Countervailing Winds MTG Card


Scales in strength with each card in the graveyard, rewarding strategic gameplay. Instant speed allows reaction on opponents’ turns, optimizing mana use. Versatile and remains useful throughout the game with cycling option available.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeInstant
Abilities Cycling

Text of card

Counter target spell unless its controller pays for each card in your graveyard. Cycling (, Discard this card: Draw a card.)

The Eternals had long since mastered every technique taught during the trials.


Cards like Countervailing Winds

Countervailing Winds is an intriguing counter spell in Magic: The Gathering with a twist that sets it apart from some of its peers. For instance, if we look at Cancel, a classic counter spell which also requires three mana, it doesn’t offer the scalability that Countervailing Winds does. Cancel counters a spell outright but does not consider the graveyard, whereas Countervailing Winds gains additional power with each card you have in your graveyard, potentially becoming an unstoppable force later in the game.

Comparatively, there’s Dissipate, another counter spell but with a distinct ability to exile whatever it counters. This can be crucial in games where recursion of spells is a frequent strategy. While Dissipate has a fixed effect, Countervailing Winds has the potential to become stronger throughout the match, a significant edge in longer, drawn-out games. Additionally, the cycling ability of Countervailing Winds provides flexibility, allowing players to draw a card if the counter spell isn’t needed at the moment, which neither Cancel nor Dissipate offers.

In the realm of counter spells, Countervailing Winds certainly carries its weight, particularly in decks that fill the graveyard and can make the most of its scaling power. Its added utility through cycling also ensures that it’s seldom a dead card in hand. Over time, this card can serve as both a defensive staple and a strategic linchpin in the right deck composition.

Cancel - MTG Card versions
Dissipate - MTG Card versions
Cancel - MTG Card versions
Dissipate - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Countervailing Winds by color, type and mana cost

Mana Short - MTG Card versions
Psionic Blast - MTG Card versions
Capsize - MTG Card versions
Forbid - MTG Card versions
Frantic Search - MTG Card versions
Exclude - MTG Card versions
Hibernation - MTG Card versions
Circular Logic - MTG Card versions
Keep Watch - MTG Card versions
Archmage's Charm - MTG Card versions
Commander's Insight - MTG Card versions
Catalog - MTG Card versions
Thirst for Knowledge - MTG Card versions
Murmurs from Beyond - MTG Card versions
Dream Fracture - MTG Card versions
Oona's Grace - MTG Card versions
Cancel - MTG Card versions
Deluge - MTG Card versions
Stoic Rebuttal - MTG Card versions
Dissipate - MTG Card versions
Mana Short - MTG Card versions
Psionic Blast - MTG Card versions
Capsize - MTG Card versions
Forbid - MTG Card versions
Frantic Search - MTG Card versions
Exclude - MTG Card versions
Hibernation - MTG Card versions
Circular Logic - MTG Card versions
Keep Watch - MTG Card versions
Archmage's Charm - MTG Card versions
Commander's Insight - MTG Card versions
Catalog - MTG Card versions
Thirst for Knowledge - MTG Card versions
Murmurs from Beyond - MTG Card versions
Dream Fracture - MTG Card versions
Oona's Grace - MTG Card versions
Cancel - MTG Card versions
Deluge - MTG Card versions
Stoic Rebuttal - MTG Card versions
Dissipate - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Countervailing Winds. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Bant ControlBant Control GladiatorGladiator Team Unified League

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Countervailing Winds has the potential to control the flow of the game by leveraging the cards in your graveyard. Every time you or your opponent casts a spell, you’re adding fuel to its scaling counter ability, thus converting past plays into current advantages.

Resource Acceleration: While this card doesn’t directly accelerate your resources, it aids in preserving the resources you do have. By having an efficient counter mechanism, you can effectively slow down your opponent, reducing the need for further spells or resources to handle the threats on the board.

Instant Speed: Countervailing Winds can be cast at instant speed, providing the flexibility to react during your opponent’s turn. This feature allows for strategic depth, keeping your opponents guessing and ensuring that your mana is utilized effectively by only engaging in countering crucial spells that could tip the game balance.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Countervailing Winds demands you to exile another card from your graveyard to activate its cycling ability, potentially depleting your valuable resources.

Specific Mana Cost: This card requires a specific blend of mana – one blue and two others. This may hinder players from including it in multicolored decks that prioritize other mana allocations or strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, Countervailing Winds can be considered costly for a counter spell, especially when measured against other options which might be more mana-efficient for a similar effect.


Reasons to Include Countervailing Winds in Your Collection

Versatility: Countervailing Winds isn’t just a typical counterspell. Its scalability allows it to be effective in both the early and late game, fitting seamlessly into various control or combo decks looking for flexible responses to threats.

Combo Potential: With its cycling ability, this card can help you draw into key combo pieces while also filling your graveyard. This synergizes well with strategies that capitalize on a well-stocked graveyard, such as those involving Delirium or Threshold.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state where decks are laden with formidable spells, Countervailing Winds rises in value. It rewards you for a strategic playstyle, using your graveyard as a resource to counter pivotal plays by opponents, maintaining your sway over the game’s flow.


How to beat

Countervailing Winds is an impactful counter spell that can pose a challenge for MTG players, with its scalability affecting the game as more cards land in the graveyard. To overcome this card, one strategy centers around managing the graveyard and controlling its size. Running cards capable of graveyard hate, such as Relic of Progenitus or Tormod’s Crypt, can limit the efficacy of Countervailing Winds by reducing its countering power.

Additionally, baiting out the counter with less critical spells can be a viable tactic. By doing this, important spells are more likely to resolve successfully later in the game. Players should also be mindful of their opponent’s mana availability and try to play key spells when the opponent might not have enough mana to activate Countervailing Winds’ full potential.

Being aware of the cyclone cost can also turn the tables. Since the card can be cycled, planning around this flexibility can give players an edge. Thoughtful pacing and timing are essential when facing this versatile counter spell in an MTG match.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG gameplay requires a blend of skill, strategy, and a deep understanding of each card’s potential impact. Countervailing Winds is a versatile card to keep on your radar, especially if you’re aiming to enhance your deck’s control elements. With our insights on its strengths, synergies, and how to mitigate its limitations, you’re poised to capitalize on strategic plays that could turn the tide of battle in your favor. Dive deeper into strategic deck building with us, and discover how Countervailing Winds could become a cornerstone in your arsenal, ensuring your path to victory is backed by shrewd counters and tactical foresight.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Countervailing Winds MTG card by a specific set like Hour of Devastation and Amonkhet Remastered, 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 Countervailing Winds and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Countervailing Winds Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2017-07-14 and 2020-08-13. Illustrated by Tyler Jacobson.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12017-07-14Hour of DevastationHOU 322015NormalBlackTyler Jacobson
22020-08-13Amonkhet RemasteredAKR 562015NormalBlackTyler Jacobson

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Countervailing Winds has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2017-07-14 Count the number of cards in your graveyard as Countervailing Winds resolves to determine how much mana the controller of the target spell must pay to avoid the spell being countered. Countervailing Winds is still on the stack at this time and won’t count toward this number.