Sylvan library

[blueneverfails]

Since this card is getting very popular again, I just want to ask how exactly it is done, not the tricks just the normal way it should be done each turn. ex.

The oracle text for the card is this:

At the beginning of your draw step, you may draw two additional cards. If you do, choose two cards in your hand drawn this turn. For each of those cards, pay 4 life or put the card on top of your library.

It says you may draw 2 additional cards, which to me means that I put it in my hand. But then it says the line: choose 2 cards in your hand drawn this turn. For each of those cards, pay 4 life or put the card on top of your library. Now does that mean I need to do this ability on more of the ponder way by looking at the top 3 and drawing 1 or how ever with the life loss? Or do I actually put them into my hand and expect my opponent to trust me that I'm choosing from those cards?

I guess the real question is do I use it like a brainstorm or like a ponder?

[Nonex]

You need to always make clear what cards you have drawn. I (and everyone I know) use it like a Ponder, leaving the rest of my hand on the table until I decide what I keep and what not.

[Arsenal]

I pretty much use it like Ponder too. I think that's the best, clearest way, of making the gamestate known to everyone what your intentions are.

[Tammit67]

The oracle text for the card is this:

At the beginning of your draw step, you may draw two additional cards. If you do, choose two cards in your hand drawn this turn. For each of those cards, pay 4 life or put the card on top of your library.


Note: If you have drawn cards prior to the Library trigger, you should also keep them seperate, as they are a valid choice for being put back.

[Julian23]

I've been advocating a different Oracle text for Sylvan library for years now. However, I don't see a way to word it in a different way because of the fact that you're able to also put back cards drawn prior to Library's triggered ability resolving. Imagine you cast Brainstorm during your upkeep. Usually you will shuffle your cards in hand so that your opponent won't be able to tell which cards you put on top again. However, if you plan on using Library to its full potential, you can't do so.