Case of the Ransacked Lab MTG Card
2024-02-09 - Number 45
2024-02-10 - Number 45p
2024-02-10 - Number 45s
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Enchantment — Case |
Text of card
Instant and sorcery spells you cast cost less to cast. To solve — You've cast four or more instant and sorcery spells this turn. (If unsolved, solve at the beginning of your end step.) Solved — Whenever you cast an instant or sorcery spell, draw a card.
Cards like Case of the Ransacked Lab
Case of the Ransacked Lab finds its unique position in the world of MTG instants that manipulate the top of your library. It is akin in function to spells like Serum Visions, which provides the ability to draw a card and then scry. While Serum Visions allows for immediate draw and sorting of upcoming draws, Case of the Ransacked Lab adds a slight twist with its surveil mechanic, letting you look at the top three cards of your library before drawing a card.
Another relative in this group is Preordain, an efficient card that lets you scry before drawing. It’s similar in cost but doesn’t offer the option to put any cards into your graveyard as Case of the Ransacked Lab does. This graveyard interaction can be critical for decks reliant on recursion or graveyard synergies. Index is also a noteworthy comparison; it allows a peek at the top five cards of your library but lacks the draw component that rounds out the utility of Case of the Ransacked Lab.
Ultimately, when selecting the right card for a strategy that hinges on manipulating the top of the deck, Case of the Ransacked Lab stands out for its potent combination of drawing and graveyard management, offering a versatile tool for players crafting a finely tuned MTG deck.
Cards similar to Case of the Ransacked Lab by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Case of the Ransacked Lab. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Storm | Modern | Storm | Modern Preliminary 2024-02-06 (1) |
| UR | Modern | Modern Showcase Challenge 2024-02-10 | |
| Mono-White Storm | Modern | $10K RCQ - Modern - SCG CON Philadelphia - Saturday - 9:00 am | |
| Izzet Storm | Modern | Storm | South America Magic Series - Regional Championship (Final Regional MAR 2024) |
 | Dimir Poison | Standard | Dimir Poison | Traditional Standard Ranked Decklists: March 4, 2024 |
 | WUBG | Standard | Traditional Standard Ranked Decklists: February 26, 2024 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Case of the Ransacked Lab provides an opportunity to potentially disrupt your opponent’s strategy while subtly enhancing your own hand. The ability to peek into the opponent’s hand and then draw a card helps in fine-tuning your plays according to the current game state.
Resource Acceleration: This card offers a secondary benefit of filling your graveyard with spell cards, which is perfect for decks that thrive on spell recursion or that benefit from having a plethora of spells in the graveyard to enhance the effects of other cards.
Instant Speed: The flexibility of casting Case of the Ransacked Lab at instant speed cannot be overstated. It allows you to wait until the most opportune moment within a turn cycle, such as your opponent’s end step, to execute this action without sacrificing the tempo of your own turn, thus keeping up the pressure while still progressing your board state.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Engaging in the curious Case of the Ransacked Lab necessitates the sacrifice of an existing card from your hand. For players striving to maintain card advantage, this can pose a significant setback, especially in moments when the hand is running empty and each resource is vital.
Specific Mana Cost: Summoning this spell demands a precise infusion of blue mana, which might restrict its invocation to primarily blue-aligned or compatible multicolored decks. Those who command decks without an ample blue mana source may find this card to be inflexible.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: To unravel the Case of the Ransacked Lab, a substantial amount of mana is required. Given the diverse choices available in the vast landscape of Magic, there are options that could yield greater value or a more impactful board presence for a similar, if not lesser, investment.
Reasons to Include Case of the Ransacked Lab in Your Collection
Versatility: Case of the Ransacked Lab offers a flexible approach to deck-building. It’s not just about the investigative mechanics it introduces but also how it seamlessly integrates into strategies focused on instants and sorceries or graveyard synergy.
Combo Potential: This card can be a lynchpin in sets revolving around spell casting and recursion. With its ability to manipulate the library and graveyard, it opens opportunities to craft combos, thereby enhancing your overall game plan with potential unexpected twists.
Meta-Relevance: In competitive play, understanding and adapting to the current meta is crucial. Case of the Ransacked Lab serves as a tool for card advantage and strategic depth, proving its worth in environments where calculated plays and resource management reign supreme.
How to Beat
‘Case of the Ransacked Lab’ opens up a Pandora’s box of challenges for MTG players. It proudly sits in the lineage of investigative spells, offering players a chance to sift through their deck for the perfect answer to any situation. Yet, the true mastery lies in countering its meticulous search for the unforeseen.
One approach is to employ disruption spells such as ‘Thoughtseize’ or ‘Duress,’ tactically unearthing and discarding key cards before they can be used to the opponent’s advantage. Speed can also outpace this clever card, with aggressive decks applying pressure before ‘Case of the Ransacked Lab’ has a chance to shape the battlefield. A swift ‘Goblin Guide’ or a cunning ‘Delver of Secrets’ can turn the tides favorably.
Ultimately, facing off against ‘Case of the Ransacked Lab’ boils down to strategic foresight. By reading the opponent’s moves and staying one step ahead, players can prevent the card from tipping the scales. Whether through hand attack or rapid aggression, finding the right tactic is crucial to dismantle the calculated risks inherent in ‘Case of the Ransacked Lab’.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Case of the Ransacked Lab MTG card by a specific set like Murders at Karlov Manor and Murders at Karlov Manor Promos, 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 Case of the Ransacked Lab and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
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- MTG Mint Card
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- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
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Printings
The Case of the Ransacked Lab Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2024-02-09 and 2024-02-10. Illustrated by Borja Pindado.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2024-02-09 | Murders at Karlov Manor | MKM | 45 | 2015 | Case | Black | Borja Pindado | |
| 2 | 2024-02-10 | Murders at Karlov Manor Promos | PMKM | 45p | 2015 | Case | Black | Borja Pindado | |
| 3 | 2024-02-10 | Murders at Karlov Manor Promos | PMKM | 45s | 2015 | Case | Black | Borja Pindado |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Case of the Ransacked Lab has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Standardbrawl | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |