Brainstorm
Instant
Draw three cards, then put two cards from your hand on top of your library in any order.
Why Play Brainstorm
One of the most efficient card selection spells ever printed, Brainstorm excels at finding specific answers or combo pieces when you need them most. The ability to see three new cards for just one mana makes it invaluable in control decks seeking counterspells or removal, and combo decks hunting for key components. Play it during your opponent's end step to maximize information, or in response to discard spells to hide important cards on top of your library.Format Notes
Legacy represents Brainstorm's strongest format, where it's practically ubiquitous in blue decks thanks to abundant shuffle effects from fetchlands and tutors that remove the drawback of putting cards back. In Pauper, it sees play in similar roles but requires more careful sequencing due to fewer shuffle opportunities. The card remains banned in Historic due to its overwhelming dominance in digital formats where it warped the entire metagame around blue decks.Combos & Synergies
Fetchlands like Polluted Delta transform Brainstorm from good to exceptional by shuffling away unwanted cards you put back. Sensei's Divining Top creates a powerful lock that lets you manipulate the top three cards of your library repeatedly. Miracle cards such as Terminus gain tremendous value when you can Brainstorm them to the top of your library and immediately cast them for their miracle cost.Featured in These Decks
- The Ruinous Powers Commander
- Subjective Reality Commander
- Seize Control Commander
- Revenant Recon Commander
- Prismari Performance Commander
- Political Puppets Commander
