Befuddle MTG Card
2018-04-27 - Number 45
2018-07-13 - Number 309
2019-07-12 - Number 47
2019-11-07 - Number 295
2020-07-17 - Number 140
2020-09-26 - Number M19-309
| Card sets | Released in 6 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Target creature gets -4/-0 until end of turn. Draw a card.
"The trick to talking sense into Keldons is getting them to hold still. I learned that from Radha." —Jhoira
Cards like Befuddle
Befuddle is an intriguing utility option within Magic: The Gathering, joining the ranks of cards designed to both disrupt opponents and offer card draw. It shares similarities with the card Blustersquall, which also grants the ability to tap an opponent’s creature, though without the card draw benefit that Befuddle provides. This extra draw is a noteworthy advantage, offering players a replacement for the spell in their hand.
Comparably, another card in this spectrum is Unsummon. This spell lets players return target creature to its owner’s hand, serving as a more straightforward removal tool. While Unsummon doesn’t allow for drawing a card, its lower mana cost makes it a versatile choice for quickly disrupting enemy creatures. Unlike Befuddle, it lacks the direct card draw, but it has its place for those seeking immediate tempo advantages.
In essence, when considering Befuddle’s place in the broader context of interactive blue spells in Magic: The Gathering, it presents a blend of mild disruption and card advantage that is well-suited for players looking to maintain hand resources while impacting the battlefield.
Cards similar to Befuddle by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Befuddle serves as a valuable tool for disrupting your opponent’s strategy while simultaneously drawing a card, keeping your hand stocked with options and potentially outpacing your opponent.
Resource Acceleration: While Befuddle does not directly accelerate resources, it effectively buys time by weakening an opponent’s creature, allowing for better board position and resource management in subsequent turns.
Instant Speed: The power of instant speed cannot be overstated; Befuddle can be cast in response to an opponent’s actions during their turn, offering a level of flexibility and surprise that can shift the momentum of the game in your favor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One downside of Befuddle is that it does not have a discard mechanic, which means it lacks synergy with decks that benefit from discarding as part of their strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: Befuddle comes with a specific blue mana requirement. This constrains its playability to primarily blue or blue-inclusive decks, potentially excluding it from various other deck types.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost that requires three mana, including two of any type and one blue, Befuddle’s effect to draw a card and give a creature -4/-0 until end of turn may be seen as inefficient. Other cards at this cost may provide a greater impact on the game state or offer more versatile options.
Reasons to Include Befuddle in Your Collection
Versatility: Befuddle adds strategic depth to your deck with its ability to disrupt your opponent’s creatures during combat or as a means to draw a card, fitting well into decks that prioritize control and tempo.
Combo Potential: This card works seamlessly within synergies that capitalize on casting spells, such as those that trigger prowess or other spell-based mechanics, bolstering your overall strategy.
Meta-Relevance: Given that creature-based strategies are common in many metas, having Befuddle can be crucial for turning the tide of battle in your favor by weakening a key attacker or blocker at a critical moment.
How to beat
Befuddle is a card that may seem minor but can effectively disrupt your game strategy in Magic: The Gathering. It serves as both a combat trick and a way to draw a card, providing a mild tempo swing in favor of the user. To counteract Befuddle, consider strategies that don’t rely heavily on individual creature performance.
For instance, utilizing creatures with hexproof can negate the card’s targeting ability. On top of that, playing spells or abilities that boost your creature’s stats outside of combat can help minimize Befuddle’s impact. Lastly, having a robust hand size lets you maintain options even if one of your creatures becomes the target of this subtle but surprising instant. Effective deck-building that expects and outmaneuvers such disruptions can ultimately diminish the advantage Befuddle tries to offer.
Subsequently, keep an eye out for indirect consequences of Befuddle, such as it clearing the way for spells with raid or prowess effects. Awareness and preparation are keys to staying one step ahead. By considering these points, your deck will be better suited to withstand the ripple effect that Befuddle may cause.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Befuddle MTG card by a specific set like Dominaria and Core Set 2019, 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 Befuddle 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 Befuddle Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 2018-04-27 and 2020-07-17. Illustrated by Svetlin Velinov.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2018-04-27 | Dominaria | DOM | 45 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov | |
| 2 | 2018-07-13 | Core Set 2019 | M19 | 309 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov | |
| 3 | 2019-07-12 | Core Set 2020 | M20 | 47 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov | |
| 4 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 295 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov | |
| 5 | 2020-07-17 | Jumpstart | JMP | 140 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov | |
| 6 | The List | PLST | M19-309 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Befuddle has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Befuddle card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2019-07-12 | If the target creature is an illegal target by the time Befuddle tries to resolve, the spell doesn’t resolve. You won’t draw a card. |