False Summoning MTG Card

False Summoning is an instant-speed blue counterspell disrupting opponent creature plays. Strategically saves resources, but requires precise timing and can impact hand size. Useful in various formats, it’s a staple card for controlling the game flow.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

Play False Summoning only in response to another player playing a creature. That creature card has no effect, and that player puts it into his or her graveyard.

Cards like False Summoning

False Summoning stands as a defensive staple in Magic: The Gathering, offering players instant-speed interruption of creature spells. It is often compared to the quintessential Counterspell, which is broader in scope as it can counter any type of spell, not just creature spells. False Summoning’s specificity, however, comes with the advantage of a lower mana cost, which can be vital in the early game stages or when mana efficiency is crucial.

Another card that vies for attention in the realm of creature control is Essence Scatter. Much like False Summoning, Essence Scatter is dedicated to thwarting creatures. It mirrors False Summoning in mana cost and speed, but where it differs is in its permanency — once a creature is countered by Essence Scatter, it’s gone for good, unlike False Summoning which can lead to the creature being re-cast later on.

Upon evaluating the strengths of various control options, False Summoning positions itself uniquely thanks to its cost-effective nature and tempo play capability. It offers players a nuanced choice in managing creature threats on the board, serving as a strategic tool in the arsenal of MTG’s blue mages.

Counterspell - MTG Card versions
Essence Scatter - MTG Card versions
Counterspell - MTG Card versions
Essence Scatter - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: False Summoning acts as a critical disruption tool, preventing an opponent’s creature from entering the battlefield and potentially tipping the scales in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: Although not directly impacting your resources, by negating an opponent’s creature play, you effectively save the resources that would have been spent managing that threat, maintaining your pace in the game.

Instant Speed: The power of False Summoning lies in its instant speed, giving you the flexibility to decide the most opportune moment to deny your opponent’s creature summon, be it preemptively or as a surprise during a pivotal point in the match.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: False Summoning may set back your pace by demanding that you let go of additional cards from your hand, an exchange that could leave you at a resource deficit just when you need to keep options open.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both blue mana and generic mana to cast, this card asks for a commitment to blue mana resources, potentially restricting deck building flexibility and its inclusion in multicolor strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost that could be seen as steep for the effect it provides, players may find False Summoning less attractive when lower-cost alternatives are available that disrupt opponents without as significant a mana investment.

Reasons to Include False Summoning in Your Collection

Versatility: False Summoning is a simple yet effective counterspell, offering a straightforward way to disrupt your opponent’s plays. Its ability to counter creature spells makes it a useful inclusion in sideboards or main decks across various formats.

Combo Potential: As a budget-friendly option, this card can easily be incorporated into combo decks that rely on maintaining control until their win conditions are met. It helps protect key pieces by keeping opposing threats at bay.

Meta-Relevance: With creature-heavy decks often dominating the meta, having False Summoning in your collection means you’re well-equipped to handle such strategies. It’s essential for staying competitive in an environment where creatures are pivotal to success.

How to beat

False Summoning is a captivating reactive card in the world of Magic: The Gathering. Its primary function is to negate the effort of an opponent trying to cast a creature, thus disrupting their board development. Comparable to cards like Essence Scatter, it stands out as it can be applied to a broader array of situations since it’s not limited to countering only creatures but any spell on the stack. False Summoning presents a cost-effective solution at just one blue mana, making it a quintessential tool for control decks.

When facing False Summoning, it’s vital for players to bait out this counter before committing their high-value creatures to the battlefield. One approach is to play less critical spells first to draw out countermeasures. Additionally, utilizing spells that can’t be countered or employing creatures with Flash to play on the opponent’s turn when their mana might be low, can effectively circumvent False Summoning’s interference. Understanding the opportune moment to play your spells and anticipating potential counters are key strategies against this simple yet powerful Magic: The Gathering card.

Ultimately, beating False Summoning revolves around patience, strategic baiting, and the timing of spellcasting to ensure your major threats land on the board and stay there to secure victory.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase False Summoning MTG card by a specific set like Portal Second Age and Masters Edition IV, 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 False Summoning and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The False Summoning Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1998-06-24 and 2011-01-10. Illustrated by DiTerlizzi.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11998-06-24Portal Second AgeP02 401997NormalBlackDiTerlizzi
22011-01-10Masters Edition IVME4 491997NormalBlackDiTerlizzi

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where False Summoning has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal