Disallow MTG Card
2017-01-20 - Number 31p
2017-01-20 - Number 31s
2017-01-20 - Number 31
2020-11-12 - Number 46
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Counter target spell, activated ability, or triggered ability. (Mana abilities can't be targeted.)
"How easily your flames are quenched." —Baral, Chief of Compliance
Cards like Disallow
Disallow is an intriguing counter spell in MTG, often juxtaposed with other notable cards in its group, such as Cancel. Both Disallow and Cancel prevent a spell or ability from resolving, however, Disallow’s unique strength is its ability to counter abilities as well, providing broader control possibilities. While Cancel stands as a straightforward and easily accessible counter, Disallow’s flexibility to also stifle activations and triggered abilities justifies the slight mana cost increase.
Another peer in this category is Void Shatter. While both cards carry the same mana cost, Disallow comes out ahead due to its ability to nullify on-field abilities, not just spells on the stack. This detail can be game changing, making Disallow a more comprehensive solution for threats. Admittedly, Void Shatter does exiles the countered spell, preventing further graveyard interactions, which could be advantageous in specific scenarios.
Evaluating these comparisons, Disallow holds a distinct place among its peers, providing a versatile solution for disruptive strategies. It’s a testament to its powerful utility in MTG where flexibility can be key to mastering the game’s complex and ever-evolving dynamics.
Cards similar to Disallow by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Disallow. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Azorius Control | Gladiator | Gladiator Team Unified League | |
 | Azorius Yorion | Pioneer | Azorius Control | MagicCon: Chicago - 2nd Chance PTQ |
| Esper Control | Pioneer | Esper Control | MIT Championship - |
 | Azorius Lotus Field | Pioneer | Azorius Lotus Field | South America Magic Series - Regional Championship (Final Regional NOV 2023) |
| Azorius Aggro | Pioneer | Azorius Lotus Field | Sat. 9:30 AM U.S. Regional Championship - Dreamhack Atlanta 2023 |
| Bant Hogaak | Pioneer | Azorius Control | Sun. 10AM Pioneer 10k Open 8-Slot RCQ - DreamHack Atlanta 2023 |
 | Dimir Control | Pioneer | Dimir Control | Sat. 9:30 AM U.S. Regional Championship - Dreamhack Atlanta 2023 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Disallow offers a distinct edge by negating an opponent’s spell or ability, essentially negating their move and preserving your cards for more impactful plays.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly impacting resources, Disallow aids in resource management by keeping the board state in your favor, preventing opponents from accelerating their own resources.
Instant Speed: The instant speed of Disallow is a strategic boon, allowing you to react swiftly to any threats or key plays your opponent makes, often catching them off-guard and shifting the momentum of the game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Disallow requires you to discard as part of its casting cost, making it a tricky play when your hand size is already reduced. This can put players at a disadvantage, forcing them to give up other potential plays.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands an exact combination of mana, making it less flexible for multicolored decks that may struggle to provide the required blue mana consistently.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Sporting a higher mana cost than some alternative countermagic options, Disallow can be a costly investment, especially considering other spells might accomplish similar results with greater efficiency.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Disallow is a highly adaptable card that can fit seamlessly into a variety of decks, particularly those that could be hindered by opponents’ spells or abilities. Its capability to counter any spell, activated ability, or triggered ability makes it a universal answer to threats.
Combo Potential: This card’s ability to counter key pieces of opponents’ combos can disrupt their strategy and provide you with a significant advantage. Conversely, it can protect your own combos by countering any interaction your opponent might attempt.
Meta-Relevance: Due to its broad applicability, Disallow stays relevant regardless of fluctuating meta conditions. It is particularly potent against decks that rely heavily on specific triggers or abilities to win the game.
How to beat
The card Disallow stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a versatile staple in control decks, capable of countering not just spells but also abilities. When facing an opponent wielding such pinpoint counterspell tactics, your strategy shifts to overloading their resources. Playing multiple threats at once can pressure the control player to make difficult decisions, potentially overextending their counters.
Numerous cards in MTG can serve as a counter to Disallow by offering uncounterable spells, like Carnage Tyrant or spells that can’t be countered by spells or abilities. Alternatively, cards like Boseiju, Who Shelters All can make your spells uncounterable, directly negating Disallow’s effectiveness. Additionally, incorporating a denser mix of instant-speed spells in your own arsenal allows you to cast threats during their end phase, leaving your opponent less mana to work with during your turn.
Ultimately, the chess match against a control deck wielding Disallow boils down to smart resource play and timing, baiting out the counter when you can afford it, and going for the win when their guard is down.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Disallow MTG card by a specific set like Aether Revolt Promos and Aether Revolt Promos, 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 Disallow 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 Disallow Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2017-01-20 and 2020-11-12. Illustrated by Min Yum.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2017-01-20 | Aether Revolt Promos | PAER | 31p | 2015 | Normal | Black | Min Yum | |
| 2 | 2017-01-20 | Aether Revolt Promos | PAER | 31s | 2015 | Normal | Black | Min Yum | |
| 3 | 2017-01-20 | Aether Revolt | AER | 31 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Min Yum | |
| 4 | 2020-11-12 | Kaladesh Remastered | KLR | 46 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Min Yum |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Disallow has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Disallow card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2017-02-09 | Abilities that create replacement effects, such as a permanent entering the battlefield tapped or with counters on it, can’t be targeted. Abilities that apply “as -his creature] enters the battlefield” are also replacement effects and can’t be targeted. |
| 2017-02-09 | Activated abilities are written in the form “Cost: Effect.” Some keyword abilities, such as equip and crew, are activated abilities and will have colons in their reminder texts. |
| 2017-02-09 | An activated mana ability is one that adds mana to a player’s mana pool as it resolves, doesn’t have a target, and isn’t a loyalty ability. A triggered mana ability is one that adds mana to a player’s mana pool and triggers on an activated mana ability. |
| 2017-02-09 | If you counter a delayed triggered ability that triggers at the beginning of the “next” occurrence of a specified step or phase, that ability won’t trigger again the following time that phase or step occurs. |
| 2017-02-09 | Triggered abilities use the word “when,” “whenever,” or “at.” They’re often written as “ -rigger condition], -ffect].” Some keyword abilities, such as prowess and fabricate, are triggered abilities and will have “when,” “whenever,” or “at” in their reminder text. |
| 2018-01-19 | There are many important moments in the story, but the most crucial—called “story spotlights”—are shown on cards. These cards have the Planeswalker symbol in their text box; this symbol has no effect on gameplay. You can read more about these events in the official Magic fiction at http://www.mtgstory.com. |