Ancestral Recall MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 14 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityRare
TypeInstant

Key Takeaways

  1. Ancestral Recall, a part of the esteemed Power Nine, is a symbol of unrivaled card advantage efficiency in MTG’s history.
  2. The card has immense value and is a treasure among collectors, often commanding a high price due to its rarity and power.
  3. While banned in most formats, Ancestral Recall remains legal in Vintage, showcasing MTG’s diverse gameplay across different play styles and eras.

Text of card

Draw 3 cards or force opponent to draw 3 cards.


 


Pros of Ancestral Recall

Card Advantage: Ancestral Recall in MTG grants you the ability to draw three cards for the cost of a single blue mana. A huge bargain considering the fact that MTG is a game heavily reliant upon outmatching your opponent in terms of card hands. This advantage can leave you flush with options at a crucial stage or swing the game momentum in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: With its low mana cost, Ancestral Recall allows an easy and fast way to dig through your deck for critical resources. This advantage becomes more potent when you need specific cards to turn around a tight game. Moreover, with the possibility of drawing more mana cards, you might accelerate your game plan significantly.

Instant Speed: We find an immense advantage in the instant nature of Ancestral Recall. You can cast it at any point in your turn or even during your opponent’s turn to either draw a response or keep your options flexible. This instant speed enables you to react to your opponent’s actions promptly, making this card a powerful tool in your arsenal.


Ancestral Recall Drawbacks

Discard Requirement: Ancestral Recall doesn’t have a discard requirement, but it forces you to draw three cards. This rapid addition to your hand can put you at risk of exceeding your hand size limit and make it necessary to discard cards at the end of your turn.

Specific Mana Cost: As one of the original Power Nine, the casting cost for Ancestral Recall includes one blue mana. This restricts its use to decks that include blue, limiting the versatility for some players.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite its powerful effect, Ancestral Recall can simply be too cost-prohibitive. With auction prices soaring into the thousands, the cost to acquire this Magic: The Gathering card might be too high for most players, undermining its strategic value.


Reasons to Include Ancestral Recall in Your Collection

Versatility: As a classic power nine card, Ancestral Recall has flexibility that fits effortlessly into multiple deck types, particularly those demanding rapid card draw capacities. It is an instant spell that allows segregation of tactics and strategy, making it a perfect choice for numerous plays.

Combo Potential: Combining Ancestral Recall with cards that work upon draw triggers, or those discounting blue mana costs, can pave the way to devastating combinations. The scope is immense considering the card drawing capability of Ancestral Recall, enhancing your ability to reach your combo pieces faster.

Meta-Relevance: The continuously fluctuating meta-game always values one aspect perennially, the ability to draw cards effectively and efficiently. Ancestral Recall, being arguably the best draw card ever, ensures prevalent relevance in different meta scenarios, adding substantial value to your deck.


Similar Cards

Ancestral Recall is one of the most coveted cards in MTG, renowned for its raw power. This card, part of the Power Nine, offers an unparalleled card advantage by drawing three cards with a single blue mana. While there are several other card draw spells, few hold a candle to Ancestral Recall.

Consider Brainstorm, another popular card draw spell. It also costs one blue mana but draws only three cards, requiring you to put two cards back from your hand to the top of your library. While Brainstorm offers more control over your deck, it fails to match the sheer card advantage offered by Ancestral Recall.

Then we have Ponder, a card similar to Brainstorm in casting cost but with a difference in mechanics. Ponder lets you look at the top three cards of your library, rearrange them as you wish, or shuffle your library, then draw a card. While Ponder gives considerable control over incoming plays, it lacks the card-gaining power of Ancestral Recall.

Conclusively, while several card draw spells are similar to Ancestral Recall in MTG, Ancestral Recall’s singular capability to draw three cards for one mana places it in a league of its own.


How to Beat Ancestral Recall

Overcoming the mighty Ancestral Recall in MTG demands tactical play and intelligent use of resources. This powerful blue instant card, a member of the famed “Power Nine” for its game-altering abilities, lets a player draw three cards at the cost of just one blue mana. Top strategies employ spells and abilities that can counter or negate the Ancestral Recall.

Cards like “Counterspell” or “Spell Pierce” are great assets to have. These cards, which are included in the counter magic arsenal, effectively cancel the effects of an opponent’s spell, thus neutralizing the impact of Ancestral Recall. Other cards such as “Thoughtseize” or “Duress” can also prove beneficial, allowing you to look at your opponent’s hand and discard spells, such as Ancestral Recall, before they are cast.

