Spell Burst MTG Card


Spell Burst provides card advantage by countering spells while conserving hand resources. The buyback mechanic of Spell Burst promotes resource acceleration through repeated use. Instant speed allows Spell Burst to manage game tempo effectively during any turn phase.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityUncommon
TypeInstant
Abilities Buyback

Text of card

Buyback (You may pay an additional as you play this spell. If you do, put this card into your hand as it resolves.) Counter target spell with converted mana cost X.

The brutish mage's version of thinking.


Cards like Spell Burst

Spell Burst is an intriguing counter spell in Magic: The Gathering’s pantheon of interruption tactics. It’s analogous to other counter spells like Cancel, in that both are designed to thwart an opponent’s spell. Yet, Spell Burst goes a step further by incorporating the buyback mechanic, allowing you to reuse it under the right conditions. Cancel, conversely, is a one-time event with no potential for reactivation.

Another related card is Mana Leak, which also costs two mana like Spell Burst without the buyback option. Mana Leak may be more efficient in the early game, but Spell Burst offers long-term strategic advantages, especially in late-game scenarios where mana is more abundant. Then there’s Rewind, a formidable spell that untaps four lands upon resolution. While more costly than Spell Burst, Rewind effectively has a net zero mana cost if used at the right moment. This makes it a preferable choice in counter-heavy decks focusing on keeping resources open.

Considering the nuances and unique aspects that buyback brings to the table, Spell Burst remains a competitive choice within Magic: The Gathering’s array of counter spells. It shines in metagames where investment in a single counter spell can repeatedly safeguard your game plan.

Cancel - MTG Card versions
Mana Leak - MTG Card versions
Rewind - MTG Card versions
Cancel - MTG Card versions
Mana Leak - MTG Card versions
Rewind - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Spell Burst by color, type and mana cost

Ancestral Recall - MTG Card versions
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Sleight of Mind - MTG Card versions
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Blue Elemental Blast - MTG Card versions
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Magical Hack - MTG Card versions
Twiddle - MTG Card versions
Riptide - MTG Card versions
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Denied! - MTG Card versions
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Whispers of the Muse - MTG Card versions
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Force Spike - MTG Card versions
Opt - MTG Card versions
Envelop - MTG Card versions
Ancestral Recall - MTG Card versions
Jump - MTG Card versions
Sleight of Mind - MTG Card versions
Unsummon - MTG Card versions
Siren's Call - MTG Card versions
Power Sink - MTG Card versions
Blue Elemental Blast - MTG Card versions
Spell Blast - MTG Card versions
Magical Hack - MTG Card versions
Twiddle - MTG Card versions
Riptide - MTG Card versions
Winter's Chill - MTG Card versions
Mind Bend - MTG Card versions
Denied! - MTG Card versions
Hydroblast - MTG Card versions
Whispers of the Muse - MTG Card versions
Ertai's Trickery - MTG Card versions
Force Spike - MTG Card versions
Opt - MTG Card versions
Envelop - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mono-Blue TronMono-Blue Tron ModernMono-Blue TronLast Chance Qualifier Ghent

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Spell Burst offers the unique ability to counter any spell so long as you have enough mana, thereby disrupting your opponent’s strategy and preserving your hand while depleting theirs.

Resource Acceleration: As a reusable card thanks to its buyback mechanic, Spell Burst can serve as a form of resource acceleration by effectively saving card slots in your deck, allowing you to include other cards that further your game state.

Instant Speed: The power of Spell Burst is elevated by its instant speed nature, enabling you to respond immediately to threats during any phase of your opponent’s turn, keeping you firmly in control of the tempo of the game.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Spell Burst’s utility hinges on having a card to discard, which can be a setback when you’re running out of hand options or when every card is crucial for your strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: Necessitating two blue mana, Spell Burst can be a challenging fit for multicolored decks that may not reliably produce the required mana types early on or throughout the game.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Spell Burst can counter any spell unless its controller pays an additional X, where X is the spell’s casting cost, the investment may prove steep compared to other counterspells, especially in fast-paced games where efficient mana usage is key to victory.


Reasons to Include Spell Burst in Your Collection

Versatility: Spell Burst from MTG offers a unique flexibility for control players, capable of countering any spell as long as you have the mana to pay for its cost. It’s a powerful inclusion in decks that aim to dictate the pace of the game and maintain dominance over the stack.

Combo Potential: Spell Burst has a synergistic potential with cards that untap lands or provide extra mana. By having access to more resources, you can capitalize on its buyback ability to reuse it multiple times, establishing a formidable loop that can exhaust your opponents’ plays and safeguard your lead in the game.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta swayed by spell-heavy decks or those relying on crucial singular spells for victory, Spell Burst becomes increasingly impactful. Its ability to counter key spells and its potential for repeated use make it a strategic tool against various popular deck archetypes and strategies.


How to Beat Spell Burst

Spell Burst stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a control player’s tool of choice, thanks to its unique buyback ability that can lock out opponents from casting their key spells. To overcome this card, smart sequencing of spells is paramount. Consider baiting out the Spell Burst with less critical cards to exhaust your opponent’s mana supply before landing your game-changing plays.

Another effective strategy involves diversifying your threats to include both creatures and non-creature spells. Since Spell Burst can only target spells on the stack, having a board presence ensures continuous pressure that Spell Burst cannot mitigate. Also, playing around the potential buyback cost by timing your spells when your opponent’s mana is tied up can pave the way to victory. For those looking to preempt the threat, including cards that can’t be countered or deploying hand disruption techniques to remove Spell Burst before it can be a factor is key.

Ultimately, winning against Spell Burst in Magic: The Gathering requires a combination of strategic plays, patience, and the right card choices to nullify its repetitive countering potential.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dive deeper into the strategic depth of MTG with cards like Spell Burst. Mastering its buyback mechanic can significantly elevate your control deck, allowing you to counter critical spells and outmaneuver opponents. With the insights on Spell Burst’s strengths, potential cons, and how it stacks up against similar cards, you’re well on your way to optimizing your deck. If you’re looking to thwart your opponents’ strategies effectively or need alternatives to navigate around its drawbacks, our extensive analysis will guide you. Enhance your gameplay and curate the perfect deck. Delve into our full coverage to become an adept wielder of Spell Burst’s power.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Spell Burst MTG card by a specific set like Time Spiral and Time Spiral Remastered, 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 Spell Burst and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Spell Burst Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2006-10-06 and 2021-03-19. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12006-10-06Time SpiralTSP 792003NormalBlackTerese Nielsen
22021-03-19Time Spiral RemasteredTSR 882015NormalBlackBryan Sola

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Spell Burst has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2021-03-19 For spells with in their mana costs, use the value chosen for X to determine the spell’s mana value.