Ancestral Recall in MTG: The Ultimate Draw Card Explained

Ancestral Recall is a renowned card from the Magic: The Gathering (MTG) universe. Known for its potent ability to allow players to draw three cards from their library, it has been a game-changer in many MTG matches. This card, with its rich history and multiple versions, remains a topic of discussion and strategy among MTG enthusiasts.


Key Takeaways: Ancestral Recall in Magic: The Gathering

  • Ancestral Recall allows players to draw three cards from their library.
  • It’s a card that has seen significant play in competitive Magic tournaments.
  • While powerful, Ancestral Recall can be risky if not used correctly.
  • Originally released in the 1993 Alpha set, it has been reprinted in various sets over the years.
  • Strategies involving Ancestral Recall often focus on card advantage and setting up combos.
  • Countering Ancestral Recall can involve counterspells, discard spells, and tempo plays.
  • Its rarity and historical significance make it a sought-after card in the MTG community.
  • Properly utilizing Ancestral Recall can provide a significant advantage in gameplay.

What is Ancestral Recall in MTG?

Ancestral Recall card

Ancestral Recall is a powerful card from the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering (MTG). It acts as a sort of wildcard, allowing a player to draw three cards from their library. This card has a storied history and has gone through several incarnations over the years. It is a powerful tool that can swing games in favor of its user if used properly.

The card isn’t just powerful, however – it’s also full of risk. This makes it a card that is rather polarizing among MTG players. It can be extremely swingy in both directions, and players need to know how to use it properly. Regardless, it’s a card that has seen play in many of the biggest competitive Magic tournaments, and for good reason.

Benefits of Ancestral Recall:

• Draws three cards from library, allowing for more options and potential plays.
• Can be used to swing games in favor of its user if used properly.
• Has seen play in many competitive tournaments.
• Is a powerful tool that can help players gain an edge over their opponents.

Risks of Ancestral Recall:

• Can be extremely swingy in both directions, making it risky to use at times.
• Players need to know how to use it properly or else they could end up costing themselves the game.
• Its power makes it a polarizing card among MTG players, as some view it as too powerful and others think that it’s necessary for certain strategies.

The History of the Card

Ancestral Recall, colloquially known as “Ancestral” or simply “Recall,” is a powerful card from the original collectible card game Magic: The Gathering. The card was first released in 1993 as part of the Alpha set and has had a lasting influence on the game ever since.

Ancestral Recall allows a player to draw three cards from their library at a cost of a single blue mana. It is considered one of the most powerful drawing spells in the game, as it allows for an extremely efficient use of mana to draw cards. Due to its power and its rarity, it is also highly sought-after. Over the years, Ancestral Recall has become highly valued among players and collectors alike.

• Ancestral Recall was first released in 1993 as part of the Alpha set and has had a lasting influence on the game ever since.
• The card allows a player to draw three cards from their library at a cost of one blue mana, making it an extremely efficient use of mana to draw cards.
• Due to its power and rarity, it is highly sought-after by both players and collectors alike.
• Over the years, it has become increasingly valuable among Magic: The Gathering fans.
• It has been reprinted several times throughout the years in various sets including Eternal Masters and Modern Masters 2017 Edition.

How Ancestral Recall Works

How Ancestral Recall Works

Ancestral Recall is one of the oldest and most well-known spells in Magic: The Gathering. It is an iconic blue instant-speed spell, which allows the caster to draw three cards from their library and place them in their hand. Each of these cards can be put into play for its mana cost as soon as the spell has been cast. This is a powerful effect that can dramatically increase a player’s hand size, helping them to select better options and execute stronger strategies.

When using Ancestral Recall, it is important to take note of the other cards in play and understand the implications of drawing additional cards. Drawing too many cards can hamper the user’s options, and cost them in the long run. That is why it is important to use Ancestral Recall with intent. It is a card best used when the player knows what cards they need in their hand. Otherwise, it can backfire and lead to missed opportunities and misplays.

