Invigorating Surge MTG Card

Enables card advantage by synergizing with counters for abilities or drawing cards. Instant speed play allows unexpected combat boosts or prepping for attacks. Demands a creature with +1/+1 counter present, adding a strategic layer.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Instant
Released	2020-07-03
Set symbol
Set name	Core Set 2021
Set code	M21
Number	190
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Randy Vargas

Text of card

Put a +1/+1 counter on target creature you control, then double the number of +1/+1 counters on that creature.

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Cards like Invigorating Surge

Invigorating Surge brings a unique twist to counter manipulation strategies in Magic: The Gathering. It shares similarities with cards like Unnatural Growth, which doubles the size of creatures each combat. However, Invigorating Surge allows for instant growth, potentially catching opponents off guard. It stands out by not only putting a +1/+1 counter on a target creature but also doubling the existing counters, whereas Unnatural Growth affects all your creatures and only during combat.

Compare this to Solidarity of Heroes, which also doubles the number of counters on a creature at instant speed. Solidarity of Heroes differs by having the Strive mechanic, allowing it to target multiple creatures for additional mana. Though Invigorating Surge doesn’t offer multi-target flexibility, it compensates by including the +1/+1 counter prior to doubling, ensuring a minimum level of impact.

Assessing these cards reveals that Invigorating Surge sits in a niche spot, offering both the surprise factor and substantial immediate buff for a single creature. It’s a formidable option for players looking to maximize value from their counter-heavy creatures in a single, decisive moment.

Solidarity of Heroes - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Invigorating Surge by color, type and mana cost

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Invigorating Surge. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#	Name	Format	Archetype	Event
	Selesnya Scales	Pioneer	Artifact Aggro	MIT Championship -

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Invigorating Surge not only boosts a creature permanently due to the +1/+1 counters but also synergizes with cards that capitalize on counters to draw cards or trigger abilities.

Resource Acceleration: By making one of your creatures significantly larger, you potentially accelerate your game plan, turning it into a formidable threat that must be dealt with swiftly, freeing up resources for future plays.

Instant Speed: As an instant, Invigorating Surge offers the flexibility to catch your opponent off-guard, bolstering your creature’s power during combat or at the end of their turn to prepare for a lethal attack.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the drawbacks of Invigorating Surge is the absence of direct card advantage. While this spell does not have a discard requirement, its effect is conditional on the presence of a creature with a +1/+1 counter which challenges your ability to maximize card utility without the proper board setup.

Specific Mana Cost: Invigorating Surge demands both green mana and generic mana, making it less versatile for multi-colored decks that might struggle with mana consistency. This specific mana cost requires a dedicated slot in decks that can support the green mana it necessitates.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost of two generic and one green, Invigorating Surge can be considered costly given its situational impact. In a game where tempo is crucial, the three mana could potentially be allocated toward broader impactful plays or more versatile buffing options.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Invigorating Surge can seamlessly integrate into various deck archetypes, particularly those capitalizing on +1/+1 counters. This spell is a natural fit for enhancing creatures in both aggressive and midrange builds.

Combo Potential: This card is a linchpin for synergistic plays, magnifying the impact of +1/+1 counters and potentially doubling their effects. It works excellently with cards that have proliferate mechanics or with commanders that thrive on counter strategies.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state where creatures and counters are pivotal, Invigorating Surge rises in applicability. It’s one of those responsive cards that can change the tide of a match, making it a timely addition to decks aiming to stay competitive.

How to beat

Invigorating Surge presents an intriguing challenge for players in MTG. This spell escalates the power of creatures on the battlefield in an instant by not only adding counters but by doubling them. It’s a potent force that can quickly tilt the scales of a match. Handling this card efficiently requires a strategic approach that involves anticipation and resource management.

Key to countering this spell lies in removal or counter spells that can be activated in response to Invigorating Surge. Cards such as Disallow or Hero’s Downfall provide a safety net against the sudden growth of an opponent’s creature. Creature cards with flash, such as Brineborn Cutthroat, also offer a way to bolster your side of the board in reaction to, or even in anticipation of, an Invigorating Surge play.

Maintaining an awareness of your opponent’s mana and the potential threats that could be amplified by Invigorating Surge is critical. Efficient use of cards like Negate, which can directly counter target noncreature spells, or even board wipes such as Wrath of God when the situation demands, could neutralize the benefit Invigorating Surge seeks to establish.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Invigorating Surge MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2021, 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 Invigorating Surge and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Invigorating Surge has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historicbrawl	Legal
Commander	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Timeless	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2020-06-23	To double the number of +1/+1 counters on a creature, put a number of +1/+1 counters on it equal to the number it already has. Other cards that interact with putting counters on it will interact with this effect accordingly.