Gandalf's Sanction MTG Card


Gandalf’s Sanction excels in card advantage and instant-speed flexibility for impactful gameplay moments. Specific mana needs and high cost may restrict its play to certain deck types and strategies. Versatility and meta relevance make it a strong contender for various competitive decks.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Gandalf's Sanction deals X damage to target creature, where X is the number of instant and sorcery cards in your graveyard. Excess damage is dealt to that creature's controller instead.

There was a crack, and the staff split asunder in Saruman's hand, and the head of it fell down at Gandalf's feet.


Cards like Gandalf's Sanction

Gandalf’s Sanction joins a unique lineup of control cards in Magic: The Gathering, bearing resemblance to the likes of Counterspell due to its ability to disrupt the opponent’s strategy. While Counterspell outright denies any single spell for two blue mana, Gandalf’s Sanction might provide a conditional restriction, potentially altering the opponent’s upcoming plays rather than outright canceling one. This adds a psychological layer to the game as it influences the opponent’s decision-making process.

Another card to consider alongside Gandalf’s Sanction is Mana Leak. It also serves to control the early to mid-game tempo. But whereas Mana Leak remains efficient for most stages of the game due to its scaling effect based on the opponent’s available mana, Gandalf’s Sanction could become more situational. Disrupting specific types of spells or targeting certain phases of the game strategy can give Gandalf’s Sanction a niche role depending on the deck it’s played against.

Comparatively, the strategic utility Gandalf’s Sanction offers extends beyond the immediate effect, setting it apart in gameplay dynamics. Its finesse in influencing the opponent’s moves without outright denial places it as a distinctive card to consider for a control-based MTG deck.

Counterspell - MTG Card versions
Mana Leak - MTG Card versions
Counterspell - MTG Card versions
Mana Leak - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Gandalf's Sanction by color, type and mana cost

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Decks using this card

MTG decks using Gandalf's Sanction. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
DecklistDecklist Free form81#CS

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Gandalf’s Sanction provides a critical edge by letting players selectively remove an opponent’s threats from the board while potentially drawing cards, thus tipping the scales in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: By filtering through the deck and smoothing out mana draws, this card can effectively ramp up your resources, allowing for more significant plays in future turns.

Instant Speed: The ability to cast Gandalf’s Sanction at instant speed offers strategic flexibility, making it possible to disrupt an opponent’s play unexpectedly or to wait for the optimum moment to turn the tide during complex board states.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Gandalf’s Sanction requires a player to discard another card to cast it. This additional cost can be particularly taxing when hand sizes are dwindling, or when each card in hand plays a crucial role in your game strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: This spell’s casting cost demands a precise mana alignment, necessitating both white and blue mana. The specific mana requirement may prove cumbersome for decks that aren’t heavily invested in both of these colors, potentially limiting the card’s widespread playability.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a relatively steep casting cost, Gandalf’s Sanction can put players at a tempo disadvantage. Given that many other spells or creatures could be cast with a similar or lesser investment, the card could be deemed inefficient by players seeking to optimize their mana usage.


Reasons to Include Gandalf’s Sanction in Your Collection

Versatility: Gandalf’s Sanction is a multifaceted card that can be easily integrated into a variety of decks. Its ability to disrupt opponents and protect your assets makes it a valuable asset in both casual and competitive play.

Combo Potential: This card works well in decks that capitalize on spell casting or controlling the board. By strategically timing Gandalf’s Sanction, players can turn the tide of the game in their favor, especially when combined with other control elements.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where fast-paced aggro decks or combo decks are prevalent, Gandalf’s Sanction can serve as a crucial counterbalance. Its capacity to hinder opponents’ strategies and maintain stability on the board could be integral to prevailing against the current top-tier decks.


How to beat

Gandalf’s Sanction poses a unique challenge in a game of Magic: The Gathering, fundamentally altering the board’s dynamics. This card can hinder your strategy by locking out your most valuable creatures. To effectively counter this obstacle, adaptability is key. A smart move is to shift the focus to non-creature spells. Utilize removal spells or abilities to dismantle your opponent’s defenses. Engaging in more subtle play tactics, like enhancing smaller creatures or relying on direct damage spells, can bypass Gandalf’s Sanction’s restrictive aura.

Incorporating counter spells into your deck is another effective strategy. Timing is crucial; if you can anticipate and negate Gandalf’s Sanction before it takes effect, you maintain the upper hand. Alternatively, leveraging card abilities that allow you to return permanents to your hand can reset the conditions imposed by Gandalf’s Sanction, providing a strategic withdrawal to reclaim control.

Ultimately, defeating Gandalf’s Sanction requires a balanced approach that includes both preparation and in-the-moment ingenuity. With the right deck construction and a strategic mindset, you can turn this formidable card from a hindrance into a stepping stone towards victory in Magic: The Gathering.


BurnMana Recommendations

Diving deep into the intricate world of MTG, Gandalf’s Sanction stands out as a nuanced card with the power to sway the game in your favor. With its blend of card advantage, resource acceleration, and instant speed, it adds strategic depth to any deck. Be mindful of the trade-offs, such as the card’s specific mana requirements and the discard condition. Despite these, the card’s flexibility in control scenarios and its potential to counter metagame threats can make it a worthy addition to your arsenal. Continue to enhance your MTG expertise and consider how Gandalf’s Sanction could elevate your playstyle. Embrace the challenge, hone your strategy, and shape your path to triumph in the ever-evolving landscape of Magic: The Gathering.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Gandalf's Sanction MTG card by a specific set like The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth and The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earth, 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 Gandalf's Sanction and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Gandalf's Sanction Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2023-06-23 and 2023-06-23. Illustrated by Tatiana Veryayskaya.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12023-06-23The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earthLTR 6592015NormalBlackTatiana Veryayskaya
22023-06-23The Lord of the Rings: Tales of Middle-earthLTR 2082015NormalBlackTatiana Veryayskaya

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Gandalf's Sanction has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Gandalf's Sanction card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2023-06-16 Excess damage caused by a spell or ability is similar to how combat damage from a creature with trample is handled. Start with the amount of damage being dealt to the creature and determine what is "lethal." This is the creature's toughness minus the amount of damage that it already has marked on it, but ignoring any replacement or prevention effects that will modify this damage. Also ignore whether the creature has an ability such as indestructible that will result in it not being destroyed by this damage.
2023-06-16 Gandalf's Sanction is not yet in your graveyard when you determine the value of X.
2023-06-16 If the target creature is an illegal target by the time Gandalf's Sanction tries to resolve, the spell won't resolve. It won't deal damage to any player.
2023-06-16 Once you've determined how much damage is excess, Gandalf's Sanction simultaneously deals damage to the creature and to its controller. This damage may be modified by replacement or prevention effects.