Galvanic Relay MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeSorcery
Abilities Storm

Key Takeaways

  1. Galvanic Relay provides card advantage by exiling cards for future use, enhancing hand resources.
  2. It supports resource acceleration, indirectly leading to efficient mana usage over several turns.
  3. The card’s setup mimics instant-speed functionality, enabling strategic plays during later turns.

Text of card

Exile the top card of your library. During your next turn, you may play that card. Storm (When you cast this spell, copy it for each spell cast before it this turn.)

Abandoned years ago, the experiment continues to iterate upon itself.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: When casting Galvanic Relay, you may exile the top card of your library during each opponent’s next turn. This has the potential to turn into multiple cards gained, effectively fueling your hand with additional resources that can be played during future turns.

Resource Acceleration: While Galvanic Relay itself doesn’t directly provide mana or treasure tokens, the ability to exile and play multiple cards over time can lead to significant resource acceleration. This incremental advantage enables you to utilize mana in later turns more efficiently by providing access to cards that would otherwise be beyond your reach.

Instant Speed: Although Galvanic Relay is a sorcery, its mechanics function similarly to “casting at instant speed” as it allows you to set up for your future turns, potentially unleashing a flurry of spells in a single go. The setup Galvanic Relay provides can be considered a delayed burst of speed in resource usage, giving you a strategic edge over opponents who are unable to foresee and prepare for the cards you’ve set aside.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One drawback of Galvanic Relay is the necessity to discard if its Storm ability triggers multiple copies. Although the potential for numerous spell copies is enticing, having to discard for each could deplete a player’s hand, leading to a disadvantage in later turns if not managed correctly.

Specific Mana Cost: Galvanic Relay’s cost requirement includes red mana, which may not seamlessly integrate into every deck archetype. Decks not centered around red mana may find it challenging to accommodate Galvanic Relay without compromising their mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana including two generic and one red, it competes with numerous other spells in the same range. Players may find that other options provide more immediate impact or versatility for the investment of three mana, especially when considering the predictable nature of spells without the Storm mechanic.


Reasons to Include Galvanic Relay in Your Collection

Versatility: Galvanic Relay is a unique card that can slide effortlessly into a wide range of decks, particularly those revolving around spellcasting and storm strategies. Its design allows players to plan ahead and set up their next turn, providing both card selection and card advantage.

Combo Potential: This card is particularly potent in decks that aim to chain multiple spells in a single turn. The delayed card draw mechanism offers a combination window, potentially unlocking explosive plays that can turn the tide of the game, or even win it outright.

Meta-Relevance: With its ability to provide a significant strategic advantage, Galvanic Relay proves to be a strong contender in environments where resource accrual and tempo plays are crucial to outmaneuver opponents. It’s a valuable asset when navigating through metas heavy in interaction or where extended plays are common.


How to beat

Galvanic Relay is a unique spell in the landscape of Magic the Gathering that allows players to exile the top card of their library for each spell they’ve cast this turn. When they do so, they can play those cards during their next turn, which provides a substantial card advantage. This benefit, however, can be mitigated effectively.

One of the most straightforward strategies to counteract Galvanic Relay’s potential is through the use of counter spells. Interrupting this spell before it takes effect eliminates the looming threat of a bolstered next turn. Moreover, employing discard effects forces the opponent to use or lose their exiled cards before they’re ready, disrupting their planned sequences. Alternatively, aggressive decks can focus on pressuring the Galvanic Relay user early in the game, reducing the chance they have a meaningful number of spells to cast before playing Galvanic Relay.

Ultimately, understanding the pacing of your opponent’s strategy and maintaining board control are key. By doing so, you can mitigate the advantage Galvanic Relay provides and maintain the upper hand in your game of Magic the Gathering.


BurnMana Recommendations

If you’re weaving the intricate tapestry of Magic the Gathering, every card counts. Unlocking the full potential of Galvanic Relay could be the key to outmaneuvering your opponents and seizing victory. As it allows you to line up an arsenal of spells for future turns, the tactical advantages can be game-changing for spell-slinging aficionados. With resource acceleration on your side and the ability to adapt strategically to in-game dynamics, incorporating Galvanic Relay into your deck might just tip the scales in your favor. Ready to harness its power? Delve deeper into strategic deck building and optimize your gameplay with us. Let’s cast into the future of MTG together.


Cards like Galvanic Relay

Galvanic Relay stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a unique sorcery spell that not only offers card advantage but synergizes with storm strategies. In relation to other cards, Manamorphose is a noteworthy counterpart. Although it doesn’t provide direct card advantage, it serves as a facilitator for combo plays by converting mana and drawing a card, essential for storm decks. Conversely, Galvanic Relay takes a different approach by exiling the top card of your library for each spell cast that turn, offering a delayed but potentially more substantial card advantage.

Analogous to Relay in the storm context is Mind’s Desire, which also exiles cards with each spell cast, then allows you to play them for free. However, Mind’s Desire swings with a higher mana cost and unpredictable nature. While Relay requires mana payment to play the exiled cards on the next turn, it provides a more controlled and strategic resource allocation, advantageous in prolonged gameplay.

In summary, Galvanic Relay presents a strategic addition to Magic: The Gathering’s storm archetype, giving players a different means to leverage their spells for future turns. It encapsulates card advantage and pre-planning, marking its utility in a variety of decks focused on casting numerous spells in a single turn.

Manamorphose - MTG Card versions
Mind's Desire - MTG Card versions
Manamorphose - MTG Card versions
Mind's Desire - MTG Card versions

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Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Galvanic Relay MTG card by a specific set like Modern Horizons 2 and Modern Horizons 2, 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 Galvanic Relay and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Galvanic Relay Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2021-06-18 and 2021-08-26. Illustrated by Lucas Staniec.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12021-06-18Modern Horizons 2MH2 4061997NormalBlackLucas Staniec
22021-06-18Modern Horizons 2MH2 1272015NormalBlackLucas Staniec
32021-08-26Jumpstart: Historic HorizonsJ21 4502015NormalBlackLucas Staniec

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Galvanic Relay has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperBanned
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
GladiatorLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2021-06-18 Playing the card has the same timing restrictions and requires the same payments as normal, but it can only be played next turn.
2021-06-18 You can play the exiled card only on your next turn after Galvanic Relay resolves. Notably, this means you cannot play it the same turn you cast Galvanic Relay.

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