Envelop MTG Card
2002-05-27 - Number 39
2003-08-07 - Number dh39sb
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Counter target sorcery spell.
"What you made will be unmade. What you learned will be unlearned. And when you're done, you will be undone." —Ambassador Laquatus
Cards like Envelop
Envelop is an intriguing spell in the realm of Magic: The Gathering’s counterspells. It shares similarities with other “counter target sorcery spell” cards like Rebuff the Wicked, which also offers a protective counter mechanic. Envelop stands out due to its specificity—as it solely targets sorcery spells—this can be both an advantage and a limitation based on the opponent’s strategy.
Comparably, we also see Squelch which not only counters activated abilities, potentially broader than Envelop’s scope, but also allows you to draw a card, adding to its utility. While Squelch’s broader range and added card draw are advantageous, its higher mana cost can be a deciding factor. Then there’s Dispel, specifically countering instant spells, which is the antithesis of Envelop. Dispel provides security during fast-paced situations where instants threaten your game plan.
Overall, while Envelop restricts itself to thwarting sorceries and provides a narrow defense, its low cost can make it an efficient tool in a strategically crafted deck that anticipates a sorcery-heavy meta. It holds a specialized place among MTG’s defensive cards due to its targeting limitation and ease of casting.
Cards similar to Envelop by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Envelop offers the strategic upper hand by countering key noncreature spells that opponents rely on. This disruption tilts the board in your favor, often saving cards in hand and maintaining board position.
Resource Acceleration: By denying opponents their planned plays, Envelop effectively sets them back a turn, granting you a subtle yet significant tempo boost which, in resource-driven games, translates to acceleration.
Instant Speed: The power of Envelop is elevated by its instant speed, allowing for reactive plays during an opponent’s turn. This adaptability preserves your mana flexibility and surprises opponents, halting their most crucial spells when they least expect it.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Harnessing the power of the Envelop card comes at a price; players must part with another card from their hand to cast it. This precondition may not always work in your favor, especially when you’re clinging to each card for strategic maneuvers.
Specific Mana Cost: The Envelop card’s necessity for blue mana restricts its integration. Decks not centered around blue mana may find this card irrelevant to their strategy, reducing its versatility across the diverse MTG landscape.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With the Envelop card demanding two mana to activate its effect, you might find yourself weighing its cost against other spells. Some alternatives in your arsenal could potentially offer more impact or broader utility for the same or lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include Envelop in Your Collection
Versatility: Envelop is a superb addition to any deck that values countering noncreature spells. Its low casting cost means it can be played in early turns, protecting your strategy right from the start.
Combo Potential: For combo decks that need to safeguard key spells or maintain tempo, Envelop seamlessly integrates into your strategy, ensuring crucial turns aren’t disrupted by your opponent’s instant or sorcery.
Meta-Relevance: In a metagame dense with powerful sorceries or instants, Envelop offers an efficient response. Its ability to thwart significant plays can be the difference between victory and defeat in tightly contested matches.
How to beat
Envelop is a blue instant spell that allows players to counter target sorcery spell. It’s akin to other counter spells like Dispel or Negate, but it exclusively targets sorceries. To effectively overcome Envelop, it’s crucial to bait the counter with less crucial spells or wait until your opponent is tapped out. Additionally, you might consider using spells with the instant speed to bypass Envelop’s limitations.
In this strategic dance, Flash creatures can also provide an advantage, arriving on the battlefield when Envelop is powerless to intervene. Envelop’s specificity can be its own downfall, as not all decks rely heavily on sorcery speed spells. Diversifying the types of spells in your lineup and incorporating an array of instants and activated abilities can reduce the impact of Envelop on your strategies.
Remember, understanding when to play your spells is as important as what spells you play. Observing patterns in your opponent’s mana availability and playing around potential counters are key tactics in minimizing the effectiveness of Envelop, thereby maintaining the tempo and resilience of your deck through shrewd play.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Envelop MTG card by a specific set like Judgment and World Championship Decks 2003, 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 Envelop 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 Envelop Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2002-05-27 and 2003-08-07. Illustrated by Don Hazeltine.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2002-05-27 | Judgment | JUD | 39 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Don Hazeltine | |
| 2 | 2003-08-07 | World Championship Decks 2003 | WC03 | dh39sb | 2003 | Normal | Gold | Don Hazeltine |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Envelop has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |