Lookout's Dispersal MTG Card


Enables counterplay at a reduced cost with a Pirate, benefiting resource management and card advantage. Instant speed allows for flexibility, maintaining the element of surprise and reacting to opponents effectively. Despite restrictions, it’s pivotal in blue or pirate decks for those wanting a competitive edge.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

Lookout's Dispersal costs less to cast if you control a Pirate. Counter target spell unless its controller pays .

Her song plucks the strings of the storm, shifting wind and storm into a harmony that will carry her ship to safety.


Cards like Lookout's Dispersal

Lookout’s Dispersal is an intriguing countermeasure in the realm of Magic: The Gathering. When pitted against cards like Mana Leak, Lookout’s Dispersal emerges as a power player for Pirate deck enthusiasts. Both cards allow players to counter a spell unless their opponent pays additional mana, yet Lookout’s Dispersal shines by potentially costing one less mana if you control a Pirate, which makes it highly advantageous in the right deck.

Analyzing the likes of Rune Snag, another potent counter spell, showcases a slight difference. Rune Snag’s cost increases as more copies are in the graveyard, adding a scaling effect. Lookout’s Dispersal lacks this cumulative property but compensates with significant synergy in Pirate-themed decks where it consistently remains an affordable option to protect your board state.

The value of Lookout’s Dispersal carries weight in specific deck builds, elevating its tactical worth amongst similar spells. Its conditional cost reduction is a unique trait that can yield a high return on investment for players championing Pirate strategies, ensuring its esteemed place within the counter spell category in Magic: The Gathering.

Lookout's Dispersal - MTG Card versions
Mana Leak - MTG Card versions
Rune Snag - MTG Card versions
Lookout's Dispersal - MTG Card versions
Mana Leak - MTG Card versions
Rune Snag - MTG Card versions

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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Lookout’s Dispersal not only counters an opponent’s spell but often does so at a reduced cost if you control a Pirate, allowing you to maintain card parity or potentially pull ahead if your opponent’s plans are disrupted.

Resource Acceleration: This card does not directly provide resource acceleration but ensures resource efficiency. By potentially costing only two mana, it allows you to allocate other resources to develop your board presence or hold up additional interaction.

Instant Speed: As an instant, Lookout’s Dispersal grants you flexibility in your plays. You can manage your mana wisely, react to threats in a timely manner, and keep your opponents guessing about the full range of your capabilities during their turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Lookout’s Dispersal does not directly cause you to discard, but holding it for the right moment might force you to skip playing other cards, effectively setting back your hand’s progression.

Specific Mana Cost: With its blue mana cost, Lookout’s Dispersal fits primarily in blue or pirate-themed decks, which restricts its versatility across various deck types.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While three mana might seem moderate, in fast-paced games, the cost can be steep for a counter that is conditional on controlling a Pirate.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Lookout’s Dispersal offers a broad utility for decks that leverage Pirates or counter strategies. This card can seamlessly fit into blue-based control decks or pirate-themed builds aiming to maintain tempo and control over the game.

Combo Potential: With a cost reduction mechanic for controlling a Pirate, Lookout’s Dispersal excels in synergy with other pirate-related cards. This allows for efficient combo setups, making it a linchpin in any pirate-centric deck looking to disrupt opponents at a low mana curve.

Meta-Relevance: Given its ability to counter spells for a potentially reduced mana cost, Lookout’s Dispersal can be crucial in metas dominated by spells that swing the game. A well-timed Dispersal can shift the momentum in your favor, making it a must-have for players aiming to stay competitive.


How to beat

Lookout’s Dispersal is a well-known card that adds a strategic layer of control to blue-based pirate decks in Magic: The Gathering. This card can be particularly frustrating to go against as it allows the control player to counter an opponent’s spell unless they pay an additional four mana. If pirates are steering the ship in your opponent’s deck, Lookout’s Dispersal’s cost is further reduced, making it an even more cost-effective disruption tool.

To cleverly navigate past Lookout’s Dispersal, consider playing spells when your opponent has tapped out of blue mana, minimizing the chances of a successful counter. Keeping the pressure with low-cost spells can also drain their mana resources, potentially leaving them unable to cast Lookout’s Dispersal when it’s most needed. Additionally, baiting out the counter with less critical spells can pave the way for your more important spells to resolve unimpeded. Deck-building choices such as including cards with uncounterable spells or abilities that provide protection from blue can also render Lookout’s Dispersal ineffective. Remember, outsmarting this card often involves timing, strategic spell casting, and a healthy dose of patience.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dive deeper into the strategic depths of MTG with a card like Lookout’s Dispersal. As you pace your plays and anticipate the movements of your rivals, this spell can become a cornerstone of control and tempo in your blue-based or pirate-themed decks. It’s about finesse, timing, and the art of maintaining your hold over the game. Whether you’re optimizing your current deck or seeking new strategies to outsmart your opponents, the inclusion of Lookout’s Dispersal could be a game-changer. Ready for a deeper analysis and to enhance your deck-building prowess? Join us to explore further insights and tactics to fortify your MTG arsenal.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Lookout's Dispersal MTG card by a specific set like Ixalan and Jumpstart 2022, 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 Lookout's Dispersal and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Lookout's Dispersal Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2017-09-29 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Ryan Yee.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12017-09-29IxalanXLN 622015NormalBlackRyan Yee
22022-12-02Jumpstart 2022J22 3162015NormalBlackRyan Yee

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Lookout's Dispersal has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2017-09-29 Once you announce that you’re casting Lookout’s Dispersal, no player may take other actions until the spell’s been paid for. Notably, players can’t try to raise the spell’s cost by removing your Pirates.