Curate MTG Card


Curate selects top library cards for strategic advantages, favoring precise game maneuvers. Resource acceleration and instant speed make Curate a flexible strategic tool. Despite its benefits, Curate’s mana cost and discard requirement may hinder some strategies.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeInstant
Abilities Surveil

Text of card

Surveil 2. (Look at the top two cards of your library, then put any number of them into your graveyard and the rest on top of your library in any order.) Draw a card.

"*Kathorran War Chants, Vol. III*? That doesn't even belong in this wing!"


Cards like Curate

Curate is an intriguing piece in the puzzle of library manipulation in Magic: The Gathering. It could be paralleled with Preordain, which serves a similar purpose in enabling players to view the top cards of their library. Preordain, however, allows for the immediate draw of one card after the scry, whereas Curate digs deeper with the look at the top four cards and the opportunity to draw one of them.

Another analogous card is Serum Visions, known for its strategic scry followed by the draw of a single card. Although it doesn’t provide the same depth of search as Curate, the fact that it draws immediately is advantageous for quick use of resources. Think Twice stands in contrast to both – instead of setting up future draws, it provides straightforward card draw with a flash-back ability, offering a second chance to draw a card, albeit at a higher cumulative mana cost than Curate.

Considering the strategic depth provided, Curate competently holds its ground amongst peers by offering players significant control over the next few turns, positioning it as a valuable tool for library manipulation and card draw in Magic: The Gathering.

Preordain - MTG Card versions
Serum Visions - MTG Card versions
Think Twice - MTG Card versions
Preordain - MTG Card versions
Serum Visions - MTG Card versions
Think Twice - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Sultai ComboSultai Combo GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 15 2024
Simic RampSimic Ramp GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 14 2024
Izzet SpellsIzzet Spells StandardIzzet SpellsTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: April 1, 2024
Azorius TempoAzorius Tempo StandardAzorius Tempo~~ Izzet Explosive Experiment Event
Mono-Blue TempoMono-Blue Tempo PioneerMono-Blue TempoPeasant Pioneer Showdown - A Josh and Pat's MTG Bazaar Sponsored Event
Azorius ControlAzorius Control GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 09 2024
UU StandardTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: February 26, 2024
Dimir ControlDimir Control GladiatorGladiator Team Unified League

Card Pros

Card Advantage: By selecting from the top cards of your library, Curate allows you to pick the right tools for the situation. Having more options at your fingertips can significantly tip the scales in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: While Curate doesn’t directly produce mana, its ability to filter through your deck at an efficient cost ramps up your chances of finding key lands or spells that can accelerate your resources in subsequent turns.

Instant Speed: The flexibility of Curate as an instant can’t be overstated. It enables reactive gameplay, allowing you to adapt to your opponents’ moves and make informed decisions right when it counts, all without sacrificing the momentum of your own strategy.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the downsides of the Curate card is the precondition of discarding. This can be cumbersome especially when the player is facing a hand with scarce alternatives or vital resources that can’t be risked.

Specific Mana Cost: Curate’s demand for blue mana means it is inherently restricted in its deck compatibility. Players operating multicolored decks may find the color specificity less than optimal when looking to maintain a flexible mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While offering a way to sift through your library, Curate’s mana cost is relatively steep when benchmarked against other options in the game. This could potentially slow down the player’s tempo, especially in formats where speed is of the essence.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Curate MTG card is a champion at flexibility, sliding neatly into numerous deck archetypes. Its ability to manipulate the deck and graveyard makes it a handy tool for any player looking to tailor their game plan on the fly.

Combo Potential: With Curate, you unlock synergy galore, not only by setting up your next draws but also by enabling combinations with graveyard retrieval mechanics or spells that capitalize on card types in the graveyard.

Meta-Relevance: In the ever-shifting landscape of competitive play, Curate’s intrinsic value as a quick deck filter affords you the adaptability to stay one step ahead, irrespective of the dominant game strategies.


How to beat

Curate, a nuanced card from the MTG universe, possesses an intriguing ability to manipulate the library through its scry and draw mechanics. This card allows players a glimpse of upcoming challenges and opportunities, shaping the course of the game by potentially aligning future draws with strategic needs. Its flexibility can be a headache for opponents who are unprepared.

Overcoming the advantage provided by Curate requires foresight and a proactive approach. Employing disruption tactics, like Thoughtseize or Inquisition of Kozilek, allows you to remove key cards before they are drawn. Another strategy is to apply pressure with fast, aggressive playstyles that outpace the value Curate can provide over time. Alternatively, using graveyard interaction cards like Scavenging Ooze can mitigate the card’s impact by managing the resources it sifts through.

When facing Curate, adjusting your play to emphasize disruption, speed, or graveyard management can tip the scales back in your favor. Anticipating its use and responding with a calculated strategy ensures that you remain competitive despite the potential card advantage it grants your opponent.


BurnMana Recommendations

Curate MTG card is a strategic gem in the vast MTG deckscape, offering managers and connoisseurs alike a chance to refine their game with precision. Its capacity to give insight into the near future of your deck can be game-changing, allowing for informed choices that carve the path to victory. While the downsides exist, the benefits often overshadow them, especially when tactically paired with cards that thrive on graveyard mechanics. If you fancy sculpting your deck’s destiny and keeping a step ahead of your competition, delve into our detailed guide on wielding Curate to its maximum potential and optimizing your deck’s performance.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Curate MTG card by a specific set like Strixhaven: School of Mages and The Brothers' War, 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 Curate and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Curate Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2021-04-23 and 2024-02-09. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12021-04-23Strixhaven: School of MagesSTX 402015NormalBlackIzzy
22022-11-18The Brothers' WarBRO 442015NormalBlackRyan Valle
32024-02-09Murders at Karlov Manor CommanderMKC 992015NormalBlackRyan Valle

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Curate has restrictions

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