Boomerang MTG Card


Boomerang maximizes card advantage by reclaiming valuable pieces or negating opponent plays. Its instant speed allows unexpected, flexible tactics during an opponent’s turn. Mana cost and deck compatibility are key when considering Boomerang’s inclusion.
Card setsReleased in 19 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

Return target permanent to owner's hand; enchantments on target permanent are destroyed.

"O! call back yesterday, bid time return." —William Shakespeare, *King Richard the Second*


Cards like Boomerang

Boomerang stands out in the roster of blue spells in Magic: The Gathering, offering a unique twist on the bounce effect, allowing players to return any target nonland permanent to its owner’s hand. It draws comparison with cards like Unsummon, which also return creatures to hand but Boomerang’s versatility to target any permanent makes it superior in certain gameplay scenarios. However, Unsummon costs less and might be preferable for a strategy focused solely on creatures.

Another card often paralleled with Boomerang is Into the Roil. This instant adds value with its ‘kicker’ option, letting you draw a card if the additional cost is paid. Despite this perk, Into the Roil can’t contend with the all-encompassing power of Boomerang to redirect any nonland permanent. Also akin to Boomerang is the card Blink of an Eye, operating similarly to Into the Roil and offering a draw when kicked. The more extensive targeting range of Boomerang can often be the difference between stalling your opponent effectively or just temporarily.

Overall, while Boomerang’s utility in disrupting opponent strategies across the board may have a higher cost, it also presents a broader potential for control, making it a formidable choice in any Magic: The Gathering deck emphasizing flexibility and tempo.

Unsummon - MTG Card versions
Into the Roil - MTG Card versions
Blink of an Eye - MTG Card versions
Unsummon - MTG Card versions
Into the Roil - MTG Card versions
Blink of an Eye - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Boomerang by color, type and mana cost

Counterspell - MTG Card versions
Hurkyl's Recall - MTG Card versions
Hypnotic Sprite // Mesmeric Glare - MTG Card versions
Lat-Nam's Legacy - MTG Card versions
Flash - MTG Card versions
Rebound - MTG Card versions
Memory Lapse - MTG Card versions
Hoodwink - MTG Card versions
Tidal Bore - MTG Card versions
Accumulated Knowledge - MTG Card versions
Impulse - MTG Card versions
Cyclonic Rift - MTG Card versions
Thassa's Intervention - MTG Card versions
Metamorphose - MTG Card versions
Echoing Truth - MTG Card versions
Early Frost - MTG Card versions
Mana Leak - MTG Card versions
Remand - MTG Card versions
Vision Skeins - MTG Card versions
Telekinesis - MTG Card versions
Counterspell - MTG Card versions
Hurkyl's Recall - MTG Card versions
Hypnotic Sprite // Mesmeric Glare - MTG Card versions
Lat-Nam's Legacy - MTG Card versions
Flash - MTG Card versions
Rebound - MTG Card versions
Memory Lapse - MTG Card versions
Hoodwink - MTG Card versions
Tidal Bore - MTG Card versions
Accumulated Knowledge - MTG Card versions
Impulse - MTG Card versions
Cyclonic Rift - MTG Card versions
Thassa's Intervention - MTG Card versions
Metamorphose - MTG Card versions
Echoing Truth - MTG Card versions
Early Frost - MTG Card versions
Mana Leak - MTG Card versions
Remand - MTG Card versions
Vision Skeins - MTG Card versions
Telekinesis - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Boomerang. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mono-Blue DelverMono-Blue Delver PauperMono-Blue DelverPauper League 2024-02-07
Simic TempoSimic Tempo Legacy$1K - Legacy - SCG CON Atlanta - Sunday - 9:30 am
Mono-Blue StiflenoughtMono-Blue Stiflenought Premodern$1K - Pre-Modern - SCG CON Atlanta - Saturday - 9:30 am
Land DestructionLand Destruction ModernLand DestructionModern Challenge 64 2024-04-07 (1)
UU PauperPauper Challenge 32 2024-02-10
StiflenoughtStiflenought Premodern$1K - Pre-Modern - SCG CON Hartford - Sunday - 9:30 am

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Boomerang presents a unique opportunity for players to maintain card superiority on the battlefield. By returning any permanent to its owner’s hand, it effectively negates an opponent’s play or saves one of your key pieces from removal, contributing positively to your overall card economy.

Resource Acceleration: This versatile card can disrupt an opponent’s resource development by bouncing a crucial land or accelerate your own game plan by reclaiming a permanent with a valuable enters-the-battlefield effect for reuse.

