Preordain

This common blue sorcery, Preordain, is a low-cost draw spell that scrys two cards from the top of your library. It allows you to look at and rearrange the order of these cards, effectively giving you more control over which card you draw next.

Power Level: 1-2

Preordain is a versatile tool for blue mages, providing a reliable way to dig through their deck for specific cards or create opportunities for future draws. Its low cost and flexibility make it a solid addition to many commander decks, particularly those featuring control or tempo strategies.

In Commander, Preordain is often used in conjunction with cards like Determine Fate Determine Fate or Luminarch Ascension Luminarch Ascension, allowing players to create complex draw engines and manipulate their library's top cards. Its popularity makes it a staple in many blue decks, but its relatively low power level means it's not typically the focus of a strategy around itself.

Preordain

Rules and Functionality

Preordain is a sorcery that costs one mana. Its oracle text describes two steps: Scry 2, then draw a card.

When Preordain resolves, the first step is to scry 2. To scry 2, look at the top two cards of your library. You can then put any number of them on the bottom and the rest on top in any order. This means you're rearranging the top four cards of your library.

The second step is to draw a card. After rearranging the top cards with scrying, you'll draw a card from the current top of your library.

Stack Interactions

Preordain has no relevant stack interactions since it's a sorcery that doesn't interact with the battlefield or other permanents directly. It's resolved as soon as its two steps are completed.

Battlefield Interactions

Since Preordain is a non-creature, non-artifact permanent, it won't interact with any creature or artifact abilities on the battlefield.

Edge Cases and Unusual Rules Interactions

One edge case to consider is when you scry 2 and both cards on top are lands. In this scenario, you can put all four cards (the two original cards plus the two lands) on the bottom of your library in any order. This effectively puts no new cards at the top of your library, so you'll draw a card from where the top of your library was before scrying.

Commander-Specific Quirks

Preordain is not particularly affected by Commander-specific quirks, as it's a common sorcery with no unique interactions with Commander rules. However, its ability to scry and draw cards can be beneficial in many Commander decks that rely on card advantage or need to set up their game plan.

Comparison to Similar Cards

Preordain is often compared to Ponder, another popular blue spell that allows you to look at the top three cards of your library and rearrange them, then draw a card. While both cards provide card advantage, Preordain's lower mana cost makes it more accessible in many decks.

In terms of scrying, Preordain is similar to Mystical Tutor, which allows you to search for a card with its name or a specific characteristic. However, Preordain's ability to scry and draw a card provides a more immediate payoff.

Preordain is a versatile common sorcery that has found its way into various Commander decks. Its ability to scry 2 and then draw a card makes it an attractive addition for strategies that prioritize consistency, adaptability, and maintaining a favorable draw.

Azorius Control This archetype heavily relies on controlling the board with enchantments and creatures while maintaining card advantage through draw spells. Preordain complements Azorius's control plan by allowing them to navigate their deck more efficiently and make informed decisions about which cards to play next. With its ability to scry, players can better evaluate the potential threats and benefits of drawing a card.

Blue-White Tokens Preordain finds a home in this archetype due to its ability to optimize token generation and draw efficiency. Players can use it to find additional tokens or generate card advantage through its scrying mechanism. This synergy is particularly notable when paired with cards like Daxos, Blessed by Darkness and Aurelia, the Warleader, which both benefit from drawing more tokens.

Mill Some Mill decks incorporate Preordain as a means of controlling their graveyard's composition while simultaneously generating card advantage through milling itself. By scrying and then drawing, players can navigate their deck to find crucial mill pieces or prevent unwanted cards from entering their graveyard.

Preordain is priced competitively at $1.16 USD, making it an accessible addition to many Commander decks. Its utility in optimizing draw efficiency, controlling the board, and generating card advantage has made it a staple in various archetypes, further solidifying its place as a strategic choice in competitive and casual games alike.

Preordain is a versatile and underutilized common sorcery that can provide a significant advantage in the right situations. Its effect of scrying 2 cards, then drawing a card, can be used to manipulate the top of your library and find the exact card you need.

One way to utilize Preordain is in combination with Counterspell or other counterspells. By scrying ahead with Preordain, you can identify which opponent's spell to counter and draw a replacement spell from the top of your library. This allows for more informed decisions on which spells to cast and when.

Another strategy involves using Preordain in conjunction with Ancestral Recall or other powerful card draw effects. By scrying ahead and identifying a specific card, you can then use Ancestral Recall to draw that exact card, effectively "pre-arranging" the top of your library for optimal card advantage.

