Catalog MTG Card


Strategic library management through cataloging ensures sustained card advantage and better game planning. Knowing your catalog allows for quick resource access, expediting deck construction and gameplay. Cataloging aids in swift decision-making, crucial for maintaining an edge during matches.
Card setsReleased in 6 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

Draw two cards, then choose and discard a card.

"Without order comes errors, and errors kill on Tolaria." —Barrin, master wizard


Cards like Catalog

Within the expansive world of Magic: The Gathering, Catalog serves as a notable example of an instant-speed card drawing spell. It invites comparison to Insight, another card-drawing tool in a player’s arsenal. Both offer the instant ability to draw cards, yet Catalog distinctively requires the player to discard one as part of its cost. Insight, diverging from this mechanic, allows continuous draw by rewarding the player whenever an opponent successfully cast a green spell.

In assessing cards with related mechanics, Accumulated Knowledge comes to mind. It enriches the draw strategy by increasing the number of cards drawn with every identical copy in the graveyard, a feature Catalog does not possess. Although Accumulated Knowledge doesn’t ask you to discard, it hinges on having multiple copies to reap the best benefit.

Evaluating these options, Catalog finds its niche among instant-speed draw spells due to its straightforward and immediate two-card draw mechanism, even with the drawback of discarding. It offers a reliable option for players seeking an uncomplicated approach to refilling their hand in the heat of the game.

Insight - MTG Card versions
Accumulated Knowledge - MTG Card versions
Insight - MTG Card versions
Accumulated Knowledge - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Catalog by color, type and mana cost

Mana Short - MTG Card versions
Psionic Blast - MTG Card versions
Capsize - MTG Card versions
Intuition - MTG Card versions
Forbid - MTG Card versions
Frantic Search - MTG Card versions
Exclude - MTG Card versions
Crystal Spray - MTG Card versions
Hibernation - MTG Card versions
Circular Logic - MTG Card versions
Keep Watch - MTG Card versions
Archmage's Charm - MTG Card versions
Commander's Insight - MTG Card versions
Ixidor's Will - MTG Card versions
Vex - MTG Card versions
Thirst for Knowledge - MTG Card versions
Murmurs from Beyond - MTG Card versions
Venser's Diffusion - MTG Card versions
Dream Fracture - MTG Card versions
Oona's Grace - MTG Card versions
Mana Short - MTG Card versions
Psionic Blast - MTG Card versions
Capsize - MTG Card versions
Intuition - MTG Card versions
Forbid - MTG Card versions
Frantic Search - MTG Card versions
Exclude - MTG Card versions
Crystal Spray - MTG Card versions
Hibernation - MTG Card versions
Circular Logic - MTG Card versions
Keep Watch - MTG Card versions
Archmage's Charm - MTG Card versions
Commander's Insight - MTG Card versions
Ixidor's Will - MTG Card versions
Vex - MTG Card versions
Thirst for Knowledge - MTG Card versions
Murmurs from Beyond - MTG Card versions
Venser's Diffusion - MTG Card versions
Dream Fracture - MTG Card versions
Oona's Grace - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Cataloging MTG cards provides players with the ability to assess their libraries and plan the next moves accordingly, ensuring sustained card advantage on the battlefield.

Resource Acceleration: Effective cataloging can lead to optimal deck construction, allowing for quicker access to necessary resources and thus expediting your game plan.

Instant Speed: Having knowledge of your card catalog at instant speed enables swift decision-making, which is crucial when reacting to opponents’ actions and maintaining the upper hand during play.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Many MTG card catalogs demand that players discard cards to maintain an up-to-date inventory. While cataloging your collection, being forced to part with cards can be challenging, especially if it impacts your gameplay or sentimental value.

Specific Mana Cost: Organizing and cataloging cards based on mana cost can be tedious. For those with a diverse collection, filtering through specific mana costs when looking for cards to add to a deck or when trading could be time-consuming and may not align well with broader collection goals.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: High mana costs in cataloging also translate to potential difficulties. Cards that come with a high mana investment might sit in your catalog longer before finding their place in a deck. They could represent a larger portion of your investment in the game, which might not yield immediate returns or gameplay benefits.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: A Catalog Mtg Card serves as an essential tool for any player, enabling you to track and access your collection quickly. Its adaptability comes from its use in not just managing decks but also in strategizing trades and understanding card value.

Combo Potential: With the capacity to organize and evaluate your cards based on their synergies, Catalog Mtg Card becomes invaluable. It aids in visualizing potential combinations and interactions within your collection, offering you a tactical edge in deckbuilding.

Meta-Relevance: Staying current with the ever-evolving meta is crucial for every player. Catalog Mtg Card helps you analyze the usage trends of cards in top-tier play, ensuring your collection remains competitive and up-to-date with the most impactful strategies.


How to beat

Understanding the dynamics of a MTG Catalog Card can turn the tides in your favor. This card offers players a powerful tool for organizing and accessing their collection, impacting strategy and gameplay choices. To counteract its benefits, consider implementing search disruption tactics, such as using cards that shuffle the opponent’s library or restrict their search abilities. Additionally, applying pressure with quick aggro strategies can limit the time your opponent has to make use of their perfectly curated setup.

Another approach is to take advantage of gaining knowledge about the opponent’s arsenal through their cataloging actions. Cards like Psychic Surgery or Shadow of Doubt can interfere with their searches, turning their advantage into your intelligence gain. Moreover, the use of hand disruption spells like Thoughtseize or Inquisition of Kozilek can extract key components from their curated collection before they have a chance to play them. Remember, while catalog cards are powerful, they require time and setup that you may deny your opponent with the right strategy.

In essence, disrupting search mechanics or speeding up your game are reliable methods to minimize the impact of MTG Catalog Cards. A solid understanding of these strategies ensures your deck remains competitive and capable of overcoming the card cataloging challenge presented by your adversary.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Catalog MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Saga and Eighth Edition, 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 Catalog and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Catalog Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 1998-10-12 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11998-10-12Urza's SagaUSG 641997NormalBlackBerry
22003-07-28Eighth Edition8ED 65★2003NormalBlackBerry
32003-07-28Eighth Edition8ED 652003NormalWhiteBerry
42016-04-08Shadows over InnistradSOI 512015NormalBlackJohannes Voss
52019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 3112015NormalBlackJohannes Voss
62020-09-26The ListPLST SOI-512015NormalBlackJohannes Voss

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Catalog has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal