Negate MTG Card


Negate reinforces control by trading up against costly opponent spells and conserving your own resources. Its instant speed offers reactive play opportunities, crucial for disrupting opponent strategies in MTG. Despite its utility, Negate’s specific blue mana requirement may limit deck-building versatility.
Card setsReleased in 31 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

Counter target noncreature spell.

Masters of the arcane savor a delicious irony. Their study of deep and complex arcana leads to such a simple end: the ability to say merely yes or no.


Cards like Negate

In the realm of counter spells within Magic: The Gathering, Negate stands out for its specificity and cost-effectiveness. It echoes the purposes of cards like Cancel, as they both prevent the casting of spells. Negate, however, comes with a lower mana cost, targeting only non-creature spells. This narrower focus makes it an ideal choice for a meta with heavy non-creature threats, giving it an efficiency edge over its more costly counterparts.

Dive Down is another option for players focusing on protection, yet it differs as it targets creatures, providing a stat boost and hexproof for a turn. Although not a counter spell, it serves a protective role with a similar low mana cost. Disdainful Stroke, on the flip side, costs as little as Negate and can counter high-cost spells, specifically those with a mana value of four or more, giving it a situational advantage in controlling big plays by opponents.

Ultimately, Negate positions itself as a strategic staple in Magic: The Gathering, with its low cost and pinpoint accuracy making it invaluable for fending off significant non-creature spells that could otherwise turn the tide of a match.

Cancel - MTG Card versions
Dive Down - MTG Card versions
Disdainful Stroke - MTG Card versions
Cancel - MTG Card versions
Dive Down - MTG Card versions
Disdainful Stroke - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Azorius ControlAzorius Control PioneerAzorius ControlPioneer Challenge 64 2024-04-21
Dimir ControlDimir Control PioneerDimir ControlPioneer Challenge 64 2024-04-21
Esper MidrangeEsper Midrange StandardEsper MidrangePro Tour Thunder Junction
UBUB PioneerPioneer Challenge 32 2024-04-25
Azorius FlashAzorius Flash StandardAzorius FlashStandard Preliminary 2024-04-22
Izzet ControlIzzet Control StandardIzzet ControlStandard Preliminary 2024-04-22
Izzet Indomitable CreativityIzzet Indomitable Creativity PioneerIzzet Indomitable CreativityPioneer Challenge 32 2024-04-21

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Negate does not directly generate card advantage by drawing cards, it does effectively ‘trade up’ by countering key spells that your opponent has invested resources into. This shifts the card advantage in your favor, turning the tide of the game by nullifying your opponent’s strategy with a single, well-timed play.

Resource Acceleration: Negate won’t ramp up your mana like other spells might, but by preventing costly enemy spells from resolving, it conserves your resources. This allows you to efficiently utilize your mana to develop your board unhindered, while keeping opposition at bay. Consider this a form of indirect resource acceleration, giving you the upper hand in using your mana effectively.

Instant Speed: The true power of Negate lies in its instant speed, giving players the flexibility to act on their opponent’s turn. This level of responsiveness is critical in any game phase, allowing you to protect your interests, disrupt combo plays or simply bluff possessing interaction to keep opponents on their toes. Instant speed interaction like Negate is a cornerstone of reactive deck strategies and can swiftly shift momentum your way.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Unlike some other counterspells, Negate does not require you to discard a card, which helps maintain card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Negate’s casting cost demands one blue mana, making it exclusively viable in blue-inclusive decks, potentially limiting its versatility for players who favor multicolor or other mono-color strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although its two-mana cost is not exorbitant, in fast-paced games, having a lower-cost alternative could mean the difference between surviving an early onslaught or falling victim to more aggressive playstyles.


Reasons to Include Negate in Your Collection

Versatility: Negate is a staple in blue control decks that can disrupt a wide range of strategies. Its ability to counter noncreature spells gives it a place in sideboards and main decks alike, capable of neutralizing powerful planeswalkers, game-changing enchantments, and devastating sorceries.

Combo Potential: This card excels when combined with other counter magic, allowing players to craft a defensive shell for their win conditions. It slots in seamlessly with various control elements to help protect against combo decks or to secure the late game.

Meta-Relevance: With a shifting MTG landscape, Negate maintains its relevance by being a low-cost solution to high-impact problems. Its presence in a collection means you’re always prepared to confront spell-heavy decks or unexpected noncreature threats in the competitive scene.


How to Beat

Negate is a pivotal card in Magic: The Gathering, known for its straightforward yet powerful effect of countering noncreature spells. This factor makes it versatile and able to disrupt a vast array of game strategies, from shutting down powerful enchantments, devastating sorceries, to even other counterspells. Surpassing Negate hinges on strategic deck building and gameplay.

To outmaneuver Negate, consider diversifying with an array of creature spells, which remain unaffected by it. Creatures with abilities that replicate spell-like effects can also bypass Negate’s influence, maintaining your momentum on the battlefield. Additionally, you can bait a Negate play with a less critical spell, clearing the path for more impactful noncreature spells later on. Finally, cards with the ability to grant your spells cannot-be-countered status are immensely valuable in safeguarding your key plays from the grip of counter spells, including Negate.

Understanding when to play into your opponent’s mana and when to wait it out can be the difference between victory and defeat. By carefully planning your turns and predicting your opponent’s moves, you can reduce the impact Negate has on your game plan and strategically secure your win in Magic: The Gathering.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the intricacies of MTG’s dynamic card pool is crucial for every player aiming to sharpen their competitive edge. While Negate shines in countering noncreature spells and conserving your resources, its inability to affect creature spells is a consideration to balance in your deck construction. Mastery over such tools is vital. To truly harness the potential of cards like Negate, we encourage you to dive deeper into strategy formation and reactive play. Join our community to explore advanced tactics, build formidable decks around key cards, and elevate your game to new heights. Delve into the full spectrum of MTG with us and claim your next match as a strategic victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Negate 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 Negate and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Negate Magic the Gathering card was released in 26 different sets between 2008-02-01 and 2023-04-21. Illustrated by 12 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 351382003NormalBlackRalph Horsley
22002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 709302015NormalBlackJason Rainville
32008-02-01MorningtideMOR 432003NormalBlackJeremy Jarvis
42009-01-01Magic Player Rewards 2009P09 82003NormalBlackRalph Horsley
52009-07-17Magic 2010M10 652003NormalBlackJeremy Jarvis
62010-06-04Duels of the PlaneswalkersDPA 132003NormalBlackJeremy Jarvis
72010-07-16Magic 2011M11 682003NormalBlackJeremy Jarvis
82011-07-15Magic 2012M12 692003NormalBlackJeremy Jarvis
92012-07-13Magic 2013M13 622003NormalBlackJeremy Jarvis
102013-07-19Magic 2014M14 642003NormalBlackJeremy Jarvis
112014-07-18Magic 2015M15 712015NormalBlackJeremy Jarvis
122015-03-27Dragons of TarkirDTK 652015NormalBlackWillian Murai
132015-07-17Magic OriginsORI 652015NormalBlackJeremy Jarvis
142016-01-22Oath of the GatewatchOGW 592015NormalBlackRyan Pancoast
152016-08-26Conspiracy: Take the CrownCN2 1172015NormalBlackWillian Murai
162017-01-20Aether RevoltAER 402015NormalBlackZack Stella
172018-01-19Rivals of IxalanRIX 442015NormalBlackMagali Villeneuve
182018-06-08BattlebondBBD 1232015NormalBlackZack Stella
192018-06-15Signature Spellbook: JaceSS1 72015NormalBlackJason Rainville
202019-07-12Core Set 2020M20 692015NormalBlackMagali Villeneuve
212019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 4432015NormalBlackMagali Villeneuve
222020-09-25Zendikar RisingZNR 712015NormalBlackBilly Christian
232020-09-26The ListPLST RIX-442015NormalBlackMagali Villeneuve
242020-09-26The ListPLST P09-82003NormalBlackRalph Horsley
252020-09-26The ListPLST ZNR-712015NormalBlackBilly Christian
262021-04-23Strixhaven Art SeriesASTX 672015Art seriesBorderlessDominik Mayer
272021-04-23Strixhaven Art SeriesASTX 67s2015Art seriesBorderlessDominik Mayer
282021-04-23Strixhaven Mystical ArchiveSTA 182015NormalBorderlessDominik Mayer
292021-04-23Strixhaven Mystical ArchiveSTA 812015NormalBorderlessKoji Nishino
302022-09-09Dominaria UnitedDMU 582015NormalBlackIsis
312023-04-21March of the MachineMOM 682015NormalBlackViko Menezes

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Negate has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2009-10-01 A “creature spell” is any spell with the type creature, even if it has other types such as artifact or enchantment. Older cards of type summon are also creature spells.