Cantrip

A cantrip is spell with a low/no casting cost that draws a card when it is cast therefore being said to replace itself. It may have a small effect in conjunction with drawing a card. 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." It has since been shortened to "draw a card." The Ice Age Cantrips are also known as Slowtrips.

[Category:Magic Slang]]