Countermand MTG Card

Countermand counters spells while milling opponents, impacting both stack and library strategies. Instant speed allows flexible, reactive gameplay, presenting control during opponents’ turns. Dual functionality makes Countermand a versatile addition to blue-centric decks and strategies.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Common
Type	Instant
Abilities	Mill
Released	2014-05-02
Set symbol
Set name	Journey into Nyx
Set code	JOU
Number	33
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Clint Cearley

Text of card

Counter target spell. Its controller puts the top four cards of his or her library into his or her graveyard.

The physical pain was nothing compared to the agony in his mind.

Understanding Countermand in Depth

Countermand joins the vast collection of counter spells in Magic: The Gathering, offering strategic control over the flow of the game. In the realm of negating spells, Countermand stands out by offering both a counter and a minor mill effect, forcing the opponent to put the top four cards from their library into their graveyard. This compares to the simpler Negate, which solely counters noncreature spells without additional effects.

Cards like Countermand

When evaluating Countermand against its peers, it’s crucial to consider how it stacks up. For instance, Cancel is a straightforward alternative that counters any spell at the same cost without the mill bonus. Dissolve is another kin, countering at the same cost, but instead of milling, it allows scrying, which can provide a different strategic advantage by organizing the top of your library. Psychic Strike serves a similar dual function, countering a spell and milling the opponent, yet it does so at a lesser cost, which can be vital in tight mana situations.

Ultimately, evaluating Countermand in context with these similar spells is key for players looking to optimize their control decks. The mill effect can integrate well with strategies focused on depleting the opponent’s library, but if a player values efficient mana usage or alternative advantages like scrying, other spells may be preferable.

Cards similar to Countermand by color, type and mana cost

Careful Consideration - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Countermand not only disrupts your opponent’s strategy by countering a spell, but it also incorporates a mill effect, forcing them to put the top four cards of their library into their graveyard. This duality means you affect both the stack and the contents of their library, potentially putting you ahead in resources.

Resource Acceleration: While Countermand does not provide direct resource acceleration, its ability to severely set back your opponent can indirectly accelerate your position in the game. By countering key spells, you effectively slow them down, giving you the opportunity to outpace them in deploying threats or answers.

Instant Speed: The power of casting a spell at instant speed cannot be overstated. Countermand can be used during your opponent’s turn, making your playstyle flexible and reactive. The instant speed nature of the card enables you to optimally time your counters, ensuring that you maintain a tempo and control in the match.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Countermand card necessitates you to dispose of an extra card when casting it. This can deplete your hand, making it less favorable when you’re trying to maintain card advantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Countermand requires both blue mana and generic mana, which can limit its integration into multicolored decks or those with a restrictive mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The mana cost for Countermand may be considered steep for its effect. Focusing on its ability to counter spells, other alternatives may offer similar benefits for less, potentially leading to a more streamlined and cost-effective deck strategy.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Countermand is a flexible card that can be slotted into a variety of blue decks. Its ability to counter any spell while also granting card draw through milling makes it a multi-purpose tool against different strategies.

Combo Potential: This card can synergize with decks that capitalize on the opponent’s graveyard. Milling them for four cards can fuel your own spells or abilities that thrive on the number of cards in an opponent’s graveyard.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where big spells and late-game surges determine the winner, Countermand can be a crucial asset. It keeps your hand filled while disrupting your opponent’s key plays, which could be decisive in high-stakes matches.

How to beat

Countermand is known to intercept and disrupt strategies by countering target spells while also acting as a card advantage mechanism, forcing the opponent to put the top four cards of their library into their graveyard. When facing Countermand, the key is anticipation and resource management. To overcome this card’s influence, players should bait the counter with less critical spells, conserving pivotal actions for when the opponent’s mana is tapped or their defenses are down.

One effective approach is employing spells that can’t be countered or using abilities that activate from the hand or graveyard. Another tactic is to apply pressure with a swarm of low-cost creatures, overwhelming the opponent and making it inefficient for them to use Countermand on such minor threats. Instant-speed spells that boost your creatures or provide hexproof can also nullify the impact of being countered, making Countermand less of a threat to your board’s stability.

To summarize, patience and strategic deployment of spells can effectively negate Countermand’s advantage. By careful planning and maintaining a diverse array of threats, players can mitigate the setback posed by this counter spell and maintain the momentum in their favor within a game of MTG.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Countermand MTG card by a specific set like Journey into Nyx, 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 Countermand and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Countermand 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 Countermand card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date	Text
2014-04-26	If the target spell is an illegal target when Countermand tries to resolve, Countermand won't resolve and none of its effects will happen. The target's controller won't put any cards from the top of their library into their graveyard.
2014-04-26	You may target a spell that can't be countered with Countermand. If you do, when Countermand resolves, the target spell won't be countered, but its controller will still put the top four cards of their library into their graveyard.