Taking advantage of the timing is also very important. Playing instant speed counter magic in response to Ancestral Recall or using hand disruption cards just before your opponent has reached the mana capacity can be game-changing moves.

Ultimately, while Ancestral Recall is a formidable card, smart strategies and careful resource allocation can keep its influence in check, turning the tide of the game to your favor.


Unlock the Power of Ancestral Recall in Your MTG Deck

For many Magic the Gathering enthusiasts, finding the key to unlock the full potential of their decks is an ongoing quest. Among the most legendary of spells, Ancestral Recall is a card that’s shrouded in both mystique and power. A member of the esteemed ‘Power Nine,’ its presence in any deck can be a game-changer. So how do you harness this card’s potential? Let’s explore the strategic nuances and historical impact of Ancestral Recall.

Understanding Ancestral Recall

Ancestral Recall stands out for its simplicity and efficiency. As a blue instant, it allows a player to draw three cards at the cost of just one blue mana. This kind of card advantage can be crucial, turning the tide of the game in your favor. In fact, the inherent value of this card has not only kept it in high demand among collectors but also on the list of banned and restricted cards in most competitive formats.

The Strategic Advantage

When integrated into a well-constructed deck, Ancestral Recall can serve multiple strategic purposes. Paired with cards that allow you to play multiple lands per turn or reduce mana costs, its ability can be exponentially increased. Additionally, it’s an excellent way to avoid mana flooding by keeping your hand filled with options, ensuring you never miss a beat.

Deck Synergy and Combos

The true beauty of Ancestral Recall lies in its versatility. It can be the cornerstone of a combo deck or provide support in a control or tempo blueprint. In combo decks, drawing Ancestral Recall means getting closer to assembling your win condition. For control and tempo decks, it ensures you retain the necessary resources to respond to your opponent’s moves. The key is identifying the synergy between Ancestral Recall and the rest of your deck.

Collectibility and Exclusivity

Due to its status and power, Ancestral Recall is a highly prized collector’s item. As one of the rarest cards, it evokes a sense of exclusivity that is coveted by collectors worldwide. Ensuring the authenticity and condition of the card is critical if you’re looking to add it to your collection or commanding a competitive deck.

Tournament Play and Legacy

While Ancestral Recall is not permitted in most contemporary tournament formats, its legacy in the competitive world is undeniable. From its earliest appearances to influential wins, Ancestral Recall has left an indelible mark on MTG history. For those interested in legacy formats or casual play, it can still serve as a remarkable tool to achieve victory.

Maximizing Your Game Plan

To truly maximize this card’s advantages, players must consider the best moment to cast Ancestral Recall. Whether it’s to recover from an opponent’s disruption, to maintain momentum, or to transition to a winning state, timing is everything. Expert players often save it for the perfect moment to ensure their success.

Finding Ancestral Recall

Encountering a card as coveted as Ancestral Recall means searching high and low, from trusted local game stores to online marketplaces. Remember, prices can be steep and fluctuate based on the market, so ensure you’re making a wise investment and not merely an impulse purchase.

Rules and Restrictions

Due to its power level, Ancestral Recall is accompanied by a set of restrictions in official play. If you’re considering this card for competitive gaming, make sure to familiarize yourself with the latest tournament rules and card legality. Staying within these guidelines is essential for any serious player.

The Future of High-Value Cards

While Ancestral Recall remains in a league of its own, the future of MTG is sure to bring forth new cards that capture the player’s imagination and shape the game’s landscape. As the MTG community looks forward, we anticipate how these future treasures will be embraced by players and collectors alike.

Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating the rich landscapes of Magic the Gathering requires strategy, insight, and a bit of adventure. Whether you’re planning your next big win or fine-tuning your deck for maximum impact, there’s always room to elevate your game. As you continue to delve into the MTG universe, remember that it’s not just about the single triumphs but the continuous journey towards mastery. We invite you to keep exploring this fascinating world, discovering new techniques, and unearthing valuable cards to ensure your next match is more than just a game, but a Big Score. Ready to level up your play? Join us to learn more and become the ultimate MTG champion.


