draw options for EDH.
Firstly, let's talk about one of the most popular card draw options in EDH - blue spells. Blue is known for its ability to draw cards, with spells like Ancestral Recall and Brainstorm being some of the most powerful in the game. However, these cards are often banned in EDH due to their power level. Instead, you can opt for spells like Rhystic Study and Mystic Remora. Rhystic Study is a great option because it allows you to draw a card whenever an opponent casts a spell unless they pay an additional mana cost. Mystic Remora is also a viable option, as it allows you to draw a card whenever an opponent casts a non-creature spell.
If you are not playing blue, don't worry, there are still plenty of options available. One of the best options outside of blue is Necropotence. This black enchantment allows you to pay life to draw cards, which can be incredibly powerful in the late game when you have a lot of life to spare. Another great option is Sylvan Library. This green enchantment allows you to draw extra cards at the beginning of your turn, but you must pay life or put cards back on top of your library. It's a great way to filter through your deck and find the cards you need.
Next, let's talk about creatures that can draw cards. There are a lot of creatures that have the ability to draw cards when they enter the battlefield or deal combat damage. One of the most popular creatures is Edric, Spymaster of Trest. This blue and green legendary creature allows you to draw a card whenever a creature you control deals combat damage to a player. Another great option is Consecrated Sphinx. This blue creature allows you to draw two cards whenever an opponent draws a card.
Artifacts are also a great way to draw cards in EDH. One of the most powerful artifacts is Staff of Domination. This artifact allows you to tap it to draw a card, gain life, untap a creature, or untap itself. It's incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of situations. Another great option is Mind's Eye. This artifact allows you to pay mana to draw a card whenever an opponent draws a card.
Enchantments are another viable option for card draw in EDH. One of the best enchantments is Phyrexian Arena. This black enchantment allows you to draw an extra card at the beginning of your upkeep, but you must pay life to keep it in play. Another great option is Elemental Bond. This green enchantment allows you to draw a card whenever a creature with power 3 or greater enters the battlefield under your control.
Finally, let's talk about some of the best spells for card draw outside of blue. One of the best options is Wheel of Fortune. This red sorcery allows each player to discard their hand and draw seven new cards. It's a great way to refill your hand and disrupt your opponents. Another great option is Harmonize. This green sorcery allows you to draw three cards for only three mana.
In conclusion, there are many great options available for card draw in EDH. Whether you are playing blue or not, there are plenty of spells, creatures, artifacts, and enchantments that can help you draw the cards you need to secure victory. It's important to remember that card draw is essential in EDH, so make sure your deck is equipped with the best options available.
Thank you for reading this article on the best card draw options for EDH. We hope that it has been informative and helpful in your quest for victory in Magic: The Gathering. Good luck and happy gaming!
People Also Ask About Best Card Draw EDH
What is EDH?
EDH stands for Elder Dragon Highlander, which is a popular multiplayer format played in the Magic: The Gathering trading card game. It involves building a deck consisting of 100 cards with no more than one copy of each card (except basic lands). The goal is to defeat opponents by reducing their life total to zero.
Why is card draw important in EDH?
In EDH, players start with a higher life total and have access to larger card pools, making it harder to win through traditional means. Card draw is important as it allows players to find the resources they need to stay in the game and ultimately win.
What are the best card draw cards for EDH?
1. Rhystic Study
Rhystic Study is a powerful enchantment that allows you to draw a card whenever an opponent casts a spell unless they pay an additional mana cost. This card is incredibly versatile and can be used in any EDH deck.
2. Consecrated Sphinx
Consecrated Sphinx is a creature that draws you two cards at the beginning of your end step for each opponent who drew cards that turn. This card is a great way to generate card advantage and can quickly take over a game.
3. Mystic Remora
Mystic Remora is a cheap enchantment that allows you to draw a card whenever an opponent casts a non-creature spell unless they pay four mana. This card is particularly good early game and can help you keep up with opponents who are playing more expensive spells.
4. Necropotence
Necropotence is a powerful black enchantment that allows you to pay life in exchange for drawing cards. This card can generate an enormous amount of card advantage and is a staple in many competitive EDH decks.
5. Phyrexian Arena
Phyrexian Arena is another great black enchantment that allows you to draw an additional card at the beginning of your upkeep. It's a great way to generate card advantage over time and can be used in a variety of EDH decks.
6. Skullclamp
Skullclamp is an artifact that allows you to draw two cards whenever you sacrifice a creature with power one or less. This card is particularly good in token-based decks and can generate a lot of card advantage for very little mana investment.
7. Sensei's Divining Top
Sensei's Divining Top is an artifact that allows you to look at the top three cards of your library and put them back in any order. You can also pay one mana to draw a card. This card is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of EDH decks.
8. Brainstorm
Brainstorm is a blue instant that allows you to draw three cards and then put two cards from your hand back on top of your library. This card is a great way to dig for answers and can be used in any blue-based EDH deck.
9. Windfall
Windfall is a blue sorcery that forces each player to discard their hand and draw cards equal to the number of cards they discarded. This card is particularly good in decks that want to fill up their graveyard or generate card advantage through discarding.
10. Fact or Fiction
Fact or Fiction is a blue instant that allows you to reveal the top five cards of your library and have an opponent separate them into two piles. You then choose one of the piles and put it into your hand. This card is a great way to generate card advantage and can be used in any blue-based EDH deck.