Secret Rendezvous MTG Card


Delivers an equal card advantage to both the player and an opponent, reshaping the flow of the game. Presents deck inclusion versatility and potential for strategic combo plays in various formats. Requires discerning timing and board control to leverage its symmetrical draw for maximal benefit.
Secret Rendezvous - Strixhaven: School of Mages
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeSorcery
Released2021-04-23
Set symbol
Set nameStrixhaven: School of Mages
Set codeSTX
Number26
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byManuel Castañón

Text of card

You and target opponent each draw three cards.

Strixhaven's five colleges encourage natural rivalries among the students, but some bonds transcend all barriers.


Cards like Secret Rendezvous

In the realm of MTG, Secret Rendezvous invites intriguing comparison to other cards in card draw mechanics. In a generous twist on card drawing, this spell allows a player to draw three cards at the low cost of three mana. This seems to echo the spirit of Harmonize, a spell that also allows the drawing of three cards without the disadvantage of aiding an opponent. The catch with Secret Rendezvous is the unique dynamic it introduces, granting another player – often your opponent – the same boon of drawing three cards, which can greatly shift the tide of gameplay.

Another card that has a kinship with Secret Rendezvous is Howling Mine, which provides extra card draws each turn for every player, embodying the idea of shared prosperity. Unlike the one-time significant impact of Secret Rendezvous, Howling Mine sets the stage for accumulated advantage over several turns. Despite this shared resource effect, Secret Rendezvous’ immediate impact of drawing three can be more explosive in the right context. Lastly, Temple Bell rings a resemblance, as it also involves the whole table in the card draw, yet it allows more control over when the cards are drawn.

While weighing the upsides against the potential tactical concessions, Secret Rendezvous carves out its niche within MTG as a double-edged sword in the card drawing arsenal, capable of opening diplomatic channels or setting the scene for a sudden strategic advantage.

Harmonize - MTG Card versions
Howling Mine - MTG Card versions
Temple Bell - MTG Card versions
Harmonize - MTG Card versions
Howling Mine - MTG Card versions
Temple Bell - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Secret Rendezvous offers a unique spin on drawing cards by allowing you and a chosen player to both draw three cards. This can be a significant boost in resources, ensuring that you don’t run out of options as you proceed through the game.

Resource Acceleration: Although Secret Rendezvous does not directly produce mana or tokens, the cards drawn could lead to faster deployment of your strategy by drawing into mana sources or ramp spells, indirectly contributing to resource acceleration.

Instant Speed: As a sorcery, Secret Rendezvous requires strategic planning. While it doesn’t have the flexibility of being cast at instant speed, its effect can be timed to precede a turn where you expect to capitalize on the new cards drawn or to negotiate a temporary truce with an opponent.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Secret Rendezvous asks nothing in the way of discarding, which, admittedly, prevents any immediate loss in card advantage. However, the requirement for careful play rises as you are offering your opponent an equal increase in their hand size.

Specific Mana Cost: With a mana cost that includes two white, Secret Rendezvous may not seamlessly fit into decks that aren’t heavily invested in white mana or multicolor decks that can be strained by specific color requirements.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Requiring three mana, this card can feel costly given that it benefits an opponent just as much as it does you. There are alternative cards offering card draw without bolstering an adversary’s options.


Reasons to Include Secret Rendezvous in Your Collection

Versatility: Secret Rendezvous offers a unique ability to draw three cards for a low cost, which can be incorporated into various deck types. Its inclusion isn’t limited to a single strategy, which can be a boon in formats where card advantage is key.

Combo Potential: This card holds the potential to synergize with decks that favor reciprocity or those that can take advantage of opponents drawing cards. Think of strategies that involve cards that penalize opponents for drawing or having a large hand size.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state where resource balancing is crucial, Secret Rendezvous can be an unexpected twist. It’s particularly relevant in multiplayer formats where political maneuvering can make its symmetrical effect asymmetrical in your favor.


How to Beat

Secret Rendezvous is an intriguing card that joins the plethora of draw spells within Magic: The Gathering. What makes this card uniquely generous is its ability to grant both players the chance to draw three cards. While this can quickly refill your hand, it also accelerates your opponent’s options, which can be a double-edged sword.

To counteract Secret Rendezvous, smart play revolves around timing and board control. Ensuring you have a lead in resources or board presence before providing your opponent with additional cards is indispensable. Cards like Narset, Parter of Veils limit your opponent’s gain by restricting their draws, thereby tipping the balance more favorably in your direction. Similarly, hullbreacher could turn their benefit into your advantage by preventing them from drawing and creating treasure tokens for you instead. This makes the shared drawing aspect of Secret Rendezvous less of a setback and more of a strategic play for you.

Ultimately, leveraging Secret Rendezvous’s symmetrical effect is a matter of context. It’s about making sure that when both players draw, you’re the one coming out ahead. Should you be able to control the flow of gameplay, Secret Rendezvous could very well be a powerful asset in your deck’s strategy.


BurnMana Recommendations

Exploring the dynamics of Secret Rendezvous within your MTG deck calls for subtle tactics and foresight. With its power to refuel your hand and that of a chosen player, this card is both a boon and a strategic puzzle. If you’re skilled in timing and have an eye for leveraging card advantages, incorporating Secret Rendezvous into your gameplay could prove decisive. For connoisseurs of MTG who relish a touch of diplomacy and surprise in their matches, this card represents a fascinating addition. Dive deeper with us and unearth ways to make Secret Rendezvous work for you. Enhance your collection, refine your strategy, and savor the complexities of this intriguing card.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Secret Rendezvous MTG card by a specific set like 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 Secret Rendezvous and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Secret Rendezvous 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 Secret Rendezvous 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 If the opponent is an illegal target as Secret Rendezvous tries to resolve, neither player will draw cards.