Scent of Ivy MTG Card

Card advantage scales with green permanents, amplifying deck capabilities and strategy focus. Resource gain at instant speed makes Scent of Ivy a versatile surprise tactic. The requirement to discard and specific mana cost can limit the card’s inclusion in decks.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	1
Rarity	Common
Type	Instant
Released	1999-06-07
Set symbol
Set name	Urza's Destiny
Set code	UDS
Number	120
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	John Avon

Text of card

Reveal any number of green cards in your hand. Target creature gets +X/+X until end of turn, where X is the number of cards revealed this way.

Cards like Scent of Ivy

Scent of Ivy, a unique aura in MTG, often draws comparisons to cards that increase a creature’s strength based on certain conditions. For instance, Blanchwood Armor is another card that boosts a creature’s power and toughness in proportion to the number of forests you control. While Scent of Ivy provides a short burst of power, Blanchwood Armor offers a sustained effect, solidifying its position as a long-term power enhancer.

Similarly, Aspect of Hydra stands out with its ability to utilize devotion to green to amplify a creature’s might. Unlike the single-use nature of Scent of Ivy, Aspect of Hydra’s effect relies on the permanent count of green symbols in the mana costs of permanents you control, which can result in considerably larger power boosts for dedicated green decks.

Examining these examples emphasizes Scent of Ivy’s niche as an instant boost for a surprise attack or as a defensive trick. Its appeal lies in the element of unpredictability and the potential to turn the tables in a tight match, contrasting with the gradual buildup associated with Blanchwood Armor and the devotion-reliant Aspect of Hydra.

Cards similar to Scent of Ivy by color, type and mana cost

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Scent of Ivy scales with the number of green permanents you have, offering the potential for immense card advantage, especially in decks focused on green swarms or enchantresses strategy.

Resource Acceleration: This card is an ace in the hole for decks that work towards overwhelming the field with a multitude of green permanents, as it effectively translates into a rapid surge of potential casting power.

Instant Speed: As an instant, Scent of Ivy fits perfectly into the rhythm of a reactive game plan. You can maneuver around your opponent’s moves, casting it when it’s most advantageous or as a surprise element to turn the tides during combat.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Scent of Ivy requires the player to discard a card, which can be a strategic setback, especially if your hand is already depleted, or you’re relying on every card for a synergistic play.

Specific Mana Cost: This card necessitates green mana, which confines its play to green or green-inclusive decks, potentially excluding it from versatile deck-building opportunities.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that is considered high for what it offers, Scent of Ivy may not be the most mana-efficient option given the card effects it unlocks, particularly when assessed against other spells in the vast MTG card pool.

Reasons to Include Scent of Ivy in Your Collection

Versatility: Scent of Ivy offers a distinct advantage as it can adapt to different game situations. It works exceptionally well in decks that capitalize on the number of green spells you have or creatures you control, making it a flexible addition to green-themed decks.

Combo Potential: Its ability to count cards can be integrated into combos that take advantage of the green spell count or the quantity of mana generated, opening up avenues for synergistic deck-building and strategic plays.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where green decks or green-based strategies are prevalent, Scent of Ivy can provide an essential edge by leveraging its card count mechanism to outmaneuver opponents, ensuring its relevance in the current meta.

How to beat

Scent of Ivy stands out in the realm of green mana spells with its unique ability to scale its effectiveness based on the number of forest cards you control. This card can lead to substantial gains especially when you’ve established a vast presence of forest lands on your battlefield. Overcoming this card requires a strategy that minimizes the impact of your opponent’s forests.

One tactical approach to counter Scent of Ivy is through land disruption. Utilizing cards that limit land searches or destroy lands can significantly dampen the potency of Scent of Ivy. Cards like Blood Moon transform non-basic lands into basic mountains, which can perform dual roles – suppress the power of Scent of Ivy and stifle your opponent’s overall mana base. Similarly, utilizing effects that prevent players from playing extra lands each turn can be effective.

In essence, by directly targeting the root of Scent of Ivy’s power – the forests – you curtail its influence and, ultimately, stride towards mastery over the card during gameplay in MTG. This ensures a critical advantage for those looking to maintain control and stave off the escalating threat that Scent of Ivy can represent.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Scent of Ivy MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Destiny, 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 Scent of Ivy and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Scent of Ivy has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Scent of Ivy 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	You reveal cards, and thereby set the value of X, on resolution.