Force Away MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Instant
Abilities	Ferocious
Released	2014-09-26
Set symbol
Set name	Khans of Tarkir
Set code	KTK
Number	40
Frame	2015
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Mark Winters

Key Takeaways

Bounce enemy creatures while owning a creature with power 4 or greater to also draw a card.
Instant speed play allows tactical responses and strategic flexibility during the game.
Ferocious trigger offers added value, yet requires a discard, adding a strategic cost.

Text of card

Return target creature to its owner's hand. Ferocious — If you control a creature with power 4 or greater, you may draw a card. If you do, discard a card.

Where an enemy once rode, not even a whisper remains.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Force Away provides an opportunity to not only temporarily deal with an opponent’s threat but also potentially draw a card if you have a creature with power 4 or greater. This card selection mechanism ensures that you’re not falling behind in the game’s critical tug-of-war over resources.

Resource Acceleration: While Force Away doesn’t directly accelerate your resources in terms of mana, it contributes to the tempo of your game by setting back your opponent’s board development. This can indirectly accelerate your game plan by giving you time to deploy your resources without pressure.

Instant Speed: The power of casting Force Away at instant speed cannot be overstated. It grants the flexibility to dictate the pace of the game, respond to your opponent’s actions, and make informed decisions based on the unfolding game state. The ability to disrupt an opponent’s combat plans or save this card for the moment when it’s most advantageous is a key strategic asset.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: When you cast Force Away, you might have the option to bounce an additional creature if you have the Ferocious trigger, but it necessitates discarding a card. This cost needs upfront consideration—especially when your hand is almost empty or each card is vital for your strategy. Letting go of a potential game-changer can tip the scales against you.

Specific Mana Cost: Force Away requires both blue mana and generic mana, making it less flexible for decks that aren’t geared towards having a plentiful blue mana pool. Its precise mana requirement could be a stumbling block for multicolored decks, where mana efficiency is key.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When comparing Force Away to other cards within the game that can return creatures to hand, the mana investment of two and a blue might seem steep. Its limitation to just targeting creatures can be seen as a downside when alternative spells at similar mana cost points could offer more universal solutions or additional utility.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Force Away is a flexible card that can be easily included in various blue-based decks. With the ability to return a creature to its owner’s hand and the ferocious trigger that allows for a card draw if you control a large creature, it has multiple uses both offensively and defensively.

Combo Potential: This card works beautifully in synergy-based decks, particularly those looking to capitalize on spell slinging or utilizing spells with various effects. The bounce effect can be combined with enter-the-battlefield abilities or to simply disrupt your opponent’s board state.

Meta-Relevance: Given its low cost and utility, Force Away is relevant in gameplay where tempo matters. It excels in metas filled with aggro decks where bouncing a key creature can sway the momentum, as well as in more controlled environments where every card advantage counts.

How to Beat

Force Away is an intriguing spell in MTG that can disrupt your opponent’s strategy by returning a creature to their hand. Key to overcoming this spell lies in understanding its implications. First and foremost, creatures with strong enter-the-battlefield effects can capitalize on a repeated casting. Selecting creatures that benefit from being cast multiple times can turn the tables on opponents using Force Away.

Another tactic is to maintain a diverse battlefield. Don’t rely too heavily on a single creature; spreading out your threats can minimize the impact of the bounce effect. In addition, be wary of when to commit your most valuable creatures to the board. If you suspect your opponent holds Force Away, timing your plays to avoid critical bounce-backs could prove advantageous.

Ultimately, while Force Away can be a momentary setback, it offers a strategic pivot point. By playing resiliently and adjusting your strategy to account for potential bounce spells, you can mitigate Force Away’s effect and maintain control of the game. Remember, resourcefulness and adaptability are as crucial in your strategy as the cards in your deck.

Cards like Force Away

Force Away is an intriguing card in MTG with its unique combination of bounce and card draw mechanics. This card can be compared to other cards in Magic: The Gathering that offer similar effects. Unsummon is one of the most straightforward comparisons; it’s a staple in blue decks that allows players to return a creature to its owner’s hand at a very low cost. While Unsummon is efficient, it lacks Force Away’s potential to draw a card, which can provide an additional advantage.

Another card that echoes the utility of Force Away is Into the Roil. Both cards are capable of returning creatures to their owner’s hands, but Into the Roil offers the kicker option, which, for an additional cost, lets you draw a card. However, Force Away’s looting effect—requiring you to have a creature with power 4 or greater—provides the card advantage without extra mana investment. Lastly, Compelling Deterrence is a notable mention as it allows for creature bounce and adds a discard element but is limited to opponents who own a zombie. While similar in function, each of these cards offers a slightly different spin on bouncing creatures and card advantage, showcasing Force Away’s niche within the game’s ecosystem.

Compelling Deterrence - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Force Away by color, type and mana cost

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Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Force Away MTG card by a specific set like Khans of Tarkir, 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 Force Away and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Force Away has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2014-09-20	Ferocious abilities of instants and sorceries that don’t use the word “instead” will provide an additional effect if you control a creature with power 4 or greater as they resolve.
2014-09-20	Some ferocious abilities that appear on instants and sorceries use the word “instead.” These spells have an upgraded effect if you control a creature with power 4 or greater as they resolve. For these, you only get the upgraded effect, not both effects.