Gitaxian Probe — ruling 1

A card with Phyrexian mana symbols in its mana cost is each color that appears in that mana cost, regardless of how that cost may have been paid.

Gitaxian Probe — ruling 2

To calculate the mana value of a card with Phyrexian mana symbols in its cost, count each Phyrexian mana symbol as 1.

Gitaxian Probe — ruling 3

As you cast a spell or activate an activated ability with one or more Phyrexian mana symbols in its cost, you choose how to pay for each Phyrexian mana symbol at the same time you would choose modes or choose a value for X.

Gitaxian Probe — ruling 4

If you're at 1 life or less, you can't pay 2 life.

Gitaxian Probe — ruling 5

Phyrexian mana is not a new color. Players can't produce Phyrexian mana.

Gitaxian Probe — ruling 6

The targeted player may have no cards in their hand. You'll still draw a card.

Gitaxian Probe : règles, fonctionnement et interactions (MTG)

Gitaxian Probe is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.

Official card text

( can be paid with either or 2 life.) Look at target player's hand. Draw a card.

Complete guide

Gitaxian Probe is a staple of efficient spell-slinging strategies, offering information and card velocity for almost no cost. By utilizing Phyrexian mana, it allows players to trade life for a strategic look at the opponent's resources while keeping the deck size effectively smaller.

What It Does

At its core, Gitaxian Probe is a sorcery that costs one blue mana. However, thanks to its Phyrexian mana symbol, you can choose to pay 2 life instead of spending mana. When it resolves, it allows you to look at a target player's hand and then draw a card from your own library.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you cast the spell by choosing your payment method (either one blue mana or 2 life) and selecting a target player. If the spell is not countered, it resolves: you first look at every card in the target player's hand. Once you have seen the cards, you perform the second part of the instruction and draw one card from your library. The spell then moves to the graveyard.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A common misconception involves the life payment; you cannot pay 2 life if you are currently at 1 life or less. Additionally, remember that Gitaxian Probe is a blue spell regardless of how you paid for it. Even if you pay 2 life, effects that interact with blue spells will still trigger or affect it.

When to Play It

Gitaxian Probe is best played early in a turn to gather information before making other plays. Knowing if your opponent has a counterspell or a removal piece allows you to sequence your subsequent spells, like Ponder or Preordain, with much higher confidence.

Interaction examples

Strategic Sequencing

Ponder

You start your turn by paying 2 life to cast Gitaxian Probe, targeting your opponent. You see they have a counterspell. After drawing your card from the Probe, you cast Ponder. Knowing they have a counter, you can now decide whether to bait it out or shuffle your library to find a protection spell of your own.

Sculpting the Perfect Hand

Preordain

You cast Gitaxian Probe to see your opponent's hand and draw a card. After gaining that information, you follow up with Preordain. Because you now know exactly what threats or answers your opponent holds, you can use the Scry 2 ability of Preordain to specifically keep cards that resolve the problems you just saw in their hand.

Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.

How it works : Gitaxian Probe

Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall

#1June 1, 2011· Wizards of the Coast
A card with Phyrexian mana symbols in its mana cost is each color that appears in that mana cost, regardless of how that cost may have been paid.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#2June 1, 2011· Wizards of the Coast
To calculate the mana value of a card with Phyrexian mana symbols in its cost, count each Phyrexian mana symbol as 1.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#3June 1, 2011· Wizards of the Coast
As you cast a spell or activate an activated ability with one or more Phyrexian mana symbols in its cost, you choose how to pay for each Phyrexian mana symbol at the same time you would choose modes or choose a value for X.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#4June 1, 2011· Wizards of the Coast
If you're at 1 life or less, you can't pay 2 life.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#5June 1, 2011· Wizards of the Coast
Phyrexian mana is not a new color. Players can't produce Phyrexian mana.
No other card is named in this ruling.
#6June 1, 2011· Wizards of the Coast
The targeted player may have no cards in their hand. You'll still draw a card.
No other card is named in this ruling.