Decisive Denial MTG Card


Decisive Denial provides card advantage by countering or fighting, optimizing resource use. Instant speed allows for reactive play, keeping opponents uncertain and strategic. While versatile, it’s best used in decks that can accommodate its specific mana needs.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeInstant
Abilities Fight

Text of card

Choose one — • Target creature you control fights target creature you don't control. (Each deals damage equal to its power to the other.) • Counter target noncreature spell unless its controller pays .

"I've heard enough."


Cards like Decisive Denial

Decisive Denial serves as a versatile tool in the arsenal of Magic: The Gathering players who value flexibility on the battlefield. Its closest relatives include cards like Stubborn Denial, which also offers a counter spell aspect, but without the secondary option for a creature fight. Decisive Denial’s dual-utility stands out by providing players with the choice needed to adapt to various game states.

Comparably, Simic Charm is a multi-modal spell that grants three potential effects, one of which also involves creature interaction, though it doesn’t counter spells. While Simic Charm gives a broader range of choices, Decisive Denial’s streamlined options can be more impactful in specific situations, especially in creature-heavy matchups. Additionally, the fight mechanic is more aggressive compared to Simic Charm’s temporary hexproof or bounce effects.

Analyzing these comparisons, Decisive Denial establishes its position as a compelling pick for decks seeking the duality of creature removal and spell disruption. It’s the combat ready aspect of the card that provides an edge, particularly for tempo-based strategies in the ever-evolving game environment of Magic: The Gathering.

Stubborn Denial - MTG Card versions
Simic Charm - MTG Card versions
Stubborn Denial - MTG Card versions
Simic Charm - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Bant ControlBant Control GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 11 2024
Simic TempoSimic Tempo GladiatorGladiator Team Unified League
Simic FlashSimic Flash PioneerSimic FlashNRG Series $10,000 Showdown - Chicagoland, Illinois (Pioneer)
Simic AggroSimic Aggro PioneerSimic Flash#28 Last Chance Qualifier: Pioneer

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Decisive Denial can swing the momentum in your favor by countering a crucial noncreature spell or fighting off an opposing threat, keeping your hand ahead in resources.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing mana, it efficiently utilizes your resources by offering two pivotal modes, ensuring no mana is wasted during key turns.

Instant Speed: Its instant speed means you can adapt reactively during the game, countering spells or removing creatures at pivotal moments, keeping your opponents off balance.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Decisive Denial doesn’t ask you to discard cards, but it does require you to have a creature to fully utilize its potential, which might be problematic in creature-light scenarios.

Specific Mana Cost: The dual mana cost of this spell restricts it to Simic (green and blue) decks, potentially excluding a wider play base and limiting its versatility in multicolored decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While costing only two mana, there are scenarios where a Counterspell or a direct removal might serve your strategy more efficiently, especially when facing noncreature threats where its utility diminishes.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Decisive Denial is a flexible option that can serve multiple roles within your deck. It’s not just a counter spell; it can also act as a fight mechanic to remove problematic creatures on the board. This dual utility makes it a valuable asset in adapting to the ever-changing battlefield.

Combo Potential: The fighting aspect of Decisive Denial can be combined with creatures that have on-damage effects or that benefit from combat, such as those with deathtouch or those that trigger abilities when they deal damage. On the other side, its counter ability ensures you can protect those synergies effectively.

Meta-Relevance: With a meta that can fluctuate between aggressive creature strategies and the need to counter key noncreature spells, Decisive Denial fits nicely. Its ability to be relevant in various situations means that it can be a constant in sideboards or even main decks, depending on the build.


How to beat

Decisive Denial is a versatile spell in Magic: The Gathering that can be a real obstacle when on the receiving end. As a counter/fight card, it has the power to swing a game by disrupting your strategy or removing key creatures. To outplay this card, it’s essential to bait it out with less critical spells or creatures, preserving your more substantial threats for later in the game when your opponent may have depleted their mana or resources. Understanding the mana availability of your opponent is also crucial as Decisive Denial requires both green and blue mana, so keeping track of their lands can give you an edge.

Another effective strategy is to deploy creatures with hexproof or indestructible attributes to nullify the fighting aspect of Decisive Denial. By adapting your plays to expect the counter, you’ll make it harder for your opponent to find the perfect moment to play their Decisive Denial. Being proactive with your removal spells to keep their threat level low will also curb the effectiveness of their fight option. Strategic planning and a bit of calculated risk can go a long way to outmaneuvering the challenge posed by Decisive Denial and turning the tables in your favor.


BurnMana Recommendations

Strategizing your MTG deck composition is crucial to clenching those wins, and keeping up to date with versatile cards is key. Decisive Denial offers a dual-functionality that can shift the tide of battle in your favor whether you need to counter a spell or engage in a skirmish. Its utility makes it a prime candidate for any Simic deck. Harness the potential of this card by incorporating creatures that synergize with its fighting mechanic. Continue your MTG journey with us and embrace the finesse of crafting a deck that not only competes but dominates the playing field.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Decisive Denial MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Strixhaven: School of Mages, 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 Decisive Denial and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Decisive Denial Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2021-04-23 and 2024-04-19. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 901722015NormalBlackLorenzo Mastroianni
22021-04-23Strixhaven: School of MagesSTX 1772015NormalBlackLorenzo Mastroianni
32021-04-23Strixhaven: School of MagesSTX 3822015NormalBlackLorenzo Mastroianni
42024-04-19Breaking NewsOTP 422015NormalBorderlessMark A. Nelson

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Decisive Denial has restrictions

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