Facet Reader MTG Card

Facet Reader enables card filtering, crucial for finding game-changing cards or fueling graveyard-based tactics. Its instant speed ability allows for strategic play, adjusting to the game’s state reactively and flexibly. Despite its benefits, it includes trade-offs like specific mana costs and the potential for resource loss.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Human Wizard
Released	2020-04-24
Set symbol
Set name	Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths
Set code	IKO
Power	1
Toughness	2
Number	50
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Matt Stewart

Text of card

, : Draw a card, then discard a card.

"Every flaw in the crystal represents a moment where our strategy might go wrong."

Cards like Facet Reader

Facet Reader offers unique utility in Magic: The Gathering, notably in decks that value information and selection. It stands shoulder to shoulder with cards like Seer’s Lantern or Crystal Ball. Both provide a means to scry, but Facet Reader is distinguished by its creature type, potentially offering synergy in creature-focused decks or those that capitalize on the untapping of creatures. Seer’s Lantern may give an advantage in mana acceleration but doesn’t contribute to board presence, whereas the Facet Reader can.

Conversely, Merfolk Looter is another card that shares traits with Facet Reader, granting the ability to draw and then discard a card, enhancing the hand quality. However, Merfolk Looter requires no mana to activate compared to Facet Reader’s manageable cost. Yet, for decks exploiting artifacts or looking for scry over draw-discard mechanics, the Facet Reader holds its ground.

In assessing Facet Reader’s role, it occupies a versatile niche, bridging between artifact exploitation and scry-based strategies, making it a fine tuned addition to MTG decks seeking both qualities in one package.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Facet Reader offers the ability to loot, giving players the chance to draw and then discard a card. This mechanism not only refines your hand but also helps dig deeper into your deck for key strategies.

Resource Acceleration: This card’s prowess is subtle yet potent—not directly providing traditional resource ramp but enabling strategic graveyard fill. A full graveyard can be a resource itself for decks exploiting graveyard synergies or recursion tactics.

Instant Speed: With Facet Reader’s ability usable at instant speed, players have the flexibility to optimize their plays reactively. This means you can adjust to the state of the game as it unfolds, making it a versatile tool during critical moments.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Facet Reader requires you to discard a card upon activation. This can be detrimental when your hand is already sparse, forcing you to lose potentially crucial resources that could alter the course of gameplay in your favor.

Specific Mana Cost: Facet Reader’s activation is locked behind a specific mana requirement. This can sometimes complicate its integration into a multi-color deck or limit its usage to decks that can reliably produce the required mana types.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When assessing the cost-to-benefit ratio of the Facet Reader’s ability, the mana investment is on the higher end compared to other options available. More affordable cards might fulfill similar roles without putting as much strain on your mana economy.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Facet Reader offers flexibility in deck building, adaptable to setups that value both filtering cards and information advantage. Its low mana cost and the scrying ability provide strategic depth across various deck archetypes.

Combo Potential: Its ability to draw and discard with ease feeds into synergies with graveyard and reanimator strategies or can be part of an engine in decks leveraging card cycle mechanics.

Meta-Relevance: In game environments where knowledge of the next draw is crucial, Facet Reader shines by smoothing out draws and ensuring a steady flow of resources, making it a nuanced addition in a meta that rewards foresight and planning.

How to beat

Facet Reader presents a unique challenge on the battlefield. This particular card is known for its card filtering capability, allowing players to draw into their needed responses or threats. Its ability lets you draw a card for the cost of one blue mana and discarding a card, which can be advantageous when looking for specific pieces or to fuel graveyard strategies.

To effectively counter Facet Reader, pressure is key. Focusing on an aggressive strategy can overrun a player relying on Facet Reader for card advantage. Utilize removal spells to eliminate Facet Reader before its ability can be activated multiple times. Additionally, employing graveyard hate cards disrupts strategies that benefit from discarding. Hand disruption is also effective by stripping away critical cards before they can be used to the opponent’s advantage.

Dismantling your opponent’s game plan that includes Facet Reader requires a blend of tactics. Whether it’s swift aggression or strategic removal and disruption, overcoming the card’s utility can lead to a path to victory. Recognizing the right moment to break the synergy can shift the game in your favor.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Facet Reader MTG card by a specific set like Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths, 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 Facet Reader and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Facet Reader has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Penny	Legal
Timeless	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2020-04-17	You draw a card and discard a card all while Facet Reader’s ability is resolving. Nothing can happen between the two, and no player may choose to take actions.