Repel MTG Card

Repel offers card advantage by disrupting opponents’ strategies with its creature-bouncing effect. Instant speed makes Repel a flexible tool for interfering with enemy plays in combat. Its mana cost and discarding requirements pose strategic considerations for deck builders.

Odyssey (ODY)
2001-10-01 - Number 98

Vintage Masters (VMA)
2014-06-16 - Number 89

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Common
Type	Instant

Text of card

Put target creature on top of its owner's library.

"I have a hunch we'll be seeing that one again soon." —Ambassador Laquatus

Cards like Repel

Delving into the realm of instant-speed control options, Repel stands out for its ability to return a creature to its owner’s hand. This mechanism is shared by other similar cards, such as Unsummon, which provides a similar bounce effect at a lower mana cost, but Unsummon lacks the card draw aspect that gives Repel an extra edge. Then there’s Into the Roil, another contender with a bounce dynamic that scales with its kicker cost, allowing for optional card draw, providing flexibility depending on the game’s circumstances.

Comparing these spells, Cyclonic Rift offers a broader impact, capable of targeting not just creatures but other nonland permanents as well. Additionally, its overload cost escalates the effect to a full-scale board bounce, which Repel cannot match. Yet, for precision and savings on mana, Repel and its more-targeted cousins remain invaluable tools in a player’s arsenal, offering more than just temporary removal but also a replenishment of options in hand.

Overall, while Repel might not clear the board or come at the cheapest of costs, its blend of targeted removal and card advantage makes it a noteworthy inclusion in decks that aim to maintain card flow while dealing with threats efficiently.

Cards similar to Repel by color, type and mana cost

Careful Consideration - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Repel is known for its ability to put an opponent’s creature on top of their library. This disrupts their play and can potentially delay their strategy, leading to card advantage for the player as the opponent essentially draws the same card again.

Resource Acceleration: While Repel itself isn’t a direct source of resource acceleration, managing the battlefield effectively can indirectly lead to resource advantage. By bouncing key creatures at the right moment, you can open the way for your threats or disrupt the enemy’s combo, saving resources you would have otherwise spent on dealing with that creature.

Instant Speed: The power of Repel at instant speed cannot be overstated. It offers the flexibility to remove a blocker or an attacker during combat, or in response to an opponent casting an Aura or Equipment, which could lead to a 2-for-1 situation favoring you. The surprise element is essential in competitive play, and Repel’s instant speed offers that tactical edge.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One aspect of Repel that might deter players is its discard requirement. Needing to discard another card to activate its ability could be a significant setback if your hand is already limited, affecting your strategic options.

Specific Mana Cost: Repel’s mana cost isn’t as flexible as some players would prefer. It requires blue mana, which means it’s exclusively suited for blue or multicolor decks. This constraint can make it less appealing for those looking to build a deck that doesn’t lean heavily on blue mana sources.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The cost of Repel’s effect can appear steep when compared to other options in the game. At a cost of three mana, particularly in a fast-paced match, players might find that other cards provide more immediate or impactful results with a lower mana investment.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Repel is a flexible card that can be slotted into various decks, shining in those that need instant-speed interaction to disrupt opponents’ plays. Its ability to return creatures to their owner’s hand makes it a relevant tool in numerous game scenarios.

Combo Potential: This card’s bounce effect is synergistic with decks that capitalize on casting spells or that can reuse creatures with potent enter-the-battlefield (ETB) effects. Repel adds value by resetting your own ETB triggers or undoing your opponents’ board development.

Meta-Relevance: Given that creature-based strategies are common in many formats, Repel maintains its importance. Its place in the game adjusts with the pace, allowing you to stall aggressive tactics or interrupt key plays, keeping your strategy on track. Its presence can be especially impactful in metagames where tempo is king.

How to beat

Repel is known in the Magic: The Gathering community for its ability to interrupt an opponent’s offensive strategies. To effectively counteract Repel’s influence in a match, players need to acknowledge its capacity to send creatures back to their owner’s hand. This can actually be turned to your advantage, especially if your deck capitalizes on casting creatures with enter the battlefield effects. Having such creatures in your arsenal ensures that every time Repel targets one of your creatures, you’re setting up for another beneficial effect upon recasting it.

Additionally, employing spells that can’t be countered or creatures that possess hexproof or shroud ensures that Repel’s potential impact becomes significantly diminished. Building a deck with a variety of instant-speed options can also help maintain tempo and preserve key threats on the board. A well-timed counterspell can negate Repel and keep your board presence secure, leading to sustained pressure on your adversary. Inclusion of cards that can grant protection to your creatures or spells that can quickly rebuild your board after a bounce effect are also valuable tactics in overcoming the setback Repel might cause.

In essence, understanding and anticipating its return-to-hand mechanism allows a skilled MTG player to navigate around Repel, converting it from a setback to an incidental step in a grander game plan.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Repel MTG card by a specific set like Odyssey and Vintage Masters, 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 Repel and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Repel Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2001-10-01 and 2014-06-16. Illustrated by Terese Nielsen.

#	Released	Name	Code	Symbol	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2001-10-01	Odyssey	ODY		98	1997	Normal	Black	Terese Nielsen
2	2014-06-16	Vintage Masters	VMA		89	2015	Normal	Black	Terese Nielsen

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Repel has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal