The Unappreciated Versatility of Consider

Consider is an oft-overlooked instant that defies categorization, existing as a unique blend of surveil and draw effects. While its power may not rival some other blue instants, its versatility makes it an excellent addition to control-oriented decks seeking card advantage and defensive capabilities.

The Mechanics of Consider

The primary mechanism of Consider is surveil, which allows the player to look at the top card of their library without drawing into it. This "free" card advantage provides invaluable information about the card's potential benefits or drawbacks. By combining surveil with a traditional draw effect, Consider offers an innovative approach to resource generation.

When played, Consider enables the player to surveil the topmost card of their library and then draw a card from the deck. The text on the card reads: "Surveil 1. (Look at the top card of your library. You may put it into your graveyard.) Draw a card." This straightforward design belies its significant implications for control-oriented strategies.

Interactions with Other Cards and Effects

Consider's interaction with other cards and effects is a key aspect of its strategic value. For instance, Insectile Rampager's ability can be disrupted by placing the top card into the graveyard, forcing opponents to discard it. Similarly, Doom Blade can be played in response to a player surveilling with Consider, allowing them to exile the card without drawing a replacement.

Consider also has interesting interactions with other surveil effects and cards that affect the topmost card of the library. Cathartic Reunion's ability can potentially create multiple opportunities for Consider's surveil effect, while Sword of Body and Mind's ability can interact with Consider, forcing opponents to discard the top card when they try to surveil.

Strategic Applications

Consider's versatility makes it an excellent fit for various control-oriented strategies. One of its most significant applications is as a "card advantage" engine, particularly when combined with Counterspell or Force of Will. This allows players to generate card draw while also countering their opponent's spells, creating a net gain in card advantage.

Consider can also be used as a defensive tool against opponents' aggressive strategies. By surveilling the top card, players can identify and respond to threats more effectively. If an opponent plays Lightning Bolt, Consider can be used to surveil the top card and potentially disrupt their plans.

Synergies with Card Draw Effects

Consider has synergy with various card draw effects, such as Ancestral Recall or Preferable Routing. By generating additional draws through these cards, players can create a strong engine that drives the game forward.

One notable combination involves pairing Consider with Sphinx's Insight, which allows players to take advantage of surveil and generate an enormous amount of card draw. This creates an incredible board presence, making it difficult for opponents to keep up with the player's growing resource pool.

Deckbuilding Roles and Archetypes

Consider excels in control-oriented archetypes that value card advantage and defensive capabilities. It can be particularly effective in combo decks focused on generating an overwhelming amount of card draw. As a general rule, Consider is best suited for midrange to controlling strategies, where players aim to disrupt opponents' plans while developing their own resources.

Some specific deckbuilding suggestions include:

• Combos with Counterspell or Force of Will to create a strong "card advantage" engine.
• Pairing with Sphinx's Insight for an explosive draw capability.
• Using Consider as a defensive tool against aggressive opponents, potentially in conjunction with Doom Blade.

Format Viability and Competitive Context

Consider has seen some play in various formats, but its viability largely depends on the metagame. In Modern, it can be quite strong in decks that value card draw and control, particularly when combined with cards like Counterspell or Force of Will. However, its reliance on surveil makes it vulnerable to opponents who develop an aggressive game plan quickly.

In Standard, Consider is less prominent due to the influence of more powerful blue instants. Nevertheless, players can still incorporate it into their decks as a way to generate additional card draw and interact with opponents' plans.

Rules Interactions and Technical Notes

Consider's interactions with other cards and effects are multifaceted and far-reaching. Its ability to surveil the top card of the library has significant implications for control-oriented strategies, particularly those focused on resource generation and defensive capabilities.

Players who run Ancestral Recall or Preferable Routing may find themselves at a disadvantage if their opponent uses Consider to disrupt their plans. Aggressive strategies that aim to generate an early game advantage may struggle against players who utilize Consider's defensive capabilities.

Art, Flavor, and Historical Context

Consider's art features a serene landscape with a subtle sense of wonder. The artwork evokes a feeling of mystery, fitting for the surveil mechanism. The flavor text "The past is prologue" reinforces this theme, hinting at the idea that the player is uncovering hidden secrets about their own library.

In terms of historical context, Consider's introduction in Magic 2015 marked an interesting shift towards more complex and abstract card effects. Its unique combination of surveil and draw continues to inspire innovative deckbuilding strategies.

Summary of Key Points

Consider is a versatile instant that offers card advantage through its surveil mechanism and draw effect. It excels in control-oriented archetypes, where players value defensive capabilities and resource generation. Consider has applications in various formats, including Modern and Standard, particularly when combined with powerful blue instants or synergistic cards.

When building decks around Consider, focus on pairing it with cards that amplify its effects, such as Sphinx's Insight or Counterspell. Be mindful of the metagame and potential interactions between other cards, as this can greatly impact Consider's viability in different formats.

Ultimately, Consider is an underappreciated gem waiting to be unearthed by players who understand its strengths and strategic applications. Its unique blend of surveil and draw makes it an attractive addition to any control-oriented deck seeking a boost in card advantage and resource generation.

Consider's potential for interaction with other cards and effects has led to some innovative strategies emerging in the metagame. Players have developed new combinations that take advantage of Consider's unique mechanics, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in competitive Magic: The Gathering.

As the format evolves, it will be interesting to see how players adapt their deckbuilding approaches to maximize Consider's potential. Will its versatility and flexibility prove too much for opponents to handle?