Opt is a common, one-mana instant that provides scry 1 and draw a card. Its power level is moderate, making it a situational card rather than a staple in most decks.

Key Use Cases:

• Scrying for a specific card or creating a temporary 'topdeck' with the first half of its ability
• Drawing a card to maintain an optimal hand size, especially in combo-heavy or aggressive strategies

Popular Formats: Opt sees play in casual and competitive formats, particularly Commander decks. Its low mana cost allows it to serve as a flexible late-game option for drawing cards without disrupting the board state.

Card Mechanics & Interactions: Opt

Opt is a simple yet effective instant spell that provides two benefits: scrying and drawing a card. Its rules, keyword abilities, and functionality on the stack and battlefield are straightforward.

Oracle Text Breakdown

The oracle text of Opt can be broken down into three parts:

1. Scry 1: Scrying allows you to look at the top card of your library and choose whether to put it back on the bottom or leave it on top.
2. (Look at the top card of your library.) This is a descriptive phrase explaining what happens when you scry.
3. You may put that card on the bottom. This gives you an option to move the top card back to the bottom of your library, which can be useful for maintaining a favorable hand or preventing drawing into bad cards.

Draw a Card

Following the scrying step, Opt draws a card from the top of your library. This is a simple and automatic process that doesn't require any additional actions or decisions.

Stack & Battlefield Interactions

When playing Opt on the stack:

• It's an instant spell with a single blue mana cost (CMC 1.0).
• It can be played during the main phase, after costs have been paid but before any abilities trigger.
• When Opt resolves, it immediately scries and draws a card.

On the battlefield, Opt has no lasting impact since it's an instant spell that only affects the player who cast it.

Edge Cases & Unusual Rules Interactions

One notable interaction is with Brainstorm, which allows you to draw two cards and scry three. If you play Brainstorm and then Opt on the same turn, the scrying step of Brainstorm will occur before Opt's scrying step. This means you'll get to see the top card twice, potentially allowing for more informed decisions.

Another example is with Glimpse of Nature, which has a scry ability that interacts differently with Opt's scrying mechanism. In this case, Glimpse of Nature's scry will occur before Opt's, but both spells can still draw cards independently.

Commander-Specific Quirks

In Commander, the presence of Opt is relatively common due to its low cost and versatility. While it doesn't contribute directly to a deck's overall power level or gameplan, Opt can serve as an excellent sideboard card for maintaining tempo or disrupting opponents' plans.

When evaluating an Opt's inclusion in a specific Commander deck, consider factors such as the deck's color identity (in this case, blue), mana curve, and overall strategy. Opt is more likely to be beneficial in decks focused on blue's typical strengths: milling, combo, and control.

Opt is a versatile instant that provides value in various Commander decks, particularly those with blue as a dominant color. Its ability to scry and draw a card makes it an excellent addition to midrange and control strategies.

Scrying: The first part of Opt's effect allows for scrying 1, which can be used to:

• Look at the top card of your library and potentially put it on the bottom if it's not what you want.
• Inform your decision-making process about whether to play a particular spell or ability.

Drawing a card: The second part of Opt's effect grants a card draw, which is beneficial in multiple ways:

• It can help mitigate card disadvantage when facing opponents with more aggressive decks.
• It provides additional mana acceleration and card advantage for players who need it.

Commander Strategies

Opt is particularly useful in the following Commander archetypes:

• Merfolk: This deck often revolves around drawing cards quickly to maintain tempo. Opt complements Merfolk's existing draw spells, such as Preferably. Additionally, its scrying ability helps navigate the Merfolk deck's relatively shallow library.
• Sram, Senior Edificer: Sram's synergy with blue cards like Opt is immense. The card draw and scrying provide a significant advantage in generating card advantage.
• Griselbrand: Griselbrand's power level requires a consistent influx of draws to maintain its viability. Opt provides a vital source of card advantage, helping Griselbrand stay on top.

Color Identity

Opt's primary color is blue, but it sees play in various decks that incorporate blue as part of their overall strategy. Decks with more aggressive blue builds can benefit from the instant's draw power, while midrange and control strategies leverage its scrying and card draw capabilities.

Competitive Play

In competitive Commander matches, Opt can be used strategically to:

• Gain tempo: By drawing a card or scrying for a potentially valuable top card, Opt allows players to maintain or gain tempo in the game.
• Adapt to opponents' moves: The instant's ability to inform decision-making through scrying helps players navigate complex board states and opponent interactions.

Casual Play

In casual play, Opt remains an excellent choice due to its:

• Easy-to-understand effect: Players can quickly grasp Opt's functionality without delving into intricate strategy.
• Flexibility: Its versatility allows it to slot into various Commander decks with minimal disruption.

Opt is a versatile instant that can be used in various ways to manipulate the top card of your library. Its ability to scry and draw a card makes it an excellent addition to decks focused on card advantage.

