Change the Equation MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
| Released | 2023-04-21 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | March of the Machine |
| Set code | MOM |
| Number | 50 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Alix Branwyn |
Text of card
Choose one — • Counter target spell with mana value 2 or less. • Counter target red or green spell with mana value 6 or less.
"It's not your fault. Strixhaven taught you an imperfect premise. Okay, the imperfect execution was your fault."
Cards like Change the Equation
Change the Equation brings a unique twist to the counter spell dynamic in MTG. It bears a resemblance to classic counter options such as Cancel, which reliably nixes any spell at the cost of three mana. Yet, Change the Equation introduces flexibility depending on the number of instant and sorcery cards in your graveyard, potentially reducing its casting cost. While Cancel offers a straightforward transaction, it lacks this scalability.
Considering other counterparts, Negate can also be spotlighted. Negate counters noncreature spells at a lower cost but is restricted to noncreature only, unlike Change the Equation which can be a more universal solution, albeit with the right setup. Mana Leak is another notable card, offering a cost-effective counter unless the opponent can pay the additional mana. This creates a window for strategic play that Change the Equation closes with its cost reduction mechanic as the game progresses.
To sum up, Change the Equation might require a more planned approach to play optimally, as it rewards players for tailoring their deck towards instant and sorcery spells. It carves out its spot in MTG’s rich tapestry of counter spells by offering a nuanced and rewarding path for the strategic spell-slinger.
Cards similar to Change the Equation by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Change the Equation. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Dimir Control | Pioneer | Dimir Control | Pioneer League 2024-04-17 |
 | Indomitable Creativity | Modern | Indomitable Creativity | Modern Challenge 64 2024-04-15 |
 | Azorius Control | Pioneer | Azorius Control | Pioneer Challenge 32 2024-04-22 |
 | Jeskai Control | Pioneer | Jeskai Control | Pioneer Challenge 32 2024-04-19 |
 | UB | Pioneer | Pioneer Challenge 64 2024-04-27 | |
| Murktide Regent | Modern | Murktide Regent | Modern Preliminary 2024-04-15 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Change the Equation shines when it comes to offering strategic depth and tactical flexibility. With the ability to search your library for an instant or sorcery card, it puts you in a stronger position by potentially increasing your hand options and giving you the edge you need during crucial moments of gameplay.
Resource Acceleration: While Change the Equation itself doesn’t directly accelerate your mana resources like some other spells, it can be a crucial link to finding those game-changing cards that do. By fetching a ramp spell from your deck, it indirectly contributes to speeding up your resource growth, allowing for more impactful plays sooner.
Instant Speed: The real value of Change the Equation lies in its ability to be cast at instant speed. This versatility means you can adapt to the evolving battlefield, making decisions at the last possible moment and catching your opponent off guard. Whether it’s during your turn or in response to your opponent’s actions, Change the Equation ensures you’re always ready to shift the momentum in your favor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Change the Equation necessitates discarding a card, diminishing your hand and potentially putting you at a disadvantage should you be short on options.
Specific Mana Cost: With a color combination needed that includes blue and red, this card restricts deck-building options, primarily slotting into Izzet archetypes or others that can accommodate its mana requirements.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Tapping out four mana might be quite the investment considering other spells in the same mana range could impact the board more immediately or offer greater versatility.
Reasons to Include Change the Equation in Your Collection
Versatility: Change the Equation offers a valuable tool in any MTG player’s arsenal. It’s an adaptable card that can find its place in various archetypes, allowing for flexible responses to an ever-changing battlefield.
Combo Potential: This card shines in its ability to synergize with other spells. Its unique capabilities enable players to concoct unexpected combinations, creating opportunities for game-changing plays, especially in formats that value spell-copying chains.
Meta-Relevance: Considering the dynamic nature of MTG’s meta, Change the Equation’s ability to adapt to different situations makes it an exceptionally relevant choice for players looking to maintain an edge in competitive play.
How to beat
Change the Equation is a compelling instant that can turn the tide in a Magic: The Gathering match by disrupting creature-based strategies. Its strength lies in its scalability, allowing players to potentially counter multiple spells with a single cast. To successfully navigate against this unpredictable card, one must adopt a cautious approach. Start by baiting out the counter with less crucial spells, thereby stretching your opponent’s mana and resources. Shift then to overloading the board with multiple threats—more than the spell can handle without significant mana investment from your opponent. Additionally, employing instant-speed spells or abilities of your own enhances your flexibility.
Keep in mind that Change the Equation’s effectiveness is tightly bound to the number of lands your adversary controls. Therefore, land destruction or disruption tools could be key to rendering this spell less potent. Tactics that grant you control over the spells you cast each turn, such as Teferi, Time Raveler’s static ability, can also circumvent the card’s intent. Remember, the right choice of spells to cast and when to cast them is critical, so reading the game state and analyzing mana availability become crucial components of your strategy.
Ultimately, a combination of strategic spell casting, managing the number of spells per turn, and employing resource disruption techniques gives you an advantage against Change the Equation, turning what could be a mathematical nightmare into a solvable equation in your favor in the landscape of Magic: The Gathering.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Change the Equation MTG card by a specific set like March of the Machine, 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 Change the Equation 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Change the Equation has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Alchemy | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Change the Equation card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2023-04-14 | If a spell has in its mana cost, use the value chosen for X when calculating that spell’s mana value. |