Assemble the TeamHow it works & interactions with other cards

Defining the Top Third

When you cast Assemble the Team, the first step is to count the number of cards remaining in your library. You then divide that number by three and round up to the nearest whole number. For example, if you have 49 cards left in your library, the top third is 17 cards (49 divided by 3 is 16.33, which rounds up to 17). You only look at those specific cards at the top of your deck to find your target.

Resolution Step-by-Step

First, you pay the mana cost of one Black and one Green mana and place the spell on the stack. Upon resolution, you look at the calculated number of cards from the top of your library. You may choose any one card from among those cards and put it into your hand. You do not have to reveal the card to your opponent. Finally, you shuffle your entire library, including the cards you just looked at that weren't chosen.

Strategic Timing and Common Pitfalls

A common mistake is forgetting to round up; always ensure you are looking at the maximum allowed number of cards. Because this is a sorcery, you must play it during your main phase when the stack is empty. It is best used when you need a specific answer to a board threat or are looking to secure your next land drop to stay on curve.

Interaction examples

Digging for Mana Fixers

Farseek

If you have a 60-card deck and 52 cards remain in your library, you cast Assemble the Team to look at the top 18 cards. You find Farseek among them, put it into your hand, and shuffle. You can then use your remaining mana to cast Farseek to pull a specific land type from your deck to the battlefield.

Finding Late Game Value

Cultivate

In a mid-game scenario with 30 cards left in the library, Assemble the Team allows you to look at the top 10 cards. By selecting Cultivate, you ensure that your next turn will provide two additional lands, effectively thinning your deck even further after the initial shuffle from Assemble the Team.