Contradict MTG Card
2015-03-27 - Number 49
2019-11-07 - Number 331
2020-09-26 - Number DTK-49
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Counter target spell. Draw a card.
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Cards like Contradict
Contradict stands out in Magic: The Gathering’s array of counterspells due to its ability to both counter a spell and draw a card. It invites comparison to the well-known Counterspell, which straightforwardly negates a spell at a lower converted mana cost, yet doesn’t provide the card draw. While Contradict’s five mana cost is higher, the card advantage it offers can be pivotal in maintaining hand resources.
Another familiar card is Dissolve, which costs one mana less than Contradict and allows scrying along with countering a spell. Although the scry feature is undeniably valuable for deck control, Dissolve lacks the direct card draw capability. Cancel also falls in the same cost range but is simpler, offering a no-frills spell counter without any additional benefits. By contrast, Contradict’s draw effect ensures it remains a compelling choice for players willing to invest more for an immediate replenishment of their hand.
Ultimately, Contradict’s dual function of countering and drawing can be a significant factor in late-game scenarios and is a testament to its solid position within the suite of Magic: The Gathering counterspells. Its strategic relevance in decks that can afford the higher mana cost is clear, offering card advantage where most counterspells do not.
Cards similar to Contradict by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Contradict shines by offering the ability to counter an opponent’s spell, immediately negating their potential card advantage. This is beneficial since it maintains the balance of card count while disrupting your opponent’s game plan.
Resource Acceleration: While Contradict itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, it preserves your board state and resource allocation. By countering key spells, you ensure that your mana and resources are spent efficiently, securing a better position for future turns.
Instant Speed: The power of instant speed cannot be overstated, and Contradict leverages this by allowing you to respond deftly to your opponent’s moves. You can strategically wait until the most impactful moment to play Contradict, making it a versatile tool for maintaining control of the game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: When casting Contradict, you must first part with another potential play by discarding a card. This can pose a strategic dilemma if your hand contains crucial components for later turns.
Specific Mana Cost: Contradict necessitates a combination of blue and generic mana to cast. This dual requirement may restrict the card’s adoption to decks that heavily favor blue or those that have the means to generate any color of mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Five mana for a counter and draw effect might not be the most economical investment, especially when alternatives such as Cancel exist at a lower cost, leaving more mana available for additional plays in a turn.
Reasons to Include Contradict in Your Collection
Versatility: Contradict offers a unique blend as a counter card that pairs control with card draw. It’s a solid choice for blue-based control decks looking to maintain hand advantage while disrupting opponent plays.
Combo Potential: Within decks that focus on instants and sorceries, Contradict can work wonders. It plays well in strategies that benefit from casting spells on the opponent’s turn or for setups aiming to achieve spell mastery.
Meta-Relevance: Control decks often find themselves flourishing in a variety of meta environments. With the ability to counter critical plays and replace itself in your hand, Contradict could be a strong player in a meta that’s heavy with combo or creature-based decks.
How to beat
Contradict is a blue instant card that presents a unique challenge on the battlefield. This card shines in counter wars, where it can negate an opponent’s spell while also allowing the caster to draw a card. To effectively counteract Contradict’s influence, it’s critical to bait out your opponent’s counters with less consequential spells before playing your key cards. Alternatively, employing cards with the “can’t be countered” trait can bypass Contradict’s negation ability entirely.
Another strategy is to overload your opponent with multiple threats simultaneously. By forcing them to choose which spell to counter, you can ensure that at least one of your spells resolves. Additionally, playing spells on turns when your opponent is less likely to have enough mana to cast Contradict can also prove to be an effective tactic. Cards like Cavern of Souls or Prowling Serpopard can also grant your creatures an uncounterable advantage, further diminishing the effectiveness of Contradict in your games.
In essence, overcoming Contradict involves strategic play, foresight, and incorporating cards that neutralize or bypass the usual counter spell mechanics. This way, you can maintain momentum and mitigate the disruption that Contradict aims to deliver.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Contradict MTG card by a specific set like Dragons of Tarkir and Mystery Booster, 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 Contradict 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 Contradict Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2015-03-27 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by Steve Prescott.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2015-03-27 | Dragons of Tarkir | DTK | 49 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steve Prescott | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 331 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steve Prescott | |
| 3 | The List | PLST | DTK-49 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steve Prescott |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Contradict has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Contradict card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2015-02-25 | A spell that can’t be countered by spells and abilities is a legal target for Contradict. The spell won’t be countered when Contradict resolves, but you’ll draw a card. |
| 2015-02-25 | If the spell becomes an illegal target (because it’s left the stack, for example) when Contradict tries to resolve, Contradict won’t resolve and none of its effects will happen. You won’t draw a card. |