Cease // Desist MTG Card


Delivers the choice of countering spells or drawing cards for hand advantage and game momentum. Instant speed casting allows for flexible reactions to in-game events and threats. Mana cost and color requirements may limit its use, demanding strategic deck construction.
Cease // Desist - Murders at Karlov Manor
Mana cost
Converted mana cost8
RarityUncommon
TypeSorcery
Released2024-02-09
Set symbol
Set nameMurders at Karlov Manor
Set codeMKM
Number246
Frame2015
LayoutSplit
BorderBlack
Illustred byDominik Mayer

Text of card

Destroy all artifacts and enchantments.


Cards like Cease // Desist

Cease // Desist is a versatile card in the realm of Magic: The Gathering, offering both immediate counterplay and preventive action with its split-card nature. When considering its analogues, Absorb comes to mind, providing a life gain bonus in addition to counteracting an opposing spell. While Absorb is confined to a single option, Cease // Desist allows a choice to disrupt an adversary or deprive them of resources by preventing further actions.

Another related card is Dovin’s Veto, which offers unconditional countering much like the Cease half of Cease // Desist, but lacks the latter’s flexibility to proactively impede an opponent’s plans. The Desist half echoes Delay, which temporarily nullifies an opposing spell, albeit without the firm cessation of future spells that Desist can impose. Furthermore, Delay allows the opponent the possibility of casting the spell again, whereas Desist ensures that the stopped action is final for the turn.

Evaluating Cease // Desist within its category highlights its utility for players who value strategic response options. Its split-card design enables a dynamic approach to disruption, setting it apart as a card that can adapt to the ebb and flow of any game.

Absorb - MTG Card versions
Dovin's Veto - MTG Card versions
Delay - MTG Card versions
Absorb - MTG Card versions
Dovin's Veto - MTG Card versions
Delay - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: With Cease // Desist, you’re equipped with a flexible tool that either disrupts an opponent’s strategy or refills your hand. The Cease half counters a target spell unless its controller pays, which can potentially leave your opponent’s resources depleted. Flip the card, and Desist offers you the opportunity to draw two cards, essential for keeping up the momentum and staying ahead in the game.

Resource Acceleration: This split card is especially potent due to its utility in various stages of the game. While Desist doesn’t directly accelerate resources, the cards drawn could lead to more lands or mana-producing spells, indirectly contributing to your resource acceleration over time. Moreover, having the option to use either side provides tactical flexibility depending on your current mana availability.

Instant Speed: The capability to cast spells at instant speed is a significant advantage in MTG. Cease // Desist operates precisely at this quickened pace. Whether you’re halting a crucial spell with Cease or drawing needed cards with Desist, doing so at instant speed means you can adapt to threats or opportunities at the most opportune moments without having to commit to a course of action until necessary.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: To activate the Disrupt side of Cease // Desist, you must have an instant or sorcery card to discard. This can hamper your hand if you’re running low on these card types or if you need to hold on to crucial spells for later play.

Specific Mana Cost: Cease // Desist’s Desist half requires a blue and white mana, which restricts it to decks that can produce both colors reliably. This can be a limiting factor in deck building and reduce the card’s overall versatility in multi-color formats.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a combined mana cost of six for both halves, Cease // Desist can impact your tempo, especially when compared to other counter and disruption spells available. This higher investment might deter players from including it in their decks when more cost-effective alternatives exist.


Reasons to Include Cease // Desist in Your Collection

Versatility: Cease // Desist is a split card offering two distinct modes of play, making it a flexible tool in your arsenal. Cease acts as a countermeasure against spells, while Desist can put a stop to graveyard strategies, allowing for adaptation to dynamic game states.

Combo Potential: This card provides unique combo opportunities, particularly in decks that play on the stack or use graveyard manipulation. It can serve as a key element in disrupting opponents or protecting your own combo plays.

Meta-Relevance: The current environment often showcases decks that rely on key spells or graveyard synergies. Having Cease // Desist at your disposal ensures you have an answer to these prevalent strategies, enhancing your deck’s competitiveness in the meta.


How to beat

Cease // Desist is an intriguing modal dual-faced card that offers flexibility in disrupting opponents’ strategies in Magic: The Gathering. Dealing with it requires a sound understanding of its two distinct halves. Cease is often employed to counter key spells during a pivotal turn, thereby denying an opponent’s crucial play. On the flip side, Desist can silence abilities, stymieing combos or important activated effects. When facing this versatile card, timing is critical. It’s essential to bait out the counter with less critical spells or wait until your opponent’s mana is low to play your significant threats.

One effective strategy includes overwhelming them with multiple threats in a single turn, making it difficult for them to counter or silence all your plays. Another tactic is using cards that can’t be countered or spells that provide benefits when targeted, nullifying Cease // Desist’s advantages. Play cautiously, anticipate your opponent’s Cease // Desist, and adapt your gameplay to outmaneuver this two-fold protective measure—it’s the key to turning the tide in your favor and securing victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Cease // Desist MTG card by a specific set like Murders at Karlov Manor, 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 Cease // Desist and other MTG cards:

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

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Cease // Desist has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
StandardbrawlLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal