Shunt MTG Card
2004-02-06 - Number 68
2007-07-13 - Number 233
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Change the target of target spell with a single target.
"You might want to work on your aim."
Cards like Shunt
Shunt stands out in the realm of Magic: The Gathering as a spell that fluidly redirects the target of a single spell or ability to a new one. It’s a striking parallel to the likes of Wild Ricochet, which not only redirects a spell but also copies it, offering a veil of both protection and potential increase in power. Yet, unlike Shunt, Wild Ricochet cannot alter the targets of abilities, a subtle but significant strategic difference when in the throes of a match.
Other interesting comparisons include Redirect, a card that shares the redirection effect at a lower cost, but limits its use exclusively to spells. This peculiarity affords Redirect a more accessible use earlier in the game at the potential cost of broad versatility found in Shunt’s additional ability targeting. Then, we identify Fork, which instead of redirecting, copies a spell altogether and allows the caster to choose new targets for the copy. While Fork offers duplication rather than diversion, Shunt provides that instantaneous shift in gameplay dynamics that can turn the tide in a moment’s notice.
In the landscape of MTG, each card’s niche utility invites players to carefully consider their deck’s strategic alignment. Shunt, with its direct and versatile spell redirection, claims its place as a tactical tool adaptable to a myriad of game scenarios, solidifying its stature among redirection effects.
Cards similar to Shunt by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Shunt doesn’t necessarily grant card advantage in the traditional sense, but by redirecting a critical spell or ability, it can neutralize opponents’ key plays, often effectively countering a spell without losing a card from your hand.
Resource Acceleration: While Shunt isn’t a direct source of mana or resource acceleration, the strategic redirection of removal spells or game-changing abilities can preserve your resources on the board, maintaining the tempo and setting you up for subsequent power plays.
Instant Speed: Shunt operates at instant speed, giving players the flexibility to wait until the most impactful moment. This allows for surprise shifts in the game state and enables you to dictate the flow of combat or key spells when your opponent least expects it.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Unlike other instant spells, Shunt does not have a discard requirement, which gives it an advantage in not depleting your hand.
Specific Mana Cost: Shunt requires a precise mana combination, with two red and one generic mana, making it inflexible for decks that aren’t centered around red mana sources.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With an investment of three mana for a single redirection effect, some players might find Shunt less appealing when there are alternatives that provide broader control or disruption for a similar cost.
Reasons to Include Shunt in Your Collection
Versatility: Shunt’s ability to redirect target spells offers flexibility in both offensive and defensive situations. This red instant fits well in decks that aim to protect key permanents or disrupt opponents’ plans on the fly.
Combo Potential: When used strategically, Shunt can turn an opponent’s targeted removal or buff spells against them, essentially allowing you to combo off of their actions for surprise plays and game-changing moments.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where spells targeting specific cards are prevalent, Shunt serves as a powerful tool to nullify threats and turn the tide in your favor, keeping your deck competitive within the ever-shifting meta.
How to beat
The Shunt card in Magic: The Gathering stands out as a flexible countermeasure to redirect spells that target. Players often use it as a surprise element to turn the tables by redirecting a spell’s effect to another target, which could mean the difference between victory and defeat. To effectively outmaneuver Shunt, it’s crucial to recognize the situations where it’s a potent threat and manage your plays accordingly.
Introducing bait spells to exhaust the opponent’s resources or holding onto instant-speed removal can unsettle their strategy. Playing around Shunt involves careful consideration of when to cast your most impactful spells. It’s also important to take note of the mana your opponent leaves untapped – typically three mana with at least two red sources can be a telltale sign of Shunt. By doing so, you can maintain control of the board and ensure your critical spells achieve their intended targets, mitigating the disruptive power of Shunt.
In essence, overcoming Shunt requires strategic planning and maintaining awareness of the opponent’s available mana and potential counters. By adjusting your play to anticipate and adapt to Shunt’s influence, you can negate its effect and maintain the upper hand in your matches.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Shunt MTG card by a specific set like Darksteel and Tenth Edition, 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 Shunt 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
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Printings
The Shunt Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2004-02-06 and 2007-07-13. Illustrated by Greg Hildebrandt.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2004-02-06 | Darksteel | DST | 68 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Greg Hildebrandt | |
| 2 | 2007-07-13 | Tenth Edition | 10E | 233 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Greg Hildebrandt |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Shunt 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 Shunt card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | If there is no other legal target for the spell, this does not change the target. |
| 2004-10-04 | Once the spell resolves, the new target is considered to be targeted by the deflected spell. This will trigger any effects which trigger on being targeted. |
| 2004-10-04 | The target of a spell that targets another spell on the stack can be changed to any other spell on the stack, even if the new target will resolve before the spell does. |
| 2004-10-04 | This does not check if the current target is legal. It just checks if the spell has a single target. |
| 2004-10-04 | This only targets the spell being changed, not the original or new target of the spell it is affecting. |
| 2004-10-04 | You can choose to make a spell on the stack target this spell (if such a target choice would be legal had the spell been cast while this spell was on the stack). The new target for the deflected spell is not chosen until this spell resolves. This spell is still on the stack when new targets are selected for the spell. |
| 2004-10-04 | You can’t make a spell which is on the stack target itself. |
| 2004-10-04 | You choose the spell to target on announcement, but you pick the new target for that spell on resolution. |
| 2007-07-15 | If a spell targets multiple things, you can’t target it with Shunt, even if all but one of those targets has become illegal. |
| 2007-07-15 | If a spell targets the same player or object multiple times, you can’t target it with Shunt. |