Moderation MTG Card


It allows drawing extra cards, pacing gameplay for a controlled, advantageous playstyle. While it enhances card quality, it restricts you to casting one spell per turn. Strategically, it can integrate into control decks, disrupting opponents and guiding the game flow.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeEnchantment

Text of card

You can't cast more than one spell each turn. Whenever you cast a spell, draw a card.

"Good things come to those who are judicious in their appetites." —*The Book of Bruna*


Cards like Moderation

Moderation is a unique enchantment in the landscape of Magic: The Gathering. It’s closely related to cards like Rule of Law or Eidolon of Rhetoric that also limit spell casting to one per turn. Unlike these options, Moderation adds a twist by allowing you to draw a card each time you cast a spell, provided that it’s the only one you’ve cast that turn. This offers a built-in card advantage mechanism that Rule of Law and Eidolon of Rhetoric lack.

Similarly, another analog is the enchantment Arcane Laboratory which also restricts players to one spell per turn. Again, Moderation edges out related cards with its card draw benefit, although it restricts you to casting just your own spells. Over the course of many turns, this can translate into significant card advantage, making it a favorable option in control decks focused on maintaining hand superiority and resource balance.

Factoring in gameplay strategies, Moderation demands a deck that can capitalize on the card advantage while managing the limitations imposed on spell casting. Its unique combination of restriction and reward positions Moderation distinctively among MTG cards that influence the number of spells played each turn.

Rule of Law - MTG Card versions
Eidolon of Rhetoric - MTG Card versions
Arcane Laboratory - MTG Card versions
Rule of Law - MTG Card versions
Eidolon of Rhetoric - MTG Card versions
Arcane Laboratory - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Moderation by color, type and mana cost

Chromatic Armor - MTG Card versions
Spectral Shield - MTG Card versions
Arenson's Aura - MTG Card versions
Reparations - MTG Card versions
Teferi's Care - MTG Card versions
Plumes of Peace - MTG Card versions
Steel of the Godhead - MTG Card versions
Ardent Plea - MTG Card versions
Detention Sphere - MTG Card versions
Ephara's Enlightenment - MTG Card versions
Invocation of Saint Traft - MTG Card versions
Lawmage's Binding - MTG Card versions
Dovin's Acuity - MTG Card versions
High Alert - MTG Card versions
The Raven's Warning - MTG Card versions
Niko Defies Destiny - MTG Card versions
A-Brine Comber // A-Brinebound Gift - MTG Card versions
Brine Comber // Brinebound Gift - MTG Card versions
Pull of the Mist Moon - MTG Card versions
Invasion of Theros // Ephara, Ever-Sheltering - MTG Card versions
Chromatic Armor - MTG Card versions
Spectral Shield - MTG Card versions
Arenson's Aura - MTG Card versions
Reparations - MTG Card versions
Teferi's Care - MTG Card versions
Plumes of Peace - MTG Card versions
Steel of the Godhead - MTG Card versions
Ardent Plea - MTG Card versions
Detention Sphere - MTG Card versions
Ephara's Enlightenment - MTG Card versions
Invocation of Saint Traft - MTG Card versions
Lawmage's Binding - MTG Card versions
Dovin's Acuity - MTG Card versions
High Alert - MTG Card versions
The Raven's Warning - MTG Card versions
Niko Defies Destiny - MTG Card versions
A-Brine Comber // A-Brinebound Gift - MTG Card versions
Brine Comber // Brinebound Gift - MTG Card versions
Pull of the Mist Moon - MTG Card versions
Invasion of Theros // Ephara, Ever-Sheltering - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Moderation is designed to enhance your card selection process by allowing you to draw an additional card every time you cast another spell. This strict card-by-card exchange system can lead to a significant advantage over your opponent by refining the quality of your hand without depleting your resources.

Resource Acceleration: While Moderation itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its unique ability ensures that you maintain a constant stream of cards which indirectly supports your overall resource management. A well-maintained hand can lead to more strategic plays, allowing you to deploy your resources more effectively.

