Word of Seizing MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeInstant
Abilities Split second

Key Takeaways

  1. Word of Seizing flips a game’s dynamics instantly, snatching any key permanent when least expected.
  2. Mana expenditure and color specificity are crucial considerations when including this card in a multicolor deck.
  3. Its uncounterable nature makes it a resilient addition to any collection, thwarting opponents’ plans adeptly.

Text of card

Split second (As long as this spell is on the stack, players can't play spells or activated abilities that aren't mana abilities.) Untap target permanent and gain control of it until end of turn. It gains haste until end of turn.

"Obey!"


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Word of Seizing offers robust flexibility in turning any temporary setback into a tactical edge. Its ability to gain control of any single permanent, including lands, creatures, or even planeswalkers, can swing the momentum in your favor, potentially denying your opponent a cyclic resource or providing you with an unexpected one.

Resource Acceleration: Although not directly providing resource acceleration, by taking control of a key permanent with Word of Seizing, you’re able to utilize resources that would otherwise be beyond your reach. This can translate into ramping capabilities if the seized permanent generates mana or other resources that can propel your game plan forward.

Instant Speed: The instant speed of Word of Seizing is its most climactic feature, enabling you to disrupt your opponent’s strategies at the most opportune moments. Whether it’s during their end step or in response to a game-changing play, the surprise element this card brings to the table can lead to formidable board-state reversals which are often game-deciding.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Unlike some other instant spells, Word of Seizing doesn’t force a discard. However, in a scenario where you’re facing discard mechanics from an opponent, holding onto this spell might cost you other valuable cards in hand.

Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a precise mana combination with its split cost, including three generic and two red mana. This can strain mana resources, especially in a multicolored deck that may not prioritize red.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a total cost of five mana, Word of Seizing’s immediate impact competes with other spells and permanents in the same mana range. Players must consider if its effect is worth the higher expense when constructing their decks.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Word of Seizing’s unique ability to take control of any target permanent, not just creatures, opens up numerous play options, making it a suitable fit for a broad range of decks. Its instant speed nature also allows for unexpected plays and game-changing interactions during any phase of the game.

Combo Potential: This card shines in combinations that take advantage of sudden control changes. Pair it with permanents that have sac outlets or in decks designed to capitalize on the theft of any resource, and you’ve got a recipe for swinging the game in your favor.

Meta-Relevance: Given its potency in disrupting opponent strategies at crucial moments, Word of Seizing holds its relevance in metas where control of key permanents can dictate the game’s outcome. It’s specially adept at breaking through stalemates or turning the tides by seizing an opponent’s win condition.


How to beat

Word of Seizing is a unique instant card that offers an edge by taking control of any target permanent. Its Split Second ability means that once it’s on the stack, other spells can’t be cast in response, making it a real game-changer. Despite its versatility, there are a few strategies to keep in mind that can help beat this powerful card.

One effective method is to maintain a low profile by not over-committing valuable permanents on the battlefield. This inherently diminishes Word of Seizing’s impact. Additionally, instant-speed removal cards that can be played in advance, like Path to Exile or Rapid Hybridization, are excellent for eliminating crucial targets before your opponent has an opportunity to use Word of Seizing. Lastly, keeping up counter spells specifically for critical spells, such as Dispel or Negate, ensures you can protect your game-plan without worrying about this sudden shift of control.

Understanding your opponent’s potential to cast Word of Seizing and preparing for it helps you to stay one step ahead, turning the tables to your advantage and keeping your powerful plays safe from hostile takeovers.


BurnMana Recommendations

As you’ve seen, Word of Seizing can be a game-changer when used wisely. It can provide the pivotal turn in tides, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. If you’re keen on adding intricate layers to your playstyle and infusing your games with moments of surprise, mastering cards like Word of Seizing is essential. Tapping into the card’s versatility and disruptive potential can greatly enhance your MTG experience. Take your strategies to new heights and forge unbreakable paths to victory. Are you ready to refine your deck and outmaneuver your opponents? Dive deeper with us and harness the full power of your collection.


Cards like Word of Seizing

Word of Seizing is a distinctive card in the lineup of temporary control spells within Magic: The Gathering. It closely resembles cards such as Act of Aggression, which also offers a short-term conversion of creatures or artifacts to your side. However, Word of Seizing is unique due to its split second ability, which prevents opponents from responding while you execute this game-shifting move. Act of Aggression lacks this feature, although it makes up for it with its phyrexian mana cost, allowing flexibility in payment.

