Counterlash MTG Card

Dark Ascension (DKA)
2012-02-03 - Number 33

The List (PLST)
2020-09-26 - Number DKA-33

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	6
Rarity	Rare
Type	Instant

Key Takeaways

Counterlash provides both a formidable defense and an offensive swing by casting spells at no extra cost.
Its instant speed allows strategic play, but the six mana cost can be a hurdle in fast-paced games.
Within the right deck, Counterlash’s combo potential and versatility make it a meta-defining card application.

Text of card

Counter target spell. You may cast a nonland card in your hand that shares a card type with that spell without paying its mana cost.

"Pathetic. Let me show you how it's done."

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Counterlash not only thwarts an opponent’s spell but simultaneously facilitates a free cast of one of your own cards, which in turn can swing the momentum of the game in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: By allowing you to play a potentially high-cost card without paying its mana cost, Counterlash acts as a form of resource acceleration, effectively bypassing the mana curve for one of your spells.

Instant Speed: The ability to react at instant speed with Counterlash gives you the upper hand by choosing the most opportune moment to disrupt your opponent’s strategy while setting up your board for no additional cost.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: This specific MTG card does not necessitate discarding as a play cost. However, having it in your hand without the right setup may equate to holding onto a non-actionable card, potentially leading to a disadvantage against an actively progressing opponent.

Specific Mana Cost: Counterlash demands a particular mana alignment with both blue and generic mana, which could potentially constrain its inclusion to decks that can consistently produce the necessary mana types, often limiting it to blue-centric or control-focused strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The casting cost of this spell is noteworthy, requiring six mana. In a game where tempo and efficiency are key, the cost of Counterlash can be a setback, particularly when there are alternative spells that could be cast at a lower threshold, allowing for more flexibility in gameplay and potential for earlier impact on the board state.

Reasons to Include Counterlash in Your Collection

Versatility: Counterlash adds a layer of flexibility to your deck, not only negating opponents’ spells but also allowing you to cast one of your own potentially game-changing spells for free. This can be a key in decks that aim to turn the tide in a single turn.

Combo Potential: This card shines in situations where combining it with high-cost creatures or spells can outright win the game. It’s a natural fit in decks that revolve around setting up powerful, game-ending combinations.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where big spells can decide the outcome of games, using Counterlash to disrupt your opponent’s strategy while propelling your own can be a pivotal move. For metas dominated by heavy spell-based strategies, this card is a valuable tool for maintaining control.

How to Beat Counterlash

Counterlash is an intriguing card that catches many players off guard with its ability to not only counter an opponent’s spell but also to cast a spell of the same type from their hand without paying its mana cost. To navigate around Counterlash’s surprise element, a player needs to adopt a strategic approach. Foremost, maintaining a watchful eye on the mana they have open and the colors of mana available is crucial. A full grip of cards combined with untapped mana often signals that something’s amiss.

Playing lower-cost spells can bait out Counterlash, thus allowing your more crucial spells to pass through unimpeded. Another smart play is to hold onto instant-speed removal or disruption to use during the opponent’s turn, making it ineffective for them to counter your spells and get free casting value. Additionally, cards that can’t be countered or spells that strip your opponent of their hand, like Thoughtseize or Duress, can disrupt their plan before they have the chance to set a Counterlash in motion. Playing around this card requires patience, planning, and a thorough understanding of both players’ resources and potentials.

Finding ways to neutralize Counterlash’s surprise factor and mitigating its dual benefits can secure a steady march to victory. It always pays to keep an eye out for the unforeseen and keep your opponent guessing to stay one step ahead on the battlefield.

Cards like Counterlash

Counterlash is an intriguing option for players looking to turn the tables in a Magic: The Gathering match with clever spell manipulation. This card bears similarities to classic counters like Cancel, which also nullifies the opponent’s spells by spending three mana. Yet, Counterlash has a more dynamic twist; not only does it counter the original spell, but it also allows you to cast a spell of the same type from your hand for free.

The comparison continues with the likes of Double Negative. While Double Negative can counter two spells at once, it doesn’t offer the additional casting advantage that Counterlash provides. Dissolve is another notable example in this field, offering a counterplay followed by the strategic action of scrying, although it lacks Counterlash’s ability to directly affect the field by playing another spell from the player’s hand without cost.

Delving deeper into the capabilities of each card helps underscore Counterlash’s unique position. It stands out for its potential for a powerful swing in board state dynamics, catering to those who enjoy thinking several moves ahead and can capitalize on the opportunity to play costly spells unexpectedly.

Cards similar to Counterlash by color, type and mana cost

Overwhelming Intellect - MTG Card versions

Dragonlord's Prerogative - MTG Card versions

Scour the Laboratory - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Counterlash MTG card by a specific set like Dark Ascension and The List, 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 Counterlash and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Counterlash Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2012-02-03 and 2012-02-03. Illustrated by Austin Hsu.

#	Released	Name	Code	Symbol	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2012-02-03	Dark Ascension	DKA		33	2003	Normal	Black	Austin Hsu
2	~~2020-09-26~~	The List	PLST		DKA-33	2003	Normal	Black	Austin Hsu

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Counterlash has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2011-01-22	If the card has in its mana cost, you must choose 0 as its value.
2011-01-22	If you cast a card “without paying its mana cost,” you can’t pay any alternative costs. You can pay additional costs, such as kicker costs. If the card has mandatory additional costs, you must pay those.
2011-01-22	You cast the card in your hand as part of the resolution of Counterlash. Timing restrictions based on the card’s type (such as creature or sorcery) are ignored. Other restrictions are not (such as “Cast -his card] only during combat”).