Planar GateHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Planar Gate provides a static ability that reduces the cost of every creature spell you cast by two generic mana. This effect applies to any card that has the 'Creature' type, including Artifact Creatures or Enchantment Creatures. It is important to note that this only reduces the generic portion of a spell's cost; it cannot reduce colored mana requirements or make a spell cost less than zero.

Step-by-Step Resolution

When you cast a creature spell, you first determine the total cost. Start with the mana cost printed on the card, add any additional costs (like kicker), and then apply cost reducers like Planar Gate. For example, if a creature costs four generic and one green mana, Planar Gate subtracts two from the generic portion, resulting in a final cost of two generic and one green. This calculation happens entirely during the casting process before you pay mana.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is assuming Planar Gate affects all players; however, the Oracle text clarifies it only applies to spells 'you' cast. Additionally, if you have multiple Planar Gates on the battlefield, their effects are cumulative. Two Gates will reduce costs by four generic mana. Remember, if a spell only costs one generic mana, Planar Gate will reduce that one mana to zero, but the 'leftover' reduction does not apply to other spells or colored mana.

When to Play It

Planar Gate is most effective in decks featuring high-cost creatures or strategies that aim to cast multiple creatures in a single turn. Because it costs six mana to deploy, you should prioritize playing it when you have a hand full of creatures that will benefit from the discount immediately on subsequent turns.

Interaction examples

Scaling Your Army

Vanquisher's Banner

With Planar Gate on the battlefield, your creature spells cost two less to cast. If you then cast Vanquisher's Banner and choose a creature type, you create a powerful engine. Every time you cast a creature of that type, Planar Gate reduces the cost, and the Banner rewards you by drawing a card, allowing you to chain cheap creatures together rapidly.

Mana Acceleration

Gilded Lotus

To get Planar Gate onto the battlefield faster, you can use Gilded Lotus to provide three mana of any one color. Once Planar Gate is active, a creature that normally costs seven generic mana would only cost five. The combination of high-volume mana production and significant cost reduction allows you to bypass the traditional mana curve entirely.