Condescend MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 9 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 1 |
Rarity | Common |
Type | Instant |
Abilities | Scry |
Text of card
Counter target spell unless its controller pays . Scry 2 (Look at the top two cards of your library. Put any number of them on the bottom of your library and the rest on top in any order.)
Cards like Condescend
In the realm of tempo plays within Magic: The Gathering, Condescend is a versatile choice. It aligns closely with other counter spells such as Mana Leak, where the focus is on thwarting opponent’s spells at an early to mid-game advantage. Whereas Mana Leak requires a flat three mana to avoid the counter, Condescend offers a scalabilty feature based upon the X cost. This allows players to custom-tailor their response to the opposing threat level and their available mana.
Condescend also shares similarities with Syncopate. Both cards provide the variable counter spell approach, allowing for flexible resource allocation depending on the situation. Syncopate exiles the countered spell, which can be a significant edge in certain matchups, although it does lack Condescend’s scry benefit, which can significantly shape future draws.
The strategic value of scrying with Condescend cannot be overstated. This ability puts it in the lineup alongside cards like Preordain, which, while not a counter spell, emphasizes the power of deck manipulation. Condescend not only aborts threats but also sifts through upcoming cards, paving the way for more favorable draws, thereby offering dual utility in control strategies.
Cards similar to Condescend by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Condescend. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
# | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mono-Blue Tron | Modern | Mono-Blue Tron | 4 Torneio - 10 Liga Arena Guardians | |
Tron | Modern | Mono-Blue Tron | Axion Now Modern Regional Championship Qualifier |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Condescend enables players to potentially counter a threat unless the opponent can pay the X cost, integrating a powerful flexible tool for card advantage. If the spell is countered, the scry 2 ability affords the caster an opportunity to manipulate upcoming draws, enhancing the quality of their game plan.
Resource Acceleration: While Condescend itself does not directly accelerate resources, timing its use when opponents are tapped out can effectively negate their turn, indirectly preserving your board state and resources. Successful counters mean maintaining tempo advantage.
Instant Speed: The true power of Condescend lies in its instant speed, allowing players to adapt to threats dynamically. It serves as a deterrent, keeping opponents guessing about the unseen power you hold in your hand, and can be used tactically to counter key spells during the opponent’s turn, thus keeping them at bay.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Condescend allows for scrying, it necessitates that you have adequate cards in hand to discard if you’re aiming to fully utilize its potential. In the late game, this can be a detraction when you’re trying to maintain a strong hand presence.
Specific Mana Cost: Condescend’s requirement for blue mana may not align with all deck types, especially in formats that encourage multi-color decks or those with a base other than blue. This attribute might narrow its utility in various deck builds.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana investment needed to achieve significant countering through Condescend might be impractical in contrast to other options. Given its X cost, to counter more formidable spells, your mana expenditure must be substantial, potentially compromising other plays during your turn or your opponent’s.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Condescend offers flexible countering options, perfect for decks that demand precise control over the game’s flow. Its scalability allows players to adjust to various mana availabilities, making it a fitting choice for numerous blue-based control decks looking for a universal response.
Combo Potential: Beyond its primary function as a counter, Condescend’s Scry ability provides valuable deck manipulation. This can set up powerful card combinations, aligning critical pieces on top of your library to secure your winning moves with greater consistency.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state where efficient spellcasting can turn the tides, Condescend shines by providing a proactive answer to emerging threats. As the meta evolves, having a card that adapts to the opposition’s strategy can be instrumental in maintaining competitive edge.
How to Beat Condescend
Condescend is a unique and strategic card within the Magic: The Gathering universe, known for its versatile counter capabilities paired with a scry benefit. Facing this card, it’s essential to recognize the power of a well-timed counter spell, and the advantage that scrying provides to the opposing player.
When strategizing against Condescend, it’s imperative to carefully manage your resources. This means holding back on casting pivotal spells if you suspect the opponent has enough mana to use Condescend effectively. By forcing the usage of Condescend on less critical spells, you can conserve your more valuable cards for when the path is clear, minimizing their ability to scry and set up their next moves.
Another key tactic is to apply constant pressure by playing numerous low-cost spells in a single turn, overwhelming their mana pool and reducing the likelihood of a successful Condescend. Additionally, cards that can’t be countered or ones that penalize the opponent for playing counter spells are invaluable tools in tipping the scales in your favor. Adaptability and clever pacing, therefore, become essential in outmaneuvering the control that Condescend can provide to an opponent’s arsenal.
BurnMana Recommendations
Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of Condescend in MTG can be a game-changer for control enthusiasts seeking to refine their decks. This card’s flexibility, instant speed, and synergies pave the way for strategic play and deck optimization. If you’re looking to adapt to various mana situations, increase your versatility in countering opponent’s spells, and enhance your ability to tailor future draws, Condescend might be the right choice. For those eager to master its potential and explore advanced control mechanics, our extensive guides and tips can help you make informed decisions. Dive deeper into deck-building strategies and become adept at navigating the complexities of MTG matchups with our resources. Enhance your collection and gameplay – discover more with us.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Condescend MTG card by a specific set like Fifth Dawn and World Championship Decks 2004, 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 Condescend and other MTG cards:
BUY NOWBurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Condescend Magic the Gathering card was released in 8 different sets between 2004-06-04 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2004-06-04 | Fifth Dawn | 5DN | 27 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Ron Spears | |
2 | 2004-09-01 | World Championship Decks 2004 | WC04 | mb27 | 2003 | Normal | Gold | Ron Spears | |
3 | 2004-09-01 | World Championship Decks 2004 | WC04 | gn27 | 2003 | Normal | Gold | Ron Spears | |
4 | 2008-11-07 | Duel Decks: Jace vs. Chandra | DD2 | 28 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Ron Spears | |
5 | 2014-12-05 | Duel Decks Anthology: Jace vs. Chandra | JVC | 28 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Ron Spears | |
6 | 2017-11-17 | Iconic Masters | IMA | 46 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Kieran Yanner | |
7 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 328 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Kieran Yanner | |
8 | The List | PLST | IMA-46 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Kieran Yanner | ||
9 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 282 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Kieran Yanner |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Condescend has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Commander | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Paupercommander | Legal |
Modern | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Pauper | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Condescend card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
Date | Text |
---|---|
2017-11-17 | You must be able to target another spell to cast Condescend. Condescend can’t target itself. |
2017-11-17 | You scry 2 even if the spell’s controller pays . |