Frantic Search MTG Card

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Frantic Search lets you draw two cards, ensuring you have more options and the ability to dig deeper into your deck for the answers or resources you need.

Resource Acceleration: While this card does not generate additional mana as its initial effect, it does allow you to untap up to three lands, effectively giving you a burst of tempo and the potential for a significant mana boost the same turn it’s played.

Instant Speed: The instant nature of Frantic Search means you can react to your opponents’ moves during their turn, maintain the element of surprise, and make more informed decisions with the additional cards drawn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One notable downside to using Frantic Search is the requirement to discard two cards. This can lead to a substantial depletion of your hand, especially if you’re already trailing behind in card advantage. In scenarios where every card in your hand is critical, activating Frantic Search may cost you valuable resources that could be necessary for future plays.

Specific Mana Cost: Frantic Search demands a precise combination of mana to cast: two islands are needed among the three mana used. This specificity can be restrictive for multicolored decks that may not consistently have the required types of mana. Decks not heavily committed to blue mana sources might find it challenging to accommodate Frantic Search effectively within their mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Frantic Search offers the beneficial effect of untapping lands, its zero-net-gain on mana can be seen as a drawback compared to other instant-speed options. Despite refunding the mana spent, the initial investment of three mana can be quite significant in the early to mid-game. Players must weigh the tempo loss if there’s no immediate value gain from the lands being untapped, as alternative cards could potentially provide an immediate impact on the game state for the same or lesser cost.

Reasons to Include Frantic Search in Your Collection

Versatility: Frantic Search is exceptional for its ability to slide into multiple deck archetypes, from storm to control, granting you the flexibility of card draw and mana untapping without costing you a dime in your mana pool.

Combo Potential: As an enabler, the card synergizes with numerous strategies that capitalize on untapped lands or require significant hand cycling to combo off. Its ability to unlock and dig for combo pieces is unmatched.

Meta-Relevance: Given the ever-shifting landscape of gameplay, the adaptability and efficiency of Frantic Search makes it a staple in environments where quick responses and resourcefulness are key to victory.

How to beat

Frantic Search is a classic card in MTG that offers formidable utility, providing card selection and temporary ramp at no cost after untapping lands. Outpacing this card involves disruptiveness and timing—targeted discard strategies can force the opponent to use it prematurely or remove it from their hand, eroding their meticulously arranged game plan. Graveyard hate can also stunt its utility; cards like Rest in Peace negate the benefits from their graveyard synergies, making Frantic Search less impactful.

Counterspells are another line of defense. By countering Frantic Search, you not only deny your opponent the opportunity to dig through their deck but also waste their resources. Efficient burn spells can also help you maintain pressure so that your opponent doesn’t have the leisure to set up Frantic Search combos or recover with it. Lastly, considering Frantic Search is commonly used in combo decks, applying continuous pressure can force your opponent to use their resources defensively, reducing their chances to set up a winning combo with Frantic Search at the core.

BurnMana Recommendations

If you’re fine-tuning your deck or strategizing for the next face-off, Frantic Search could be a key asset. This card excels in various settings, allowing for a significant tempo boost, combo execution, and instant-speed interactions. By leveraging its power to untap lands and draw cards, savvy MTG players can turn the tide of any match. Look out for its potential drawbacks, but also consider the strategic flexibility it affords. Keen to deepen your understanding of Frantic Search and how it can enhance your gameplay? Join us to unravel the intricate plays and hidden synergies that could propel you to the top of the MTG realm.