Vampiric Tutor — Magic: The Gathering card

Vampiric Tutor

{B}
Instant

Search your library for a card, then shuffle and put that card on top. You lose 2 life.

Set Visions
Rarity Rare
Artist Gary Leach

Why Play Vampiric Tutor

At just one mana, Vampiric Tutor provides unmatched versatility by finding any card in your deck when you need it most. Black-based combo decks especially value its ability to assemble missing combo pieces or fetch answers to immediate threats. The key is timing — use it during your opponent's end step to set up your next turn, or in response to removal when you need a specific answer immediately.

Format Notes

Commander represents the primary home for Vampiric Tutor, where it's considered a staple in competitive and high-power casual decks alike. Its ban in Legacy stems from enabling overpowered first-turn plays when combined with fast mana, though it remains a cornerstone of Vintage combo strategies. The card's high price point reflects its power level and restricted availability across multiple printings.

Combos & Synergies

Demonic Consultation pairs excellively with Vampiric Tutor in combo decks, where you can tutor for a win condition then exile your library to guarantee drawing it. Top-of-library manipulation like Sensei's Divining Top turns the tutor into an immediate draw effect while providing additional card selection. Dark Ritual enables explosive turns where you can tutor and immediately cast expensive threats or combo pieces on the same turn.

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Instant Tutor Commander