First Pick MTG Card


First picks can significantly impact game flow and bolster your deck with high-impact, game-defining cards. Choosing resource-accelerating or instant speed cards early enhances flexibility and board control. First pick cards’ versatility and meta-relevance make them valuable additions to any collection.
First Pick - Unstable
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeInstant
Abilities Assemble
Released2017-12-08
Set symbol
Set nameUnstable
Set codeUST
Number109
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderSilver
Illustred byJohn Thacker
Un-set :-)This card is part of an Un-set

Text of card

Destroy target artifact or enchantment. Assemble a Contraption. (Put the top card of your Contraption deck face up onto one of your sprockets.)

Picking hammers is dangerous, but it's still safer than harvesting saw bushes.


Cards like First Pick

The allure of drafting a first pick Magic: The Gathering card is akin to finding a jewel among stones. Cards like Ponder, which allows looking at the top three cards of your library and rearranging them or drawing one into your hand, echo the strategic depth that a first pick card should offer. Such cards often set the pace for your draft strategy and can dictate your game’s trajectory right from the start.

Brainstorm is another staple that has seen extensive play, offering an inexpensive way to draw three cards at instant speed. While it requires putting two cards back on top of your library, the immediate card selection and potential deck manipulation closely align with what a first pick card should contribute to a player’s arsenal. Conversely, a first pick card doesn’t typically impose a downside as Brainstorm does, setting apart high-caliber first picks that can provide value without compromise.

The comparison isn’t just about card advantage; first pick cards often also provide a high degree of versatility or power that can shape a winning draft strategy. These picks are pivotal, setting them a notch above other options, and are invaluable in the art of deck construction within the MTG realm.

Ponder - MTG Card versions
Brainstorm - MTG Card versions
Ponder - MTG Card versions
Brainstorm - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to First Pick by color, type and mana cost

Storm Seeker - MTG Card versions
Trailblazer - MTG Card versions
Venomous Breath - MTG Card versions
Fanatical Fever - MTG Card versions
Lure of Prey - MTG Card versions
Refreshing Rain - MTG Card versions
Snag - MTG Card versions
Might of Oaks - MTG Card versions
Elephant Ambush - MTG Card versions
Sudden Strength - MTG Card versions
Kamahl's Will - MTG Card versions
Dragonscale Boon - MTG Card versions
Force of Vigor - MTG Card versions
Garenbrig Carver // Shield's Might - MTG Card versions
Bloodscent - MTG Card versions
Mystic Melting - MTG Card versions
Stonewood Invocation - MTG Card versions
Heal the Scars - MTG Card versions
Gloomwidow's Feast - MTG Card versions
Slingbow Trap - MTG Card versions
Storm Seeker - MTG Card versions
Trailblazer - MTG Card versions
Venomous Breath - MTG Card versions
Fanatical Fever - MTG Card versions
Lure of Prey - MTG Card versions
Refreshing Rain - MTG Card versions
Snag - MTG Card versions
Might of Oaks - MTG Card versions
Elephant Ambush - MTG Card versions
Sudden Strength - MTG Card versions
Kamahl's Will - MTG Card versions
Dragonscale Boon - MTG Card versions
Force of Vigor - MTG Card versions
Garenbrig Carver // Shield's Might - MTG Card versions
Bloodscent - MTG Card versions
Mystic Melting - MTG Card versions
Stonewood Invocation - MTG Card versions
Heal the Scars - MTG Card versions
Gloomwidow's Feast - MTG Card versions
Slingbow Trap - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Picking a card first in a draft can significantly shape your deck’s advantage, giving you access to high-impact cards that can dictate the flow of the game. The right first pick can also deter opponents from contesting your strategy, as they recognize your potential for card superiority from the outset.

Resource Acceleration: Opting for a resource-enhancing card as your first choice steers you towards a quicker game play, enabling you to deploy threats and answer opponents’ moves more efficiently. This early boost can create a ripple effect, leading to a commanding presence on the board from the early stages of the match.

Instant Speed: Selecting an instant speed card as your first pick offers unparalleled flexibility during the match. This means you can respond to threats immediately, keeping your opponents off balance and unsure of what you’ll do next. The ability to act during your opponent’s turn can often be the pivotal factor in taking control of a game.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Some coveted first pick cards necessitate discarding one or more cards upon playing or activating abilities, which can deplete your hand fast and may not always be advantageous, especially if you’re fighting to maintain card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: These high-value cards often come with stringent mana color requirements, making them a less flexible option for decks running multiple colors. This can lead to mana fixing challenges and hinder the overall flow of your game plan.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: As a first pick, these cards usually have a powerful impact on the game, but they also tend to have higher mana costs compared to other options. This can slow down your early game or leave you vulnerable while you build up the necessary resources to cast them.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: A first pick MTG card can often be the linchpin of various deck archetypes due to its inherent flexibility. It can adapt to multiple strategies, providing crucial support regardless of your deck’s theme.

Combo Potential: These cards offer remarkable synergy with other cards, setting off advantageous combos that can turn the tide of the game in your favor. Their combo potential makes them a deadly addition to your tactical arsenal.

Meta-Relevance: A card that’s typically chosen as a first pick maintains its relevance in changing metas, often defining or countering predominant deck styles. Keeping such a card in your collection ensures you remain competitive in various tournament scenes.


How to beat

Securing a strategic advantage in Magic: The Gathering requires not just choosing powerful cards but also knowing how to counter popular choices. When it comes to facing a first pick card—a card so valuable that it’s selected first in a draft—it’s essential to have a plan of action. Overcoming such cornerstone cards often involves understanding their strengths, their role in a strategy and keeping removal or counterspells at the ready. Timing is crucial; disrupting your opponent’s play just as they’re setting up for a power move can swing the momentum in your favor.

For example, if the first pick card is a creature, having efficient removal spells, like Path to Exile or Doom Blade, can be an answer. If it’s a noncreature spell, counters like Negate or Dovin’s Veto might be your shield. Adaptability is key, and having a mix of answers in your deck will prepare you for when these high-value cards hit the table. Remember, understanding the deck it’s in and the strategy behind it is just as important as the card itself. Knowledge and preparedness are your best weapons.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase First Pick MTG card by a specific set like Unstable, 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 First Pick and other MTG cards:

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