• Ancestral Recall is one of the oldest and most well-known spells in Magic: The Gathering.
• It is an iconic blue instant-speed spell, which allows the caster to draw three cards from their library and place them in their hand.
• Each of these cards can be put into play for its mana cost as soon as the spell has been cast.
• This is a powerful effect that can dramatically increase a player’s hand size, helping them to select better options and execute stronger strategies.
• When using Ancestral Recall, it is important to take note of the other cards in play and understand the implications of drawing additional cards.
• Drawing too many cards can hamper the user’s options, and cost them in the long run.
• That is why it is important to use Ancestral Recall with intent – when you know what card you need in your hand – otherwise it can backfire and lead to missed opportunities or misplays.

The Benefits of Using Ancestral Recall

Ancestral Recall is an incredibly powerful card in the world of Magic the Gathering. It allows a player to draw three cards from their deck, making it a great resource for a player looking to increase their chances of drawing the cards they need in order to defeat their opponent. Not only does it provide a significant card advantage, but it can also be used as a tool to filter out less useful cards from one’s hand and draw only the most powerful cards.

The other great benefit of using Ancestral Recall is its low cost. At only one blue mana, it’s much cheaper than most cards with comparable effects and can be used to great effect even early in the game. For control and combo decks, Ancestral Recall can easily provide tempo advantage in the early game, allowing them to play more cards faster and set up their strategy.

• Ancestral Recall is a powerful card in Magic the Gathering, allowing players to draw three cards from their deck.
• It provides a significant card advantage and can be used as a tool to filter out less useful cards.
• The low cost of one blue mana makes it much cheaper than most cards with comparable effects.
• This makes it particularly effective for control and combo decks that need tempo advantage early in the game.

The Drawbacks of Using Ancestral Recall

The Drawbacks of Using Ancestral Recall

Using Ancestral Recall can be very powerful, but there are some drawbacks to consider. Firstly, this card is restricted in certain formats. This means that while you can include Ancestral Recall in your deck, you can only have one copy in your deck. This limits the effectiveness of this card, as you can only use it a single time in a game.

Another drawback of using Ancestral Recall is that it requires a hefty mana cost. At the point where you can play Ancestral Recall, you may not have enough mana available to make use of the three cards it draws. Moreover, with the mana cost attached, your opponent may be able to play a powerful card in response that can nullify any potential benefits of playing Ancestral Recall. The mana cost can also take away from other cards you may want to play, so it has to be weighed against what else you would like to play in your deck.

• Restriction in Certain Formats:
– Can only include one copy in deck
– Limits effectiveness of card
• Hefty Mana Cost:
– May not have enough mana available to use it
– Opponent may be able to play a powerful card in response that can nullify any potential benefits of playing Ancestral Recall.
– Takes away from other cards you may want to play

Strategies for Using Ancestral Recall

Using Ancestral Recall as part of a powerful combo is often a solid strategy for success. Combos incorporating Ancestral Recall allow players to draw more cards than normal, making it easier to find the cards they need when and where they need them. Many players often aim to build a combo that either filters through their deck or allows them to draw cards until they get what they want. This often involves complex strategies that combine other powerful cards with Ancestral Recall, making it an attractive option to players looking to maximize their chances of success.

Players’ decisions on when to use Ancestral Recall can be just as important as the cards they choose to combine with it. Knowing when and where to use it can be the difference between winning or losing a match. While it is easy to be tempted to use Ancestral Recall as soon as it becomes available, playing it at the wrong time can lead to dire consequences. Players should also be aware of their opponents’ potential answers, as well as how much mana they may have at any given time. Taking advantage of these factors can make a crucial difference when playing with Ancestral Recall.

Strategies for Using Ancestral Recall:

– Build a combo that either filters through the deck or allows players to draw cards until they get what they want.
– Decide when and where to use it, as playing it at the wrong time can lead to dire consequences.
– Be aware of opponents’ potential answers and how much mana is available.
– Take advantage of factors such as card selection, mana counts, and opponent’s resources.
– Utilize combos with other powerful cards in order to maximize chances of success.

Popular Decks that Include Ancestral Recall

Popular Decks that Include Ancestral Recall

Ancestral Recall is an incredibly powerful card in Magic: The Gathering. Due to its ability to draw three cards from your library, Ancestral Recall acts as a potent tool to quickly refill your hand and find the right answers in any scenario. There are plenty of popular decks that include Ancestral Recall, making it a must-have for many players.

In fast aggro decks, Ancestral Recall can provide a great burst of card advantage that is hard to come by. This can help the player refill their hand quickly in the midgame, allowing them to take the initiative and apply pressure. In slower combo-oriented decks, Ancestral Recall can also be a great asset, allowing the player to assemble their combo pieces faster. Legacy bounce decks often run the card, as it can help them get back to their gameplan by drawing their bounced cards back into their hand. Additionally, Ancestral Recall is also a library manipulation tool, allowing the player to shuffle their library and look for specific cards they need. This makes it especially essential in control decks, where card selection is often necessary to succeed.

Popular Decks That Include Ancestral Recall:

• Fast Aggro decks:
– Can provide a great burst of card advantage in midgame.
– Allows player to take the initiative and apply pressure.
• Slower Combo-oriented decks:
– Helps assemble combo pieces faster.
• Legacy Bounce decks:
– Draws bounced cards back into hand.
• Control Decks: – Acts as library manipulation tool for card selection.

Different Versions

There are several distinct versions of Ancestral Recall that have been released over the years. The first version of the card was printed in 1993 and had the infamous “Power Nine” symbol, which marked it as an especially powerful card. This version was printed with the black-bordered set, which was the last set of the original Limited Edition era. The second version of Ancestral Recall was printed in Revised Edition, which was the first set of the modern era. This version was printed without the Power Nine symbol but kept the same text and effects as the original printing.

The third version of Ancestral Recall was printed as a Timeshifted card in the Time Spiral set. This version was printed in a silver border and had a new artwork depicting a scryer holding a magical staff, surrounded by blue flames. The card itself was practically unchanged from the previous printings, with the same text and effects. This version was only available for a short time until Time Spiral was removed from the Standard format. The fourth version of Ancestral Recall was printed in the Masters Edition IV set for online play. This version had new artwork that depicted a man using a crystal ball to look into the past and featured the iconic Power Nine symbol. This version has remained unchanged from the previous printings and is still available for Magic: The Gathering Online.

• First version of Ancestral Recall was printed in 1993 with the black-bordered set and had the Power Nine symbol.
• Second version of Ancestral Recall was printed in Revised Edition without the Power Nine symbol, but kept same text and effects as original printing.
• Third version of Ancestral Recall was printed as a Timeshifted card in Time Spiral set with silver border and new artwork depicting a scryer holding a magical staff, surrounded by blue flames.
• Fourth version of Ancestral Recall was printed in Masters Edition IV set for online play with new artwork that depicted a man using crystal ball to look into past and featured iconic Power Nine symbol.

What Sets Are It Found In?

Ancestral Recall is typically found in sets from the Alpha printing all the way down to the most recent sets. The card was printed in the Alpha, Beta, Unlimited, Revised, 4th Edition, 5th Edition, Chronicles, and Commander sets. It has also been reprinted as a judge promo, an artist promo, and in the Masters Series.

Ancestral Recall has been a part of Magic: The Gathering for over 25 years since its initial release in the Alpha set. The card has been reprinted for various reasons over the years and is still popular today. The card is highly sought out by players and collectors alike due to its rarity and iconic status. The card can be found in numerous sets, as well as in Judge and Artist Promo cards. Because of its age, rarity, and popularity, Ancestral Recall can be expensive depending on the version sought out.

• Alpha Set:
– Initial Release
– Iconic Status
• Beta, Unlimited, Revised, 4th Edition, 5th Edition Sets:
– Reprinted for Various Reasons
• Chronicles and Commander Sets:
– Highly Sought Out by Players and Collectors Alike
• Judge Promo & Artist Promo Cards:
– Rarity & Popularity Makes It Expensive

How Rare Is Ancestral Recall?

Ancestral Recall is one of the more rare cards in the Magic: The Gathering game. It is a powerful blue card with the mana cost of one blue mana and the additional cost of discarding a card in return for three cards from the player’s library. It was originally printed in the first expansion of the game, the Alpha set, and has been reprinted in some of the more recent promo sets.

Ancestral Recall is also part of the Power Nine, a group of nine iconic and powerful Magic cards that were printed in the Alpha set. Its rarity and power make it one of the most sought-after cards in the game, and it has become a staple of powerful blue decks. It is considered to be one of the staple cards of the game, and players of all skill levels can benefit from playing it. It is a valuable addition to any player’s card library, and it can easily be found online or through physical card shops.

• Ancestral Recall is one of the rarer cards in Magic: The Gathering, originally printed in the Alpha set.
• It has a mana cost of one blue mana and an additional cost of discarding a card to draw three cards from the player’s library.
• As part of the Power Nine, it is highly sought-after and can be found online or through physical card shops.
• Its rarity and power make it a staple for powerful blue decks, making it valuable for players of all skill levels.

How Much Does Ancestral Recall Cost?

How Much Does Cost?

Ancestral Recall is a powerful Blue Magic: The Gathering card that was first printed in 1993. It allows a player to draw three cards from their library, making it a desirable card to include in decks. The cost of purchasing an Ancestral Recall card varies depending on the version and the condition of the card.

Ancestral Recall can be found as singles, playsets or completer sets. Some of these cards have gone up in price significantly. A playset of the original 1993 version of the card can cost between $1500-$2200 depending on the quality. The Alpha version of Ancestral Recall, which was printed before the 1993 version, can cost up to $10,000 per card. However, recent versions of the card can be purchased at a much lower cost. The 2019 Commander Anthology can be purchased starting at around $20, making it much more accessible than the original version.

• The cost of Ancestral Recall depends on the version and condition of the card.
• A playset of the original 1993 version can range from $1500-$2200 depending on quality.
• The Alpha version, which was printed before 1993, can cost up to $10,000 per card.
• Recent versions are much more affordable with 2019 Commander Anthology costing around $20 per set.

Is It Worth Buying?

When it comes to investing in expensive Magic: The Gathering cards such as Ancestral Recall, it’s important to consider the potential payoff. There’s no denying that it’s a powerful card, and it can be a great asset to have in your deck. In certain decks, it has the power to turn the tides of battle, giving you a significant advantage over your opponents.

However, Ancestral Recall can also be one of the most expensive cards out there. It’s typically quite difficult to come across, and getting ahold of it can be an expensive endeavor. As such, it’s important to carefully consider the cost versus benefit when deciding whether or not to buy Ancestral Recall for your deck.

Pros of Buying Ancestral Recall:

• Powerful card with the potential to turn the tides of battle
• Can be a great asset in certain decks
• Increases your chances of winning against opponents
Cons of Buying Ancestral Recall:
• Expensive and difficult to come by
• Cost versus benefit must be carefully considered before making a purchase

How to Obtain Ancestral Recall

Ancestral Recall is a rare and valuable card from the Magic: The Gathering universe. It was first released as part of the limited edition Alpha set in 1993. This iconic card offers many powerful benefits to players, allowing them to draw three cards instantaneously from their library and get the mana to pay for their spells the next turn. This makes Ancestral Recall one of the most sought after cards in Magic.

Due to its rarity and high demand value, Ancestral Recall is not easy to come by. Although it’s been reprinted in many game expansions over the years, the original print remains the most expensive and difficult to obtain. As a result, those who are trying to acquire an Ancestral Recall must look to secondary markets such as eBay or online gaming stores. Prices can vary greatly between sellers, so it’s essential to research before committing to a purchase. Additionally, it’s important to inspect the card carefully for signs of damage or alterations, as any imperfections will devalue the card significantly.

Tips for Obtaining Ancestral Recall:

  • Research prices and availability on secondary markets such as eBay or online gaming stores.
  • Inspect the card carefully for signs of damage or alterations.
  • Consider purchasing from a trusted seller with a good reputation.
  • Look out for limited edition reprints of the card, which may be more affordable than original print versions.

It’s also important to take into account any additional fees associated with purchasing from an online market. Shipping costs can add up quickly, so it’s best to factor this into your budget when looking at different sellers. Additionally, some sites may charge extra taxes or processing fees that could increase the total cost significantly. Finally, consider purchasing from a trusted seller with a good reputation in order to ensure you get an authentic version of Ancestral Recall.

Overall, obtaining an Ancestral Recall is no easy feat. While there are many options available on secondary markets such as eBay and other online gaming stores, buyers should proceed cautiously by researching prices and inspecting cards closely before making any purchases. With patience and careful consideration, however, players will eventually find their own copy of this iconic Magic: The Gathering card!

Tips for Playing With Ancestral Recall

Tips for Playing With Ancestral Recall

When playing with Ancestral Recall, it is important to plan ahead. Try to anticipate what cards your opponents may have and think of ways they might react to the card you play. For example, if your opponents have a hand full of creatures, they may be more likely to play them to the battlefield if you play Ancestral Recall. Knowing when you have the right timing is key to playing Ancestral Recall successfully.

It is also important to consider the cost of Ancestral Recall. Since it is a powerful card, make sure you can afford to play it. Otherwise, you may find yourself in a position where you are unable to take full advantage of the card. Consider setting aside some of your mana in order to be able to play Ancestral Recall when the opportunity presents itself. By taking the time to plan your play in advance, you can maximize the potential of Ancestral Recall.

Here are some additional tips for playing with Ancestral Recall:

• Make sure you can afford to play it.
• Consider setting aside mana in order to be able to play it when the opportunity presents itself.
• Anticipate what cards your opponents may have and think of ways they might react to the card you play.
• Know when you have the right timing is key to playing Ancestral Recall successfully.
• Try different strategies and see which ones work best for your deck.

How to Counter It

Countering Ancestral Recall can be done in a few ways, the most popular being counterspells, discard spells, tempo plays, and land destruction. Counterspells are the most efficient way to handle Ancestral Recall. Counterspells can be used to outright stop the spell being cast, removing the card from the game in most instances. Discard spells can also be used to remove Ancestral Recall from the player’s hand before it can be cast, making it much more difficult to cast.

Tempo plays can also be used to counter Ancestral Recall, by using spells and creatures to keep the player from having enough resources to cast Ancestral Recall. This includes keeping the board clear of their own creatures or keeping their mana from being kept up. Land destruction spells can also work by removing lands from the player’s sideboard, making it more difficult to cast the spell. By keeping the opponent from having enough resources to cast the spell, it’s much easier to counter it.

  • Counterspells: Most efficient way to handle Ancestral Recall. Can outright stop the spell being cast, removing it from the game in most instances.
  • Discard Spells: Remove Ancestral Recall from player’s hand before it can be cast, making it more difficult to cast.
  • Tempo Plays: Use spells and creatures to keep player from having enough resources to cast Ancestral Recall. This includes keeping board clear of their own creatures or keeping mana up.
  • Land Destruction Spells: Remove lands from opponent’s sideboard, making it more difficult to cast the spell.

Popular Combos With Ancestral Recall

Ancestral Recall is a powerful card in MTG that allows you to draw three cards from your library. This can be an effective way to gather resources for a favorable outcome of your game. There are many popular combos that can be performed with Ancestral Recall that can help you gain a strategic edge over your opponent.

One such combo is playing a Brainstorm or Ponder. When played in combination with Ancestral Recall, you can draw three cards and then have the ability to pick and choose the cards you want to keep and the cards you want to discard from your hand. This allows you to assess your options and make more informed decisions about what effects and strategies you want to employ. As an added bonus, Brainstorm and Ponder can also be used to manipulate the order of cards in your library, allowing you to set up better draws with future uses of Ancestral Recall.
Another popular combo with Ancestral Recall is using it in conjunction with a card like Time Walk. This allows you to draw three cards, and then take an extra turn. This can be especially effective if your opponent has no way of countering the effects of Ancestral Recall or Time Walk. You can use this combo to build up resources while denying your opponent any chance to react, giving you a huge advantage in the game.

Popular Combos With Ancestral Recall:

• Brainstorm/Ponder + Ancestral Recall – Draw 3 cards & pick which ones to keep/discard
• Time Walk + Ancestral Recall – Take an extra turn and draw 3 cards
• Fact or Fiction + Ancestral Recall – Split 5 drawn cards into 2 piles & choose one

What Are the Best Targets for Ancestral Recall?

What Are the Best Targets

Ancestral Recall is an incredible card for many strategies in Magic: The Gathering. It allows you to draw three cards from your library, giving you a great source of card advantage and a powerful way to gain some insight into the game. The best targets for Ancestral Recall are cards that are difficult to obtain or cards which can provide a significant source of card advantage.

Strong creatures and powerful spells like True-Name Nemesis, Uro, Titan of Nature’s Wrath, and Gilded Drake can provide a great source of card advantage by being difficult to remove and having solid attacks and abilities. Cards with powerful one-shot effects like Gilded Drake, Eternal Witness, and Jace, the Mind Sculptor also offer great card advantage by allowing you to draw more cards or gain more resources on your opponent’s turn. Additionally, some enchantment cards like Detention Sphere, Curiosity, and Grand Arbiter Augustin IV can provide long-term card advantage while also giving you additional resource advantage. Finally, cards like Wheel of Fortune, Ponder, and Preordain can help to draw exactly the card you need to help get the most out of your strategy.

The best targets for Ancestral Recall are:

• Strong creatures and powerful spells like True-Name Nemesis, Uro, Titan of Nature’s Wrath, and Gilded Drake
• Cards with powerful one-shot effects like Gilded Drake, Eternal Witness, and Jace, the Mind Sculptor
• Enchantment cards like Detention Sphere, Curiosity, and Grand Arbiter Augustin IV
• Cards like Wheel of Fortune, Ponder. Preordain

What Are the Possible Outcomes of Casting Ancestral Recall?

Casting Ancestral Recall can be a powerful tool for gaining card advantage in Magic: the Gathering (MTG). With this powerful blue instant sorcery, the caster can draw three cards off the top of their library, allowing them to search for the best card in their deck and get it into their hand. This means that Ancestral Recall allows a player to draw from a larger pool of cards than their current hand and selection of lands, increasing their chances of drawing just the right card.

Ancestral Recall can also be used to restock depleted hand size. After a player has expended their resources or been hit with card disruption from an enemy player, casting Ancestral Recall can help them get back on track. This can allow them to find the cards they need most to continue playing or prevent their opponent from gaining card advantage.

There are a few possible outcomes when casting Ancestral Recall:

• Drawing the card you need: The best case scenario is that the caster draws exactly what they need from their library. This could be a land or creature to help them gain board presence, an instant spell to counter their opponent’s spells, or even a powerful enchantment that can give them an edge in combat.
• Drawing cards not needed: It’s also possible for the player to draw cards that aren’t currently useful. In this situation, they may have drawn additional lands which will clog up their hand and prevent them from playing other cards. They may also have drawn creatures with abilities they don’t currently need or instants without targets.

• Shuffling your library: Another outcome of casting Ancestral Recall is shuffling your library. This means all of the cards in your deck are randomly rearranged so that you no longer know where any particular card is located within it. While this can be beneficial if you want to keep your opponents guessing about what type of deck you’re running, it can also backfire if you were relying on certain card combinations being present in specific locations within your deck.

Popular Strategies That Utilize Ancestral Recall

One popular strategy that utilizes Ancestral Recall is the use of hand disruption. Players can use Ancestral Recall on their own turn to replenish their hand with cards that fit their strategy and disrupt their opponents’ plans. Hand disruption is a powerful tool that can be used to devalue cards in the opponent’s hand and make them easier to counter. Additionally, hand disruption allows players to increase the quality of their hand’s cards. This strategy requires careful consideration of the opponent’s hand, and proper timing of the Ancestral Recall to maximize its effect.

Another popular strategy that utilizes Ancestral Recall is to set up combos with other cards. Ancestral Recall can draw three cards, and then players can use the drawn cards to set up powerful combos. Combos can create a game-winning board state in a single turn, providing players with a powerful finisher. However, setting up combos with Ancestral Recall requires players to have knowledge of cards that synergize with each other, and proper timing of the spell. Players must consider the value of the drawn cards, as well as the resources spent to cast the spell.

Popular Strategies That Utilize Ancestral Recall:

• Hand Disruption:
– Replenish hand with cards that fit strategy and disrupt opponents plans
– Devalue cards in opponent’s hand and make them easier to counter
– Increase quality of player’s hand
• Set up Combos:
– Draw three cards to set up powerful combos.
– Create game-winning board state in a single turn.
– Requires knowledge of card synergies and proper timing of spell.

Ancestral Recall is a powerful card that can give any deck a huge edge if used correctly. It can be a great way to dig deep and find the win conditions or answers needed to complete a match. However, it can also be easily countered if your opponent is prepared, which can be a problem. Overall, Ancestral Recall is a great card to have in any deck, as long as you’re aware of when and how to use it. Knowing the limitations of this powerful card can help you to reach success and be successful with your Magic: The Gathering decks.

Key Points:

• Ancestral Recall is a powerful card that can give any deck an edge.
• It can be used to dig deep and find win conditions or answers needed to complete a match.
• However, it can also be easily countered if your opponent is prepared.
• Knowing the limitations of this powerful card can help you reach success with your Magic: The Gathering decks.

Conclusion

Ancestral Recall, with its powerful drawing capability, has cemented its place in the annals of Magic: The Gathering history. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newbie, understanding the dynamics of this card can significantly enhance your gameplay. Its strategic use, combined with other cards, can turn the tide of any match, making it a prized possession in any MTG deck.

Related Reading: Ancestral Recall in MTG

  1. Ancestral Recall – MTG Wiki
  • Ancestral Recall is a blue instant card from the original run of Magic and is one of the Power Nine. It’s often cited as Blue’s most powerful card. The article provides a history of the card, its original naming as “Ancestral Memories,” and its eventual banning in most formats except Vintage.
  1. Ancestral Recall – Unlimited Edition – Magic: The Gathering – TCGplayer
  • This page provides product details for the Ancestral Recall card from the Unlimited Edition. It emphasizes that drawing three cards for one mana is exceptionally powerful in Magic. The card is part of Magic: The Gathering’s renowned Power Nine.
  1. Ancestral Recall | Alpha | Card Kingdom
  • The Card Kingdom page for Ancestral Recall from the Alpha edition describes it as the best card draw spell in the game. It’s part of the “power nine,” which are among the most expensive and powerful cards in Magic. The card is banned in several formats but remains a core card in many Vintage decks.
  1. Ancestral Recall, Unlimited Edition (2ED) Price History – MTGGoldfish
  • MTGGoldfish provides a price history for the Ancestral Recall card from the Unlimited Edition. The site offers options for users to exercise their rights regarding personal data, especially for California residents.
  1. Ancestral Recall (Limited Edition Alpha) – Magic: The Gathering
  • Gatherer is the official Magic Card Database. This page provides details about the Ancestral Recall card from the Limited Edition Alpha set. Users can search for cards, browse through Magic’s entire history, and read comments from other players.

FAQ: Ancestral Recall in Magic: The Gathering

What is Ancestral Recall in MTG?
Ancestral Recall is a powerful blue instant card from the collectible card game Magic: The Gathering (MTG) that allows a player to draw three cards from their library. It’s considered one of the most powerful drawing spells in the game.

How does Ancestral Recall work?
Ancestral Recall is an iconic blue instant-speed spell that lets the caster draw three cards from their library and place them in their hand. Each of these cards can be put into play for its mana cost as soon as the spell has been cast.

What are the benefits of using Ancestral Recall?
The card allows players to draw three cards, providing more options and potential plays. It can swing games in favor of its user if used correctly and has seen play in many competitive tournaments.

What are the risks associated with Ancestral Recall?
The card can be swingy in both directions, making it risky at times. Players need to use it properly, or they could end up costing themselves the game. Its power makes it polarizing among MTG players.

In which sets can Ancestral Recall be found?
Ancestral Recall has been printed in sets like Alpha, Beta, Unlimited, Revised, 4th Edition, 5th Edition, Chronicles, and Commander. It has also been reprinted as a judge promo, an artist promo, and in the Masters Series.

How rare is Ancestral Recall?
Ancestral Recall is one of the rarer cards in Magic: The Gathering, originally printed in the Alpha set. It’s part of the Power Nine, making it highly sought-after.

How much does Ancestral Recall cost?
The cost varies depending on the version and condition. The original 1993 version can range from $1500-$2200, while the Alpha version can cost up to $10,000 per card. Recent versions, like the 2019 Commander Anthology, can be around $20 per set.

Is Ancestral Recall worth buying?
It’s a powerful card that can provide a significant advantage in games. However, due to its high cost and rarity, players should weigh the cost versus benefit before purchasing.

What are some popular strategies that utilize Ancestral Recall?
Players often use Ancestral Recall for hand disruption, refilling their hand after expending resources, or setting up powerful card combos.

How can one counter Ancestral Recall?
Counterspells, discard spells, tempo plays, and land destruction are popular methods to counter Ancestral Recall.

Ray - MTGA Central

I started out playing MTG WAY back in the late 90's, now, I play MTG Arena and share what I can with others.  After teaching my kids to play, helping them with decks and how to play them, how to watch the people you're playing - they told me I should be sharing this info, so I do!

Leave a Reply