Ribbons of the Reikai MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Sorcery — Arcane |
| Released | 2005-02-04 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Betrayers of Kamigawa |
| Set code | BOK |
| Number | 50 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Martina Pilcerova |
Text of card
Draw a card for each Spirit you control.
"If wisdom is a river, then we cup our hands, reach in, and drink from it in sips. The kami, however, are like fish, swimming, breathing, surrounded in its presence." —Dosan the Falling Leaf
Cards like Ribbons of the Reikai
Ribbons of the Reikai occupies a unique niche in Magic: The Gathering as a card that capitalizes on Spirit and arcane synergies. It’s often compared to other card-drawing spells, particularly blue ones like Concentrate, that allow you to draw three cards with no additional effects. The main distinction lies in Ribbons of the Reikai’s ability to scale with the number of Spirits you control, potentially drawing you a vast number of cards in the right deck, while Concentrate’s draw is fixed.
Another counterpart in this category is Keep Watch, which draws a card for each attacking creature. The potential for card advantage is immense, especially in multiplayer games or against token strategies. However, the lack of the Spirit or arcane mechanic makes it less compatible with decks that would favor Ribbons of the Reikai. Furthermore, comparing it to Distant Melody, which draws cards equal to the number of creatures you control of a chosen type, Ribbons of the Reikai’s ability to draw beyond creature-based parameters can be an advantage in a Spirit-heavy deck.
To sum up, while there are many cards with raw drawing power, Ribbons of the Reikai’s synergy with Spirit-themed decks gives it a situational edge, marking its unique place among MTG’s card draw spells.
Cards similar to Ribbons of the Reikai by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Ribbons of the Reikai is an efficient way to replenish your hand, offering a notable advantage particularly in decks that focus on spirit or arcane spells. Drawing three cards can significantly bolster your options and resources during gameplay.
Resource Acceleration: While Ribbons of the Reikai doesn’t directly generate mana or tokens, it helps by providing additional cards which could lead to resource acceleration indirectly. Access to more spells equates to more potential actions and an accelerated game plan.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast this spell at instant speed is invaluable, affording you the flexibility to respond to your opponent’s actions or end-of-turn decisions. This strategic timing can surprise an unprepared adversary and optimize your mana usage throughout the game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Ribbons of the Reikai demands that you play it when you cast a Spirit or Arcane spell, which means it can’t be freely played anytime for its benefit. This could be restrictive, especially when you’re trying to maximize your play efficiency or don’t have a Spirit or Arcane spell available.
Specific Mana Cost: This card has a specific mana cost that includes two blue mana. This requirement can make it challenging to integrate into multicolored decks that may have a more diverse mana base, potentially limiting the types of decks that can use it effectively.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of five mana, Ribbons of the Reikai can be considered hefty especially when it only draws you one card for each Spirit you control. There are other draw spells in the game that cost less and may offer more immediate or versatile card draw options.
Reasons to Include Ribbons of the Reikai in Your Collection
Versatility: Ribbons of the Reikai serves as an elegant fit for any deck seeking to snowball card advantage, especially in strategies that hinge on casting multiple spells in a single turn or those that capitalize on having numerous spirits within play.
Combo Potential: This card works wonders in decks that revolve around spirit or arcane interactions, amplifying their mechanics. It can seamlessly become part of combos that benefit from spells being cast, or from incremental advantage through extra card draw.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state where drawing cards is key to outmaneuvering opponents, Ribbons of the Reikai can provide the necessary edge. Its ability to potentially turn the tide in a long game makes it a strategic addition to collections that aim to remain competitive with constantly evolving metas.
How to beat
Ribbons of the Reikai holds a unique place in the realm of card drawing effects in Magic: The Gathering due to its interaction with Spirit and Arcane spells. This card allows the player to draw a card for each Spirit or Arcane spell they control, setting it in line with mechanics that reward a specific deck theme. One strategic aspect of Ribbons of the Reikai is its cost, it’s on the higher end of the mana curve, making it not as immediately accessible compared to other card-draw options.
Defeating this card involves disrupting the player’s build-up of Spirits or Arcane spells. Board wipes like Wrath of God can clear the field of Spirits before Ribbons of the Reikai capitalizes on their presence. Counterspells are also effective, negating the spell before it can trigger its effect. Targeted removal can manage the board state, reducing the overall impact and advantage gained from Ribbons of the Reikai. Understanding the timing and sequencing of your spells can prevent your opponent from drawing too many cards and gaining a substantial advantage.
Ultimately, the key to overcoming Ribbons of the Reikai lies in managing the tempo of the game, maintaining board control, and judiciously choosing when to deploy your disruption to minimize your opponent’s gain from this potent draw spell.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Ribbons of the Reikai MTG card by a specific set like Betrayers of Kamigawa, 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 Ribbons of the Reikai 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
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Ribbons of the Reikai has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |