Abeyance MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 2 |
Rarity | Rare |
Type | Instant |
Text of card
Until end of turn, target player can't cast instant or sorcery spells, and that player can't activate abilities that aren't mana abilities. Draw a card.
"I'm too modest a wizard to reveal the full extent of my abilities." —Ertai, wizard adept
Cards like Abeyance
Abeyance stands out among the versatile interruption spells in Magic: The Gathering. It bears similarity to cards like Silence, which also serves to prevent opponents from casting spells. However, Abeyance takes it a step further by restricting the activation of abilities as well and sweetens the deal by allowing its caster to draw a card. Silence, while comprehensive in stopping spell casting, does not offer the additional card draw.
Examining another peer, Orim’s Chant, we see that this spell can prevent both spell casting and attacking when its kicker cost is paid. This makes it slightly more versatile in certain situations than Abeyance, which doesn’t affect the combat phase. Nevertheless, Orim’s Chant doesn’t come with a card draw, making Abeyance more appealing for players looking to maintain card advantage.
When considering the role of such disruption spells, Abeyance not only inhibits opponent strategies but also keeps the hand replenished, making it a powerful choice for players who prioritize control and tempo in their Magic: The Gathering matches.
Cards similar to Abeyance by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Abeyance. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
# | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
---|---|---|---|---|
Five-color Combo | Premodern | Eternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Abeyance is a boon for controlling the flow of information and resources in a match. With its ability, you can silence your opponent’s next move while you draw a card, seamlessly adding to your hand and options for your next turn.
Resource Acceleration: Playing Abeyance during your opponent’s upkeep can stall their plans, preserving your resources. This tactical pause can effectively speed up your game plan, as it may leave them unable to utilize their mana and casting abilities, setting you up for a pivotal next turn.
Instant Speed: The value of Abeyance’s instant speed cannot be overstated. It provides you with the flexibility to disrupt your opponent’s strategy at a critical moment. Casting it during their end step or in response to an attempted combo can turn the tides in your favor, maintaining the upper hand.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Abeyance temporarily stops the opponent from casting spells or activating abilities, it doesn’t remove the issue permanently. This can put you at a disadvantage later, especially if you’re unable to capitalize on the temporary silence.
Specific Mana Cost: Abeyance requires a specific combination of mana to cast—both white and colorless. This requirement confines it largely to white-based or multicolor decks, potentially excluding it from mono-colored or colorless strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although Abeyance provides a unique effect, its casting cost might seem steep when compared to other disruptive options available. Strategies focused on tempo may find more efficient ways to hinder opponents, questioning the card’s value in fast-paced matchups.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Abeyance offers a unique advantage by temporarily halting your opponent’s actions, allowing it to fit seamlessly into control decks or those looking for a strategic pause in an opponent’s play.
Combo Potential: This card shines in situations where you can capitalize on your opponent being unable to cast spells or activate abilities, setting up your own plays without interruption.
Meta-Relevance: Abeyance proves its worth in metas dominated by instant-speed tricks and complex stack battles. By preventing your opponent from casting spells or activating abilities, even just for a turn, you can pivot the game in your favor, disrupting their plans and strategies.
How to Beat Abeyance
In the strategic landscape of Magic: The Gathering, facing Abeyance can be a true test of one’s tactical adeptness. This versatile card possesses the ability to momentarily halt an opponent’s spells and abilities, making it a notable hurdle. To effectively navigate this hurdle, players must adopt a thoughtful approach, focusing on timing and resource management. Key to overcoming Abeyance is to engage in spellcasting when your adversary’s mana is tapped out, thereby reducing the opportunity for them to cast Abeyance.
Another crucial strategy is to maintain a diversity of instant-speed spells in your gaming arsenal. This ensures that you have the capacity to act during your own turn, bypassing the restrictions Abeyance imposes during the opponent’s next turn. Moreover, deploying threats that require immediate answers or utilizing abilities ingrained within the permanents on the battlefield can prove to be highly effective. These measures force opponents to prioritize their responses, potentially diverting their attention and resources away from casting Abeyance. By anticipating their play and strategically mitigating its impact, you can maintain an advantage even in the presence of this potent card.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Abeyance MTG card by a specific set like Weatherlight and World Championship Decks 1997, 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 Abeyance and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
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Printings
The Abeyance Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1997-06-09 and 1998-08-12. Illustrated by Thomas Gianni.
# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1997-06-09 | Weatherlight | WTH | 1 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Thomas Gianni | |
2 | 1997-08-13 | World Championship Decks 1997 | WC97 | jk1 | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Thomas Gianni | |
3 | 1998-08-12 | World Championship Decks 1998 | WC98 | bh1sb | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Thomas Gianni |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Abeyance has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Commander | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Premodern | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Abeyance card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
Date | Text |
---|---|
2004-10-04 | Abeyance does not affect abilities which are not activated, such as static abilities and triggered abilities. It also doesn't stop the declaration of attackers or blockers. |
2004-10-04 | Abeyance never prevents mana abilities from being activated. |
2004-10-04 | Abeyance prohibits activated abilities of cards which are not on the battlefield. |
2008-08-01 | This can't be used as a counterspell. It will have no effect on spells which were on the stack when it was cast, nor on those cast in response to it. |