Misdirection MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 8 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 5 |
Rarity | Rare |
Type | Instant |
Text of card
You may remove a blue card in your hand from the game instead of paying Misdirection's mana cost. Target spell with a single target targets another target instead.
Cards like Misdirection
Misdirection adds a unique twist to the array of counterspells available in Magic: The Gathering. Players might draw parallels with the popular Force of Will, both providing a way to counter a spell without paying its mana cost under certain conditions. Yet, Misdirection stands out by allowing the change of a spell’s target instead of outright countering it. This provides a layer of strategic depth, as you can turn an opponent’s spell against them.
Similarly, Redirect offers a cost-effective way to alter the trajectory of a spell, but Misdirection rises above with its alternative casting condition, which can be a lifesaver in a pinch. Comparing these two, one might favor Redirect for its lower overall cost, however, the flexibility of Misdirection’s free-cast mechanic often proves more valuable in crucial moments.
In essence, Misdirection provides a dynamic tool in a player’s arsenal that can pivot the outcome of a game by cleverly reassigning threats. It meshes disruption and surprise, making it a compelling choice among its counterparts. By examining its use in various situations, Misdirection secures a prominent spot for itself in the realm of interactive and defensive spells.
Cards similar to Misdirection by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Misdirection. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
# | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
---|---|---|---|---|
Beanstalk Control | Legacy | Beanstalk Control | Legacy Challenge 32 2024-03-24 | |
Doomsday | Legacy | Doomsday | Legacy Preliminary 2024-04-01 (1) | |
Reanimator | Legacy | Reanimator | Legacy Challenge 32 2024-04-21 | |
Jeskai Oracle Combo | Legacy | Blue Oracle Combo | Legacy Challenge 64 2024-02-04 | |
Tainted Pact | Legacy | Doomsday | Berlin Double Up Legacy IV im Brettspielplatz 04.04.24 | |
Five-color Combo | Legacy | Painter | Charlotte Legacy League Season 2 Week 1 | |
Paradoxical Outcome | Vintage | 5c Esper Saga | HBMO24 - Dave & Adams Vintage 1k | |
U | Legacy | Legacy League 2024-02-21 | ||
Mono-Blue Combo | Legacy | Blue Oracle Combo | Berlin Double Up Legacy III im Brettspielplatz 07.03.24 | |
Sneak and Show | Legacy | Sneak and Show | Berlin Double Up Legacy III im Brettspielplatz 07.03.24 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Misdirection enables a strategic shift of target spells without expending an additional card from your hand, effectively maintaining your card advantage in long games.
Resource Acceleration: By potentially redirecting an opponent’s spell that targets your assets, Misdirection acts as a preventative measure, safeguarding your resources and thus indirectly contributing to acceleration by preserving board state.
Instant Speed: As an instant, Misdirection offers the flexibility to disrupt opponents’ strategies during crucial phases of their turn, providing a reactive tool to protect your interests or capitalize on their moves.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Misdirection commands you to discard a nonland card as part of its alternate casting cost. This can be a steep price, especially if your hand is already dwindling or composed of crucial pieces you can’t afford to lose.
Specific Mana Cost: Misdirection’s casting cost requires two blue mana, making it a color-specific card. For players running multicolor decks or those with a limited amount of blue mana sources, fitting Misdirection into the deck could prove challenging.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a standard casting cost of three generic and two blue mana, Misdirection is relatively costly for a reactive spell. Decks striving for efficiency might find it difficult to justify the mana investment when other lower-cost alternatives are available for protecting their game plan.
Reasons to Include Misdirection in Your Collection
Versatility: Misdirection is known for its flexibility, capable of being slotted into various decks. This card excels in blue-based control or combo decks, where unexpected protection or interaction alteration is key.
Combo Potential: At its core, this card has the capability to redirect key spells that may target your precious permanents or even your own spells. This can lead to surprising shift in the game’s momentum, playing well with strategies revolving around stack manipulation.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where instant spells and critical targeted effects are prevalent, Misdirection can be a game-changer. The ability to change a spell’s target without spending mana can blindside opponents and completely turn the tides of a match.
How to beat
Misdirection is a powerful card that can turn the tides of a game by redirecting a spell to a new target. Overcoming this blue instant can be tricky, but there are strategies to mitigate its impact. One effective approach is to bait out Misdirection with a less crucial spell before casting your more vital spells. Keep a track of your opponent’s mana pool, as Misdirection requires at least one blue mana to be cast.
Another method is to play spells that cannot be countered or redirected, such as those with the ability “can’t be countered.” Additionally, including cards in your deck that provide hexproof or shroud to your permanents can protect them from becoming unintended targets of Misdirection. Plays that involve multiple spell casts in a single turn can also overwhelm a player relying on Misdirection, as they can typically only afford to redirect one of them.
Always remain observant of the game state; if your opponent has open blue mana and enough cards in hand, they could be holding onto Misdirection. Plan your turns carefully to either force it out when it’s least damaging or when you’re prepared with a countermeasure. With thoughtful gameplay, Misdirection can be overcome, allowing you to maintain control of the match.
BurnMana Recommendations
Dive deeper into the intricate dance of MTG strategy where Misdirection plays a pivotal role in commanding the flow of the game. Embrace the art of subterfuge and master the timing of this instant to shield your board or embroil opponents in their own spells. Are you aiming to refine your deck with cards that twist the arc of battle in your favor? Perhaps you’re interested in developing strategies that outwit and outplay your adversaries. We encourage your continued exploration of tactical plays and deck synergies. Align with us to discover more about Misdirection and other defining cards, enhancing your gameplay to its zenith.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Misdirection MTG card by a specific set like Mercadian Masques and World Championship Decks 2001, 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 Misdirection and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
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- MTG Mint Card
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- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
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Printings
The Misdirection Magic the Gathering card was released in 8 different sets between 1999-10-04 and 2019-12-02. Illustrated by 3 different artists.
# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1999-10-04 | Mercadian Masques | MMQ | 87 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Paolo Parente | |
2 | 2001-08-08 | World Championship Decks 2001 | WC01 | ab87sb | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Paolo Parente | |
3 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 62461 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mathias Kollros | ||
4 | 2014-06-06 | Conspiracy | CNS | 102 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Mathias Kollros | |
5 | 2017-10-24 | Duel Decks: Merfolk vs. Goblins | DDT | 15 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mathias Kollros | |
6 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 432 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mathias Kollros | |
7 | Secret Lair Drop | SLD | 1272 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Rovina Cai | ||
8 | The List | PLST | DDT-15 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Mathias Kollros |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Misdirection has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Commander | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Premodern | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Misdirection card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
Date | Text |
---|---|
2004-10-04 | If there is no other legal target for the spell, this does not change the target. |
2004-10-04 | Once the spell resolves, the new target is considered to be targeted by the deflected spell. This will trigger any effects which trigger on being targeted. |
2004-10-04 | The target of a spell that targets another spell on the stack can be changed to any other spell on the stack, even if the new target will resolve before the spell does. |
2004-10-04 | This does not check if the current target is legal. It just checks if the spell has a single target. |
2004-10-04 | This only targets the spell being changed, not the original or new target of the spell it is affecting. |
2004-10-04 | You can choose to make a spell on the stack target this spell (if such a target choice would be legal had the spell been cast while this spell was on the stack). The new target for the deflected spell is not chosen until this spell resolves. This spell is still on the stack when new targets are selected for the spell. |
2004-10-04 | You can’t make a spell which is on the stack target itself. |
2004-10-04 | You choose the spell to target on announcement, but you pick the new target for that spell on resolution. |