Disdainful Stroke MTG Card


An efficient counterspell, it offsets game swings without depleting your hand, maintaining card advantage. Instant speed allows strategic play, forcing opponents to consider their actions or risk disruption. Restrictions in mana and gameplay pace, however, may hamper its universal applicability.
Card setsReleased in 10 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

Counter target spell with converted mana cost 4 or greater.

"You are beneath contempt. Your lineage will be forgotten."


Cards like Disdainful Stroke

Disdainful Stroke stands out as a streamlined countermeasure against high-cost spells in the vast library of Magic: The Gathering. This instant showcases a notable feature – targeting spells with a converted mana cost of four or greater. In this respect, it’s quite akin to Negate, which also allows for the countering of noncreature spells, yet without the cost limitation.

Narrowing down the comparison, we observe Cancel, another universal counter spell, but with a broader application as it can counter any spell, albeit at a higher mana requirement. And then there’s Essence Scatter, tailor-made to deal with creature spells regardless of their mana cost, providing a more focused form of disruption compared to Disdainful Stroke’s broader approach. Contrastingly, Disdainful Stroke is cheaper to cast, which can be crucial in tight mana situations.

Comparatively, Disdainful Stroke offers a cost-effective solution for late-game scenarios where costly spells often come into play. It is a strategic addition to a deck that anticipates dealing with large threats on a regular basis, making it a valuable asset for control strategies in Magic: The Gathering.

Negate - MTG Card versions
Cancel - MTG Card versions
Essence Scatter - MTG Card versions
Negate - MTG Card versions
Cancel - MTG Card versions
Essence Scatter - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Disdainful Stroke by color, type and mana cost

Counterspell - MTG Card versions
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Hypnotic Sprite // Mesmeric Glare - MTG Card versions
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Hurkyl's Recall - MTG Card versions
Hypnotic Sprite // Mesmeric Glare - MTG Card versions
Lat-Nam's Legacy - MTG Card versions
Flash - MTG Card versions
Boomerang - 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

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Bant ControlBant Control GladiatorGladiator Team Unified League
DecklistDecklist DecklistThe Arena Coliseum - Timeless Trials $1K #002
All Other DecklistsAll Other Decklists StandardBant ControlWPN QUALIFIERS SEASON 6
Azorius ControlAzorius Control PioneerAzorius ControlF2F Tour Championship - Toronto Round 4 (Regional Championship)
Jeskai ControlJeskai Control StandardJeskai ControlThe Pizza Box Open: Standard
Sultai MidrangeSultai Midrange StandardSultai Midrange2023Players Convention Aichi 2023 Standard Open
Dimir MidrangeDimir Midrange StandardDimir Midrange2023Players Convention Aichi 2023 Standard Open
Domain RampDomain Ramp StandardDomainJapan Standard Cup: Murders at Karlov Manor
Azorius TempoAzorius Tempo GladiatorGladiator Team Unified League
Izzet CreativityIzzet Creativity PioneerTemur Indomitable CreativitySouth America Magic Series - Regional Championship (Final Regional NOV 2023)

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Disdainful Stroke may not directly allow you to draw more cards, but its efficient cost-to-effect ratio means you’re effectively negating your opponent’s potentially game-changing spell while preserving cards in your hand.

Resource Acceleration: While it doesn’t produce mana or treasure tokens, Disdainful Stroke’s low casting cost helps you stay ahead on resources. It allows you to counter expensive threats while still having mana available to develop your board or hand.

Instant Speed: The strength of Disdainful Stroke lies in its instant speed, offering flexibility and the power to disrupt your opponent’s strategy during their most critical phase. Waiting with two mana open can keep opponents guessing and force them to play around this potential countermeasure.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Disdainful Stroke doesn’t require discarding as a cost, players often need to hold onto cards to ensure they have it available when needed, potentially limiting their ability to play other spells.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting cost necessitates having blue mana, which might restrict its inclusion to decks that can reliably produce this color.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although costing only two mana might seem low, in fast-paced games, having mana open for a counterspell can set back your own board development, especially if the opponent doesn’t cast a spell worthy of countering.


Reasons to Include Disdainful Stroke in Your Collection

Versatility: Disdainful Stroke is a counterspell that can seamlessly integrate into multiple deck archetypes. Its ability to counter any spell with a converted mana cost four or greater makes it a flexible response option not just for control decks, but also for midrange and even some tempo decks that aim to protect their board presence.

Combo Potential: This card goes beyond merely stopping threats; it can be a foundational piece in control combos. When paired with cards that allow you to reuse or flash back spells from your graveyard, Disdainful Stroke becomes a recurring part of your strategy to keep the board clear of high-impact spells from your opponent.

Meta-Relevance: With many MTG formats leaning towards high-cost, game-ending spells, Disdainful Stroke finds its place as a valuable tool. It’s extremely relevant in metas where big creatures, expensive planeswalkers, or powerful late-game enchantments and artifacts decide the winner, thereby harnessing the current trends to your advantage.


How to Beat Disdainful Stroke

Disdainful Stroke is a known countermeasure in Magic: The Gathering, strategically designed to disrupt your opponent’s game plan by countering big spells that cost four or more mana. Seasoned players include it in their decks to deal with high-cost threats, but there are ways to outmaneuver this clever instant. One proven strategy is playing lower-cost spells. By focusing on a curve that emphasizes efficiency and impact without hitting the four mana threshold, you can effectively render Disdainful Stroke useless.

Another tactic is baiting your opponent into using their Disdainful Stroke prematurely. Deploy a spell that seems critical but isn’t the linchpin of your strategy. Once Disdainful Stroke is out of your opponent’s hand, you have a clearer path to cast your more significant spells without fear of opposition. Remember, timing is vital, and understanding your opponent’s potential counters, like Disdainful Stroke, can give you the upper hand in any MTG match-up.

Finally, considering spells that can’t be countered or using your own countermeasures to protect your crucial plays can provide an edge. Cards with the ability to grant your spells uncounterable status or the inclusion of instant-speed spells that counter counterspells can safeguard your game-defining moments against Disdainful Stroke’s disruption.


BurnMana Recommendations

Armed with knowledge about Disdainful Stroke, you are poised to optimize your MTG strategies and defend against formidable spells. It’s clear that this card thrives in environments heavy with high-cost threats, making it an essential piece in control decks. By understanding both its strengths and potential downsides, you can anticipate when to play it or play around it. Yet, the depth of MTG’s gameplay ensures that there’s always more to learn, explore, and adapt. To deepen your understanding of strategies, deck-building, and the nuances of playing counterspells like Disdainful Stroke, visit us for insightful guides, tips, and discussion. Elevate your game and tailor your collection to not just participate, but to dominate the battlefield.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Disdainful Stroke MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Khans of Tarkir, 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 Disdainful Stroke and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Disdainful Stroke Magic the Gathering card was released in 10 different sets between 2014-09-26 and 2024-08-03. Illustrated by 6 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 557852015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
22014-09-26Khans of TarkirKTK 372015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
32016-11-11Commander 2016C16 882015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
42018-06-08Commander Anthology Volume IICM2 402015NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
52018-10-05Guilds of RavnicaGRN 372015NormalBlackDeruchenko Alexander
62021-02-05KaldheimKHM 542015NormalBlackCampbell White
72021-03-19Time Spiral RemasteredTSR 3071997NormalBlackSvetlin Velinov
82022-04-29Streets of New CapennaSNC 392015NormalBlackIrina Nordsol
92023-09-08Wilds of EldraineWOE 472015NormalBlackEelis Kyttanen
102024-08-03Cowboy BebopPCBB 22015NormalBorderlessMaxilla

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Disdainful Stroke has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2021-02-05 If a spell has in its mana cost, use the value chosen for X when determining the spell's mana value.
2021-03-19 A face-down spell has mana value 0 and can't be targeted by Disdainful Stroke.