Cards like Ancestral Recall

Ancestral Recall is one of the most coveted cards in MTG, renowned for its raw power. This card, part of the Power Nine, offers an unparalleled card advantage by drawing three cards with a single blue mana. While there are several other card draw spells, few hold a candle to Ancestral Recall.

Consider Brainstorm, another popular card draw spell. It also costs one blue mana but draws only three cards, requiring you to put two cards back from your hand to the top of your library. While Brainstorm offers more control over your deck, it fails to match the sheer card advantage offered by Ancestral Recall.

Then we have Ponder, a card similar to Brainstorm in casting cost but with a difference in mechanics. Ponder lets you look at the top three cards of your library, rearrange them as you wish, or shuffle your library, then draw a card. While Ponder gives considerable control over incoming plays, it lacks the card-gaining power of Ancestral Recall.

Conclusively, while several card draw spells are similar to Ancestral Recall in MTG, Ancestral Recall’s singular capability to draw three cards for one mana places it in a league of its own.

Brainstorm - MTG Card versions
Ponder - MTG Card versions
Brainstorm - Ice Age (ICE)
Ponder - Lorwyn (LRW)

Cards similar to Ancestral Recall by color, type and mana cost

Jump - MTG Card versions
Sleight of Mind - MTG Card versions
Twiddle - MTG Card versions
Unsummon - MTG Card versions
Siren's Call - MTG Card versions
Power Sink - MTG Card versions
Blue Elemental Blast - MTG Card versions
Spell Blast - MTG Card versions
Magical Hack - MTG Card versions
Riptide - MTG Card versions
Winter's Chill - MTG Card versions
Mind Bend - MTG Card versions
Denied! - MTG Card versions
Hydroblast - MTG Card versions
Whispers of the Muse - MTG Card versions
Ertai's Trickery - MTG Card versions
Force Spike - MTG Card versions
Opt - MTG Card versions
Envelop - MTG Card versions
Brainstorm - MTG Card versions
Jump - Magic 2010 (M10)
Sleight of Mind - 30th Anniversary Edition (30A)
Twiddle - Fifth Edition (5ED)
Unsummon - 30th Anniversary Edition (30A)
Siren's Call - Collectors' Edition (CED)
Power Sink - 30th Anniversary Edition (30A)
Blue Elemental Blast - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Spell Blast - 30th Anniversary Edition (30A)
Magical Hack - Intl. Collectors' Edition (CEI)
Riptide - The Dark (DRK)
Winter's Chill - Ice Age (ICE)
Mind Bend - Tenth Edition (10E)
Denied! - Unglued (UGL)
Hydroblast - Eternal Masters (EMA)
Whispers of the Muse - World Championship Decks 1998 (WC98)
Ertai's Trickery - Planeshift (PLS)
Force Spike - Seventh Edition (7ED)
Opt - Jumpstart 2022 (J22)
Envelop - Judgment (JUD)
Brainstorm - Warhammer 40,000 Commander (40K)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Ancestral Recall MTG card by a specific set like Limited Edition Alpha and Limited Edition Beta, 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 Ancestral Recall and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Ancestral Recall Magic the Gathering card was released in 10 different sets between 1993-08-05 and 2022-11-28. Illustrated by 4 different artists.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11993-08-05Limited Edition AlphaLEA 471993normalblackMark Poole
21993-10-04Limited Edition BetaLEB 481993normalblackMark Poole
31993-12-01Unlimited Edition2ED 481993normalwhiteMark Poole
41993-12-10Intl. Collectors' EditionCEI 481993normalblackMark Poole
51993-12-10Collectors' EditionCED 481993normalblackMark Poole
62002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 469542003normalblackMark Poole
72003-01-01Vintage ChampionshipOVNT 20052003normalblackMark Poole
82003-01-01Vintage ChampionshipOVNT 2022C2015normalblackVolkan Baǵa
92003-01-01Vintage ChampionshipOVNT 20132003normalblackRyan Pancoast
102003-01-01Vintage ChampionshipOVNT 20182015normalblackRaoul Vitale
112014-06-16Vintage MastersVMA 12015normalblackRyan Pancoast
122022-10-05Alchemy: DominariaYDMU 322015normalblackRyan Pancoast
132022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 472015normalblackMark Poole
142022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 3441997normalblackMark Poole

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Ancestral Recall has restrictions

FormatLegality
OldschoolRestricted
CommanderBanned
LegacyBanned
OathbreakerBanned
VintageRestricted
DuelBanned
PredhBanned

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