Instant Speed: The ability to cast Boomerang at instant speed provides extreme tactical flexibility. This allows for strategic plays during an opponent’s turn, holding back mana for Boomerang while keeping other potential plays in hand, giving you the advantage of adaptability and response.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Boomerang card does not necessitate discarding as an added cost, amplifying its tactical value in maintaining hand superiority.

Specific Mana Cost: Boomerang’s exclusively blue mana cost can potentially restrict its integration, particularly in multicolored decks that may prioritize mana diversity.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although Boomerang’s mana value is reasonably low, its utility versus cost ratio may be outshined by alternative options offering broader removal capabilities or additional benefits.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Boomerang offers a level of adaptability rarely matched, capable of returning any permanent to its owner’s hand. This makes it a valuable tool for controlling the pace of the game, regardless of what type of deck you’re facing.

Combo Potential: Its ability to bounce permanents lends itself well to a variety of synergies and interactions. Pair Boomerang with cards that capitalize on casting spells or reusing enter-the-battlefield effects for maximum impact.

Meta-Relevance: With the ever-fluctuating metagame, Boomerang remains relevant. It disrupts opponents’ strategies, whether it’s ruining mana bases or clearing the way for a winning attack, making it a smart addition for anyone looking to stay competitive.


How to Beat Boomerang

Boomerang presents a challenge to many players in the realm of Magic: The Gathering. As a versatile card, it has the power to return virtually any permanent back to its owner’s hand, disrupting strategies and tempo. To effectively counter this blue instant, smart deck construction and strategic play are essential.

One effective strategy is to utilize low-cost cards that can either be cast again easily or provide benefits when returned to your hand. Permanent cards with the “enter the battlefield” effects or creatures with low casting costs can minimize the impact of Boomerang. Furthermore, including cards that counter spells or grant hexproof to your permanents can protect them from this type of bounce effect. Cards with abilities like flash allow you to maintain a board presence by casting them during your opponent’s turn, after they’ve played Boomerang, ensuring your mana isn’t wasted.

Assess your deck’s vulnerabilities and consider options that reinforce your game plan while reducing the setback caused by Boomerang. By making your deck resilient to bounce effects and understanding the right moment to deploy your counters and protective spells, Boomerang’s threat can be significantly mitigated.


BurnMana Recommendations

Boomerang’s flexibility and instant speed make it a formidable force in any Magic: The Gathering deck. Whether it’s reclaiming your valuable assets or sending an adversary’s key permanent back to hand, this card ensures you control the ebb and flow of the game. For enthusiasts looking to refine their gameplay and maintain a competitive edge, Boomerang is a must-have. It reshapes battlefields, forges new opportunities for synergy, and keeps you one step ahead of the metagame. Interested in further honing your strategy and enhancing your collection? Dive deep with us into the MTG realm, and discover how Boomerang can sling you to victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Boomerang MTG card by a specific set like Legends and Chronicles, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Boomerang and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Boomerang Magic the Gathering card was released in 14 different sets between 1994-06-01 and 2010-06-04. Illustrated by 5 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11994-06-01LegendsLEG 481993NormalBlackBrian Snõddy
21995-07-01ChroniclesCHR 161993NormalWhiteBrian Snõddy
31996-10-08MirageMIR 561997NormalBlackRichard Kane Ferguson
41997-03-24Fifth Edition5ED 75s1997NormalWhiteRichard Kane Ferguson
51997-03-24Fifth Edition5ED 751997NormalWhiteAlan Rabinowitz
61999-04-21Classic Sixth Edition6ED 581997NormalWhiteRichard Kane Ferguson
72001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 64★1997NormalBlackRebecca Guay
82001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 641997NormalWhiteRebecca Guay
92002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 362282003NormalBlackRebecca Guay
102003-07-28Eighth Edition8ED 632003NormalWhiteAlan Rabinowitz
112003-07-28Eighth Edition8ED 63★2003NormalBlackAlan Rabinowitz
122005-07-29Ninth Edition9ED 662003NormalWhiteArnie Swekel
132005-07-29Ninth Edition9ED 66★2003NormalBlackArnie Swekel
142005-08-22Salvat 2005PSAL H162003NormalWhiteArnie Swekel
152005-08-22Salvat 2005PSAL H292003NormalWhiteArnie Swekel
162006-01-02DCI PromosPDCI 42003NormalBlackRebecca Guay
172007-07-13Tenth Edition10E 702003NormalBlackArnie Swekel
182009-09-07Masters Edition IIIME3 301997NormalBlackBrian Snõddy
192010-06-04Duels of the PlaneswalkersDPA 22003NormalBlackArnie Swekel

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Boomerang has restrictions

FormatLegality
OldschoolLegal
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal