# of fetchlands required to run brainstorm

[Star|Scream]

In a WUB deck I only have 6-7 fetches at my disposal and often find myself getting 2 dead draws with brianstorm because I don't pull a fetch/shuffle from it. I guess I don't have enough fetch lands in the deck, and I don't really have the money to add more.

Should I go with ponder instead?

What is the optimum number (generally speaking) of fetchlands to have in your deck to facilitate brainstorm.

[Ciberon]

I'd say the 7 you have at your disposal are enough. You just have to be more careful about when to crack them.

[menace13]

I like no fewer than 8. One day I'm going to play 12 and just, bam, Bstorm crack fetch every hand!

[Purgatory]

7 ought to be enough if you play a bit more conservatively. If you, on the other hand, cast Brainstorm at the first possible opportunity, then be prepared for dead draws.

[Dark Ritual]

Brainstorm is a hard card to play optimally. If everyone did play the card optimally I suspect it might be banned right now because of how ridiculously good the card can be. 7 fetches should be enough you just have to play the card right and you save your fetchlands for this reason unless you absolutely need the mana to cast a spell.

The optimal number of fetches for b. storm is probably 10 because then you will likely have a fetchland to activate every time you cast brainstorm.

Never play ponder in place of brainstorm; Sorcery < Instant.

[whienot]

As Purgatory said, you are likely playing Brainstorm too aggressively.

LSV on Brainstorm, Ponder and SDT (http://www.channelfireball.com/articles/initial-technology-pondering-legacy/)

AJ Sacher on Brainstorm (http://www.starcitygames.com/magic/legacy/19780_Fishing_Lessons_Pondering_Brainstorm.html)