This card is fringe-playable in constructed. It reliably wins the game in 3 attack phases, and many times even in two. People talking about combos are missing the point. This guy is a one-card combo. Kill it now, or you lose. It combos best with any card that gives your creatures haste.
The only thing stopping this card from being totally awesome is that it dies to removal and doesn't impact the board the turn it comes into play. In many ways, it's a green Baneslayer Angel, trading lifelink for more aggro.
Sorry, this is lame. I feel like I'm playing Harry Potter TCG now. The Witch is rare, and even if you open one first pack, you need to draft multiple Newts + Cauldrons to make it playable. As for constructed -- not even close.
Yeah, Garruk sure is great against imaginary opponents, I will put 4 in my sideboard just for the goldfish matchup. Against real players that attack into planeswalker w/ 1 loyalty? Not so much.
Turn: Drop Garruk, -3 to drop a random fatty (Thragtusk).
Next turn: +1 Garruk, dig five deep and snagging even one or two cards, play another random fatty (Thragtusk #2).
Now, let's look at this WITHOUT Garruk:
Turn: Drop Thragtusk.
Next turn: Drop another Thragtusk.
I mean, the cases are the same, except the one WITH Garruk nets you amazing card advantage for absolutely no tempo loss. And, occasionally, you'll have turns where you can play an extra creature.
6 CMC is a lot for a card that doesn't do much. The only interesting ability is the -3, but even it is overcosted. In every format, even standard, there are better ways to accelerate.
Original 10th P10 card is Library of Alexandria. Even if LoA hasn't aged so well, it isn't really up for debate. If you want to start adding cards, you need to start at #11.
Jace doesn't come close, sorry. Sol Ring, Mana Crypt, Time Vault, Tinker, Yawgwill. Any of those are realistic choices.
Terrible card, will never see constructed play. Never before has a creature more needed evasion than this guy. They will chump block him all day and easily win the damage race.
Overall this set is one of the worst. Hope we get some good stuff soon.
Real answer is "nothing", but if you really want to stretch it then you should start by looking at the Vintage restricted list. Ponder, 3sphere, Mind's Desire, Thirst for Knowledge, Gifts Ungiven.
Any creature other than Dark Confidant and Snapcaster do not belong. The original P9 didn't trade with Swords to Plowshares.
He will only be playable in combo decks (ex Food Chain), but it's really a three card combo because you need something to dump your infinite mana into. Therefore not anywhere close to Tier 1.
The problem with FoW, Foresight, etc. is that in the end, even if things work out exactly as planned, you will be paying 4 mana for a crappy 3/3. Most of the time it's not going to be relevant.
Nicol Bolas must be involved in the conspiracy in some way.
The only thing stopping this card from being totally awesome is that it dies to removal and doesn't impact the board the turn it comes into play. In many ways, it's a green Baneslayer Angel, trading lifelink for more aggro.
IMHO this card is a real stinker.
Jace doesn't come close, sorry. Sol Ring, Mana Crypt, Time Vault, Tinker, Yawgwill. Any of those are realistic choices.
Overall this set is one of the worst. Hope we get some good stuff soon.
1. It's perceived to the best Magic card ever printed.
2. It's among the rarest cards ever printed.
That's it!
About (1), perception isn't far from reality. There are very few cards that can claim to hold this title.
Any creature other than Dark Confidant and Snapcaster do not belong. The original P9 didn't trade with Swords to Plowshares.
The problem with FoW, Foresight, etc. is that in the end, even if things work out exactly as planned, you will be paying 4 mana for a crappy 3/3. Most of the time it's not going to be relevant.