Reconnaissance: The Hide-and-Seek Champion of MTG
Reconnaissance was first introduced in the set Exodus, which was released in June 1998. Exodus was the third and final set in the Tempest block. The original printing of Reconnaissance in Exodus features the flavor text: "War favors the informed” This emphasizes the card's thematic focus on careful observation and tactical withdrawal.
It tends to be hard to find, at a reasonable price, in good or near mint condition because of its age and the fact that it usually gets a lot of gameplay. (But we have it in stock!)
Mechanics:
Timing of Activation: Reconnaissance’s ability can be activated at any point during the combat phase, including after damage is dealt but before the end of combat. This is crucial because it allows players to exploit several key interactions. It is extremely important to note that during the entire Combat Phase attacking creatures are considered 'attacking' (great video on this, from Command Zone, here).
Triggering Effects: Many creatures have abilities that trigger when they attack. Reconnaissance allows you to trigger these abilities without potentially risking the creature in combat.
Strategic Play:
Aggro Decks: Reconnaissance is particularly effective in aggressive (aggro) decks. These decks focus on dealing damage quickly and often rely on creatures with lower toughness. Reconnaissance helps these decks maintain their offensive pressure by preserving their creatures.
Combo Potential: In more intricate strategies, Reconnaissance can be part of combos that require untapping creatures. For example, creatures that tap for mana or have other tap abilities can attack, be removed from combat with Reconnaissance, and then be used again immediately.
Protection and Versatility: Beyond its use in aggressive decks, Reconnaissance provides a layer of protection for key creatures in various strategies, making it a versatile card in both casual and competitive play.
Particularly, it's a great combo card where you want to heavily utilize attack triggers, such as the Modern Horizons 3 Creative Energy precon.
Synergies:
First Strike/Double Strike Creatures: These creatures can deal their damage in the first strike combat damage step and then be removed from combat before the regular damage step, making them virtually invulnerable in combat.
Exalted Mechanics: Creatures with the Exalted ability benefit from attacking alone. Reconnaissance allows them to attack, gain the Exalted bonus, and then be removed from combat to avoid danger.
Utility Creatures: Creatures with tap abilities, such as those that generate mana or have other utility functions, can attack, be removed from combat, and then be ready to use their abilities again.
Example Decks and Usage:
White Deck: A deck filled with small, aggressive creatures like Savannah Lions and Isamaru, Hound of Konda.
Tokens Deck: Featuring cards like Lingering Souls and Raise the Alarm, where Reconnaissance helps preserve the token army.
Commander Decks: Reconnaissance is also popular in Commander (EDH) due to its utility and low mana cost. It's often seen in decks led by commanders like Derevi, Empyrial Tactician and Sidar Kondo of Jamuraa.