Prophecy MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Sorcery |
| Released | 1995-10-01 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Homelands |
| Set code | HML |
| Number | 11 |
| Frame | 1993 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Christopher Rush |
Text of card
Reveal the top card of target opponent's library to all players. If it is a land, gain 1 life. That opponent then shuffles his or her library. Draw a card at the beginning of the next turn's upkeep.
Cards like Prophecy
Prophecy holds a distinctive place in Magic: The Gathering, surrounded by cards that whisper promises of the future game state. Akin to Mystic Speculation, Prophecy allows players to glimpse their upcoming turns. Mystic Speculation, with its scry 3 ability, also lets players sort the top cards of their library but without the card draw that Prophecy offers. Contrasting to Prophecy, Mystic Speculation doesn’t offer the same potential for direct card advantage but it does have buyback, offering repeated uses.
In comparison, we’ve also got Indomitable Creativity, which similarly plays with the weave of destiny, disrupting the deck’s order to bring forth unknown permanents. While Indomitable Creativity doesn’t provide the raw card advantage of Prophecy, the element of surprise it introduces can quickly turn a game around. Another comparable spell is Predict. It allows a player to name a card, then look at the top card of a player’s library, and if Predict was correct, the card gets drawn and another card follows. It’s a bit of a gamble compared to the straightforward strategy that Prophecy supports.
To conclude, Prophecy fits well within the intriguing puzzle of MTG cards designed for players who enjoy forecasting the flow of battle and strategically planning their moves. With its straightforward draw mechanism, it provides a reliable option for deck builders seeking a no-frills glimpse into the future.
Cards similar to Prophecy by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Prophecy card in MTG can provide significant card advantage by potentially revealing critical information or drawing additional cards depending on its specific mechanics.
Resource Acceleration: If Prophecy interacts with mana resources, it might offer the ability to ramp up your mana pool, putting you ahead of your opponent by enabling you to play higher-cost cards sooner than expected.
Instant Speed: In the event that Prophecy can be cast at instant speed, it allows you strategic flexibility to respond to your opponent’s actions on their turn, or to make last-minute decisions based on the state of the board.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: When activating Prophecy, you must discard a card. This can deplete your hand, reducing your available options in future turns, especially problematic if you’re already behind.
Specific Mana Cost: Prophecy commands a strict mana arrangement, needing two blue mana to play. This can pose a challenge in multi-colored decks that might struggle with color consistency.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of five mana, including two that must be blue, Prophecy’s impact on the game might not align with its mana investment when cheaper alternatives are available.
Reasons to Include Prophecy in Your Collection
Versatility: Prophecy is a powerful card that easily slots into numerous deck archetypes. With its potential to reveal crucial information about your opponents’ hands, it can be an asset for control and combo decks alike that wish to foresee and disrupt enemy strategies.
Combo Potential: As a card that peeks into the future plays of opposing players, Prophecy is able to set the stage for potent combinations. It pairs well with mechanics that manipulate or benefit from the knowledge of the opponent’s next moves, enhancing strategic play sequences.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where anticipation of an opponent’s actions is key, Prophecy proves invaluable. It provides an edge against popular tactics and shifts the tides in your favor by preempting and countering pivotal threats well before they manifest on the board.
How to beat
Prophecy is a magic card that can present a unique challenge due to its visionary mechanic, allowing players to peek into the future plays of their opponent. This strategic insight can be substantial, but it can be mitigated by employing unpredictable plays. Using cards that shuffle your library frequently ensures your opponent gains less advantage from the foresight. Moreover, instant-speed spells cast on your opponent’s turn can disrupt the expected course of play, countering the advantage Prophecy might provide.
In addition, employing an aggressive strategy that puts pressure on the opponent can divert their focus from using Prophecy’s predictive capabilities to having to defend themselves. Also, consider using cards that grant you hexproof, which can protect you and your hand from being targeted, nullifying Prophecy’s potential impact. Lastly, cards that force your opponent to discard or have them play with their hand revealed level the playing field, as both players gain equal insight into the other’s tactics, reducing the incremental advantage granted by Prophecy.
Understanding the dynamics of when and how Prophecy is most beneficial can guide your strategy to effectively circumvent its predictive nature and maintain the element of surprise in your gameplay.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Prophecy MTG card by a specific set like Homelands, 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 Prophecy 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 Prophecy has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Prophecy card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | The shuffling and drawing of a card next upkeep happens even if the card is not a land. |