Quick Answer

The Big Idea is a rare Legendary Creature — Brainiac Villain from ULST (ULST) costing {4}{R}{R}.

The Big Idea MTG card

The Big Idea

Legendary Creature — Brainiac Villain

Card Text

{2}{B/R}{B/R}, {T}: Roll a six-sided die. Create a number of 1/1 red Brainiac creature tokens equal to the result. Tap three untapped Brainiacs you control: The next time you would roll a six-sided die, instead roll two six-sided dice and use the total of those results.

Card Stats

4/4 rare CMC: 6.0 ULST ULST 🎨 Bram Sels

Market Prices

TCGPlayer
$0.26
Foil
Buy
Card Kingdom
$0.69
Foil
Buy
Prices updated: 2025-12-04

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Other Printings (2 total)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Big Idea? Basics

The Big Idea is a Legendary Creature — Brainiac Villain card from the Magic: The Gathering trading card game.

Its ability reads: "{2}{B/R}{B/R}, {T}: Roll a six-sided die. Create a number of 1/1 red Brainiac creature tokens equal to the result. Tap three untapped Brainiacs you control: The next time you would roll a six-sided die, instead roll two six-sided dice and use the total of those results."

How much mana does The Big Idea cost to cast? Basics

The Big Idea has a mana cost of {4}{R}{R}, which equals 6.0 total mana (converted mana cost/mana value).

It requires R mana to cast.

What does mana cost mean in Magic: The Gathering? Basics

Mana cost is the amount and type of mana required to cast a spell in Magic: The Gathering.

The Big Idea's mana cost of {4}{R}{R} means you need to pay that much mana from your lands or other sources.

Colored symbols (W=White, U=Blue, B=Black, R=Red, G=Green) must be paid with that specific color, while numbers can be paid with any color.

What is converted mana cost (CMC) or mana value? Basics

Converted mana cost (now officially called "mana value") is the total amount of mana in a card's mana cost, regardless of color.

The Big Idea has a mana value of 6.0. This is important for effects that care about a spell's total cost, like cascade or cards that say "mana value 3 or less."

What is oracle text? Basics

Oracle text is the official, current rules text for a Magic card as maintained by Wizards of the Coast. It supersedes any printed text on older cards.

The Big Idea's current oracle text is: "{2}{B/R}{B/R}, {T}: Roll a six-sided die. Create a number of 1/1 red Brainiac creature tokens equal to the result. Tap three untapped Brainiacs you control: The next time you would roll a six-sided die, instead roll two six-sided dice and use the total of those results."

What is the current price of The Big Idea? Pricing

Price data for The Big Idea is currently unavailable. Check TCGPlayer or Card Kingdom for current prices.

Where can I buy The Big Idea? Pricing

You can purchase The Big Idea from major MTG retailers including:

Prices vary by condition and printing. Check multiple sellers to find the best price.

What is the difference between normal and foil cards? Pricing

Foil cards have a shiny, holographic finish that makes them more collectible. They are functionally identical to normal cards but typically cost more due to their rarity and visual appeal.

Is The Big Idea legal in Standard? Legality

Format legality information for The Big Idea in Standard is not available.

Standard is a rotating format that only allows cards from the most recent sets.

Is The Big Idea legal in Modern? Legality

Format legality information for The Big Idea in Modern is not available.

Modern includes all cards printed in a standard-legal set from 8th Edition forward.

Is The Big Idea legal in Commander (EDH)? Legality

Format legality information for The Big Idea in Commander is not available.

Commander is a casual multiplayer format where you build a 100-card singleton deck around a legendary creature.

Is The Big Idea legal in Pioneer? Legality

Format legality information for The Big Idea in Pioneer is not available.

Pioneer is a non-rotating format that includes all standard-legal sets from Return to Ravnica forward.

Is The Big Idea legal in Legacy? Legality

Format legality information for The Big Idea in Legacy is not available.

Legacy allows almost all cards ever printed, with a substantial ban list for balance.

Is The Big Idea legal in Vintage? Legality

Format legality information for The Big Idea in Vintage is not available.

Vintage is the most permissive format, allowing almost all cards with only a minimal ban list. Some powerful cards are "Restricted" (limited to 1 copy).

Is The Big Idea legal in Pauper? Legality

Format legality information for The Big Idea in Pauper is not available.

Pauper only allows cards that have been printed at common rarity in a paper or online set.

What is format legality in MTG? Legality

Format legality indicates which official MTG formats allow a card to be played:

  • Legal: Card is allowed in the format
  • Banned: Card is prohibited from play
  • Restricted: Limited to 1 copy (Vintage only)
  • Not Legal: Card was never part of that format's card pool

Different formats have different banned lists based on power level and game balance.

What set is The Big Idea from? Details

This printing of The Big Idea is from ULST (ULST), with collector number 26.

The Big Idea may also appear in other MTG sets with different art or special treatments.

What is The Big Idea's rarity? Details

The Big Idea is a rare card in ULST.

Card rarity affects both availability and price. From rarest to most common: Mythic Rare → Rare → Uncommon → Common.

Who illustrated The Big Idea? Details

The Big Idea was illustrated by Bram Sels.

Magic: The Gathering features artwork from hundreds of talented artists, and many cards have been reprinted with new art over the years.

What is The Big Idea's power and toughness? Details

The Big Idea is a 4/4 creature.

Power (4) determines how much combat damage the creature deals. Toughness (4) determines how much damage it can take before being destroyed.

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