Cantrip

A cantrip is spell, usually with a low casting cost, that draws a card in addition to its other effects and can therefore be said to replace itself. Cantrips are included in decks for varying reasons. A cantrip can effectively "thin" a deck, so more useful cards can be drawn faster, while at the same time not losing card advantage. It can also inexpensively increase the amount of spells played in a turn, which is a key factor in some decks. Some cantrips have additional effects, which can serve as an answer to an obstacle in play. Cantrips were introduced in the Ice Age set, where the effect read "draw a card at the beginning of next turn's upkeep." Starting with Weatherlight, this has been shortened to "draw a card." The Ice Age cantrips are also known as Slowtrips.