Overrule MTG Card
2006-05-05 - Number 120
2012-03-30 - Number 32
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Counter target spell unless its controller pays . You gain X life.
With one commanding word, the spell was put down and a fine collected for its casting.
Cards like Overrule
Overrule is a unique counter spell within the Magic: The Gathering landscape. It stands toe-to-toe with iconic counter spells like Counterspell itself, which simply denies any single spell for a minimal investment of two blue mana. Overrule adds a twist with its X cost, giving players the flexibility to counter spells of various strengths while gaining life equal to the X paid. This life gain is an added benefit not seen in the majority of counter options.
Similarly, Absorb is another spell that counters while increasing the caster’s life points, but it does so with a fixed cost and a set life gain, unlike Overrule’s scalable effect. There’s also Syncopate, which exiles the countered spell and has a variable cost, yet comes without the life gain perk, making it slightly less helpful in stabilizing against aggressive starts.
Around the panorama of control spells in Magic: The Gathering, Overrule presents an intriguing balance. It’s not just about reacting to opponents’ moves, but also fortifying one’s life total in the process, making it a strategic choice in decks that aim for the long game.
Cards similar to Overrule by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Overrule not only counters your opponent’s spell but also gives the added bonus of drawing you cards. This draws a parallel to gaining valuable insights in real-time, providing you the upper hand in the strategic ebb and flow of the game.
Resource Acceleration: The scalable nature of Overrule lends itself to a form of resource acceleration. By paying more mana into the X cost, you gain a larger life buffer which can indirectly save resources that might otherwise be spent on stabilizing your life total.
Instant Speed: The flexibility of responding at instant speed with Overrule cannot be understated. It presents the opportunity to shift the tides in your favor on your opponent’s turn, disrupting their momentum and preserving yours.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Overrule necessitates discarding a card to activate its secondary feature. This can deplete your hand, especially when you’re trying to maintain card advantage against your opponent.
Specific Mana Cost: Overrule’s cost includes both white and blue mana. This specific requirement might restrict its integration in decks that are not running both colors, potentially limiting its overall flexibility in various deck builds.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Overrule’s effectiveness may be overshadowed by other counter spells or alternative forms of card advantage given its mana value. For players seeking efficient mana investment, Overrule could be seen as a less practical choice when considering other options in the same mana range.
Reasons to Include Overrule in Your Collection
Versatility: Overrule is a multifaceted card that can slide into numerous deck archetypes with ease. Its capacity to counter spells while simultaneously gaining you life makes it a valuable addition to any collection looking for flexibility.
Combo Potential: This card’s unique ability to thwart an opponent’s strategy while bolstering your own defenses creates numerous synergistic opportunities. It pairs well with decks that capitalize on life gain or those that aim to outlast the opponent through attrition.
Meta-Relevance: As the competitive landscape fluctuates, a card like Overrule remains pertinent. In environments filled with crucial noncreature spells, having access to a versatile counter can be a game-changer, making it a noteworthy choice for players aiming to stay ahead in the meta.
How to Beat Overrule
Overrule is a flexible counter spell that can swing games in Magic: The Gathering by countering a target spell unless its caster pays X, where X is the amount of mana you pay. Additionally, you gain life equal to the number of blue and white mana spent to counter that spell, which can be a slight buffer in tight situations.
To outmaneuver Overrule, consider baiting it out early when your opponent has less mana available, thus limiting the X value they can pay to make the counter successful. It’s also wise to keep an eye on the opponent’s mana pool. If they have a heavy reserve, play less crucial spells first to drain their resources. Remember, Overrule doesn’t negate abilities, so you can also rely on creature and artifact abilities that aren’t on the stack as spells to circumvent this counter.
Deck construction can play a pivotal role as well. Opt for spells with uncounterable as a keyword or ones that grant such an ability to other spells. This way, Overrule loses much of its potency, letting you advance your board state without the constant threat of being set back by this mediation spell.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Overrule MTG card by a specific set like Dissension and Duel Decks: Venser vs. Koth, 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 Overrule and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
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- MTG Mint Card
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- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
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Printings
The Overrule Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2006-05-05 and 2012-03-30. Illustrated by Alan Pollack.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2006-05-05 | Dissension | DIS | 120 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Alan Pollack | |
| 2 | 2012-03-30 | Duel Decks: Venser vs. Koth | DDI | 32 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Alan Pollack |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Overrule has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Overrule 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 | You gain the life whether or not the spell’s controller pays and whether or not the spell is countered. |