Another card that shares some similarities is Grab the Reins. This card not only permits the control of a creature for a turn but also offers the option to sacrifice a creature as part of its entwine cost. While it lacks the uncounterable nature of Word of Seizing, it brings additional versatility. Comparatively, Ray of Command is an instant-speed spell that can temporarily seize creatures, but with none of the additional protective measures against counterspells, therefore it sits in a different tier of strategic planning.

Assessing Word of Seizing amongst its peers reveals its strengths in strategy disruption and protection from interference, making it a potent choice for players seeking decisive and unopposable gameplay maneuvers.

Act of Aggression - MTG Card versions
Grab the Reins - MTG Card versions
Ray of Command - MTG Card versions
Act of Aggression - New Phyrexia (NPH)
Grab the Reins - Mirrodin (MRD)
Ray of Command - Ice Age (ICE)

Cards similar to Word of Seizing by color, type and mana cost

Fissure - MTG Card versions
Melee - MTG Card versions
Omen of Fire - MTG Card versions
Cinder Cloud - MTG Card versions
Lava Storm - MTG Card versions
Brawl - MTG Card versions
Thermal Blast - MTG Card versions
Radiate - MTG Card versions
Invoke Calamity - MTG Card versions
Pinpoint Avalanche - MTG Card versions
Forge Armor - MTG Card versions
Savage Beating - MTG Card versions
Rain of Rust - MTG Card versions
Feedback Bolt - MTG Card versions
Beacon of Destruction - MTG Card versions
Devouring Rage - MTG Card versions
Cleansing Beam - MTG Card versions
Riddle of Lightning - MTG Card versions
Chaotic Backlash - MTG Card versions
Act of Aggression - MTG Card versions
Fissure - Masters Edition (ME1)
Melee - Ice Age (ICE)
Omen of Fire - Alliances (ALL)
Cinder Cloud - Mirage (MIR)
Lava Storm - Weatherlight (WTH)
Brawl - Mercadian Masques (MMQ)
Thermal Blast - Odyssey (ODY)
Radiate - Torment (TOR)
Invoke Calamity - Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty (NEO)
Pinpoint Avalanche - Onslaught (ONS)
Forge Armor - Mirrodin (MRD)
Savage Beating - Commander Masters (CMM)
Rain of Rust - Fifth Dawn (5DN)
Feedback Bolt - Fifth Dawn (5DN)
Beacon of Destruction - Duel Decks: Mind vs. Might (DDS)
Devouring Rage - Champions of Kamigawa (CHK)
Cleansing Beam - Commander 2011 (CMD)
Riddle of Lightning - Time Spiral Remastered (TSR)
Chaotic Backlash - Eventide (EVE)
Act of Aggression - Commander 2015 (C15)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Word of Seizing MTG card by a specific set like Time Spiral and Commander 2014, 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 Word of Seizing and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Word of Seizing Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2006-10-06 and 2020-11-20. Illustrated by Vance Kovacs.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12006-10-06Time SpiralTSP 1882003normalblackVance Kovacs
22014-11-07Commander 2014C14 1852015normalblackVance Kovacs
32015-11-13Commander 2015C15 1722015normalblackVance Kovacs
42018-06-08Commander Anthology Volume IICM2 1312015normalblackVance Kovacs
52020-11-20Commander LegendsCMR 4202015normalblackVance Kovacs

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Word of Seizing has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

DateText
2021-03-19 After a spell with split second resolves (or otherwise leaves the stack), players may again cast spells and activate abilities before the next object on the stack resolves.
2021-03-19 Casting a spell with split second won't affect spells and abilities that are already on the stack.
2021-03-19 If the resolution of a triggered ability involves casting a spell, that spell can't be cast if a spell with split second is on the stack.
2021-03-19 Players may turn face-down creatures face up while a spell with split second is on the stack.
2021-03-19 Players still get priority while a card with split second is on the stack; their options are just limited to mana abilities and certain special actions.
2021-03-19 Split second doesn't stop triggered abilities from triggering, such as that of Chalice of the Void. If one does, its controller puts it on the stack and chooses targets for it, if any. Those abilities will resolve as normal.

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