Sinister Sabotage MTG Card


Countering spells plus surveil with Sinister Sabotage enhances card quality and strategic draw planning. While mana-specific and potentially costly, it remains a potent choice for control-oriented decks. It outshines similar spells with its ability to align both graveyard and hand strategies efficiently.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeInstant
Abilities Surveil

Text of card

Counter target spell. Surveil 1. (Look at the top card of your library. You may put that card into your graveyard.)

"We have intel that some guilds have fallen under an invader's influence. Until we're sure, no venture succeeds." —Lazav


Cards like Sinister Sabotage

Sinister Sabotage has its place cemented among counterspell options in Magic: The Gathering, offering a unique twist with its surveil mechanic. Comparable to the staple Dissolve, Sinister Sabotage carries the same mana cost but trades scry for a potentially more valuable surveil, enabling players to manipulate their graveyard and plan future turns more efficiently. Another relative in this family of counterspells is Cancel, which has a less complex mechanic and serves as a straightforward counter without additional benefits.

For those seeking lower mana solutions, Negate offers a cost-effective alternative, though it’s limited to noncreature spells. Counterspell, the original and potent two-mana answer to any spell, stands as a benchmark, albeit absent the deck manipulation benefits that Sinister Sabotage provides. Lastly, Ionize inflicts damage while countering, but at an increased mana cost, it’s an option for a more aggressive strategy as opposed to the control approach Sinister Sabotage exemplifies.

Each card has its situational strengths, but for those valuing deck insights alongside spell disruption, Sinister Sabotage emerges as a robust choice in the current landscape of Magic: The Gathering counter magic.

Dissolve - MTG Card versions
Cancel - MTG Card versions
Negate - MTG Card versions
Counterspell - MTG Card versions
Ionize - MTG Card versions
Dissolve - MTG Card versions
Cancel - MTG Card versions
Negate - MTG Card versions
Counterspell - MTG Card versions
Ionize - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Sinister Sabotage by color, type and mana cost

Mana Short - MTG Card versions
Psionic Blast - MTG Card versions
Capsize - MTG Card versions
Intuition - MTG Card versions
Forbid - 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
Ixidor's Will - MTG Card versions
Catalog - 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
Dream Fracture - MTG Card versions
Mana Short - MTG Card versions
Psionic Blast - MTG Card versions
Capsize - MTG Card versions
Intuition - MTG Card versions
Forbid - 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
Ixidor's Will - MTG Card versions
Catalog - 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
Dream Fracture - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Dimir ControlDimir Control PioneerDimir ControlPioneer Challenge 64 2024-03-03
Azorius ControlAzorius Control PioneerAzorius ControlPioneer Preliminary 2024-02-27
Bant ControlBant Control GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 11 2024
Izzet ControlIzzet Control PioneerIzzet ControlPioneer League 2024-03-11
Izzet Indomitable CreativityIzzet Indomitable Creativity PioneerIzzet Indomitable CreativityPioneer Challenge 64 2024-03-09

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Sinister Sabotage not only interrupts your opponent’s strategy by countering a crucial spell, it also triggers a surveil 1, effectively filtering your next draw and thus allowing you to maintain card quality advantage.

Resource Acceleration: While Sinister Sabotage does not directly accelerate resources, the act of surveilling can help ensure you draw into your resource acceleration cards more consistently. This indirect benefit can streamline your gameplan by setting up your draws.

Instant Speed: The power of operating at instant speed cannot be overstated. Sinister Sabotage gives you the flexibility to respond to your opponent’s actions during their turn, preserving the element of surprise and keeping your options open until the most advantageous moment presents itself.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Although Sinister Sabotage includes a surveil mechanic, enabling you to look at the top card of your library, the requirement to potentially discard a valuable card could be detrimental to your game strategy, especially if you’re already struggling with hand size.

Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost for Sinister Sabotage is quite stringent, needing both blue and generic mana. This can make it challenging to cast in a multi-colored deck that might not always have the necessary blue mana open or available.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a total cost of three mana, including two that must be blue, Sinister Sabotage might be considered costly compared to other counterspells. Players could opt for less mana-intensive alternatives when building a deck that requires a smoother mana curve or one that seeks to maintain tempo against fast-paced opponents.


Reasons to Include Sinister Sabotage in Your Collection

Versatility: Sinister Sabotage serves as a staple in blue-based control lists, with its universal applicability against almost any spell your opponent casts. This card slides effortlessly into various archetypes, from tempo to full control decks, providing a reliable countermeasure when you need it most.

Combo Potential: The Surveil 1 feature of Sinister Sabotage isn’t just a bonus; it’s a strategic tool that can set up your upcoming draws or enhance graveyard strategies. By filtering your deck, you increase the consistency of finding your combo pieces, making it an indispensable part of a well-oiled machine.

Meta-Relevance: In many competitive formats, countering key spells can substantially shift the tide of the game. Sinister Sabotage’s relevance remains high as it disrupts opponents’ plans and maintains your advantage in the constant tug-of-war of strategic gameplay.


How to beat

Sinister Sabotage is known for its dual ability to counter a spell and surveil in MTG, creating a formidable defense in blue-focused control decks. Its power lies in the flexibility to not only stop an opponent’s strategy in its tracks but also to sculpt the controller’s upcoming draws. However, its efficiency comes at a cost and therefore can be outmaneuvered with proactive planning.

One method to combat Sinister Sabotage is by deploying spells that can’t be countered, such as Supreme Verdict or Abrupt Decay. This forces the control player to adopt a different plan since their Sinister Sabotage loses its primary function. Another strategy involves overwhelming the opponent with several low-cost spells in a single turn, diluting the impact of their counter by making it difficult to choose the right target. Additionally, baiting out Sinister Sabotage with less critical spells before casting your key spell can render it ineffective, as they might lack the mana to counter again.

In essence, by understanding the inherent weaknesses of Sinister Sabotage and adapting your playstyle to either sidestep its potency or to drain its resources, you can mitigate the card’s impact and maintain the upper hand in your MTG matches.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the counterspell game in MTG can turn the tides of any match. Sinister Sabotage isn’t just a barrier for your opponents’ agenda; it’s a cornerstone for those who value both disruption and deck strategy. Whether streamlining your deck, setting up for victory, or just getting a feel for your next draw, incorporating this card could be a game-changer. Seeking further insights on how to optimize your deck with Sinister Sabotage or similar spells? Dive deeper into strategic play and discover how to outwit opponents with finesse. Fuel your MTG prowess with us and make each match a testament to your strategic acumen.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Sinister Sabotage MTG card by a specific set like Guilds of Ravnica Promos and Guilds of Ravnica, 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 Sinister Sabotage and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Sinister Sabotage Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2018-10-05 and 2024-01-12. Illustrated by Mathias Kollros.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12018-10-05Guilds of Ravnica PromosPGRN 542015NormalBlackMathias Kollros
22018-10-05Guilds of RavnicaGRN 542015NormalBlackMathias Kollros
32024-01-12Ravnica RemasteredRVR 612015NormalBlackMathias Kollros

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Sinister Sabotage has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2018-10-05 A spell that can’t be countered is a legal target for Sinister Sabotage. The spell won’t be countered when Sinister Sabotage resolves, but you’ll still surveil 1.
2018-10-05 Some spells that instruct you to surveil require targets. You can’t cast a spell without choosing legal targets. If all of those targets become illegal, the spell doesn’t resolve and you won’t surveil.
2018-10-05 When you surveil, you may put all the cards you look at back on top of your library, you may put all of those cards into your graveyard, or you may put some of those cards on top and the rest of them into your graveyard.
2018-10-05 You perform the actions stated on a card in sequence. For some spells and abilities, you’ll surveil last. For others, you’ll surveil and then perform other actions.