Reduce to Memory MTG Card

Create learning opportunities and balance the board by exiling threats with Reduce to Memory. Instant speed allows for reactive play, keeping the game dynamic and unpredictable. Be mindful of its cost and discard requirement, planning your deck and plays accordingly.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeSorcery — Lesson

Text of card

Exile target nonland permanent. Its controller creates a 3/2 red and white Spirit creature token.

"Do not flinch from studying the horrors of the past. History's most important lessons are cloaked in terror and tragedy." —Augusta, Lorehold dean

Cards like Reduce to Memory

Reduce to Memory is an interesting tool for players seeking to handle threats on the battlefield. It stands in line with other removal spells like Path to Exile that exiles a creature and gives its controller a basic land as compensation. Yet, Reduce to Memory distinguishes itself by leaving behind a memory, a 3/2 red and white Spirit creature token, a trait Path to Exile doesn’t share.

Another kindred spell is Declaration in Stone, which not only exiles creatures but can handle multiple targets if they share a name, rewarding the opponent with Clue tokens that turn into card draw. Reduce to Memory, while it exiles a single nonland permanent, it provides a replacement creature rather than potential card advantage. Lastly, we have Oblivion Ring, an old favorite that removes any nonland permanent until it leaves the battlefield. Unlike Reduce to Memory, it does not permanently deal with the threat nor does it provide a creature token.

Considering the strategic implications, Reduce to Memory earns its spot for versatility and balance. Although it’s not as cost-efficient as some alternatives, the ability to exile any nonland permanent and leave a Spirit behind makes it a unique choice in a player’s arsenal.

Path to Exile - MTG Card versions
Declaration in Stone - MTG Card versions
Oblivion Ring - MTG Card versions
Path to Exile - MTG Card versions
Declaration in Stone - MTG Card versions
Oblivion Ring - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: When cast, Reduce to Memory replaces itself by creating a Learn opportunity, thus maintaining parity or potentially offering a strategic edge through the selection of powerful Lesson cards from outside the game.

Resource Acceleration: Although not directly impacting resources, the exile effect can disrupt opponent’s setups, indirectly speeding up your march to victory by dealing with crucial threats efficiently.

Instant Speed: With its instant speed flexibility, Reduce to Memory grants the ability to respond swiftly to threats even during the opponent’s turn, keeping your play options open and versatile.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Reduce to Memory necessitates the user to discard a card, which can pose a challenge when card advantage is crucial. In situations where your hand is already sparse, this additional cost can further strain your ability to maintain options and respond to your opponent’s plays.

Specific Mana Cost: The need for both white and blue mana to cast Reduce to Memory can restrict it to decks that comfortably support both colors. Mono-color decks or those that cannot reliably generate the required mana may find it hard to utilize this card optimally.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a combined mana cost of three, including specific color requirements, other cards may provide similar or better removal or token generation for less investment. Especially in formats where mana efficiency is tightly contested, Reduce to Memory can be a less appealing choice.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Reduce to Memory offers flexible board control that can adapt to various game situations in MTG. Whether it’s an attempt to diminish the presence of a powerful creature or nullify the impact of an intimidating enchantment, this card has a wide array of applications to maintain equilibrium during play.

Combo Potential: As a flavorful addition to spell-synergy based decks, Reduce to Memory holds the potential to pair with numerous spells that benefit from casting cost-efficient removal. It can be utilized to seamlessly integrate with strategies aimed at exploiting exile effects or fueling graveyard strategies.

Meta-Relevance: Staying a step ahead in the ever-shifting MTG meta means having access to tools that address a broad spectrum of threats. Reduce to Memory is that key sideboard card that can be invaluable when facing decks that rely on singular, high-impact permanents, ensuring your deck remains competitive in diverse meta scenarios.

How to beat

Understanding the intricacies of the card Reduce to Memory in Magic: The Gathering is crucial for devising a strategy against it. Reduce to Memory operates as a versatile removal spell, allowing players to exile a nonland permanent. However, this does come with the tradeoff of providing the opponent with a 3/3 Elephant token, which could potentially turn the tide of battle in their favor.

In terms of strategy, the key to overcoming Reduce to Memory lies in anticipating the exile. This could mean holding back on casting your most valuable creatures or spells if you suspect your opponent has the mana open to cast it. Also, consider deploying cards that can take advantage of the token created, such as those with abilities that trigger upon an opponent’s token being created or those that can easily remove a 3/3 creature without much cost.

Ultimately, while Reduce to Memory can certainly disrupt your game plan, smart play and a little foresight can turn it from a setback into an opportunity. Players should always weigh the risk and reward of playing into potential removal and, when possible, keep pressure on the opponent to force them into unfavorable trades with their removal spells.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Reduce to Memory MTG card by a specific set like The List and Strixhaven: School of Mages, 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 Reduce to Memory and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Reduce to Memory Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2021-04-23 and 2021-04-23. Illustrated by Campbell White.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12020-09-26The ListPLST STX-252015NormalBlackCampbell White
22021-04-23Strixhaven: School of MagesSTX 252015NormalBlackCampbell White

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Reduce to Memory has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2021-04-16 Although you may want to include Lessons in your sideboard if you’re playing with cards that instruct you to learn, Lesson cards can be included in your main deck like other instant or sorcery cards.
2021-04-16 Lesson is a spell subtype found on some instant and sorcery cards in the Strixhaven set. The Lesson subtype has no special rules associated with it.