Probe MTG Card
2000-10-02 - Number 66
2020-09-26 - Number INV-66
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Sorcery |
| Abilities | Kicker |
Text of card
Kicker o1o B (You may pay an additional o1o B as you play this spell.) Draw three cards, then discard two cards from your hand. If you paid the kicker cost, target player discards two cards from his or her hand.
Cards like Probe
Probe is an interesting choice for players looking to deploy swift game strategies within the MTG universe. It stands shoulder to shoulder with other card drawing spells but carves its niche with a unique twist. Comparable to Preordain, Probe lets you peek into an opponent’s hand, yet Preordain is purely about card quality, allowing you to scry and then draw a card. But Probe, meanwhile, offers direct insight into the opponent’s strategy without costing you a card in hand, a subtle yet potentially game-determining advantage.
Then we encounter Peek, another spell allowing a look into an opponent’s hand and drawing a card. Like Probe, it is low-cost and can be played at instant speed, which is crucial for reactive strategies. However, Probe can be cast for its alternate cost of paying two life, adding flexibility for when mana is scarce. Gitaxian Probe, while no longer legal in some MTG formats, also offers a similar effect without a mana cost, instead paying life, which can significantly accelerate one’s game plan in formats where it’s allowed.
Analysis of these cards reveals the delicate balance that Probe strikes between information gathering and maintaining hand advantage, features that make it a compelling choice for strategic MTG players who value both tempo and intelligence.
Cards similar to Probe by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When deployed effectively, Probe provides the dual benefit of peeking into an opponent’s hand, thus informing your strategy, while replacing itself in your hand with another card. This can offer a crucial advantage, helping you stay ahead in the card count.
Resource Acceleration: Although Probe itself does not generate additional mana, it can potentially lead to resource acceleration by uncovering ways to disrupt your opponent’s plans. Knowledge of their hand allows for more efficient use of your mana and resources in the turns that follow.
Instant Speed: Flexibility is key in MTG, and Probe can be cast at instant speed, giving the option to use your mana wisely during your opponent’s turn. It can fill the gap when you’re holding up mana for other instants, ensuring no turn or mana goes to waste.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Probe card necessitates discarding another card from your hand, presenting a potential setback when your hand size is already dwindling.
Specific Mana Cost: Probe demands a particular combination of blue mana, which might not seamlessly integrate into non-blue or multicolored decks that run tight on mana diversity.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana value leaning on the higher side, Probe competes with alternative spells that could offer similar or greater effects for less mana, potentially affecting your in-game tempo unfavorably.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Probe is highly adaptable and fits into an array of deck strategies. Its capability to check an opponent’s hand while cycling itself out of yours makes it a valuable addition, whether you’re shaping a control, combo, or tempo deck.
Combo Potential: This card works excellently with strategies centered on knowledge and manipulation. By previewing your opponent’s hand, you can plan your moves more efficiently and find the perfect timing to deploy your crucial spells and combos.
Meta-Relevance: Recognizing the importance of information in the game, Probe can be instrumental in decks that thrive on disrupting opponent strategies. In metas where surprise and secrecy are key, having a Probe in your deck could give you the edge you need to outmaneuver the competition.
How to Beat Probe
Probe is a unique card in MTG that offers players the chance to draw three cards at the cost of one life and sacking a creature. Its utilization can be significant, turning the tide of a game by refilling a player’s hand, especially in strategies that leverage creature sacrifice for additional benefits. To successfully circumvent the advantages Probe provides, one must consider strategies that mitigate the impact of opponent’s card draw while also neutralizing the creature sacrifice aspect.
Playing cards that restrict the number of cards an opponent can draw, such as Narset, Parter of Veils, can be highly effective. This prevents the opponent from capitalizing on the full potential of Probe. Additionally, employing graveyard hate like Rest in Peace or Scavenging Ooze disrupts any synergies your opponent may have with sacrificing their creatures. These tactics can limit the effectiveness of Probe, reducing the advantage it grants and keeping you in control of the game state.
As vital as it is to recognize the strength of Probe within MTG, it is equally crucial to implement methods to contain its power. Adjusting your strategy to include cards that hinder your opponent’s ability to maximize their gains from Probe can be the key difference in maintaining dominance over the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Probe MTG card by a specific set like Invasion and The List, 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 Probe 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
Printings
The Probe Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2000-10-02 and 2000-10-02. Illustrated by Eric Peterson.
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Probe has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |