Surveil Ability in Magic the Gathering

Magic: The Gathering (MTG) is a card game known for its diverse card abilities that can influence the flow of the game. One such ability is “Surveil.” In this article, we’ll delve into what Surveil is and how it can be a valuable tool in your MTG strategy.

What Is Surveil?

Surveil is a keyword ability introduced in the Guilds of Ravnica set of MTG. It represents the act of scrying and rearranging the top cards of your library, allowing you to control your draws and make more informed decisions.

How Surveil Works

Here’s a breakdown of how the Surveil ability functions:

1. Scrying: When a card with Surveil is activated, you look at a specified number of cards from the top of your library without revealing them to your opponent. This is known as scrying.
2. Rearranging Cards: After scrying, you have the option to put any number of those cards back on top of your library in any order. This means you can set up your next few draws strategically.
3. Putting in the Graveyard: If you choose not to put a card back on top of your library, it goes into your graveyard. This can be useful for filling your graveyard for various effects.

Strategic Uses of Surveil

Surveil can be strategically advantageous in various ways during gameplay:

1. Card Selection: Surveil allows you to filter your draws, ensuring you draw the cards you need while pushing less useful cards to the bottom of your library.
2. Combo Setup: Surveil can help you set up combos by arranging cards in a specific order or by filling your graveyard with cards that interact favorably with each other.
3. Counterplay: If your opponent tries to control your library (e.g., by forcing you to draw cards), Surveil can counteract their strategy by rearranging your library in your favor.
4. Graveyard Synergy: Cards that benefit from having cards in your graveyard (e.g., flashback spells) can be paired with Surveil to maximize their potential.

Deck-Building with Surveil

When incorporating Surveil into your MTG deck, consider these deck-building tips:

1. Synergy: Include cards that synergize with Surveil, such as those that benefit from cards in the graveyard or that trigger when specific cards are drawn.
2. Card Advantage: Surveil can provide card advantage by helping you draw into answers or key combo pieces. Use it to enhance the consistency of your deck.
3. Countermagic: Surveil can enhance control decks by allowing you to manipulate your library in response to your opponent’s plays.
4. Graveyard Themes: If your deck has graveyard-themed strategies, Surveil can help you fill your graveyard with valuable resources.

In conclusion, Surveil is a versatile ability that grants you control over your library and card draws. By understanding its mechanics and incorporating cards with Surveil strategically into your deck, you can make more informed decisions and gain an edge in the world of Magic: The Gathering.