Read the Bones
Sorcery
Scry 2, then draw two cards. You lose 2 life. (To scry 2, look at the top two cards of your library, then put any number of them on the bottom and the rest on top in any order.)
Why Play Read the Bones
Card selection combined with card advantage makes this an excellent midrange tool for decks that can afford the life loss. Black-based control and midrange strategies appreciate the ability to dig deeper into the deck while maintaining hand size, especially when facing aggressive opponents where the extra cards matter more than 2 life. Play it during your main phase when you need to find specific answers or threats, or when you're ahead on board and can afford the tempo loss.Format Notes
Particularly strong in Pauper where efficient card draw is scarce, making it a staple in various black archetypes including Mono-Black Control and Dimir builds. Commander players frequently include it as reliable card selection that fits most budgets and mana curves. The card sees occasional play in Pioneer and Historic in slower metas, though it competes with more powerful draw spells in higher-powered formats like Modern and Legacy.Combos & Synergies
Pairs excellently with lifegain strategies where cards like Gray Merchant of Asphodel can easily offset the life loss while providing additional value. Works well alongside graveyard synergies since scrying cards to the bottom effectively mills them for delve costs or cards like Gurmag Angler. Aristocrats decks appreciate the card advantage when combined with sacrifice outlets and recursive creatures, turning the life loss into a negligible downside.Featured in These Decks
- Vampiric Bloodlust Commander
- Sworn To Darkness Commander
- Miracle Worker Commander
- Legends’ Legacy Commander
- Chaos Incarnate Commander
- Cavalry Charge Commander
