Disrupting Scepter MTG Card
1993-08-05 - Number 242
1993-10-04 - Number 243
1993-12-01 - Number 243
1993-12-10 - Number 243
1993-12-10 - Number 243
1994-04-01 - Number 245
1994-04-01 - Number 245
1994-06-21 - Number 245
1995-04-01 - Number 316
1995-04-01 - Number 316
1996-05-02 - Number et316sb
1997-03-24 - Number 365
1999-04-21 - Number 281
2001-04-11 - Number 293★
2001-04-11 - Number 293
2003-07-28 - Number 298★
2003-07-28 - Number 298
2005-07-29 - Number 295★
2005-07-29 - Number 295
2022-11-28 - Number 238
2022-11-28 - Number 535
| Card sets | Released in 21 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Artifact |
Text of card
o3: Opponent must discard one card of his or her choice. Can only be used during your turn.
Cards like Disrupting Scepter
Disrupting Scepter holds a unique position in the arena of artifact-based hand disruption in Magic: The Gathering. It bears some resemblance to cards like Mindslaver, which also interferes with an opponent’s hand, albeit in a different way. Disrupting Scepter allows repeated use to whittle away at an opponent’s hand, providing a slow but steady advantage each turn, as long as you have the mana to spare.
Another comparable card is The Rack, which punishes opponents already low on cards rather than stripping the hand directly. The Rack deals damage based on the number of cards in the opponent’s hand, serving as a consequence of effective hand disruption strategies like those employed by Disrupting Scepter. Meanwhile, Nebuchadnezzar offers a somewhat similar effect, albeit with the ability to choose and discard specific cards from your opponent’s hand. However, this effectiveness comes with a higher activation cost and the need for a creature to remain tapped.
Each of these cards can play a strategic role in controlling the pace of the game, but Disrupting Scepter’s repeatable nature and mana flexibility can make it an enduring threat across multiple turns.
Cards similar to Disrupting Scepter by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Disrupting Scepter gives you the upper hand by forcing your opponent to discard a card of their choice, subtly tipping the balance of card availability in your favor as the game progresses.
Resource Acceleration: While it doesn’t directly produce mana or accelerate resources, the Scepter disrupts your opponent’s resource planning, potentially leading to inefficient plays or resource shortages on their side of the battlefield.
Instant Speed: The power of the Scepter is in its ability to be activated at any time, provided you have the mana available. This means you can strategically decide the best moment to interrupt your opponent’s strategy, whether it’s during their draw phase, after they draw, or in response to them casting a crucial spell.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Disrupting Scepter forces players to spend mana and tap the artifact to make an opponent discard a card. Although this can strain an opponent’s hand, it’s only truly impactful if you can consistently apply pressure without negatively affecting your own board state and resource pool.
Specific Mana Cost: The Scepter’s activation cost requires three mana of any type, which might not seem restrictive at first. However, in a game where mana efficiency is key, dedicating three mana to make an opponent discard just one card can often be a significant setback especially considering the myriad of actions a player could execute with the same resources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Not only does the Scepter itself come with a casting cost of three mana, but its activation cost also competes with numerous other impactful plays in the same mana range. Many alternatives provide immediate and more substantial effects on the game, which could make the Scepter’s inclusion in a deck less than optimal for players looking for cost-effective ways to disrupt their opponents.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Disrupting Scepter offers a level of flexibility that can be quite advantageous. This card allows players to force opponents to discard, which can be useful in disrupting their hand and strategy regardless of what kind of deck you’re up against.
Combo Potential: Those looking to capitalize on discard mechanics will find that Disrupting Scepter syncs well with cards that benefit from an opponent’s empty hand. Utilizing this card in a synergistic setup can substantially degrade your adversary’s options.
Meta-Relevance: In a game where information and resources are king, Disrupting Scepter retains relevance. It’s particularly potent in formats where hand control can shift the tide of the game, making it a valuable tool in your arsenal when facing down a variety of decks in the current meta.
How to beat
The Disrupting Scepter is a piece of Magic: The Gathering’s history, offering a unique angle to the control game. Known for its ability to force opponents to discard cards at the cost of three mana, this card presents a challenge on the battlefield. To tackle it, consider ramping up your hand size to buffer against the card’s effects – the larger your hand, the less impact each discard has on your overall strategy. An abundant draw engine keeps your options open and your hand full.
Countering artifacts is another potent strategy. By incorporating artifact removal spells like Naturalize or Disenchant into your deck, you ensure that once you draw them, you can promptly address threats like Disrupting Scepter. Utilizing instant-speed removal allows you to wait until your opponent has invested the mana in activating Scepter’s ability before you destroy it, thus wasting their turn and resources.
Ultimately, mastering the ability to rapidly recover from forced discards, or rendering the scepter useless with well-timed removals, can foil an opponent’s strategy. These methods keep you in control, maintaining robust defenses against this historic artifact and preserving your hold on the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Disrupting Scepter MTG card by a specific set like Limited Edition Alpha and Limited Edition Beta, 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 Disrupting Scepter 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
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Printings
The Disrupting Scepter Magic the Gathering card was released in 17 different sets between 1993-08-05 and 2022-11-28. Illustrated by 3 different artists.
Show/hide all sets| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1993-08-05 | Limited Edition Alpha | LEA | 242 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Dan Frazier | |
| 2 | 1993-10-04 | Limited Edition Beta | LEB | 243 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Dan Frazier | |
| 3 | 1993-12-01 | Unlimited Edition | 2ED | 243 | 1993 | Normal | White | Dan Frazier | |
| 4 | 1993-12-10 | Intl. Collectors' Edition | CEI | 243 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Dan Frazier | |
| 5 | 1993-12-10 | Collectors' Edition | CED | 243 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Dan Frazier | |
| 6 | 1994-04-01 | Foreign Black Border | FBB | 245 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Dan Frazier | |
| 7 | 1994-04-01 | Revised Edition | 3ED | 245 | 1993 | Normal | White | Dan Frazier | |
| 8 | 1994-06-21 | Summer Magic / Edgar | SUM | 245 | 1993 | Normal | White | Dan Frazier | |
| 9 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition | 4ED | 316 | 1993 | Normal | White | Dan Frazier | |
| 10 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border | 4BB | 316 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Dan Frazier | |
| 11 | 1996-05-02 | Pro Tour Collector Set | PTC | et316sb | 1993 | Normal | Gold | Dan Frazier | |
| 12 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 365 | 1997 | Normal | White | Stuart Griffin | |
| 13 | 1999-04-21 | Classic Sixth Edition | 6ED | 281 | 1997 | Normal | White | Stuart Griffin | |
| 14 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 293★ | 1997 | Normal | Black | Darrell Riche | |
| 15 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 293 | 1997 | Normal | White | Darrell Riche | |
| 16 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 298★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Stuart Griffin | |
| 17 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 298 | 2003 | Normal | White | Stuart Griffin | |
| 18 | 2005-07-29 | Ninth Edition | 9ED | 295★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Stuart Griffin | |
| 19 | 2005-07-29 | Ninth Edition | 9ED | 295 | 2003 | Normal | White | Stuart Griffin | |
| 20 | 2022-11-28 | 30th Anniversary Edition | 30A | 238 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Dan Frazier | |
| 21 | 2022-11-28 | 30th Anniversary Edition | 30A | 535 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Dan Frazier |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Disrupting Scepter has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Disrupting Scepter card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | You can use it on yourself. |