Odds // Ends MTG Card
2006-05-05 - Number 153
2020-09-26 - Number DIS-153
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 7 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Target player sacrifices two attacking creatures.
Cards like Odds // Ends
Odds // Ends is a unique split card in Magic: The Gathering that offers flexibility in gameplay with its two distinct halves. When comparing this card to other split cards such as Fire // Ice, we see a common theme of versatility. However, Odds // Ends goes a step further by offering the ability to either disrupt an opponent’s strategy with the Odds side or to provide a solid removal option with the Ends side. Fire // Ice, while offering a combination of damage and tempo control, doesn’t quite match the potential to swing a game like Odds // Ends can with its Ends resolution.
Commit // Memory is another split card that shares the duality of instant-speed interaction and a game-altering sorcery. While it provides a powerful way to deal with any nonland permanent or spell with Commit and a refilled hand with Memory, it still differs from the immediate board impact that Ends can have. The tactical decision of when to use each side of these split cards can lead to vastly different outcomes in a match.
In essence, Odds // Ends stands out in the panorama of MTG split cards due to its ability to offer instant speed disruption along with a potent sorcery effect, a combination that allows players to really shape the battlefield in their favor.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Odds // Ends is celebrated among players for its potential to influence card advantage in their favor. Casting Ends can be a strategic move, particularly when you manage to eliminate two or more creatures in one sweep. This, in effect, reduces the number of threats on the board while maintaining or even increasing your card options.
Resource Acceleration: When choosing the Odds half of the card, it not only deals with early game threats but can also change the tide of resource availability. By disrupting early creature-based ramp or pivotal utility creatures, you stay ahead in the race for resource acceleration.
Instant Speed: The flexibility of casting Odds // Ends at instant speed cannot be overstated. This card allows you to adapt to the evolving state of the game, keeping your opponents guessing. You can strategically navigate your turns, choosing the optimal moment to cast either half of the card, especially during critical phases of your opponent’s turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Odds // Ends demands a card be discarded, which may hinder your game plan especially when running low on cards in hand. This can be particularly detrimental in situations where maintaining a full grip is critical to success.
Specific Mana Cost: Necessitating both blue and red mana, Odds // Ends is restricted to decks that can accommodate this color combination, potentially limiting its versatility across various archetypes.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value of five for either half of the card, it occupies a slot where players often expect significant impact—something to consider when balancing the card’s benefits with its costs.
Reasons to Include Odds // Ends in Your Collection
Versatility: Odds // Ends is known for its capacity to adjust to various situations. Whether you’re looking to disrupt your opponent’s turn or secure your win condition, this split card offers strategic flexibility. The ‘Odds’ side can sift through unpredictable game states, while ‘Ends’ offers a straightforward solution to remove troublesome creatures.
Combo Potential: This card holds significant combo potential as it can complement various strategies. On one hand, ‘Odds’ can synergize with spells that manipulate or benefit from card draw, and on the other, ‘Ends’ can function in a deck geared towards control and removal. Its duality enables seamless integration into diverse game plans.
Meta-Relevance: In ever-shifting metagames, versatility is king. Odds // Ends resonates with this philosophy, carving a niche for itself. Players who anticipate a meta with a mix of aggressive creatures and the need for reactionary plays might find this card an underutilized gem. It holds its ground in multiple scenarios, making it a worthy consideration for your deck’s arsenal.
How to Beat
Odds // Ends is a split card from Magic: The Gathering that can catch players off-guard with its dual utility. To effectively counter this card, it’s crucial to know the differences in timing and how to anticipate its use. The Odds side targets high-power creatures, disrupting aggressive strategies, while Ends deals with smaller threats, providing a potential two-for-one advantage. One of the best strategies to mitigate its impact is to diversify your creature sizes, avoiding overcommitment to the board, which can leave you vulnerable.
Maintaining a hand with flexible responses is key. Instants like Counterspell or Negate can stop Odds // Ends before it can influence the battlefield. If you’re playing a creature-heavy deck, spells like Heroic Intervention can give your creatures indestructibility or hexproof temporarily, nullifying the effects of Odds // Ends. It’s also worth considering the timing of your plays; since Odds is an instant, playing significative creatures in your second main phase can reduce the card advantage your opponent might gain. Ends, as a sorcery, requires a more cautious approach to creature deployment earlier on.
Ultimately, beating Odds // Ends comes down to a mixture of deckbuilding choices and tactical play. By understanding the intricacies of this split card and how to navigate around its strengths, you’ll stand a better chance on the field of MTG duels.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Odds // Ends MTG card by a specific set like Dissension and The List, 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 Odds // Ends 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 Odds // Ends Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2006-05-05 and 2006-05-05. Illustrated by Michael Sutfin.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2006-05-05 | Dissension | DIS | 153 | 2003 | Split | Black | Michael Sutfin | |
| 2 | The List | PLST | DIS-153 | 2003 | Split | Black | Michael Sutfin |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Odds // Ends has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Odds // Ends card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2006-05-01 | The Odds coin flip has no winner or loser, and no player calls “heads” or “tails.” |