Relentless PursuitHow it works & interactions with other cards

What it Does

For three mana, Relentless Pursuit allows you to look at the top four cards of your library. You have the option to pick one creature card and one land card from those four to put into your hand. Any cards you do not pick, or cards that do not fit those types, are moved directly to your graveyard.

How it Resolves

First, you reveal the top four cards of your library so all players can see them. Next, you choose which cards to keep based on the legal criteria: you can choose up to one creature and up to one land. You are not forced to take any cards if you don't want to, even if they are present. Finally, the cards you chose go to your hand, and all remaining cards from the four are placed into your graveyard simultaneously.

Common Mistakes

A frequent error is trying to take two creatures or two lands. The card specifically uses 'and/or' with single counts, meaning you can take at most one of each type. Additionally, remember that cards like an 'Artifact Creature' count as a creature, and 'Land Creatures' can fulfill either the creature or the land slot, but you still only get two total cards from the effect.

When to Play it

This card is best used in the mid-game when you need to find a specific creature to stabilize the board or ensure you don't miss a land drop. Because the unchosen cards go to the graveyard, it is also excellent in decks that utilize 'Delirium' or 'Undergrowth' mechanics, as it helps fuel your discard pile while keeping your hand full.

Interaction examples

Digging for Answers

You cast Relentless Pursuit and reveal two Forests, a Mountain, and a Grizzly Bears. You choose one Forest and the Grizzly Bears to put into your hand. The remaining Forest and Mountain are put into your graveyard.

Mana Fix vs. Card Advantage

Cultivate

Unlike Cultivate, which searches your entire library for specific basic lands, Relentless Pursuit only looks at the top four cards. If you cast Relentless Pursuit and see only sorceries like Cultivate, you will be forced to put all four cards into your graveyard, as none of them are creatures or lands.

Setting Up the Graveyard

Farseek

If you reveal a creature, a land, and two copies of Farseek, you can take the creature and the land. The Farseeks go to the graveyard. This is different from Farseek itself, which puts a land directly onto the battlefield; Relentless Pursuit only puts cards into your hand.