Preordain also interacts well with Liliana of the Veil, allowing her ultimate ability to be more effective. By scrying ahead and drawing a card, you can identify which creature to sacrifice to Liliana's ultimate, ensuring you get the most value from it.

In addition, Preordain can be used in combo decks that rely on specific card sequences or combinations. By manipulating the top of your library with Preordain, you can ensure that the right cards are available when needed, making combos more reliable and less dependent on chance.

Common Mistakes with Preordain

In Commander, players often misunderstand the timing of Preordain, thinking it can be cast on their opponent's turn. However, as a sorcery, it must be cast on your own main phase. This can lead to missed opportunities for drawing cards or disrupting opponents.

Another mistake is assuming that Preordain allows you to draw two cards immediately after scrying. While it does allow you to see the top two cards of your library, you must still draw a single card. This means if you want to draw two cards, you'll need to play another source of card advantage.

Players also sometimes misuse Preordain in combination with other cards that allow scrying or drawing. For example, using Preordain alongside Opt (a common white spell) can create unnecessary complexity and may not provide the desired outcome.

Some players neglect to consider the scry ability of Preordain, thinking it's only useful for looking at the top card of their library. However, being able to rearrange two cards can help you find a specific card or disrupt your opponent's plans by putting an unwanted card on top.

Timing and Scrying Considerations

Synergy Opportunities

While Preordain can be used on its own, combining it with other cards that provide scrying or drawing benefits can create more powerful synergies:

• Using Preordain alongside Jace, the Mind Sculptor, which allows you to look at the top card of your library and return a creature from exile.
• Playing Preordain in combination with Mystical Tutor, which helps find the perfect spell.

By being mindful of these common mistakes and timing considerations, players can maximize their use of Preordain and create more effective strategies in Commander.

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Preordain

In the mystical realm of Dominaria, Preordain stands as a testament to the power of foresight and intuition. This humble sorcery, fueled by the essence of blue mana, allows its wielder to glimpse into the future, albeit briefly.

History & Notable Appearances

Preordain has a long history in Magic: The Gathering, dating back to its release in the Duel Decks: Izzet vs. Golgari set (ddi) as a common rarity. It has been reprinted several times, including in the Double Masters set.

In terms of EDHREC statistics, Preordain currently holds the 193rd spot on the website's list of most-played cards. This suggests that while it is not extremely popular, it still sees play in many Commander decks.

Budget & Accessibility

Preordain is a solid, one-mana sorcery that sees play in various formats. Its common rarity makes it relatively affordable, but its reprint status affects its price. Currently, the prices are:

• USD: $1.16
• TIX: 2.77

These prices reflect Preordain's moderate demand and availability.

When building a budget-friendly Commander deck, consider these alternatives to Preordain:

• Mental Misstep: A 2-mana artifact that allows you to scry 3 and draw a card. Its higher mana cost makes it less accessible than Preordain, but its additional scrying value is valuable in many decks.
• Opt: A 1-mana sorcery that allows you to look at the top three cards of your library and put any number of them on the bottom. While more expensive than Preordain, Opt offers greater flexibility with its ability to affect multiple cards.

These alternatives offer similar scrying and card-drawing effects, but their higher prices make Preordain a relatively affordable choice for budget decks.

Flavor & Lore

In the mystical realm of Dominaria, where the fabric of reality is woven with ancient magic, Preordain stands as a testament to the power of foresight and intuition. This humble sorcery, fueled by the essence of blue mana, allows its wielder to glimpse into the future, albeit briefly.

The art of scrying has long been practiced by mystics and seers in Dominaria's sprawling cities and mystical ruins. Preordain distills this ancient knowledge, allowing its caster to survey the top two cards of their library, then rearrange them with an uncanny sense of purpose. This subtle manipulation of probability can prove pivotal in times of uncertainty.

In the early days of Magic, when the great Planeswalker Teferi strode across Dominaria's landscapes, he often employed scrying to guide his decisions and navigate the treacherous tides of fate. His chronomancer's eye allowed him to discern hidden patterns and glimpse the threads that bound past, present, and future.

The Oracle's text, a cryptic dictum penned by the enigmatic Planeswalker Tawnos, echoes this ancient wisdom: "Scry 2, then draw a card." These words hold the key to unlocking Preordain's true potential. By scrying, the caster gains insight into their library, allowing them to refine their plans and adapt to changing circumstances.

In the hands of an experienced player, Preordain becomes a trusted ally in the pursuit of knowledge and strategic depth. It serves as a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there lies a hidden order waiting to be deciphered. By embracing this subtle art, players can refine their intuition and better navigate the labyrinthine corridors of probability.

Preordain's humble appearance belies its profound influence on gameplay. This unassuming sorcery has earned a revered place within the libraries of those who seek to outwit their foes and outmaneuver their opponents. In the world of Magic, where secrets are currency and knowledge is power, Preordain stands as a testament to the enduring allure of foresight and intuition.

Scenarios & Matchups

Preordain excels in scenarios where drawing a card and controlling the top of the library are crucial. Its utility increases when combined with cards that benefit from scrying or have multiple modes.

• Control Decks: In control decks, Preordain can be used to draw a key card, such as Daze or Counterspell, while scrying for potential threats.
• Combo Decks: Combo decks that rely on drawing the right card at the right time benefit greatly from Preordain. For example, in combo decks with Tendrils of Agony, Preordain can help draw the necessary cards to resolve the combo.
• Mill Decks: In mill decks, Preordain allows players to scry and draw a card, potentially milling more cards if the top card is not what they need.

On the other hand, Preordain struggles in situations where drawing one card is negligible or there are better options available.

• Ramp Decks: In ramp decks that rely on quickly playing expensive spells, Preordain's 1 mana cost and scrying ability become less relevant.
• Aggro Decks: Aggro decks often prioritize dealing damage over controlling the board or drawing cards. In these cases, Preordain is not as impactful.

In Commander, multiplayer politics can play a significant role in determining Preordain's effectiveness.

• Board Presence: If an opponent has a dominant board presence, drawing one card may not be enough to turn the game around.
• Combos and Synergies: In multiplayer formats, Preordain can enable complex combos or synergies when combined with other cards.

Building around Preordain

Preordain is a versatile and powerful common sorcery that can be incorporated into various Commander decks. Its ability to scry 2, then draw a card, provides a valuable information advantage and can help set up future plays.

Commanders

Preordain works well with Commanders that enable early game ramp or favor blue-based card advantage. Some examples include:

• Estrid, the Masked (Azorius): Estrid's ability to draw cards and filter through her library complements Preordain perfectly.
• Karn, the Great Creator (Monored): Karn's artifact support allows for early game acceleration, which can be leveraged with Preordain to set up a strong mid-game.
• Sisay, Voice of Resurgence (Azorius): Sisay's ability to recur creatures and generate card advantage makes her an excellent partner for Preordain.

Color Identities

Preordain is primarily a blue-based card, but it can also be used in Azorius and mono-blue decks. Its low mana cost allows for easy inclusion into any blue-heavy deck.

• Azorius: Combine Preordain with cards like Counterspell and Disdainful Stroke to create an early game defense-focused strategy.
• Mono-Blue: Pair Preordain with Opt and Draw a Card effects to generate card advantage and fuel your spells.

Themes

Preordain is suitable for various themes, including:

• Card Advantage: Use Preordain in conjunction with cards like Counterspell, Disdainful Stroke, and Opt to generate an early game advantage.
• Ramp: Incorporate Preordain into a ramp deck featuring artifacts like Mox Opal or Arcane Signet.

Engines

Preordain works well with various engines, including:

• Card Draw: Combine Preordain with Draw a Card effects to create an efficient card draw engine.
• Scry: Pair Preordain with scrying cards like Opt and Ancestral Recall to generate an information advantage.

Synergies

Some notable synergies with Preordain include:

• Counterspell + Preordain: Counter a spell, then draw a card to set up your next play.
• Opt + Preordain: Scry 2, then draw a card and filter through the top of your library for optimal card selection.

Combo Notes

While Preordain is not typically used in combo decks due to its low power level, it can be combined with other effects to create complex combinations. For example:

• Preordain + Ancestral Recall + Card Advantage: Scry 2, then draw a card and filter through your library for optimal card selection. Ancestral Recall allows you to replay Preordain, creating an exponential advantage.

By incorporating Preordain into the right deck and using it in conjunction with other cards that generate card advantage or scrying effects, you can create powerful and efficient gameplay strategies.

Preordain in Commander

In the Commander format, Preordain is a highly sought-after card due to its incredible value for its low cost of 1UU. It allows players to scry two cards and then draw one, giving them a significant advantage over their opponents.

The card's main advantage is that it lets you see two cards from the top of your library before drawing one. This can be incredibly powerful in Commander, where games often drag on for many turns. By seeing what's coming up, you can make informed decisions about which lands to play and when to cast spells.

Competitive Usage

Preordain is often played in combo decks that rely on drawing the right cards at the right time. It pairs particularly well with cards like Mnemic Wall, Liliana of the Veil, or Tolaria West. By scrying and then drawing a card, you can set up for devastating combos.

