Glimpse the Core MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Sorcery |
| Released | 2023-11-17 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | The Lost Caverns of Ixalan |
| Set code | LCI |
| Number | 186 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Francisco Miyara |
Text of card
Choose one — • Search your library for a basic Forest card, put that card onto the battlefield tapped, then shuffle. • Return target Cave card from your graveyard to the battlefield tapped.
"Wow. It's a good thing we brought a poet." —Wayta
Cards like Glimpse the Core
Glimpse the Core holds a unique position among card selection tools in Magic: The Gathering. It bears a resemblance to cards like Serum Visions, which allows a player to both draw a card and manipulate their deck through scrying. However, Glimpse the Core differentiates itself with its directness in sifting through the deck to uncover specific card types, an edge for players honing in on synergy and combo pieces.
In comparison, another spell that echoes a theme of preciseness is Anticipate. This card enables the player to look at the top three cards of their deck and pick one, offering both selection and the element of surprise. While Anticipate is versatile in its use for instant speed, Glimpse the Core’s capacity to consistently bring artifact and nonartifact options to light is unrivaled for artifact-centric strategies. There’s also Impulse, which delves deeper with four cards to look at, but without the categorization that Glimpse the Core provides, players might not find the synergistic piece they require.
Therefore, as we compare these MTG staples, Glimpse the Core’s specialized role in deck manipulation and artifact synergy stands out as a powerful tool for players looking to sculpt their ideal hand.
Cards similar to Glimpse the Core by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When you cast Glimpse the Core, one of the immediate benefits is the potential card advantage it can create. This card lets you look at the top five cards of your library, ensuring that you have access to key cards when you most need them, setting up future moves.
Resource Acceleration: As you delve into the bay of your deck with Glimpse the Core, you’ll find that it can act as a means of resource acceleration. By selecting the right cards, you’re effectively streamlining your deck performance and possibly pulling ahead of your opponent in terms of available resources.
Instant Speed: The fact that Glimpse the Core functions at instant speed grants you considerable flexibility in gameplay. It allows you to adapt swiftly to an evolving game state, responding to your opponent’s strategies during their turn and surprising them with unexpected card combinations on your own turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Glimpse the Unthinkable mandates that you discard a card as part of casting it. This can put you at a considerable disadvantage, particularly if your hand is already dwindling and each card’s value is at a premium.
Specific Mana Cost: To cast Glimpse the Unthinkable, you’re locked into providing both blue and black mana. This specificity can pigeonhole the card into only multicolored decks, potentially excluding it from mono-colored strategies and limiting its overall flexibility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Demanding a precise two mana might not seem like much at first glance. However, when pitted against the spectrum of available card draw or mill options in Magic, some players may opt for alternatives that accomplish similar goals without the stringent cost and discard prerequisite. Therefore, its cost-to-effect ratio might not resonate with players seeking more economical play patterns or those maneuvering under tight mana conditions.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Glimpse the Core provides players with the unique ability to peek into upcoming plays, making it a perfect fit for decks that thrive on planning and foresight. Its scalability in the late game further enhances its utility across various formats.
Combo Potential: This card’s synergy with library manipulation strategies can lead to powerful combo setups, allowing for precision in crafting your hand to unleash devastating sequences.
Meta-Relevance: As the competitive scene shifts, having Glimpse the Core can be a game-changer against decks that rely on carefully curated hand composition, making it a strategic asset in adaptations to new metas.
How to beat
Glimpse the Core is a nuanced addition to the world of Magic: The Gathering, bestowing players with the ability to delve into their deck and excavate specific pieces of their intricate strategy. Similar in some ways to anticipatory spells that sift through the deck’s top cards, Glimpse the Core comes with its own set of pros and cons that warrant a thoughtful approach if one aims to outmaneuver it.
When confronted with Glimpse the Core, it’s essential to throttle the efficiency of your opponent’s strategy. This means timing your counterspells to neuter their search, employing graveyard disruption to foil any retrieval plans, or applying pressure to force them into unfavorable plays. Remember, Glimpse the Core relies on having the time and the right conditions to be most effective. By denying these, you can dilute its potential and maintain the upper hand in your duels.
Ultimately, overcoming a card like Glimpse the Core in MTG is about preemptive actions and strategic gameplay. By staying one step ahead of your opponent’s intents, you ensure that their glimpse into the core provides them with nothing more than a fleeting vision of victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Glimpse the Core MTG card by a specific set like The Lost Caverns of Ixalan, 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 Glimpse the Core and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Glimpse the Core has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |