Abstruse Interference MTG Card


Abstruse Interference provides both counter and token creation, disrupting opponent tempo and establishing board presence. Its specific mana cost and discard prerequisite can be restrictive, necessitating tailored deck construction. The card’s versatility makes it an interesting tactical consideration for decks that benefit from creature sacrifice.
Abstruse Interference - Oath of the Gatewatch
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeInstant
Abilities Devoid
Released2016-01-22
Set symbol
Set nameOath of the Gatewatch
Set codeOGW
Number40
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byIgor Kieryluk

Text of card

Devoid (This card has no color.) Counter target spell unless its controller pays . You put a 1/1 colorless Eldrazi Scion creature token onto the battlefield. It has "Sacrifice this creature: Add to your mana pool." ( represents colorless mana.)


Cards like Abstruse Interference

Abstruse Interference joins the ranks of counter spells in Magic: The Gathering, serving a specific role in controlling the flow of the game. When you compare it to its counterparts like Cancel, which straightforwardly counters a spell for three mana, Abstruse Interference offers a subtle bonus. The distinct edge with Abstruse Interference is its ability to generate an Eldrazi Scion token, which can be sacrificed for mana, upon casting.

Mana Leak is another familiar option that requires less mana and still disrupts opponents’ plays by potentially countering a spell unless they pay additional mana. Though Mana Leak doesn’t provide the extra token, its lower mana requirement can be pivotal early in the game. Conversely, Spell Shrivel can exile the countered spell if its controller can’t pay the requisite mana, offering permanent removal instead of the temporary solution posed by Abstruse Interference.

Assessing these nuances is essential when choosing the right counter spell for your deck. Abstruse Interference might not be the strongest in raw power, yet the addition of a token can align perfectly with strategies favoring mana ramp or sacrificing creatures for greater benefits.

Cancel - MTG Card versions
Mana Leak - MTG Card versions
Spell Shrivel - MTG Card versions
Cancel - MTG Card versions
Mana Leak - MTG Card versions
Spell Shrivel - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: While Abstruse Interference might not let you draw cards directly, the card’s ability to exile an opponent’s spell provides a one-for-one exchange that can disrupt their plans and maintain equilibrium on the board.

Resource Acceleration: Abstruse Interference doesn’t inherently accelerate your resources; however, it effectively slows down your opponent by countering a critical play, allowing you to make more effective use of your turns and maintain a lead.

Instant Speed: The value of Abstruse Interference is greatly enhanced by its instant speed, which offers the flexibility to react to your opponent’s actions during their turn, preserving the element of surprise and enabling strategic plays that can significantly alter the course of the game.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One potential drawback of the Abstruse Interference card is the need to have a colorless creature on the battlefield to utilize its effect to the fullest. Not having one can be a setback and reduce the card’s effectiveness.

Specific Mana Cost: Abstruse Interference’s cost includes one colorless mana, which necessitates a certain deck setup to consistently cast it. This specificity may not suit all types of decks, especially if they are not designed to produce colorless mana efficiently.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, including one colorless, for a counter effect—which could potentially be less impactful than other counterspells—Abstruse Interference may be less appealing compared to other lower-costing or more versatile counterspell options in the game.


Reasons to Include Abstruse Interference in Your Collection

Versatility: Abstruse Interference brings a degree of flexibility to a deck, given its ability to function both as a counter spell and a means to create an Eldrazi Scion token. This allows for unpredictability in gameplay, possibly disrupting an opponent’s tempo.

Combo Potential: The Eldrazi Scion token generated can be imperative for implementing strategies that revolve around creature sacrifice for mana ramp or activating other card abilities, thereby elevating combo execution.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta that’s heavy on cheap and impactful spells, having Abstruse Interference in your arsenal adds an element of control and surprise. It aids in maintaining competitive edge by potentially countering key spells and providing board presence with a token.


How to beat

Abstruse Interference presents an intriguing challenge on the battlefield due to its ability to disrupt opponent strategies. This card differentiates itself with the unique effect of producing an Eldrazi Scion token upon casting, which can be used for both defense and ramping up mana. To effectively navigate around Abstruse Interference, it’s crucial to anticipate the possibility of its cast during key spells or turns.

Strategically, one should prioritize the casting of non-essential spells first, potentially baiting out the Abstruse Interference. This creates an opening for more critical spells to be played with reduced risk of being countered. It’s also advantageous to keep track of the mana your opponent has available—since this card requires three mana, you might find opportunities to play important spells when your opponent is low on resources. Moreover, Instant speed removal can handle the Eldrazi Scion, minimizing the benefit your opponent gains from the card. Staying vigilant and adaptive are keys to overcoming the deceptive nature of Abstruse Interference.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Abstruse Interference MTG card by a specific set like Oath of the Gatewatch, 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 Abstruse Interference and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Abstruse Interference has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2016-01-22 You get the Eldrazi Scion even if the controller of the spell pays .