Gainsay MTG Card

Counters blue spells at instant speed, crucial for reactive and strategic deck play. Requires specific blue mana, limiting its use in multicolored decks. Ideal for blue-centric metas, this card can be a sideboard asset.

Planeshift (PLS)
2001-02-05 - Number 26

Gainsay - World Championship Decks 2002 (WC02)

World Championship Decks 2002 (WC02)
2002-08-14 - Number cr26sb

World Championship Decks 2002 (WC02)
2002-08-14 - Number shh26sb

Theros (THS)
2013-09-27 - Number 49

Card sets	Released in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Instant

Text of card

Counter target blue spell.

"I'd be happy to stop contradicting you, Urza, just as soon as you start being right." —Bo Levar, planeswalker

Cards like Gainsay

Gainsay enters the realm of counterplay with a specific target: opponent’s blue spells. Compared to Negate, which offers a broader range of countering noncreature spells without color specification, Gainsay narrows its focus, providing a tactical edge in blue-dominated metas. It’s this precision that sets it apart, akin to Ceremonious Rejection’s targeting of colorless spells with the same low mana cost. Essence Scatter also shares this two-mana cost counterplay, but it trades color specificity for creature-centric countering.

In essence, players considering Gainsay for their deck must weigh the advantages of its specificity against the versatility of options like Negate or Essence Scatter. While its lower utility makes it a more situational pick, in the right environment, Gainsay can be incredibly effective at shutting down key blue threats in an opponent’s deck. Those dedicated to control strategies understand the value of tailored disruption, and in blue-heavy metas, Gainsay proves to be a strategic and cost-effective tool.

When evaluating counter spells, Gainsay may not always outshine more versatile options, but its precise nature makes it a solid choice for sideboards when preparing for matchups where blue spells dominate the field.

Ceremonious Rejection - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Gainsay by color, type and mana cost

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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Gainsay gives players the upper hand by offering a tool to counter an opponent’s strategy, effectively reducing their available options and potentially leading to a card advantage on the player’s side.

Resource Acceleration: Despite not directly accelerating resources, by negating an opponent’s spell, Gainsay can disrupt their tempo and resource planning, indirectly benefiting the controlling player’s pace of the game.

Instant Speed: The power of Gainsay lies in its instant speed, allowing reactive gameplay and strategic depth. Players can optimally time their counters, ensuring protection of their board state during the most critical phases of the game.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Although Gainsay doesn’t require a discard as part of its casting cost, its role in your hand may indirectly force you to prioritize which spells to keep. This can lead to situations where holding onto Gainsay for the perfect moment results in a missed opportunity to advance your board state or respond to other threats.

Specific Mana Cost: Gainsay’s need for specific blue mana can restrict its inclusion to decks that run heavily or solely on blue mana sources. This mana specificity can be a significant disadvantage in multicolored decks where mana flexibility is key.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While two mana isn’t excessive, in the realm of countermagic, there are several one-mana options available. These lower-cost counterspells may offer similar effects without the color restriction, making Gainsay a less attractive option for decks that aim to be efficient with their mana expenditure and responses.

Reasons to Include Gainsay in Your Collection

Versatility: Gainsay serves as a focused answer in blue-dominated matchups, offering you a reliable countermeasure. It’s adaptable enough to slot into sideboards and main decks that prepare for a blue-heavy opponent.

Combo Potential: This instant is not just for stopping threats, but also for safeguarding your own game-changing plays. Countering a counter, it can ensure the success of your combos, making it an unassuming yet pivotal piece of your strategic arsenal.

Meta-Relevance: As the game evolves, so do the decks that dominate the meta. In environments where blue spells play a central role, having Gainsay can give you a significant edge. Its relevance ebbs and flows, but a well-timed inclusion can be a game-changer against the right deck.

How to beat

Gainsay is a notable counter spell in the world of Magic: The Gathering, particularly when facing blue decks. It shines in matchups where strategic negation of your opponent’s spells can pave the way to victory. One effective strategy to outmaneuver Gainsay is by diversifying the colors in your deck. By incorporating a mix of non-blue spells, you reduce the impact of Gainsay, as it solely targets blue spells.

Another approach to consider is timing. Playing your most valuable blue spells when the opponent is tapped out or when they’ve already expended their counter measures, can help ensure they resolve. Additionally, baiting out Gainsay with less crucial spells can diminish your opponent’s defenses, allowing your game-changing blue spells to land unhindered.

Moreover, it’s vital to remember that Gainsay’s reach is limited to spells. Utilizing blue creatures that have abilities or cast effects upon entering the battlefield offers an alternative method to bring blue power into play without exposing it to Gainsay’s negating force. This combination of strategic planning and deck diversity can effectively neutralize the advantage Gainsay provides to your opponent.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Gainsay MTG card by a specific set like Planeshift and World Championship Decks 2002, 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 Gainsay and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Gainsay Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2001-02-05 and 2013-09-27. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2001-02-05	Planeshift	PLS	26	1997	Normal	Black	Roger Raupp
2	2002-08-14	World Championship Decks 2002	WC02	cr26sb	1997	Normal	Gold	Roger Raupp
3	2002-08-14	World Championship Decks 2002	WC02	shh26sb	1997	Normal	Gold	Roger Raupp
4	2013-09-27	Theros	THS	49	2003	Normal	Black	Clint Cearley

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Gainsay has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Penny	Legal