Combat Research MTG Card


Combat Research offers card advantage and strategic depth by ensuring a filled hand with options. Instant-speed play and creature enhancement make this a versatile spell during combat. Deck-building constraints and mana cost considerations might temper its utility.
Combat Research - Dominaria United
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityUncommon
TypeEnchantment — Aura
Abilities Enchant
Released2022-09-09
Set symbol
Set nameDominaria United
Set codeDMU
Number44
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byJustine Cruz

Text of card

Enchant creature Enchanted creature has "Whenever this creature deals combat damage to a player, draw a card." As long as enchanted creature is legendary, it gets +1/+1 and has ward . (Whenever enchanted creature becomes the target of a spell or ability an opponent controls, counter it unless that player pays .)


Cards like Combat Research

Combat Research is another compelling entry in the array of creature-enabling spells for MTG. When we look at parallel card abilities, we find the likes of Curiosity which also allows a player to draw a card whenever the enchanted creature deals damage to an opponent. Both stimulate card advantage but Combat Research extends its boon with a potential increase in a creature’s power each time it strikes an opponent.

Moving on to Keen Sense, we notice a similar effect where card drawing is coupled with damage. It stands out due to its one mana cost, making it highly efficient. However, unlike Combat Research, Keen Sense doesn’t bolster the creature’s size. There’s also Sixth Sense, aligning with these cards in the draw-on-damage mechanic. While it shares Curiosity’s mana cost, it misses out on the potential repetitive power boosts.

Assessing these options, Combat Research demonstrates a unique blend of card draw and combat enhancement within the MTG realm. It doesn’t just refill your hand but also turns your creatures into increasingly menacing threats on the battlefield. This dual functionality can be a game-changer, making Combat Research a notable choice for players looking to capitalize on creature-based strategies.

Curiosity - MTG Card versions
Keen Sense - MTG Card versions
Sixth Sense - MTG Card versions
Curiosity - MTG Card versions
Keen Sense - MTG Card versions
Sixth Sense - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Combat Research by color, type and mana cost

Flight - MTG Card versions
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Field of Dreams - MTG Card versions
Dream Coat - MTG Card versions
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Aboshan's Desire - MTG Card versions
Curiosity - MTG Card versions
Flight - MTG Card versions
Unstable Mutation - MTG Card versions
Field of Dreams - MTG Card versions
Dream Coat - MTG Card versions
Tangle Kelp - MTG Card versions
Tidal Flats - MTG Card versions
Flood - MTG Card versions
Backfire - MTG Card versions
Mystic Remora - MTG Card versions
Essence Flare - MTG Card versions
Cloak of Invisibility - MTG Card versions
Mana Chains - MTG Card versions
Robe of Mirrors - MTG Card versions
Telepathy - MTG Card versions
Veiled Sentry - MTG Card versions
Air Bladder - MTG Card versions
Seal of Removal - MTG Card versions
Shimmering Wings - MTG Card versions
Aboshan's Desire - MTG Card versions
Curiosity - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Combat Research. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Azorius SpiritsAzorius Spirits PioneerAzorius SpiritsPioneer League 2024-01-31
Simic HeroicSimic Heroic StandardSimic HeroicStandard Preliminary 2024-01-30
Bant AggroBant Aggro ExplorerThe Pizza Box Open: Explorer
Azorius TempoAzorius Tempo GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 14 2024
4c Auras4c Auras Pioneer4c AurasPioneer Challenge 64 2024-02-17
DecklistDecklist Free form88#CS
Mono-Blue SpiritsMono-Blue Spirits PioneerMono-Blue SpiritsPioneer League 2024-03-02
Simic TempoSimic Tempo StandardSimic HeroicJapan Standard Cup: Murders at Karlov Manor
Simic ToxicSimic Toxic StandardSimic HeroicBLACK - FRI - 11AM - Chicago 75K Standard Open
Simic AggroSimic Aggro StandardSimic HeroicNRG Series $5,000 Showdown - Chicagoland, Illinois (Standard)

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Combat Research offers a consistent draw mechanism, significantly increasing your chances of having the right answers or threats when you need them most. Playing this card ensures your hand remains filled with options, keeping you well ahead in the game’s resource battle.

Resource Acceleration: By facilitating the draw of additional cards, Combat Research can indirectly lead to resource acceleration. Each new card presents an opportunity for land drops or the discovery of ramp spells, both of which are vital for outpacing your opponent and deploying overwhelming board states.

Instant Speed: The instant-speed nature of Combat Research maximizes flexibility in gameplay. It allows players to adapt swiftly during the combat phase, making strategic decisions on demand. This not only keeps opponents guessing but also provides a tactical edge by optimizing your combat tricks and interactions without losing momentum.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: For the strategic player, having to discard a card to usher in Combat Research can be a double-edged sword. A pivotal moment of choice, where determining which card to discard could either pave the way for victory or leave you at a disadvantage sans the right arsenal.

Specific Mana Cost: The adherence to a blue and green mana requirement for this spell’s casting means that decks not running both colors could find themselves unable to harness the prowess of Combat Research. This limitation narrows deck-building options and demands careful mana balancing to avoid a dead card in hand.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana investment required for Combat Research is significant when stacked against other spells in the format. For three mana, players weigh this card’s potential gain against other tactical options that could potentially offer similar or greater benefits for less resource commitment.


Reasons to Include Combat Research in Your Collection

Versatility: Combat Research is flexible enough to be included in a variety of deck styles, particularly those that favor card draw and building a formidable creature presence.

Combo Potential: This enchantment synergizes with mechanics that care about drawing cards or dealing combat damage, unlocking potential for powerful interactions within your deck.

Meta-Relevance: Given its ability to consistently provide card advantage and pressure opponents, Combat Research proves to be a compelling addition in environments that reward proactive and aggressive strategies.


How to beat

Combat Research is a unique enchantment in the realm of Magic: The Gathering that provides card advantage by drawing you an extra card each time the enchanted creature deals combat damage to a player. To effectively counter this card, it is crucial to remove or neutralize the enchanted creature. Consider using instant-speed removal spells such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile to deal with the creature before it can attack and trigger the card draw ability.

Another strategy is to use enchantment removal like Disenchant to directly remove the Combat Research from play. It’s also beneficial to include creatures with reach or flying in your deck to block potential attackers enchanted with Combat Research. Additionally, cards that prevent the enchanted creature from attacking or dealing damage, such as Pacifism or Maze of Ith, can render Combat Research useless without having to remove it from the battlefield.

Ultimately, recognizing and disrupting your opponent’s strategy early on can prevent the potential card advantage that Combat Research could provide, thus maintaining the balance and control in your favor during the match.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dive deeper into the compelling dynamics of Combat Research, where strategic deck building meets tactical gameplay. This enchantment is more than just a touch of card draw—it’s a potential power boost with every swing. Perfect for those who love to see their creatures grow increasingly dominant. By placing Combat Research in your collection, you unlock doors to a variety of decks but remember to maneuver wisely around its restrictions. Are you ready to embrace the synergy it offers, and maximize your battlefield prowess? Discover even more insights and boost your MTG gameplay with us.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Combat Research MTG card by a specific set like Dominaria United, 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 Combat Research and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Combat Research has restrictions

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

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Combat Research card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2022-09-09 Because the card-draw ability is granted to the creature, if an opponent takes control of the enchanted creature and it deals combat damage while they control it, that opponent will draw a card.