Frantic Search
Instant
Draw two cards, then discard two cards. Untap up to three lands.
*It took the banning of temporal manipulation at Tolaria West to teach its students the value of time.*
Why Play Frantic Search
Drawing two cards while untapping three lands creates a powerful engine piece that effectively costs zero mana when played. Storm decks and spell-velocity strategies love the card selection combined with the mana boost, enabling explosive turns where multiple spells chain together. The instant speed makes it excellent for end-of-turn setup, allowing you to dig for answers while keeping mana open, then untap fresh lands for your main phase.Format Notes
Banned in Legacy and Pauper due to its oppressive power level in fast combo decks, where free card selection proved too consistent. The card remains legal in Vintage where it sees play in storm and artifact-based strategies, though power level restrictions limit its impact. In Commander, it's become a staple in blue decks that care about instant/sorcery count or need efficient card selection with minimal mana investment.Combos & Synergies
High Tide strategies use the land untapping to generate massive mana advantages, often netting several blue mana per copy. Flashback spells and graveyard value cards like Snapcaster Mage turn the discard requirement into additional card advantage rather than a drawback. Storm decks pair it with ritual effects and other cantrips to build spell count while maintaining hand size, making it a key enabler for Tendrils of Agony or Empty the Warrens.Featured in These Decks
- Maestros Massacre Commander
- Jeskai Striker Commander
- Fae Dominion Commander
- Arcane Maelstrom Commander