Instant Speed: The inherent benefit of playing spells at instant speed is flexibility, and while Moderation isn’t an instant itself, it encourages a playstyle that leverages the power of instant-speed interactions. With Moderation on the battlefield, you can craftily navigate through turns, casting spells on your opponent’s turn to draw into more answers or threats, always keeping your opponents guessing.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Moderation demands you discard another card whenever you attempt to cast another spell, which can hinder your hand management and reduce your options, especially in fast-paced games where resources are crucial.

Specific Mana Cost: Moderation requires both white and blue mana, which necessitates a commitment to those colours. This can restrict deck-building flexibility and potentially cause mana issues in a multi-coloured deck.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, including one white and one blue, Moderation may be considered cost-inefficient compared to other enchantments that offer immediate value or have lower mana requirements for setup.


Reasons to Include Moderation in Your Collection

Versatility: Moderation offers a unique effect that requires you to adjust your strategy, which can be a significant advantage. Its restriction on one spell per turn encourages thoughtful play and can slot into control decks that prioritize quality over quantity.

Combo Potential: With Moderation in play, each spell you cast nets you an additional card, fueling your hand for future turns. It allows players to maintain card advantage while setting up for potent combos that can turn the tide of the game.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where the pace is frantic, Moderation can help slow things down and force opponents to play on your terms, making it a relevant choice for disrupting opponents’ plans and maintaining control over the game’s flow.


How to beat

Moderation is a unique MTG card that challenges players with both its restrictions and rewards. As card advantage is key in Magic: The Gathering, Moderation’s limitation on casting more than one spell each turn requires a strategic approach. To outmaneuver this card, consider deploying multiple threats per turn to exhaust your opponent’s resources. Cards with Flash can be useful in this scenario, allowing you to cast on your opponent’s turn, mitigating Moderation’s downside.

Another strategy involves using removal spells or abilities to force through your important spells. Since Moderation demands a commitment to a single spell per turn, removing it opens the floodgates for your own strategy. Disruption plays a critical role here, especially in counter-heavy matchups where Moderation could lock you out of the game if not answered promptly.

Ultimately, while Moderation can impose a substantial tempo, by adapting your play style to a more aggressive or interactive strategy, you can mitigate its impact. Removing the enchantment or overwhelming it with multiple threats can swiftly turn the tables in your favor.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the art of MTG means understanding both the strengths and subtleties of cards like Moderation. Its card-advantage mechanism offers a strategic edge, but remember, it requires careful hand management and a precision approach to spellcasting. When considering Moderation for your collection, think about how its unique ability can fit into control decks, and don’t overlook the potential for setting up powerful combos or disrupting opposing strategies. Curious about integrating Moderation into your gameplay or seeking alternatives with different playstyles? Dive deeper with us and unlock the synergies and tactics that can make Moderation a cornerstone in your MTG deck arsenal.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Moderation MTG card by a specific set like Modern Horizons 2 and Modern Horizons 2, 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 Moderation and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Moderation Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2021-06-18 and 2021-06-19. Illustrated by Randy Vargas.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12021-06-18Modern Horizons 2MH2 2062015NormalBlackRandy Vargas
22021-06-18Modern Horizons 2MH2 3712015NormalBlackRandy Vargas
32021-06-19Modern Horizons 2 PromosPMH2 206s2015NormalBlackRandy Vargas

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Moderation has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2021-06-18 If an effect says you can't cast spells, and another effect instructs you to cast a spell, such as that of the ability that triggers when you remove the last time counter from a card with suspend, you won't be able to cast that spell.
2021-06-18 If you cast Moderation, you've already cast at least one spell that turn (Moderation itself) so you won't be able to cast any more spells until the next turn. If Moderation comes under your control on a turn you haven't cast any spells, you'll be able to cast one spell that turn.
2021-06-18 Moderation's triggered ability works only while it's on the battlefield, so it doesn't let you draw a card when you cast it.