Lofty Denial MTG Card


Lofty Denial excels in decks with flyers, increasing its counter potency when a creature with flying is present. It’s a versatile counter spell, offering a low-cost option early on and a stiffer challenge for opponents later. This instant card shapes gameplay, forcing opponents to play around it or risk their spells being negated.
Lofty Denial - Core Set 2021
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeInstant
Released2020-07-03
Set symbol
Set nameCore Set 2021
Set codeM21
Number56
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byManuel Castañón

Text of card

Counter target spell unless its controller pays . If you control a creature with flying, counter that spell unless its controller pays instead.

The mage scowled as yet another bolt splashed harmlessly against seemingly empty air.


Cards like Lofty Denial

The Lofty Denial MTG card is a thought-provoking addition to the pool of counterspells in Magic: The Gathering. It bears similarities with spells like Spell Pierce which also counters a noncreature spell unless an opponent pays an extra small sum of mana. Where Lofty Denial sets itself apart is its ability aspect – it lets you increase the cost of spells if you have a creature with flying on your field.

It is also comparable to Mana Leak, another well-known counterspell. However, Lofty Denial sets apart with its creature flying facet, potentially making the additional cost a substantial difficulty for opponents. On another note, consider Negate, one of the most basic counterspells. It’s simple, straightforward and does not take any conditions into account. But lacks the extra sting that Lofty Denial can possibly deliver.

In summary, Lofty Denial holds its own amongst other counterspells in Magic: The Gathering thanks to its specific and situational benefit. It serves as a unique tool for players who know when and how to capitalize on their deck’s strengths. The ability to add an extra layer of defense through a flying creature renders this card a fascinating choice in strategic gameplay.

Spell Pierce - MTG Card versions
Mana Leak - MTG Card versions
Negate - MTG Card versions
Spell Pierce - MTG Card versions
Mana Leak - MTG Card versions
Negate - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Lofty Denial by color, type and mana cost

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Hurkyl's Recall - MTG Card versions
Hypnotic Sprite // Mesmeric Glare - MTG Card versions
Lat-Nam's Legacy - MTG Card versions
Flash - MTG Card versions
Boomerang - MTG Card versions
Updraft - MTG Card versions
Rebound - MTG Card versions
Memory Lapse - MTG Card versions
Hoodwink - MTG Card versions
Tidal Bore - MTG Card versions
Accumulated Knowledge - MTG Card versions
Teferi's Response - MTG Card versions
Aether Burst - MTG Card versions
Impulse - MTG Card versions
Cyclonic Rift - MTG Card versions
Thassa's Intervention - MTG Card versions
Metamorphose - MTG Card versions
Flash Counter - MTG Card versions
Echoing Truth - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Azorius SpiritsAzorius Spirits PioneerAzorius SpiritsPioneer Challenge 64 2024-02-17
Bant TempoBant Tempo ExplorerThe Pizza Box Open: Explorer
Mono-Blue SpiritsMono-Blue Spirits PioneerMono-Blue SpiritsPioneer League 2024-03-02
Azorius TempoAzorius Tempo GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 09 2024
Bant SpiritsBant Spirits PioneerBant SpiritsReCQ - Pioneer - SCG CON Philadelphia - Friday - 1:30 pm (Bronze)
UU PioneerPioneer Challenge 64 2024-03-09

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Lofty Denial offers potential card advantage especially in a deck filled with flying creatures. By demanding extra mana from your opponents for their spells, it often results in wasted turns which become your profit in card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: Lofty Denial does not directly lead to resource acceleration in the form of mana or cards. However, by effectively countering opponent’s key plays, it indirectly accelerates your game position by slowing down opponents.

Instant Speed: As an instant speed counter spell, Lofty Denial allows flexibility, enabling you to tactically respond by keeping mana available to disrupt opponent’s gameplay without a hitch. This flexibility extends to both your turn and during your opponent’s turn, making it a valuable addition to your deck.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The use of Lofty Denial does not include any specific discard requirement. Therefore, although it could be an advantage for you as it won’t decrease your card-in-hand count, on the other hand, it can’t be used strategically in decks that benefit from card discards.

Specific Mana Cost: This card calls for a very specific mana cost – one island (blue) mana. This makes it less useful for decks that are not built around blue cards, as they may face difficulty in coming up with the essential blue mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite being an efficient counter spell, Lofty Denial requires two mana, which may seem quite steep, especially in the early game. There are other counter spells available in the game that might be usable at a lower cost, hence providing more value.


Reasons to Include Lofty Denial in Your Collection

Versatility: Lofty Denial serves as a powerful card for countering enemy spells. Owing to its flexibility, it can easily integrate into decks that lean towards control and counter spell strategies. Its universal use against all types of spells is what makes it a superior choice.

Combo Potential: Beyond its ability to counter spells, Lofty Denial’s combo potential is impressive. It plays an essential role in combo decks where its requirement for flying creatures can be easily met, thereby multiplying the counter control it provides.

Meta-Relevance: With the ever-changing MTG meta, including Lofty Denial in your deck ensures a significant leverage. It plays a crucial role against current meta decks that largely hinge on big, game-changing spells. Hence, its strategic relevance cannot be overstated.


How to Beat

Lofty Denial, a counterspell in MTG, may seem overpowering due to its ability to counter target spell unless its controller pays 1. This effect gets amplified if you control a creature with flying, in which case the payment rise to 4. To outwit this card, there are various strategies you might employ.

One simple way is to ensure you always have adequate mana resources. Aim to have more than 4 mana at your disposal before casting pivotal spells. This ensures you’re prepared for any Lofty Denial that might spring up during the game.

Another alternative is using spells that can’t be countered, like Supreme Verdict, or creatures like Carnage Tyrant with the specific ability to sidestep counters. Removal spells are yet another tool to handle creatures with flying, thereby reducing the effect of Lofty Denial.

Lastly, consider using spells during the opponent’s end step. Act only when the opponent has minimized their resources, reducing their chances of casting Lofty Denial effectively. Remember, successful gameplay hinges on not only understanding your deck but also observing your adversary and making adaptable strategic decisions.


Conclusion

In conclusion, mastering Magic the Gathering is an ever-evolving challenge that combines skill with the perfect strategy. Lofty Denial exemplifies how a single card can shift the dynamics of play, offering control and finesse to your deck. With each match and every play, the depth of the game unfolds, offering endless possibilities for those willing to explore. Keep honing your deck-building prowess and analytical thinking, and embrace the intricate dance of tactics and foresight. If you’re eager to advance your expertise and usher in a new era of conquests in your MTG journey, we’re here to guide you through. Let’s embark on this quest together to claim victory and the title of MTG virtuoso.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Lofty Denial 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 Lofty Denial and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Lofty Denial has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Lofty Denial 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 If you control more than one creature with flying, Lofty Denial still requires only .