Counterbore MTG Card

Counterbore offers card advantage by exiling threats from an opponent’s deck with a single cast. Provides flexibility as an instant, allowing strategic plays at the perfect moment. Its mana cost and color specificity can limit its deck compatibility and timing.

Shadowmoor (SHM)
2008-05-02 - Number 33

Counterbore - Duels of the Planeswalkers (DPA)

Duels of the Planeswalkers (DPA)
2010-06-04 - Number 5

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	5
Rarity	Rare
Type	Instant

Text of card

Counter target spell. Search its controller's graveyard, hand, and library for all cards with the same name as that spell and remove them from the game. Then that player shuffles his or her library.

Cards like Counterbore

Counterbore is an intriguing card within the spectrum of blue spells in Magic: The Gathering. It not only counters a target spell but also searches the opponent’s graveyard, hand, and library to exile any cards with the same name, effectively hindering any recurring strategies. This ability draws parallels with cards like Memoricide and Cranial Extraction, which are known to surgically remove components from a player’s arsenal.

However, unlike Memoricide, which simply exhumes named cards without interrupting a spell on the stack, Counterbore provides the immediate satisfaction of nullifying an enemy spell as it’s cast—albeit, for a higher mana investment. In addition, while Cranial Extraction offers a similar exiling mechanic, it cannot affect cards on the stack and is restricted to black mana decks, thereby highlighting Counterbore’s versatile place in blue control strategies.

Considering functionality and strategic impact, Counterbore claims a distinct position in control decks for players aiming to stop specific threats and dismantle an opponent’s plan in one fell swoop, making it a card worth exploring for dedicated control aficionados in Magic: The Gathering.

Cards similar to Counterbore by color, type and mana cost

Mysteries of the Deep - MTG Card versions

Intellectual Offering - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Counterbore card from the Magic the Gathering universe represents a powerful tool when it comes to controlling the ebb and flow of a match. Its main strength lies in effectively removing a key card from your opponent’s arsenal while potentially disrupting their future draws. By specifically targeting a spell in an adversary’s stack, it not only addresses immediate threats but also any copies of that threat lurking in the opponent’s deck. This can act as a pivotal swing in terms of card advantage, offering a savvy player the chance to remove multiple opponent resources with a single spell.

Resource Acceleration: Although not directly impacting mana resources on its own, Counterbore’s ability to effectively ‘counter’ an opponent’s spell can be indirectly beneficial in resource acceleration. By keeping your board state intact and denying the opposition’s plays, you maintain a stable mana foundation for future turns, leading to superior board development and more impactful plays.

Instant Speed: The nimbleness of Counterbore being an instant cannot be overstated. It empowers you, the player, with the flexibility to wait until the most opportune moment to disrupt your opponent’s strategy. With the spell at instant speed, you’re given the freedom to assess the battlefield and make decisions based on the full scope of the game’s current state, potentially turning the tides in your favor when it’s least expected.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One drawback of Counterbore is its necessity for precise setup before it’s effectively cast. Not having the ideal card to target can lead to unwelcome delays in your game strategy, causing you to miss out on valuable tempo.

Specific Mana Cost: Counterbore demands a particular combination of mana, specifically blue, which requires your deck to be tailored towards this color. This can restrict its inclusion to only those decks that support heavy blue mana bases, reducing its overall flexibility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The investment of five mana for Counterbore’s ability to counter a spell and search for copies to exile is substantial. Given the dynamic pace of MTG gameplay, committing such a large portion of resources for a single intervention may not always result in an advantageous trade-off, especially when other counterspells are available at lower costs.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Counterbore can be a surprising addition to decks that strive for control over the battlefield. Its unique ability to search and exile copies of the targeted spell can be pivotal in disrupting opponent strategies, making it a versatile addition to blue-controlled decks.

Combo Potential: For players who enjoy intricate play styles, Counterbore offers combo potential. It pairs well with cards that allow you to peek at an opponent’s deck or with those that benefit from the information gained by knowing an opponent’s hand. This can pave the way for decisive plays.

Meta-Relevance: Considering the ever-changing meta, Counterbore retains relevance, particularly in formats where certain key spells dominate. Its ability to permanently handle recurring threats offers an edge in matches that pivot on the resolution of such spells.

How to Beat Counterbore

Counterbore is a unique spell from the Magic: The Gathering universe known for its disruptive power. It doesn’t just counter a target spell, it also searches the opponent’s graveyard, hand, and library to exile any cards with the same name as the countered spell. This can effectively neutralize key components of your opponent’s strategy, especially if they rely on specific cards to combo or synergize.

To outmaneuver Counterbore, consider diversifying your deck so it doesn’t hinge on any single card. Another effective strategy is to bait out Counterbore with a less critical spell before casting the one you want to resolve. You can also employ instant-speed spells that can be played in response to Counterbore, such as Veil of Summer, to grant your spells hexproof and limit the windows in which your opponent can successfully cast Counterbore.

Keep in mind that Counterbore has a sizable mana cost, making its play predictable in certain board states. Developing a pace that pressures your opponent to use their mana before you cast your crucial spells can reduce the risks of getting hit by Counterbore. By understanding the mechanics and adopting these strategies, you can enhance your chances against decks that wield this powerful countermeasure.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Counterbore MTG card by a specific set like Shadowmoor and Duels of the Planeswalkers, 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 Counterbore and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Counterbore Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2008-05-02 and 2010-06-04. Illustrated by Wayne England.

#	Released	Name	Code	Symbol	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2008-05-02	Shadowmoor	SHM		33	2003	Normal	Black	Wayne England
2	2010-06-04	Duels of the Planeswalkers	DPA		5	2003	Normal	Black	Wayne England

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Counterbore has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2008-05-01	Counterbore has no effect on cards on the battlefield that have the same name as the targeted spell.
2008-05-01	If the spell’s controller isn’t the same as its owner (due to Commandeer, for example), it won’t be exiled. The spell is countered and put into its owner’s graveyard. Then the spell’s controller’s graveyard, hand, and library are searched.
2008-05-01	If the targeted spell can’t be countered (it’s Vexing Shusher, for example), that spell will remain on the stack. Counterbore will continue to resolve. You still get to search for and exile all other cards with that name.
2008-05-01	In most cases, Counterbore will exile the targeted spell. Its first sentence counters the spell, which puts it into its owner’s graveyard. Its second sentence then removes it from the graveyard. However, there are some exceptions to this, as listed below.
2008-05-01	The cards you’re searching for must be found if they’re in the graveyard, because that’s a zone everyone can see. Finding those cards in the hand and library is optional, though.