One way to utilize Opt effectively is by pairing it with cards like Card Name or Card Name, which allow you to mill cards from the top of your library. This combination enables you to maintain control over your top deck, potentially creating powerful combos with the milled cards.

Another application of Opt lies in its synergy with Card Name. By scrying and then drawing a card, you can create an opportunity for yourself to find a key piece of business or gain an additional advantage on future turns. The flexibility this offers is considerable, allowing you to adapt your strategy mid-game based on the revealed cards.

In addition to these interactions, Opt's low mana cost makes it a viable option for playing multiple copies in a single deck. This allows you to ramp up your chances of drawing exactly what you need when it matters most, often proving valuable in formats where draws are critical to success.

Opt also works well with Card Name and Card Name, as these cards can provide additional fuel for the Opt's scrying ability. When paired correctly, they enable a smooth and efficient game plan that allows players to navigate their deck effectively.

When playing Opt, consider using it strategically – taking advantage of its draw component after you have obtained the necessary information from your library with the scry option. This ensures you make the most out of every use of the card.

Common Mistakes with Opt

Opt is a simple, yet powerful instant that can be easily misused in Commander. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Scrying and drawing too early: While scrying and drawing a card can be beneficial, playing Opt on turn 1 or 2 can lead to drawing into land-light situations or disrupting the opponent's plans without gaining a significant advantage.
• Ignoring the scry clause: Failing to consider the top card of the library when scrying can result in suboptimal draws. For example, if the top card is a land, it might be better to put it back and draw into a more valuable card.
• Overlooking other options: With Opt's low mana cost, players often default to playing it as soon as possible. However, there may be better uses of mana elsewhere in the deck, such as ramping or accelerating into more powerful spells.
• Not pairing with removal spells: Opt is often played alongside removal spells like Abrupt Decay or Path to Exile. While this combination can be effective, it's essential to remember that Opt only draws a card after scrying, which may not be immediately beneficial in a removal-heavy strategy.

Poor Synergies

Some combinations and strategies involving Opt don't quite live up to their potential:

• Playing with an empty library: When the library is depleted, Opt can become much less effective. This highlights the importance of maintaining a consistent card draw engine.
• Combining with cards that don't benefit from scrying: Cards like Vampiric Tutor or Ponder, which benefit from drawing cards but not scrying, may not be the best pairings for Opt.

Timing Issues

Players often struggle with timing Opt's use in Commander:

• Playing it too late: Waiting until much later in the game to play Opt can result in drawing into a losing position or missing an opportunity to disrupt the opponent.
• Not considering the board state: When determining whether to play Opt, players should consider the current board state and their overall strategy. Playing Opt in response to a specific threat or disruption may not be the best use of the card.

By being aware of these common mistakes and pitfalls, players can optimize their usage of Opt in Commander and get the most out of this versatile card.

Opt is a versatile instant that fits seamlessly into various blue-based strategies. In the world of Ixalan, where the land is scarred by ancient battles and mystical energies linger, Opt's ability to scry one card and draw a new one can be likened to the way the winds of change blow through the jungles.

Consider pairing Opt with the cunning Cultivate, which not only draws additional cards but also helps to maintain a healthy grip on your library. Alternatively, using Opt in conjunction with the adaptive Doom Whisperer can help you navigate the ever-changing tide of combat and deck-building.

Opt's effects are simple yet effective, allowing players to adapt their strategy mid-game without disrupting the natural flow of play. It is this adaptability that makes Opt a staple in many blue decks, particularly those built around the powerful Sylvan Caryatid.

As for its history and notable appearances, Opt has been reprinted in various sets, including the Explorer set from Guilds of Ravnica. Its affordable price point makes it an attractive option for players on a budget.

For those seeking similar effects or alternatives to Opt, consider the following options:

• Brainstorm: A blue instant that allows you to draw three cards while discarding two.
• Optimization Tip:
  • If your deck already has a strong draw engine, you may want to consider other draw spells like:
    • Ancestral Recall from Expedition
    • Mystical Tutor from Modern Masters 2017
    • Sphinx's Tutelage from Commander Anthology (can be used in Commander decks)
• Alternative Draw Spells:
  • If you're looking for alternative draw spells, consider:
    • Daze from Mercadian Masques
    • Phantasmal Force from Mercadian Masques

Opt: A Low-Cost Draw Spell

Opt is a versatile, low-cost draw spell that allows for scrying and card manipulation. Its ability to draw a card and potentially disrupt the opponent's plans makes it an attractive addition to various Commander decks.

Color Identity and Themes

Opt fits seamlessly into blue-heavy Commander decks, particularly those focused on milling, draw, and counter-magic strategies. It works well in conjunction with cards like Drown in Doubt, Counterspell, and Blue Elemental Blast. Additionally, Opt can be used in more specialized themes such as:

• Mill (e.g., Bolas's Citadel, Golgari Findbroker): By drawing extra cards, you can mill your opponent faster or generate more tokens.
• Combo (e.g., Trostani's Summoner, Estrid, the Masked): Opt can help find and set up combo pieces, making it easier to execute complex combos.
• Control (e.g., Jace, the Mind Sculptor], [Serra Ascendant): By disrupting your opponent's plans with scrying and drawing, you can gain an advantage in control matchups.

Synergy Cards

Some notable synergy cards that work well with Opt include:

• Scry-based creatures: Azami, Lady of Scrolls, Sage of Mysteries, or Jace, the Mind Sculptor can help you find and manipulate the top card of your library.
• Mill-inducing spells: Golgari Findbroker, [Griselbrand, or [Undercity Informant can create a snowball effect when combined with Opt's drawing ability.

Combo Notes

When paired with an optimal (pun intended) combo piece, Opt can help seal the deal by:

• Finding a crucial card: Use Opt to scry and draw into your combo pieces, reducing the risk of running out of time.
• Disrupting the opponent: By drawing extra cards or disrupting their plans, you can create an opening for your combo.

Keep in mind that the power level of combos using Opt will depend on the specific Commander and deck strategy.

Opt is a staple in Commander, particularly in blue-white and other tempo-oriented decks. Its primary benefit lies in its ability to gain card advantage through scrying, allowing for more informed decisions about which cards to draw.

The scry 1 mechanism effectively acts as a cheap draw spell, providing a 40% chance of drawing an additional card when cast. This probability is often overlooked but is particularly valuable in Commander's slower pace.

In casual formats, Opt remains a solid choice due to its simplicity and flexibility. It can be played with a variety of cards, from Prevent the Sun from Setting to Counterspell, without significant drawbacks.

However, in competitive formats like Modern or Legacy, Opt is generally considered inferior due to its limited impact compared to more powerful draw spells like Optical Illusion or Ponder. Its low mana cost and scry effect make it less valuable when drawn late in the game.

In terms of power level, Opt's impact is somewhat diminished by its lack of direct interaction with the board. It does not disrupt opponents' plans as effectively as some other cards can, but it still offers a subtle advantage through its scrying mechanism.

Prices: * USD: $0.11 * TIX: $0.03

Key Scenarios & Matchups

Opt's impact is often felt early in the game, where it can provide a crucial draw spell to fuel an aggressive or tempo-based strategy. In mono-blue decks, Opt can be particularly potent alongside other blue draw spells like [Prefer, allowing for a high volume of card advantage.

Aggressive Decks

In combo-heavy aggro decks, Opt can serve as a valuable insurance policy against early game threats, providing a way to dig for more removal or damage. Its ability to scry one also helps navigate the library and increase the chances of finding key pieces like [Counterspell or [Daze.

Control Decks

In control matchups where tempo is crucial, Opt can help to maintain a favorable board presence by allowing players to draw into relevant spells without committing too much to the battlefield. Its relatively low mana cost also makes it easy to play around removal and other interactive effects.

Multiplayer Politics

In multiplayer Commander games, Opt's ability to scry one card can be used strategically to manipulate the library and gain an advantage over opponents. Players may use Opt to look for potential threats or game-changing cards, allowing them to make informed decisions about their next moves.

Weaknesses

Opt's relatively low impact compared to more powerful draw spells can sometimes make it seem unimpressive in comparison. However, its versatility and flexibility in various deck archetypes often outweigh any perceived shortcomings, making it a valuable addition to many Commander decks.

Opt, a one-mana instant from the Ixalan block, has a straightforward effect: scry one card and draw a card. It is a common card that can be easily acquired.

As a low-cost spell, Opt has seen play in various formats, including Modern and Commander. In terms of popularity, it ranks 207th on EDHREC, indicating moderate use in the Eldritch Moon format.

In terms of notable decks or appearances, there isn't any specific information provided. However, its availability as a common card makes it a staple for players seeking to add a low-mana scry effect to their deck.

The prices for Opt are relatively affordable, with foil copies ranging from $0.70 USD to $0.95 EUR. Non-foil versions can be obtained for around $0.11 USD or €0.14.

Opt is a versatile instant that fits seamlessly into various blue-based strategies. In the world of Ixalan, where the land is scarred by ancient battles and mystical energies linger, Opt's ability to scry one card and draw a new one can be likened to the way the winds of change blow through the jungles.

Consider pairing Opt with the cunning Cultivate, which not only draws additional cards but also helps to maintain a healthy grip on your library. Alternatively, using Opt in conjunction with the adaptive Doom Whisperer can help you navigate the ever-changing tide of combat and deck-building.

Opt's effects are simple yet effective, allowing players to adapt their strategy mid-game without disrupting the natural flow of play. It is this adaptability that makes Opt a staple in many blue decks, particularly those built around the powerful Sylvan Caryatid.