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How good is Crystal Ball?

Submitted by peteyJ on July 11, 2010 - 5:55pm

At the recent prerelease, I played two crystal balls in my maindeck. There were quite a few games where I won the game with crystal ball in my hand for multiple turns. It seemed like there were always better cards I could play, but my deck was pretty tempo oriented so maybe it is better in a control type deck. There was only one game I played where it helped me dig into a diminish to wreck my opponent. Many people have said this card is really great, but I would like to hear from some people have played it, and what their opinions are on the card.

‹ Pre release M11 Grand Prix Trial- M11 Sealed ›

Crystal Ball

Submitted by ragefistnate4 on July 16, 2010 - 8:33am.

This card won me more than a few games @ the M11 release. On both days I opened really good BW Skies type pools.

This card smoothed out my draws and I cannot tell you how many times I used during my upkeep to get rid of excess land in the late game. I would say it is better after like T5 or T6 once you have an estblished board.

The closest comparison is divining top and that is a VERY LOOSE comparison. The thing I like about Crystal Ball better than top is you actually get to see more new cards than with top.

So I guess my assessment for limited is awesome in sealed, 5-8th pick in draft, and probably only gonna get used by control in constructed.

I can definately see it as a 1-2 of in Mono U or UW based decks in Standard.

Also it is awesome in EDH :)!

I got one copy of it in my

Submitted by Iteachumath on July 16, 2010 - 12:26am.

I got one copy of it in my 2nd sealed pool during the PR weekend and it won me a round. Very good card.

Simple answer to your question: yes, Crystal Ball is just that good.

I don't think it's constructed playable unless things slow down but the ball feels like a balanced Seinsi's Divining Top.

o.O

Submitted by pajamajam on July 12, 2010 - 1:07pm.

Crystal Ball + Dark Tutelage is the only way Tutelage is really viable. It is the slow top combo. But I was thinking that Crystal ball would be better in faster decks than it would be in slower decks. For example. If you are playing a White/Red Aggro Deck or a White/Blue Tempo deck. You are throwing down flying bears etc and then you can get the ball online to prevent flooding that can ruin your day. I guess it goes both ways. I think it is the best when it is on the extremes and gets even better the more bombs you have.

I was wondering about this also

Submitted by hodgepodge0 on July 12, 2010 - 1:02pm.

I missed the prerelease, but am trying to gather info on the new cards for GPTs. This one in particular I can't decide on. It is obviously a little slow, but if M11 plays like most other base sets many games could turn into attrition wars. Paying one mana each turn to move all your lands/dead draws to the bottom of your deck means you can never lose a topdeck battle. I think it would fit well in the types of decks I like to build.

Is Scry better or worse with shuffle effects? I don't think I would want to rerandomize my deck if I'd spent several turns putting jank on the bottom.

Crystal Ball

Submitted by Steve Canty on July 11, 2010 - 8:33pm.

I know that alot of people like this card. I do not. Why? because it is three mana. It were one to cast and three to use it would be amazing. As such in limited you can't afford to blow your three, four, or five drop for something that doesn't kill stuff. If you do will be able to fish for card quality, but you completely hand over temp to your opponent. Unless he doesn't make his three drop, but then you would want to play your own to put the pressure on him. Plus it doesn't even replace itself so you lose a card just by playing it. It also takes up a removal slot, thats one less lightning bolt or doom blade that you can't play. If you need to scry every turn to draw what you need, your deck probably sucks anyway.

control only please

Submitted by djactionman on August 3, 2010 - 8:27am.

Only in the slower decks, the midrange and U/W controllish decks. I think it is better in sealed obv than in draft.
In sealed you are probably playing a third color to have enough bombs and removal and then it shines. You are either U/W +X and it will fit and help you out a ton, it is easily a fortieth card. Or you are G-something with midrange stuff like basilisk and slime and such. Then it is still good.
Crystal Ball allows you to get to your removal, your bombs, or both like Mind Control.
I doubt you always play it on turn three.

The Ballz!

Submitted by pajamajam on July 12, 2010 - 12:53pm.

Crystal ball is really good but it depends on the deck that it is in. If you are playing a White/Blue Skies Deck or anything red for that matter you don't want Crystal Ball. It slows down your deck. If you are playing blue you should always play Foresee over Crystal ball since that is the best card ever. And the new serum visions is really good.

As for decks like Jund drafting. I think this card is amazing in that deck. Having access to cards like lightning bolt and the ability to throw away cards like Sylvan Ranger lategame. The problem with this is drafting red sucks. So much double red that isn't good.

I got in an argument with a guy that said that Crystal Ball is first pick worthy. I said i guess if the pack is really terrible. I would take a 3/2 Flyer for 4 over this card. I also think that Diabolic Tutor is better than Crystal Ball. I really think Diabolic Tutor is really good in this set. There are so many bombs that are really hard to deal with. Turn 4 Diabolic tutor into turn 5 Serra Angel forces them to come up with an answer. Turn 3 ball into turn 4.... scry? I don't see how this is going to work if you are playing against the deck that is digging up threats.

The funny thing about Crystal ball is... You want it after your hand is depleted. When you have around 6 mana out and are playing off of the top of your deck. If you have it before that it isn't very effective.

Sucks!

Submitted by dojan12 on July 13, 2010 - 6:48pm.

Crystal ball is terrible and there are a ton of other cards I would rather play on turn 3 with mythic, jund, MONO RED so fast right now how can you justify playing crystal ball.

Crystal Ball in limited

Submitted by peteyJ on July 13, 2010 - 9:20pm.

We are talking about limited. It sucks in standard...obv

Give me a month and I will

Submitted by dojan12 on July 14, 2010 - 2:19pm.

Give me a month and I will tell you how good it is lol I am in the process of making a m11 list with draft order based on the first card opened. I should have the first draft of it done in a few days and i can email it to anyone that wants it and down for suggestions after its complete to change anything. Peter we need to go get a drink soon lol.

Post your M11 list on the site bro

Submitted by peteyJ on July 14, 2010 - 4:32pm.

Once you get your list complete, ship it this way and I will post it on the main page, if that is cool with you. And yeah, we should definately get a drink sometime...you got the same number that you have had?

No I don't I'm working for

Submitted by dojan12 on July 14, 2010 - 5:36pm.

No I don't I'm working for AT&T so getting a phone plan through them. M11 is the best core set ever I have deck after deck ready to be built on mtgo. This site is a huge step for Idaho makes me super excited lol.