Casual Usage

Preordain is also a staple in casual decks that value flexibility. Its ability to give you an extra look at your library makes it perfect for exploratory decks built around cards like Vedalken Disciplinator or Serra Avenger. Casual players love Preordain because it doesn't require intricate combos; its benefits are straightforward and easy to understand.

Banned or Overlooked?

Preordain is not banned in Commander, but some formats like Modern have seen bans on similar cards. However, in terms of being "overlooked," the card's popularity makes it a staple in many decks. While it may not be as flashy as other cards, its utility and reliability make it a go-to choice for many players.

Comparison to Similar Cards

Cards with similar scrying effects include Scry 1, Opt], and [[Mental Note. However, Preordain stands out for its flexibility in allowing you to draw one card after scrying. This makes it an excellent option for Commander players who value adaptability.

Key Scenarios & Matchups for Preordain

Preordain excels in scenarios where drawing a card and controlling the top of the library are crucial. Its utility increases when combined with cards that benefit from scrying or have multiple modes.

• Control Decks: In control decks, Preordain can be used to draw a key card, such as Daze or Counterspell, while scrying for potential threats.
• Combo Decks: Combo decks that rely on drawing the right card at the right time benefit greatly from Preordain. For example, in combo decks with Tendrils of Agony, Preordain can help draw the necessary cards to resolve the combo.
• Mill Decks: In mill decks, Preordain allows players to scry and draw a card, potentially milling more cards if the top card is not what they need.

On the other hand, Preordain struggles in situations where drawing one card is negligible or there are better options available.

• Ramp Decks: In ramp decks that rely on quickly playing expensive spells, Preordain's 1 mana cost and scrying ability become less relevant.
• Aggro Decks: Aggro decks often prioritize dealing damage over controlling the board or drawing cards. In these cases, Preordain is not as impactful.

In Commander, multiplayer politics can play a significant role in determining Preordain's effectiveness.

• Board Presence: If an opponent has a dominant board presence, drawing one card may not be enough to turn the game around.
• Combos and Synergies: In multiplayer formats, Preordain can enable complex combos or synergies when combined with other cards.

History & Notable Appearances

Preordain has a long history in Magic: The Gathering, dating back to its release in the Duel Decks: Izzet vs. Golgari set (ddi) as a common rarity.

In terms of printings, Preordain has been reprinted in several sets, including:

• Avacyn Restored (AR)
• Rivals of Ixalan (RIX)
• Guilds of Ravnica (GRN)

Preordain has seen moderate play in various formats, particularly in casual and Commander decks. It is often used to generate card advantage by scrying away undesirable cards and drawing a new one.

In terms of EDHREC statistics, Preordain currently holds the 193rd spot on the website's list of most-played cards. This suggests that while it is not extremely popular, it still sees play in many Commander decks.

One iconic deck featuring Preordain is the "Izzet Control" archetype, which typically includes a suite of blue spells designed to control the board and generate card advantage.

In the mystical realm of Dominaria, where the fabric of reality is woven with ancient magic, Preordain stands as a testament to the power of foresight and intuition. This humble sorcery, fueled by the essence of blue mana, allows its wielder to glimpse into the future, albeit briefly.

The art of scrying has long been practiced by mystics and seers in Dominaria's sprawling cities and mystical ruins. Preordain distills this ancient knowledge, allowing its caster to survey the top two cards of their library, then rearrange them with an uncanny sense of purpose. This subtle manipulation of probability can prove pivotal in times of uncertainty.

In the early days of Magic, when the great Planeswalker Teferi strode across Dominaria's landscapes, he often employed scrying to guide his decisions and navigate the treacherous tides of fate. His chronomancer's eye allowed him to discern hidden patterns and glimpse the threads that bound past, present, and future.

The Oracle's text, a cryptic dictum penned by the enigmatic Planeswalker Tawnos, echoes this ancient wisdom: "Scry 2, then draw a card." These words hold the key to unlocking Preordain's true potential. By scrying, the caster gains insight into their library, allowing them to refine their plans and adapt to changing circumstances.

In the hands of an experienced player, Preordain becomes a trusted ally in the pursuit of knowledge and strategic depth. It serves as a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there lies a hidden order waiting to be deciphered. By embracing this subtle art, players can refine their intuition and better navigate the labyrinthine corridors of probability.

Preordain's humble appearance belies its profound influence on gameplay. This unassuming sorcery has earned a revered place within the libraries of those who seek to outwit their foes and outmaneuver their opponents. In the world of Magic, where secrets are currency and knowledge is power, Preordain stands as a testament to the enduring allure of foresight and intuition.