Decision Paralysis MTG Card
2017-04-28 - Number 50
2019-11-07 - Number 344
2019-11-15 - Number 19
2020-09-26 - Number AKH-50
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Tap up to two target creatures. Those creatures don't untap during their controller's next untap step.
"Eyes see only what is possible. A trained mind can explore the impossible." —Kefnet, god of knowledge
Cards like Decision Paralysis
Decision Paralysis stands out as a control tool within Magic: The Gathering, veering into the realm of cards that hinder the opponent’s creatures. It’s akin to other spells like Claustrophobia which also immobilizes targets but goes a step further by locking them down indefinitely. Decision Paralysis, albeit temporary, affects two creatures and provides a strategic edge during crucial turns.
Comparing it to Frost Breath, which also temporarily freezes multiple targets, Decision Paralysis is more expensive but it compensates by affecting untapped creatures, offering a pre-emptive control option, unlike Frost Breath which only affects creatures that are already active. There is also Ice Over which can permanently neutralize a threat, but fails to deliver the immediate board impact by only targeting a single creature, thus lacking the versatility of Decision Paralysis
Analyzing these options highlights Decision Paralysis as a notable pick in MTG for players looking to maximize tempo shifts and for those who appreciate its capacity to influence multiple threats at once, making it a valuable asset in a variety of control strategies.
Cards similar to Decision Paralysis by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Decision Paralysis is a powerful option when looking to disrupt your opponent’s strategy while building your own card advantage. The ability to potentially draw into more solutions and threats puts you ahead in the match.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly impacting your mana pool, Decision Paralysis can stall your opponent, providing you with extra turns for resource acceleration. This time can be crucial for setting up your board to capitalize on the delayed tactics.
Instant Speed: The versatility of Decision Paralysis shines with its instant speed capability, allowing players to act on the opponent’s turn. This flexibility is key in maintaining the element of surprise and making optimal decisions based on the state of the game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Decision Paralysis demands a card to be discarded in addition to other costs. This condition can reduce your hand advantage and might be detrimental when your options are already scarce.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost for Decision Paralysis includes colored mana, which may not always align with the mana base of multi-colored decks. This can make it challenging to play on curve, especially in formats with a strained mana environment.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Decision Paralysis can incapacitate two target creatures, its mana value may be considered steep compared to other control options. Players might find themselves at a tactical disadvantage having committed a substantial amount of mana to a temporary solution.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Decision Paralysis is a versatile card that can fit into multiple archetypes. In decks that aim to control the pace of the game, this card can be a temporary but effective answer to opponents’ creatures. Whether you are dealing with aggressive strategies or simply want to buy time to set up your board, this card has a place in various deck builds.
Combo Potential: For those who enjoy constructing intricate combos, Decision Paralysis can be a cog in a machine designed to disrupt opposition. This card can synergize with effects that capitalize on tapped creatures, enabling combinations with cards that benefit from the status of opponents’ creatures being locked down.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta dominated by creature-heavy decks and combat-centric strategies, Decision Paralysis gains relevance. It provides a pause button on attackers, allowing you to stabilize in critical moments. In fast-paced matchups, even a single turn’s respite can swing the game in your favor.
How to beat
Decision Paralysis is that card in a Magic: The Gathering match that can stall the fiercest attackers in their tracks. The card does precisely what the name suggests – it freezes a player’s options by tapping down not one but two creatures, which can no longer untap during the next untap step. This can be quite a setback, especially if you’re facing off against creatures pivotal to your opponent’s strategy.
To effectively counter Decision Paralysis, one strategy is to focus on versatility in your own deck. Include cards capable of untapping creatures or ones with haste to immediately affect the board upon playing. Instant-speed removal spells are also key as they can rescue your creatures from this temporary lockdown. Planning ahead and having a diverse set of strategies can ensure you’re not left helpless against such control tactics.
Further, adopting a deck with a lower curve can also mitigate the impact of Decision Paralysis. By deploying a wider range of threats early on, you can present multiple targets for your opponent, diminishing the effectiveness of their two-creature lockdown. Understanding the critical timing for such control cards can help you outmaneuver and outplay this freezing spell.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Decision Paralysis MTG card by a specific set like Amonkhet 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 Decision Paralysis 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Decision Paralysis Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2017-04-28 and 2019-11-15. Illustrated by Vincent Proce.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2017-04-28 | Amonkhet | AKH | 50 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Vincent Proce | |
| 2 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 344 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Vincent Proce | |
| 3 | 2019-11-15 | Game Night 2019 | GN2 | 19 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Vincent Proce | |
| 4 | The List | PLST | AKH-50 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Vincent Proce |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Decision Paralysis has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |