Snapback MTG Card


Snapback provides card advantage and tempo control with its ability to return creatures instantaneously without mana cost. Strategic and flexible, Snapback allows players to maximize resource use while maintaining pressure and defense capabilities. Its strict blue mana and discard requirements can limit use but still bolster control and tempo-focused MTG decks.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

You may remove a blue card in your hand from the game rather than pay Snapback's mana cost. Return target creature to its owner's hand.

"If it returns years hence, our knowledge of how to combat it will be that much greater." —Andorel, Tolarian sentinel


Cards like Snapback

Snapback is an intriguing spell in the universe of Magic: The Gathering. Its capabilities are reminiscent of other spells like Vapor Snag, which is also known for returning target creature to its owner’s hand. However, Snapback stands out due to its unique feature – the ability to bypass the mana cost by exiling a blue card from your hand. Vapor Snag does not have this provision, and it also inflicts one damage to the spell’s controller.

Unsummon also shares some similarities with Snapback. It is a spell that returns a target creature to its owner’s hand, but it doesn’t offer the free cast element. Though cheaper with a single mana cost, it misses the Snapback’s signature instant characteristic. Into the Roil is another MTG contender, it can bounce a creature or enchantment back, but it on the higher mana cost end and doesn’t incorporate the exile mechanic.

Summing up, when analyzing the traits and the value of different alternatives, Snapback holds a solid position among spells in Magic: The Gathering due to its advantageous cost circumvention and rapid response ability.

Vapor Snag - MTG Card versions
Unsummon - MTG Card versions
Into the Roil - MTG Card versions
Vapor Snag - MTG Card versions
Unsummon - MTG Card versions
Into the Roil - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Snapback by color, type and mana cost

Counterspell - MTG Card versions
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Hypnotic Sprite // Mesmeric Glare - MTG Card versions
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Rebound - MTG Card versions
Memory Lapse - MTG Card versions
Hoodwink - MTG Card versions
Tidal Bore - MTG Card versions
Accumulated Knowledge - MTG Card versions
Impulse - MTG Card versions
Cyclonic Rift - MTG Card versions
Thassa's Intervention - MTG Card versions
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Early Frost - MTG Card versions
Mana Leak - MTG Card versions
Remand - MTG Card versions
Vision Skeins - MTG Card versions
Counterspell - MTG Card versions
Hurkyl's Recall - MTG Card versions
Hypnotic Sprite // Mesmeric Glare - MTG Card versions
Lat-Nam's Legacy - MTG Card versions
Flash - MTG Card versions
Boomerang - MTG Card versions
Rebound - MTG Card versions
Memory Lapse - MTG Card versions
Hoodwink - MTG Card versions
Tidal Bore - MTG Card versions
Accumulated Knowledge - MTG Card versions
Impulse - MTG Card versions
Cyclonic Rift - MTG Card versions
Thassa's Intervention - MTG Card versions
Metamorphose - MTG Card versions
Echoing Truth - MTG Card versions
Early Frost - MTG Card versions
Mana Leak - MTG Card versions
Remand - MTG Card versions
Vision Skeins - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Snapback. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
FamiliarsFamiliars PauperFamiliarsPauper Preliminary 2024-04-18
Five-color ComboFive-color Combo LegacyPainterCharlotte Legacy League Season 2 Week 1
URUR PauperPauper League 2024-03-12
Selective OracleSelective Oracle ModernSelective OracleModern League 2023-12-11
Counter VineCounter Vine VintageCounter VineVintage Challenge 32 2023-12-16
Four-color AggroFour-color Aggro VintageCounter Vine2023 NA Vintage Champs
HollowVineHollowVine VintageCounter Vine2023 NA Vintage Champs
Abzan AggroAbzan Aggro VintageCounter Vine2023 NA Vintage Champs

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Snapback MTG card gives you a card advantage by allowing you to return target creature to its owner’s hand without paying its mana cost. This ability grants you an edge by disrupting your opponent’s battlefield presence. It’s a strategic move that lets you maintain or even increase your hand’s value throughout gameplay.

Resource Acceleration: The free-to-cast mechanic of the Snapback MTG card serves as a form of resource acceleration. By circumventing the mana cost at the expense of discarding a card, you can maximize your mana resources and open up opportunities for more powerful plays later on. It speeds up your game and provides flexibility in your mana curve.

Instant Speed: Snapback’s charm also lies in its instant speed nature. This feature gives you room for strategic timing. Whether you’re in your opponent’s turn or yours, you can respond to threats promptly. Snapback guarantees defense, surprise, or tactical advantage whenever you need it.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Snapback card implies you discard a card as an extra cost. This predicament can potentially lead to a disadvantage, especially when you’re restrained on resources and need every card in your hand.

Specific Mana Cost: Snapback’s cost is specific, only including blue mana. Its precise color requirement shackles its versatility, potentially making it a less advantageous choice for decks not oriented around this color.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Even though Snapback can be quite powerful, it bears a high mana cost of five. While it allows for a quick combat trick, there are other cards available with lower casting costs that could provide competitive advantage in a match.


Reasons to Include Snapback in Your Collection

Versatility: The versatility of Snapback is what sets it apart. This instant can fit seamlessly into a variety of decks, especially those that utilize a blue mana base, or those that aim for tempo-oriented strategies.

Combo Potential: Snapback is notorious for its potential to combo within certain strategies. It can effectively bounce potential threats, making it a crucial component in control decks. Furthermore, its alternate cost mechanic permits added intricacy and strategic depth to your gameplay.

Meta-Relevance: In the current metagame landscape where creature-heavy aggro and midrange decks often hold sway, the control and tempo benefit provided by Snapback can prove to be a game-changer.


How to Beat

Snapback presents a challenge, akin to other free spells in Magic: The Gathering, due to its distinct capability to catch you off-guard. It’s comparable to spells like Pact of Negation. Comparatively, Snapback demands a unique requirement- returning a blue creature you control to your hand, thereby altering your board presence. Unlike Pact of Negation, Snapback has the added advantage of being a flexible spell, due to its alternate casting cost.

Like Snapback, we could take into account Man-o’-War, another blue creature-based spell. The likeness lies in their creature bouncing mechanic. Yet, Man-o’-War requires three mana for casting and playing it at an instant speed, unlike Snapback’s quick and unexpected castability.

Furthermore, consider Into the Roil. This spell also specializes in bouncing but comes with a kicker cost that allows card draw. However, its functionality depends on available mana, making it less surprising compared with Snapback’s unsuspected gameplay twist.

Ultimately, after examining these factors, Snapback holds a significant position within bounce spells in Magic: The Gathering, thanks to its ability to disrupt opponents’ strategies and offer strategic advantages to the caster.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the pros and cons of MTG cards like Snapback is crucial for players looking to refine their decks and strategies. With its ability to catch an opponent off-guard at instant speed without spending mana, Snapback can be a game-changer. Its limitations are notable, but with the right deck and strategy, the advantages can outweigh the cons. For those who love tactical gameplay and value tempo, learning more about how to effectively incorporate Snapback into your deck is key. Dive deeper into its versatile world and discover how this card can snap the victory right from your opponents.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Snapback MTG card by a specific set like Time Spiral and Time Spiral Remastered, 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 Snapback and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Snapback Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2006-10-06 and 2021-03-19. Illustrated by Alan Pollack.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12006-10-06Time SpiralTSP 782003NormalBlackAlan Pollack
22021-03-19Time Spiral RemasteredTSR 872015NormalBlackAlan Pollack

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Snapback has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Snapback card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2021-03-19 To determine the total cost of a spell, start with the mana cost or alternative cost you’re paying (such as the alternative cost of Snapback), add any cost increases, then apply any cost reductions. The mana value of the spell is determined by only its mana cost, no matter what the total cost to cast that spell was.