Promising Vein MTG Card


Promising Vein enables card advantage and can outpace opponents by drawing cards with land play. Instant speed and mana ramping capabilities make it a versatile addition to various decks. However, its discard requirement and specific mana cost may limit its utility in some strategies.
Promising Vein - The Lost Caverns of Ixalan
RarityCommon
TypeLand — Cave
Released2023-11-17
Set symbol
Set nameThe Lost Caverns of Ixalan
Set codeLCI
Number279
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byJulian Kok Joon Wen

Text of card

: Add . , , Sacrifice Promising Vein: Search your library for a basic land card, put it onto the battlefield tapped, then shuffle.

United under the banner of the Brazen Coalition, pirates put aside their feuds to plunder the underground bounty.


Cards like Promising Vein

Promising Vein stands as a unique entry into the roster of land cards within the world of Magic: The Gathering. It parallels with lands such as Copperline Gorge, both entering the battlefield untapped if you control two or fewer other lands. Yet Promising Vein boasts a nuanced difference; it provides a colorless mana without any condition, whereas Copperline Gorge is rendered tapped if you control three or more lands.

Modern MTG strategies might align with parallels such as Temple of Abandon, which not only taps for two types of mana but also scry 1 when it enters the battlefield. While Temple comes into play tapped, it offers immediate deck manipulation, compared to Promising Vein’s potential to be cashed in for a larger return at a later stage.

Analyzing these examples shows that while Promising Vein may not offer the immediate utility or versatility of other lands, it has a long-term value proposition that could be strategically leveraged in the right deck, providing a unique advantage in resource acceleration within the MTG multiverse.

Copperline Gorge - MTG Card versions
Temple of Abandon - MTG Card versions
Copperline Gorge - MTG Card versions
Temple of Abandon - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Promising Vein by color, type and mana cost

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Cathedral of Serra - MTG Card versions
Mishra's Factory - MTG Card versions
Griffin Canyon - MTG Card versions
Ice Floe - MTG Card versions
Ghost Town - MTG Card versions
City of Brass - MTG Card versions
Bloodstained Mire - MTG Card versions
Zoetic Cavern - MTG Card versions
Grixis Panorama - MTG Card versions
Rupture Spire - MTG Card versions
Terramorphic Expanse - MTG Card versions
Tectonic Edge - MTG Card versions
Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx - MTG Card versions
Buried Ruin - MTG Card versions
Wasteland - MTG Card versions
Eldrazi Temple - MTG Card versions
Maze of Ith - MTG Card versions
Homeward Path - MTG Card versions
Arid Mesa - MTG Card versions
Field of Ruin - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Promising Vein card offers significant card advantage by enabling you to draw a card whenever a land enters the battlefield under your control. This ongoing effect can help you outpace your opponent in resources over the course of the game.

Resource Acceleration: By including Promising Vein in your deck, you can ramp up your mana resources quickly. This is incredibly valuable in formats where getting ahead on mana can be the difference between victory and defeat.

Instant Speed: With Promising Vein being an instant, you have the flexibility to respond to your opponent’s actions or maximize your mana usage at the end of their turn. This versatility makes it a formidable card in any player’s arsenal.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the deterrents associated with Promising Vein is its upfront cost that compels a player to discard another card. This can put you at a card disadvantage, particularly in tight situations where each card in hand is vital.

Specific Mana Cost: Promising Vein is quite picky with its mana demands. It requires not just any mana, but a combination that includes colored mana. This could be restrictive for decks that don’t consistently generate the right colors.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When evaluating mana efficiency, the cost of deploying Promising Vein could be seen as steep for what it brings to the battlefield. Other cards in the same mana range may offer more impactful or immediate benefits, which makes it essential to weigh its potential against alternative options in your deck.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Promising Vein slides smoothly into various deck types with ease, thanks in large part to its mana acceleration capabilities, which are beneficial in both aggressive and control strategies.

Combo Potential: When partnered with cards that capitalize on resource manipulation or land untapping, Promising Vein can become a powerhouse, unlocking explosive turns and enabling high-value plays.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where mana efficiency is key, this card holds its ground by providing an essential boost. Its relevance increases in formats that feature slower, grindy matches where every resource counts.


How to beat

Promising Vein has made its mark among resource-accelerating cards in Magic: The Gathering. It stands out with the unique ability to not only ramp but potentially set up for future plays. As a mana-generating enchantment, it can swiftly become the target of your attention on the battlefield. To effectively counter this card, think removal or disruption. Cards that destroy enchantments or artifacts can swiftly upend your opponent’s strategy. Naturalize or Disenchant are prime examples, neatly handling the threat at a low cost.

Alternatively, strategies that alter the lands themselves, such as land bouncing effects or land destruction, can be effective. However, remember that such tactics are often not favored in many playgroups due to their disruptive nature. Counterspells also work wonders by preventing Promising Vein from hitting the field in the first place. Be mindful of timing and manage your resources wisely to ensure you’re ready when your opponent attempts to play their potentially game-changing enchantment.

In summary, staying one step ahead and preparing with the right cards in your deck can render Promising Vein a minor setback rather than a major threat in your Magic: The Gathering matches.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Promising Vein MTG card by a specific set like The Lost Caverns of Ixalan, 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 Promising Vein and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Promising Vein has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal