Contingency Plan

Contingency Plan was originally printed in the 2016 Magic: The Gathering expansion Eldritch Moon, a set that centered on the cosmic horror narrative of the plane of Innistrad. As a common sorcery, it was designed as a utility tool for players to manipulate the top of their library, fitting the thematic tone of desperate strategizing in the face of an existential threat. The card was included in 'The List', a curated selection of reprints integrated into later booster packs, to maintain its availability for players engaged in formats like Commander or Pauper.

The artwork was commissioned from illustrator Ryan Yee, whose style often leans into the moody, atmospheric aesthetic typical of the Innistrad block. Yee composed the piece to emphasize the frantic, calculated nature of the card's function, utilizing the visual language of magical archives and arcane investigation. Upon its release, the card was received as a functional, low-cost selection effect that rewarded players for careful deck management and long-term planning during a match.