Moment of Defiance MTG Card


Moment of Defiance provides card advantage by countering crucial opponent spells and shifts resource balance. Its dual capacity for resource acceleration and instant speed play adds a dynamic element to matches. While powerful, the card’s specific mana needs and discard requirement may limit its deck compatibility.
Moment of Defiance - The Brothers' War
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeInstant
Released2022-11-18
Set symbol
Set nameThe Brothers' War
Set codeBRO
Number108
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byInkognit

Text of card

Target creature gets +2/+1 and gains lifelink until end of turn. Draw a card.

"Well? What are you waiting for? Let's not keep the buzzards waiting."


Cards like Moment of Defiance

Moment of Defiance is an interesting spell within the realm of interaction and counterplay in Magic: The Gathering. It is reminiscent of cards such as Mana Leak, which similarly disrupts opponents’ plays by countering spells unless they pay additional mana. Moment of Defiance, however, adds a twist with its ability to deal damage if certain conditions regarding the target spell’s mana value are met. This gives it a dual purpose, acting as both a countermeasure and a source of direct damage.

Comparing it further, Negate is a card that also serves as a permission spell, but unlike Moment of Defiance, it focuses exclusively on noncreature spells and lacks the damage-dealing aspect. Disdainful Stroke, too, can counter spells with four or greater mana value, which some might find to be a narrower yet sometimes more essential focus in certain deck strategies. Lastly, Spell Pierce is a cost-effective alternative that counters for a mere single blue mana, though it requires sharp timing due to its restriction to only target spells unless their caster pays additional mana.

When evaluating Moment of Defiance against its counterparts, it holds a niche advantage in instances where countering lower-cost spells and simultaneously threatening damage can turn the tide of a game, placing it as a card with a unique angle in a player’s arsenal.

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

Cards similar to Moment of Defiance by color, type and mana cost

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Spoils of Evil - MTG Card versions
Dark Banishing - MTG Card versions
Carrion - MTG Card versions
Sick and Tired - MTG Card versions
Corpse Dance - MTG Card versions
Bone Harvest - MTG Card versions
Slay - MTG Card versions
Afflict - MTG Card versions
Dismember - MTG Card versions
Body Count - MTG Card versions
Reaping the Graves - MTG Card versions
Execute - MTG Card versions
Kill! Destroy! - MTG Card versions
Sudden Death - MTG Card versions
Footbottom Feast - MTG Card versions
Fevered Strength - MTG Card versions
Hideous End - MTG Card versions
Corpse Lunge - MTG Card versions
Necrobite - MTG Card versions
Murder - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Moment of Defiance shines when it comes to maintaining the grip on your game with its ability to counter critical spells. Successfully negating your opponent’s play not only keeps your position stable but effectively decreases the resources they have at their disposal, shifting the card advantage in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: This card doesn’t just stop your opponent’s momentum, it can also accelerate your own. By countering a spell with a certain mana cost, Moment of Defiance can channel that thwarted energy into a surge of resources, potentially unlocking new opportunities and plays on your battlefield far quicker than usual.

Instant Speed: Flexibility is key in MTG, and Moment of Defiance operates at instant speed, providing you with a powerful option during the most crucial times. The ability to react to your opponent’s actions during their turn not only keeps them guessing but ensures that your mana is never idle, waiting for the perfect moment to spring into action and change the course of the match.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Engaging with Moment of Defiance requires a player to part with a card from their hand, which can lead to a potential resource disadvantage. This kind of trade-off can be particularly challenging when your hand is already depleted or if the discarded card is key to your strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: With its need for two red mana, Moment of Defiance demands a commitment to red mana resources. This constraint can make it less flexible for inclusion in multi-color decks where mana consistency is crucial, possibly confining it to mono-red builds or those with heavy red influence.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The cost to cast Moment of Defiance stands at four mana, which can be on the higher side for the effect it provides. In a game where tempo is essential, dedicating four mana to this card might hinder your development, especially when other cards could offer similar effects with less mana investment or additional benefits.


Reasons to Include Moment of Defiance in Your Collection

Versatility: Moment of Defiance is a card that could complement a variety of decks, being particularly helpful when you need an unexpected twist. Its ability to redirect damage adds a layer of protection and surprise during gameplay.

Combo Potential: With this card, you can develop interesting combinations, utilizing redirected damage as a strategic advantage to activate certain abilities or to disrupt your opponent’s tactics. It’s a smart way to turn a defensive move into an offensive opportunity.

Meta-Relevance: Given the fluctuating dynamics of the current meta, Moment of Defiance can act as a safeguard against heavy-hitting spells and abilities that are common in competitive scenes. It ensures you stay one step ahead, countering key plays from adversaries effectively.


How to beat

Moment of Defiance is a card that can spell trouble for players attempting to navigate its intricacies in MTG. Players often find themselves grappling with its immediate impact on the battlefield. When preparing to counter this spell, one efficient method includes incorporating instant-speed removal or damage prevention. This allows a player to address the targeted creature before Moment of Defiance has a chance to convert damage into a beneficial outcome for the opponent.

Another strategy involves the use of counter spells, which can preemptively neutralize Moment of Defiance before it even takes effect. Timing is crucial; knowing when to play disruption or counter spells can make all the difference. Additionally, building a resilient board state that can withstand the temporary setback of a buffed creature can also mitigate the impact.

Ideally, maintaining a balance of threats and answers in your deck not only prepares you for Moment of Defiance but for a array of challenging scenarios you may encounter. Understanding and anticipating your opponent’s moves remains a cornerstone of strategy in MTG, and is particularly relevant when dealing with the fickle nature of this card’s effect.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Moment of Defiance MTG card by a specific set like The Brothers' War, 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 Moment of Defiance and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Moment of Defiance has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal