Mystic SpeculationHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Mystic Speculation allows you to Scry 3, meaning you look at the top three cards of your library and choose which ones to keep on top and which ones to move to the bottom. Its most powerful feature is Buyback, an optional additional cost that returns the spell to your hand instead of the graveyard upon resolution.

Resolving the Spell Step-by-Step

First, as you cast the spell, you choose whether to pay the Buyback cost of {2}. Next, once the spell resolves, you perform the Scry 3 action by looking at the top three cards of your library and ordering them. Finally, if the Buyback cost was paid, the physical card is placed back into your hand; if not, it is put into your graveyard.

Common Mistakes

Players often forget that Buyback only functions if the spell successfully resolves. If Mystic Speculation is countered by an opponent's spell or ability, it will go to the graveyard regardless of whether the Buyback cost was paid. Additionally, remember that Scry 3 does not allow you to draw a card, unlike many other blue cantrips.

When to Play It

This card is best used in slow, controlling matches where you have excess mana. By repeatedly casting it with Buyback, you can ensure you always draw exactly what you need for the current board state, effectively 'sculpting' your library every single turn.

Interaction examples

Deep Deck Filtering

Preordain

If you cast Mystic Speculation to Scry 3 and see a card you need but it is third from the top, you can keep all cards on top. Then, casting Preordain allows you to Scry 2 to push the unwanted cards away and draw that specific card immediately.

Managing the Top of the Library

Ponder

When you cast Mystic Speculation and see three cards you do not like, you can put them all on the bottom. If you then cast Ponder and still see nothing useful, you can use Ponder's shuffle effect to refresh the library entirely before drawing.