Force of Negation MTG Card


Force of Negation offers card parity and instant speed reactions, crucial for maintaining control. Deck synergy may suffer from specific color mana requirements and potential hand depletion. Its versatility and combo protection make it a meta-defining card worth collecting.
Card setsReleased in 7 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeInstant

Text of card

If it's not your turn, you may exile a blue card from your hand rather than pay this spell's mana cost. Counter target noncreature spell. If that spell is countered this way, exile it instead of putting it into its owner's graveyard.

"Try, if you must."


Cards like Force of Negation

Force of Negation stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a pivotal card in control strategies, due to its ability to counter noncreature spells while not requiring mana if it’s not your turn. This is reminiscent of the iconic counterspell Force of Will, which has a broader range but comes with a life cost. Force of Negation eliminates spells with the upside of exiling them, preventing further graveyard shenanigans, differing from the classic Counterspell that puts them into the graveyard.

Another card with similarities is Pact of Negation, offering zero-cost countering capabilities at the risk of losing the game on your next upkeep if the mana cost isn’t paid. Force of Negation provides a safer alternative since it doesn’t carry the same dire repercussion. Lastly, there’s Negate, a straightforward card with a lower mana cost that counters noncreature spells too, but it lacks the free-casting and exile benefits of Force of Negation, which can make all the difference mid-combat or during an opponent’s combo attempt.

Comparatively, Force of Negation earns its acclaim in player arsenals by offering a powerful balance of defensive tactics without upfront costs under specific conditions, which can be game-shifting in many scenarios across Magic: The Gathering’s diverse play environments.

Force of Will - MTG Card versions
Counterspell - MTG Card versions
Pact of Negation - MTG Card versions
Negate - MTG Card versions
Force of Will - MTG Card versions
Counterspell - MTG Card versions
Pact of Negation - MTG Card versions
Negate - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Force of Negation by color, type and mana cost

Mana Short - MTG Card versions
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Capsize - MTG Card versions
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Mana Short - MTG Card versions
Psionic Blast - MTG Card versions
Capsize - MTG Card versions
Intuition - MTG Card versions
Forbid - MTG Card versions
Catalog - MTG Card versions
Frantic Search - MTG Card versions
Exclude - MTG Card versions
Crystal Spray - MTG Card versions
Hibernation - MTG Card versions
Circular Logic - MTG Card versions
Keep Watch - MTG Card versions
Archmage's Charm - MTG Card versions
Commander's Insight - MTG Card versions
Rushing River - MTG Card versions
Ixidor's Will - MTG Card versions
Vex - MTG Card versions
Thirst for Knowledge - MTG Card versions
Murmurs from Beyond - MTG Card versions
Venser's Diffusion - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Oath of DruidsOath of Druids VintageOath of DruidsVintage League 2024-04-29
Living EndLiving End ModernLiving EndModern Challenge 64 2024-04-29
Izzet DelverIzzet Delver LegacyTemur DelverLegacy League 2024-04-29
Bant ControlBant Control ModernBant ControlModern Challenge 64 2024-04-29
Murktide RegentMurktide Regent ModernMurktide RegentModern Challenge 64 2024-04-29
Jeskai StonebladeJeskai Stoneblade LegacyJeskai StonebladeLegacy League 2024-04-29
Counter VineCounter Vine VintageCounter VineVintage League 2024-04-29
Lurrus SagaLurrus Saga VintageLurrus SagaVintage League 2024-04-29
Temur CascadeTemur Cascade LegacyTemur CascadeLegacy League 2024-04-29
Esper StonebladeEsper Stoneblade ModernEsper StonebladeModern Challenge 32 2024-04-29

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Force of Negation enables players to negate key spells from the opponent without losing card equilibriums in hand, especially when casting it for its alternate cost.

Resource Acceleration: Although it doesn’t directly generate mana or tokens, the card safeguards players’ board development by countering threats, thus indirectly preserving resources that would be spent for recovery.

Instant Speed: With the ability to cast at instant speed, Force of Negation offers immense flexibility, allowing players to react swiftly to an opponent’s actions on their turn without preempting your own strategic plays.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One notable downside to Force of Negation is the necessity to discard another blue card from your hand when activating it for its alternate casting cost. This can put a strain on your hand, diminishing your ability to respond to future threats or reducing your strategic options.

Specific Mana Cost: Although a powerful counter, Force of Negation requires exact mana colors to cast it for its full cost—specifically one generic and two blue mana. This could be restrictive for multi-colored decks that may not always have the necessary blue resources available at the right moment.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, Force of Negation is considered fairly costly for a counter spell. In formats where tempo and efficiency are key, other lower-cost countermeasures might be preferred to maintain a more flexible and agile game plan against opponents.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Force of Negation offers flexible defensive capabilities. It is valuable in decks that seek to shield their plays or disrupt opponents’ strategies during critical turns, making it a resilient option across various formats.

Combo Potential: As a free spell under the right conditions, Force of Negation can be seamlessly integrated into combo decks. It protects pivotal combos without spending mana that could be allocated elsewhere, maintaining combo integrity under pressure.

Meta-Relevance: Given the prevalence of instant-speed and noncreature spells in competitive play, this card’s ability to proactively counter key spells without a mana cost on your turn provides significant tactical advantages, preserving your position in a rapidly evolving meta.


How to Overcome Force of Negation

Force of Negation stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a formidable countermeasure against noncreature spells during both your and your opponent’s turns. This card’s ability to negate an opponent’s actions at no mana cost, if it’s not your turn, makes it a strategic point of defense and a potential game-changer. However, interestingly enough, facing this card isn’t without solutions. Employ some foresight — holding back key spells until the magical window where Force of Negation loses its free casting advantage is critical. Prioritize baiting out your opponent’s counter by playing less crucial spells first, compelling them to use their Force of Negation prematurely.

Another strategy lies in the deck construction phase. Stack your lineup with cards that cannot be countered or ones that yield an effect upon casting regardless of whether they resolve. Look towards spells with Flashback or other alternative casting options as well. These provide additional opportunities to cast your important spells, increasing the chances that they’ll slip past your opponent’s defenses. Remembering Force of Negation’s requirement to exile it as part of its alternative cost can also be an angle to exploit, as it’s a one-and-done deal, making it less potent in the long game.

While Force of Negation is certainly a powerful tool in a player’s arsenal, it is not unbeatable. With careful planning and a keen understanding of your opponent’s potential resources, you can navigate around this card and secure your position in the game. Thus, despite its impressive capabilities, Force of Negation can be incorporated into your overall match strategy rather than feared as an insurmountable obstacle.


BurnMana Recommendations

MTG players recognize that mastering the game involves understanding every card’s strengths and weaknesses. Force of Negation is no exception; it’s a power player for countering pivotal spells, especially when timing and flexibility count. If you’re keen on shaping your deck for a competitive edge or just looking to outplay your opponents with strategic prowess, it’s essential to account for cards like Force of Negation. Ready to deepen your game sense and broaden your MTG horizons? Expand your collection with insight, and safeguard your pivotal plays. Dive deeper into mastering the art of the counter and ensure your repertoire is as formidable as your ambition.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Force of Negation MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Magic Online Promos, 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 Force of Negation and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Force of Negation Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2019-06-14 and 2022-07-08. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 912371997NormalBlackPaul Scott Canavan
22002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 1022372015NormalBlackGreg Hildebrandt
32019-06-14Modern HorizonsMH1 522015NormalBlackPaul Scott Canavan
42021-06-18Modern Horizons 1 TimeshiftsH1R 91997NormalBlackPaul Scott Canavan
52022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 502015NormalBlackPaul Scott Canavan
62022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 3462015NormalBorderlessGreg Hildebrandt
72022-07-08Double Masters 20222X2 4292015NormalBlackPaul Scott Canavan

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Force of Negation has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal