Entomb

Entomb Full Guide

Dominaria Remastered Rare
Mana Cost: {B}
Type: Instant
Entomb Text:
Search your library for a card, put that card into your graveyard, then shuffle.
Flavor:
A grave is the safest place to store ill-gotten treasures.
Artist: Seb McKinnon
Collector Number: 304
Release Date: 2023-01-13
Art crop

Strategy Guide

Last updated 2025-06-28
TL;DR Summary

Entomb

A 1-mana Blue instant that allows you to exile a card from your library, putting it into your graveyard and then shuffling. This sets up various card synergies with cards like Yasova Dragonclaw, Sultai Disintegrator, or Liliana of the Veil. Entomb's power level is moderate-high, making it suitable for Commander decks and casual play.

Use Cases:

  • Exile a problematic card to create space in your library.
  • Set up graveyard synergies with cards that benefit from specific creatures or spells being exiled.

Popular Formats:

  • Commander: Entomb is a staple in many Sultai and Dimir-themed decks, providing an efficient way to exile unwanted cards or set up graveyard synergy.
  • Casual Play: Its moderate mana cost and versatile effects make it a popular choice for casual players looking to explore various strategies.
Card Mechanics & Interactions

Entomb: A Simple yet Powerful Instant

Entomb is a 1-mana instant that allows you to search your library for any card, put it into your graveyard, and then shuffle your deck. Its simple text may lead one to underestimate its impact on the game.

Keyword Abilities and Mechanics

  • Entomb does not have any keyword abilities.
  • It interacts with various mechanics such as:
    • Card draw: By putting a card from your library into your graveyard, you can potentially create an opportunity for later draws.
    • Graveyard recursion: Entomb's ability to put cards in the graveyard can be used to trigger effects that rely on graveyards, like Sylvan Caryatid's ability.

Functionality on the Stack and Battlefield

When played:

  • Entomb is an instant, so it resolves immediately.
  • It doesn't have a power or toughness value, as it's not a creature.
  • Its effect happens in two parts:
    1. Search your library: You can look through any card from your library for the search mode.
    2. Put that card into your graveyard: The searched card is placed directly into your graveyard.
    3. Then shuffle: Your deck is shuffled, which puts the searched card back in its original position.

Edge Cases and Unusual Interactions

  • If you search for Bolas's Citadel, Entomb will allow you to add it to your graveyard, but keep in mind that this can't be used as a source of additional mana.
  • Entomb interacts poorly with cards that care about the order of cards in the library or have a high likelihood of being drawn when shuffled back into the deck.
  • Ponder's ability can be used to take advantage of Entomb's effect by creating multiple draws from your graveyard.

Commander-Specific Quirks

Entomb fits well with control and midrange strategies, particularly in Estrid, the Masked or Griselbrand-style decks that rely on manipulating cards between the library and graveyard.

Strategic Applications

Entomb is a versatile and powerful card that sees play in various Commander decks, particularly those with a focus on graveyard synergy. Its ability to search for any card and put it into the graveyard makes it an excellent enabler for cards like Necromancer's Stockpile, Carnage Altar, or Grafdigger's Cage.

One of the most significant benefits of Entomb is its low mana cost, allowing it to be played on turn 1 in many decks. This enables players to quickly search for key cards and ramp into more powerful spells. For example, a deck featuring Liliana, Death's Majesty can use Entomb to find Sorin Markov, Grafdigger's Cage, or Erebos, God of the Dead.

In terms of Commander strategies, Entomb is particularly well-suited for:

  • Necromancer decks: These often rely on graveyard synergy and cards like Necromancer's Stockpile. Entomb can help find these cards quickly, enabling players to assemble complex combos.
  • Mill (Artifact-Heavy) decks: Cards like Carnage Altar, Grafdigger's Cage, or Erebos, God of the Dead benefit from being searched by Entomb. This enables players to mill opponents and disrupt their gameplan.
  • Combo decks: Entomb can be used to find combo pieces like Ancestral Recall, Mental Misstep, or Ad Nauseam, allowing for quicker access to these cards.

Some notable Commander archetypes that benefit from Entomb include:

  • Liliana, Death's Majesty (Mill/Combo)
  • Griselbrand (Reanimator/Combo)
  • Erebos, God of the Dead (Mill/Arcane Synergy)

Entomb is also used in some competitive decks, particularly those focused on graveyard synergy and card advantage. Its ability to search for key cards makes it a valuable addition to many strategies.

In terms of specific decklists, Entomb sees play in:

  • Mono-Black Mill: A budget-friendly version of the classic mill archetype, featuring Entomb as a key enabler.
  • Dimir Combo: A more competitive take on the combo archetype, often featuring cards like Ad Nauseam and Mental Misstep, which benefit from being searched by Entomb.

Overall, Entomb is a versatile card that sees play in various Commander decks, particularly those with a focus on graveyard synergy. Its low mana cost and ability to search for key cards make it an excellent addition to many strategies.

Advanced Techniques

Entomb: A Card of Unrelenting Efficiency

When Entomb is cast, it not only removes a card from the game but also provides a free shuffle. This synergy can be devastating when combined with cards like Doom Blade, which rewards players for discarding powerful creatures.

  • In a Black-Red deck focused on sacrificing creatures to generate value, Entomb can be used to remove problematic tokens or unwanted cards.
  • When paired with Maelstrom Pulse, the shuffled library provides an additional opportunity to draw into more removal spells or other valuable cards.
  • The instant speed of Entomb makes it an excellent answer to early-game threats and allows for a rapid response to opponent's aggressive strategies.

Rules Tricks

Entomb's ability can be used as a form of " card advantage" in combination with cards like Sensei's Divining Top, which allow players to draw into more powerful spells or removal effects.

Common Mistakes

Timing Issues with Entomb

One common mistake players make when using Entomb is not considering the timing of the spell. Since Entomb is an instant, it can be cast during combat or at any other point in the turn, as long as you have the mana available. However, many players assume that it must be cast after their opponent's turn has ended, which limits its effectiveness.

To avoid this mistake, consider the following scenarios:

  • Cast Entomb to get rid of an unwanted creature or artifact during combat, potentially disrupting your opponent's plans.
  • Use Entomb in response to a spell or ability that targets you, sending the card to the graveyard instead of resolving its effects.
  • Combine Entomb with other cards that manipulate the graveyard, such as Phyrexian Altar or Eternal Witness.

Misunderstood Rules

Another common mistake is misunderstanding how Entomb interacts with certain rules and interactions. For example:

  • Entomb can target any card in your library, including those with built-in abilities or costs.
  • If a card has a "may" ability that targets the graveyard, you can use Entomb to put it into the graveyard, preventing its effects from resolving.

Poor Synergies

Some players also misunderstand how to create effective synergies with Entomb. For instance:

  • Don't rely solely on Entomb for removal; pair it with other cards like Abrupt Decay or Fatal Push for more comprehensive removal options.
  • Use Entomb in combination with cards that benefit from having multiple copies of a card in the graveyard, such as Eternal Witness or Grapple with the Past.

Common Mismatches

Here are some specific cards to watch out for when using Entomb:

  • Reanimate: While it may seem tempting to use Entomb to get rid of Reanimate's target, be aware that this will also put the creature back into your library. Consider alternative removal options.
  • Doomed Dissenter: If you use Entomb on a card with a "dies" trigger like Doomed Dissenter, it will resolve and then put itself into the graveyard.

By understanding these common mistakes, timing issues, and misunderstood rules, players can get the most out of Entomb in their Commander deck.

Conclusion

Entomb is a rare instant card from the Dominion's Might set (DMR). It allows players to search their library for any card and put it directly into their graveyard. This can have significant implications on gameplay, particularly in combo-oriented strategies.

In terms of flavor and lore, Entomb is deeply rooted in the dark, mystical underpinnings of the Dromeda block's setting. Magic is a fragile balance between life and death, with those who wield it walking the fine line between creation and destruction. Entomb embodies this duality by allowing players to temporarily remove a card from play, effectively putting it to rest in the graveyard.

Players seeking to incorporate Entomb into their deck can consider pairing it with cards like Vraska's Contempt or Doomsday, which can create powerful synergies by removing unwanted cards from play. Alternatively, use Entomb to recycle key components in a combo deck, allowing you to adapt to changing circumstances and find new opportunities for victory.

Entomb has seen relatively stable prices over time. Its budget-friendliness can be evaluated based on its rarity and cost.

Price: Currently priced at 11.88 USD in non-foil format and 12.97 USD in foil format. Reprint Status: Given its rarity and age, Entomb may not see reprints in the near future. However, Wizards of the Coast has printed similar cards with varying success rates.

When it comes to Commander-specific considerations:

  • Alternative Options: Cards like Swords to Plowshares, Baleful Epiphany, or Minds Aglow can serve as substitutes for graveyard interaction in Commander.
  • Custom Cards or Reprints: Some players may choose to use custom-made cards or reprints from external sources to reduce costs.

In terms of key scenarios and matchups, Entomb excels in situations where tempo and control are crucial, particularly against aggressive decks. It can also be a valuable tool for combo players seeking to disrupt their opponents' plans.

Deckbuilding & Synergies

Entomb is a versatile instant that excels in graveyard-centric strategies. Its ability to search for a card, put it into the graveyard, and then shuffle the deck makes it an excellent tool for finding specific cards or interacting with the graveyard.

Commanders and Color Identities

Entomb works well with Commanders like:

  • Izzet Leprechaun (UR) - a popular choice for controlling midrange strategies
  • Atraxa, Praetors' Voice (BG) - an artifact/creature-heavy Commander that values card draw and graveyard interaction
  • Kalemne, Disciple of the Wind Dancer (WU) - an enchantment-focused Commander with a strong emphasis on card draw

Entomb also fits into color identities like BG (Black-Blue), WR (White-Red), or WUBR (White-Blue-Red). These combinations often feature creatures and artifacts that benefit from graveyard interaction.

Themes

Entomb is particularly useful in decks focused on:

Specific Synergy Cards

Here are some synergy examples with Entomb:

Card Synergy Description
Carrion Feeder Put a card into the graveyard, then use Carrion Feeder's ability to create more tokens.
Doom Blade Use Entomb to search for a creature, put it into the graveyard, and then exile it with Doom Blade's ability.
Grapple with the Past Search for a card with Entomb, then use Grapple with the Past to return it to your hand.

Combo Notes

Entomb can be used to find combo pieces in decks featuring:

  • Liliana of the Veil: Use Entomb to search for Sulfuric Vortex, then combine them to deal massive damage.
  • Mnemic Wall: Search for Infernal Law or Vast Swarms with Entomb, then combine them with Mnemic Wall to achieve a game-winning combo.

Keep in mind that Entomb's ability can be disrupted by cards like Sword of War and Peace, Graffito],, or [[Fog.

Format Roles

Entomb in Commander and Beyond

Entomb, a rare blue instant from the Duel Masters Rares set, has been a staple in Commander decks for its versatility. This 1-mana spell is a crucial tool for any deck seeking to manipulate card advantage.

Competitive Play: Entomb sees play in various formats, including Commander, Pauper, and even Legacy. Its low mana cost and ability to search for cards make it an attractive addition to many blue-based strategies. In combination with removal spells like Abrupt Decay or Sylvan Caryatid, Entomb becomes a formidable force for disrupting opponents' plans.

Casual Play: For casual players, Entomb is an excellent choice for its ease of use and adaptability. It can be used to find specific cards in response to changing circumstances during the game. This flexibility makes it an attractive option for those looking to experiment with different strategies.

Banned: Currently, there are no reported bans on Entomb across various formats. Its relatively low power level compared to other cards in its color combination prevents it from being considered overpowered.

Overlooked: While not entirely overlooked, some players might underestimate the value of Entomb in blue decks focused on card advantage and draw engines. Combining Entomb with cards like Opt or Ponder can create powerful draws and disrupt opponents' plans.

Example Decklists

Keep in mind that these examples are simplified and not exhaustive. The flexibility of Entomb allows it to be integrated into various deck archetypes across different formats.

Price Trends

Entomb's price has remained relatively stable over the years, with a current TIX value of 13.48 USD and a US dollar value of 11.88 USD. As its popularity continues in Commander and other formats, we might see fluctuations in price due to increased demand.

Key Scenarios

Key Scenarios & Matchups

Entomb excels in situations where tempo and control are crucial, particularly against aggressive decks. It can also be a valuable tool for combo players seeking to disrupt their opponents' plans.

  • Against Aggressive Decks: Entomb can help counter aggressive strategies by removing key threats from the board. For instance, if an opponent has a powerful creature like Soul Wraith, you can use Entomb to exile it and gain an advantage.
  • Combo Players: Entomb's ability to put cards into the graveyard can be beneficial for combo players seeking to set up their win conditions. By exiling key components of an combo, you can force your opponent to rebuild and create an opportunity for yourself to capitalize on the situation.
  • Board Presence: In multiplayer games, Entomb can be used to remove pesky creatures or artifacts that are disrupting the board state. This can help you regain control and create a more favorable environment for your deck's strategies.
  • Combos with Lifegain: When paired with cards like Anafenza, the Foremost or Ayli, Eternal Pilgrim, Entomb can become a powerful tool for generating card advantage while also increasing life total. By exiling creatures and then using them to generate value, you can create a strong tempo advantage.
  • Against Control Decks: Entomb's ability to exile cards from the graveyard can help counter control decks that rely on graveyard hate or card advantage strategies.

In general, Entomb excels in situations where tempo and control are crucial. Its ability to remove key threats from the board or disrupt opponents' plans makes it a valuable addition to many Commander decks.

History & Meta

Entomb has been a rare instant card since its introduction in the Dominion's Might set (DMR). With a mana cost of just one black mana, it allows players to search their library for any card and put it directly into their graveyard. This can have significant implications on gameplay.

As for printings, Entomb has only been reprinted once in the Masters Edition III set (ME3) as a common. Despite its rarity, it remains a sought-after card among players due to its potential to manipulate graveyard interactions with other cards such as Necrotic Ooze and Grave Titan.

Flavor & Lore

Entomb, a rare instant from the Dromeda Masterworks set, is a masterclass in subtle manipulation. Its flavor and lore are deeply rooted in the dark, mystical underpinnings of the Dromeda block's setting.

In this realm, magic is a fragile balance between life and death, with those who wield it walking the fine line between creation and destruction. Entomb embodies this duality by allowing players to temporarily remove a card from play, effectively putting it to rest in the graveyard. This act can be seen as a form of ritualistic burial, where the player is surrendering the card's potential influence on the game state.

This mechanic has far-reaching implications for the block's narrative. In Dromeda, magic is often tied to the natural world and the cycles of life and death. Entomb's ability to manipulate this cycle speaks to the idea that even in death, there lies potential for rebirth and reintegration into the larger tapestry of reality.

Consider pairing Entomb with cards like Vraska's Contempt or Doomsday, which can create powerful synergies by removing unwanted cards from play. Alternatively, use Entomb to recycle key components in a combo deck, allowing you to adapt to changing circumstances and find new opportunities for victory.

Entomb's rarity reflects its significance as a tool of strategic subtlety, rather than raw power. Its influence is felt more quietly, shaping the game state through nuanced manipulation rather than explosive action. As such, it remains a valuable addition to any Dromeda block deck seeking to finesse its way to success.

Budget/Alternatives

Budget and Accessibility Considerations

Entomb, a rare instant from the DMR set, has seen relatively stable prices over time. Its budget-friendliness can be evaluated based on its rarity and cost.

  • Price: Currently priced at 11.88 USD in non-foil format and 12.97 USD in foil format.
  • Reprint Status: Given its rarity and age, Entomb may not see reprints in the near future. However, Wizards of the Coast has printed similar cards with varying success rates.

Budget-Friendly Alternatives

While there are no direct alternatives to Entomb's instant-speed graveyard interaction, some cards provide similar effects:

  • Grafdigger's Cage: A more expensive option that prevents cards from being put into graveyards.
  • Fatal Push: An instant that destroys a creature and puts it into the graveyard.
  • Necrotic Ooze: A more affordable option that allows you to exile creatures with mana value 4 or greater, effectively putting them in the graveyard.

Commander-Specific Considerations

In Commander format, players often focus on building decks around specific cards or themes. When it comes to Entomb's price and reprint status:

  • Alternative Options: Cards like Swords to Plowshares, Baleful Epiphany, or Minds Aglow can serve as substitutes for graveyard interaction in Commander.
  • Custom Cards or Reprints: Some players may choose to use custom-made cards or reprints from external sources to reduce costs.