Countersquall MTG Card


Countersquall offers card advantage by negating spells and shifting life totals, sharpening your competitive edge. At instant speed, its flexibility can disrupt opponents’ turns, providing a strategic upper hand. The mana specificity of Countersquall can be a challenge but also underlines its potential for deck synergies.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

Counter target noncreature spell. Its controller loses 2 life.

Each of the twenty-three winds of Esper is named and chronicled, and every possible interaction with the flow of magic is exhaustively detailed.


Cards like Countersquall

Countersquall is an intriguing counter spell among its peers in Magic: The Gathering. It calls to mind cards like Negate, which also allows a player to counter noncreature spells. What makes Countersquall unique is its dual nature; not only does it thwart an opponent’s spell, but it also inflicts two points of damage to that opponent. Negate, while being a straightforward and efficient counter lacks this additional punch.

Analogously, Drown in the Loch presents a versatile option, capable of functioning both as a counter spell and a removal tool, adapting to the situation based on the number of cards in the opponent’s graveyard. Unlike Countersquall, it doesn’t deal direct damage, but its flexibility can be crucial in tight spots. Conversely, Ionize stands out as another comparative spell – it counters any type of spell and deals 2 damage to the spell’s caster, much like Countersquall, but at a steeper mana cost.

In sum, within the realm of counter spells that pack an extra effect, Countersquall holds a solid position with its low mana cost and ability to put pressure on your opponent’s life total while keeping their spells in check.

Negate - MTG Card versions
Drown in the Loch - MTG Card versions
Ionize - MTG Card versions
Negate - MTG Card versions
Drown in the Loch - MTG Card versions
Ionize - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Countersquall by color, type and mana cost

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Lim-Dûl's Vault - MTG Card versions
Malicious Advice - MTG Card versions
Dimir Charm - MTG Card versions
Siphon Insight - MTG Card versions
Shadow of Doubt - MTG Card versions
Fate Transfer - MTG Card versions
Agony Warp - MTG Card versions
Warped Physique - MTG Card versions
Tyrant's Scorn - MTG Card versions
Twisted Reflection - MTG Card versions
Drown in the Loch - MTG Card versions
Corpse Cobble - MTG Card versions
Tainted Indulgence - MTG Card versions
Bind to Secrecy - MTG Card versions
Tribute to Urborg - MTG Card versions
Vesuvan Mist - MTG Card versions
Drag the Canal - MTG Card versions
Contaminated Drink - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Grixis ScamGrixis Scam ModernGrixis ScamModern League 2024-02-28

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Countersquall doesn’t just negate an opponent’s noncreature spell; it also nudges life totals, acting as a mild yet impactful swing in your favor. This added value provides a subtle edge, crucial in games where every resource matters.

Resource Acceleration: Although Countersquall doesn’t directly ramp your mana like some spells, by thwarting key spells from the adversary, it effectively hampers their tempo. This disruption can give you a lead in the race to deploy potent threats or decisive answers.

Instant Speed: The power of Countersquall lies in its instant speed, offering flexibility to react real-time. Whether it’s disrupting a combo or protecting your game plan, the ability to cast it during an opponent’s turn adds a layer of tactical depth to your plays.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Playing Countersquall requires careful hand management, as you need to retain enough cards to maintain your strategic position. Unlike some instants that can be played freely, its impact must be calculated against the current hand state.

Specific Mana Cost: This card demands both blue and black mana which can sometimes be a stumbling block in multi-colored decks where mana fluidity is key. The need for dual mana sources can potentially slow your game or restrict the card’s deployment to decks that comfortably support both colors.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While two mana might not seem steep, in fast-paced games, the demand for one blue and one black can hamper the efficiency of your deck, especially when there are options that might counter or inflict damage at a lower, more flexible mana cost.


Reasons to Include Countersquall in Your Collection

Versatility: Countersquall is a flexible card that can fit into a range of blue and black decks. It’s not just a counter spell, it also deals damage, offering a dual benefit in both countering your opponent’s noncreature spells and subtly chipping away at their life total.

Combo Potential: This card has an innate combo potential, pairing well with strategies that capitalize on life loss or spellcasting synergies. It can be an integral piece in decks that focus on winning through noncombat means or those that seek to control the game until a winning combo can be executed.

Meta-Relevance: With the ever-shifting MTG meta, Countersquall remains relevant, particularly in formats like Modern where noncreature spells are prevalent. Its ability to disrupt your opponent while maintaining pressure is invaluable, especially against decks that rely on key instants and sorceries to win.


How to beat Countersquall

Understanding the play dynamics of Countersquall is critical in devising a strategy to outmaneuver this card. In essence, Countersquall is not just a disruption tool but also a subtle life reducer, nibbling away at your vitality. Its functionality is primed for the control matchup, where preserving life and countering key spells can tilt the game in your favor.

One approach is to overwhelm the Countersquall user with multiple threats simultaneously. This tactic stretches their resources thin, forcing a choice on which spell to counter. Should the player decide to save their Countersquall for something more substantial, you may sneak in crucial plays under their radar. Additionally, implementing spells that can’t be countered, such as Supreme Verdict or Abrupt Decay, bypasses Countersquall’s effect entirely.

Remember, patience plays a role as well. Wait for the moment when your opponent’s mana pool is limited or when they’re likely tapped out before casting critical spells. Monitoring their land drops and available mana will inform you when to safely deploy your game-altering spells. In a duel where Countersquall is prevalent, staying one step ahead is the key to emerge victorious.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG can be akin to a fine art, with nuances and complexities that can sway the tide of battle in your favor. Countersquall offers more than a simple countermeasure; it provides a strategic tool to carve an edge in your duels. Its ability to interrupt plays while chipping away at your opponent’s life total is a testament to its dual utility in blue and black decks. Embrace the opportunity to deepen your understanding and refine your deck’s prowess with our insights. Dive deeper into the realm of MTG with us, uncover new synergies, and become the tactician your opponents will learn to fear. Discover how to make Countersquall and other cards work seamlessly in your winning strategy with BurnMana.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Countersquall MTG card by a specific set like Conflux and Duel Decks: Ajani vs. Nicol Bolas, 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 Countersquall and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Countersquall Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2009-02-06 and 2018-12-07. Illustrated by Anthony Francisco.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12009-02-06ConfluxCON 1032003NormalBlackAnthony Francisco
22011-09-02Duel Decks: Ajani vs. Nicol BolasDDH 592003NormalBlackAnthony Francisco
32018-12-07Ultimate MastersUMA 1982015NormalBlackAnthony Francisco

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Countersquall has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Countersquall card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2018-12-07 A spell that can’t be countered is a legal target for Countersquall. The spell won’t be countered when Countersquall resolves, but its controller still loses 2 life.