Memory Lapse MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 21 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 2 |
Rarity | Common |
Type | Instant |
Text of card
Counter target spell. Put that spell on top of its owner's library.
"Oh, I had a conscience once. But alas, I seem to have forgotten where I put it." —Chandler
Cards like Memory Lapse
Memory Lapse is an iconic piece in the collection of Magic: The Gathering’s counter spells. It shines by placing the countered spell back on top of its owner’s library rather than in the graveyard, which can be both a subtle and strategic play. Comparing this to a classic like Counterspell, which flatly denies the spell altogether, Memory Lapse offers a more nuanced approach by delaying an opponent’s game plan without providing them card advantage.
In the same category, we have Remand, which also returns the countered spell to the owner’s hand and, as a bonus, draws a card, adding a small edge in card advantage. Mana Leak is yet another relative in this group, giving a softer yet broader response by countering the spell unless its caster pays three additional mana, which can be equally disruptive without outright card advantage delay.
Overall, Memory Lapse stands up as a tactical choice among MTG’s counter spells, effectively time-walking an opponent’s turn and providing a psychological edge by forcing them to revisit their thwarted plans.
Cards similar to Memory Lapse by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Memory Lapse. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
# | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
---|---|---|---|---|
Azorius Tempo | Gladiator | Sword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 14 2024 | ||
Esper Control | Gladiator | Sword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 15 2024 | ||
Esper Midrange | Gladiator | Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 15 2024 | ||
Temur Midrange | Gladiator | Sword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 14 2024 | ||
Jeskai Tempo | Gladiator | Sword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 14 2024 | ||
Izzet Combo | Gladiator | Sword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 15 2024 | ||
Azorius Control | Gladiator | Sword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 14 2024 | ||
Grixis Midrange | Gladiator | Sword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 15 2024 | ||
Izzet Control | Gladiator | Sword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 15 2024 | ||
Temur Control | Gladiator | Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 14 2024 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Memory Lapse shines by effectively countering a spell while also forcing your opponent to draw that same card again next turn, delaying their new draws and strategic advances.
Resource Acceleration: Although not directly providing mana or resources, Memory Lapse can be a temporal form of acceleration. By setting your opponent back, you maintain or enhance your resource superiority.
Instant Speed: Memory Lapse’s strength is amplified by its instant speed, allowing you the flexibility to disrupt your opponent’s key plays during their turn, keeping you in a reactive and advantageous position.
Card Cons
Specific Mana Cost: Utilizing Memory Lapse requires both blue mana, which could restrict its use primarily to blue or multicolored decks, potentially leaving out players who don’t run these colors.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While one blue mana and one of any color might not seem too steep, in a game where mana efficiency can determine victory or defeat, there are instances where a counter spell of this cost could be a setback, especially when needing to maintain other plays or defenses.
Discard Requirement: Unlike some other spells in the game, Memory Lapse doesn’t force your opponent to discard the countered spell. This means that while their immediate plans are thwarted, they retain the card advantage and have the opportunity to redraw and play the same card in a later turn, which might not always work to your strategic advantage.
Reasons to Include Memory Lapse in Your Collection
Versatility: Memory Lapse is a classic control card that can slot into various deck types. Its ability to temporarily counter an opponent’s spell by putting it on top of their library allows for strategic planning and disrupting enemy tactics, no matter the match-up.
Combo Potential: This card excels in strategies looking to take advantage of opponents drawing the same card repeatedly. Pair it with shuffle effects or cards that peek at the opponent’s deck to gain insight and control over their next moves for a potent combo.
Meta-Relevance: In a game where timing your plays can mean the difference between victory and defeat, Memory Lapse remains highly relevant. Effective against a range of strategies, from fast aggro to slow control, it provides an edge by delaying crucial spells and disrupting the opponent’s tempo.
How to beat
Memory Lapse is a classic control tool in the arsenal of blue decks within Magic: The Gathering. Its simple yet powerful effect of putting a spell back on its owner’s library can disrupt your opponent’s strategy, essentially causing them to lose a draw and a turn. To effectively counter this spell, it’s important to bait with less crucial spells to draw it out before committing your key plays to the stack.
Another strategy is to apply pressure to force the Memory Lapse early, making them use it on suboptimal targets. Additionally, utilizing spells with flashback or other forms of recursion from the graveyard can mitigate the impact, as the spell will still have a second life even after being Lapsed. Cards like Cavern of Souls can also help your creatures bypass counterspells completely.
Consistency is the key when playing against control decks wielding cards like Memory Lapse. Having a varied and resilient game plan can help you maintain momentum and eventually outpace the control player’s resources. In this way, by understanding the nature of Memory Lapse and adapting your tactics, you can turn the tide and keep your strategy moving forward.
BurnMana Recommendations
Dive deeper into the versatile world of MTG with Memory Lapse. This classic blue counter spell is essential for players eager to master control strategies. It’s about more than just thwarting opponents; it’s about expertly navigating matches and predicting your rival’s next move. Whether enhancing existing decks or building new ones, Memory Lapse offers a unique approach to altering the course of gameplay. Optimizing your collection with strategic cards is crucial, and understanding their interactions is key to victory. Elevate your game knowledge, refine your deck, and gain the upper hand. Explore with us and uncover the true potential of your MTG arsenal.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Memory Lapse MTG card by a specific set like Homelands and Homelands, 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 Memory Lapse and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Printings
The Memory Lapse Magic the Gathering card was released in 16 different sets between 1995-10-01 and 2021-04-23. Illustrated by 6 different artists.
Show/hide all sets# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1995-10-01 | Homelands | HML | 32b | 1993 | Normal | Black | Mark Tedin | |
2 | 1995-10-01 | Homelands | HML | 32a | 1993 | Normal | Black | Mark Tedin | |
3 | 1996-05-02 | Pro Tour Collector Set | PTC | shr32asb | 1993 | Normal | Gold | Mark Tedin | |
4 | 1996-05-02 | Pro Tour Collector Set | PTC | shr32bsb | 1993 | Normal | Gold | Mark Tedin | |
5 | 1996-10-08 | Mirage | MIR | 74 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Rebecca Guay | |
6 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 103 | 1997 | Normal | White | Mark Tedin | |
7 | 1998-08-12 | World Championship Decks 1998 | WC98 | rb32 | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Mark Tedin | |
8 | 1999-01-01 | Judge Gift Cards 1999 | G99 | 1 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Mark Tedin | |
9 | 1999-04-21 | Classic Sixth Edition | 6ED | 81 | 1997 | Normal | White | Mark Tedin | |
10 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 88 | 1997 | Normal | White | Tristan Elwell | |
11 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 88★ | 1997 | Normal | Black | Tristan Elwell | |
12 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 35986 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Mark Tedin | ||
13 | 2002-08-14 | World Championship Decks 2002 | WC02 | cr88 | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Tristan Elwell | |
14 | 2014-03-14 | Duel Decks: Jace vs. Vraska | DDM | 24 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Rebecca Guay | |
15 | 2016-06-10 | Eternal Masters | EMA | 60 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples | |
16 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 425 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples | |
17 | The List | PLST | EMA-60 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples | ||
18 | 2021-04-23 | Strixhaven Mystical Archive | STA | 79 | 2015 | Normal | Borderless | Yumeko | |
19 | 2021-04-23 | Strixhaven Mystical Archive | STA | 16 | 2015 | Normal | Borderless | Kristina Collantes | |
20 | Strixhaven Art Series | ASTX | 66 | 2015 | Art series | Borderless | Kristina Collantes | ||
21 | Strixhaven Art Series | ASTX | 66s | 2015 | Art series | Borderless | Kristina Collantes |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Memory Lapse has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Historicbrawl | Legal |
Historic | Banned |
Legacy | Legal |
Paupercommander | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Gladiator | Legal |
Commander | Legal |
Pauper | Legal |
Premodern | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Predh | Legal |
Penny | Legal |
Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Memory Lapse card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
Date | Text |
---|---|
2016-06-08 | Memory Lapse has a self-replacement effect that replaces the spell going to the graveyard before any other effect can replace that event. If the spell was cast using flashback, however, flashback will change the spell's destination from its owner's library to exile. |