Dubious Challenge MTG Card
2016-09-30 - Number 152
2016-09-30 - Number 152s
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
Look at the top ten cards of your library, exile up to two creature cards from among them, then shuffle your library. Target opponent may choose one of the exiled cards and put it onto the battlefield under his or her control. Put the rest onto the battlefield under your control.
Cards like Dubious Challenge
Dubious Challenge is a unique spell which sparks curiosity for players in the MTG realm. It draws a parallel to cards like Show and Tell, which also allow players to put a nonland permanent onto the battlefield. The critical difference? Dubious Challenge offers the potential to put two creatures into play, which could significantly shift the board’s dynamics. Nonetheless, it comes with a tactical gamble as opponents also get a chance to choose one of the creatures.
Yet, comparing it with Eureka, there’s an evident divergence. Eureka doesn’t restrict the type or number of permanents players can put onto the battlefield, leading to possible game-ending scenarios. That said, Dubious Challenge adds a layer of strategy and risk with its select options, and the resulting creature choice interaction. Furthermore, we can’t overlook the mana cost efficiency of Dubious Challenge, which, at four mana, stands out against Eureka’s heavier cost. The delicate balance of cost versus impact is what shapes Dubious Challenge as a thought-provoking card within MTG.
Assessing these cards side-by-side, Dubious Challenge has carved out a niche, challenging players to outthink their adversaries and leverage its effects strategically. It may not always offer the direct power of its counterparts, but it provides a distinct path to victory for the cunning strategist.
Cards similar to Dubious Challenge by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Dubious Challenge presents an interesting twist on card advantage by potentially putting up to two creatures onto the battlefield. This ability can shift the tide of a game, especially when those creatures have impactful enters-the-battlefield effects.
Resource Acceleration: While the Dubious Challenge itself does not directly produce mana or Treasure tokens, it effectively bypasses the traditional mana costs associated with casting powerful creatures. By doing so, it accelerates your board presence significantly, overwhelming opponents who may not be prepared for such a sudden deployment of resources.
Instant Speed: Although the Dubious Challenge operates at sorcery speed, playing creatures into the battlefield without casting them creates opportunities similar to instant-speed interactions. You’ll be strategically placing threats that typically would not come into play until later turns, catching opponents off guard and creating immediate impact without the need for instant timing.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Dubious Challenge necessitates an onerous selection process that could potentially benefit your opponent more than yourself. It forces a strategic decision that may ultimately result in a downside if not played with careful forethought.
Specific Mana Cost: With a specific four mana cost including one green, this card fits into a narrow band of decks, typically those heavy on ramping abilities or with a strong green mana base. Its cost can strain your resources and requires a careful deck build to optimize its potential.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At four mana, this card competes with other powerhouse spells in similar slots, many of which might not carry the inherent risk of bolstering an opponent’s board state. Players often weigh it against other options that provide a more guaranteed advantage.
Reasons to Include Dubious Challenge in Your Collection
Versatility: Dubious Challenge provides a unique way to put creatures into play, offering a broad spectrum of deck-building options. It allows players to experiment with various creature types, potentially pulling creatures with powerful effects directly onto the battlefield.
Combo Potential: This card’s real strength lies in its ability to combo with flicker effects or cards that can immediately give control of chosen creatures to you. With the right setup, Dubious Challenge can be a game-ending move, showcasing significant synergy with other pieces in your deck.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where big creatures and surprise plays can tilt the scales, Dubious Challenge can be a meta call. In a pool where players may not expect such an unorthodox strategy, it can catch opponents off-guard, giving you a substantial advantage during gameplay.
How to Beat
Dubious Challenge is a unique card that can create complex board states in Magic: The Gathering. This card allows players to look at the top ten cards of their library and then exile up to two creatures with caution. Opponents gain the opportunity to select a creature first, making the card a risk-reward play. To effectively counteract this card, understanding your opponent’s deck is key. Knowing which creatures they are likely to exile can help you prepare.
Additionally, instant speed removals or sacrificing abilities work well to eliminate threatening creatures before they impact the game too severely. Include cards in your deck that can either return a target creature to someone’s hand or that give you leverage by taking control of creatures. Remember, Dubious Challenge can be a gamble, and equipping your deck to mitigate the consequences is crucial. Always play with awareness of potential game-changing creatures that could turn the tide. Have a strategy, and Dubious Challenge will become less daunting.
In essence, beating Dubious Challenge involves foresight and preparedness. It’s about neutralizing your opponent’s advantages while maximizing your own strategic tools. With this careful approach, you can handle whatever this MTG card may bring to the table.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Dubious Challenge MTG card by a specific set like Kaladesh and Kaladesh 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 Dubious Challenge 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
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Printings
The Dubious Challenge Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2016-09-30 and 2016-09-30. Illustrated by Scott Murphy.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2016-09-30 | Kaladesh | KLD | 152 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Scott Murphy | |
| 2 | 2016-09-30 | Kaladesh Promos | PKLD | 152s | 2015 | Normal | Black | Scott Murphy |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Dubious Challenge has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Dubious Challenge card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2016-09-20 | In a multiplayer game, you must choose the target opponent before you look at your top ten cards and decide what to exile. |
| 2016-09-20 | The cards that you look at but don't exile never leave your library. They're shuffled along with the rest of your library. |
| 2016-09-20 | The creature cards you exile are face up. Your opponent can see them while deciding whether to take one and which to take. |
| 2016-09-20 | You may choose to exile no creature cards, even if there are one or more among the top ten cards of your library. |
| 2016-09-20 | You may choose to exile only one creature card. If you do, the target opponent chooses who gets the card. |