Spell Crumple MTG Card
2011-06-17 - Number 63
2018-06-08 - Number 50
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Counter target spell. If that spell is countered this way, put it on the bottom of its owner's library instead of into that player's graveyard. Put Spell Crumple on the bottom of its owner's library.
Cards like Spell Crumple
Spell Crumple holds its own within the suite of counter spells available in MTG. Relatable in function to Hinder, which also tucks a countered spell into its owner’s library, Spell Crumple has the added advantage of being able to shuffle back into its caster’s library if it counters successfully. This key detail allows for repeated use, something Hinder doesn’t offer.
In a similar category, we see Dissipate performing a comparable role by utterly exiling the targeted spell, preventing any form of retrieval. While it lacks the recursive ability of Spell Crumple, the exiling effect ensures that particular threats are dealt with permanently. Another card worth mentioning is Counterflux. Although it can’t recycle itself like Spell Crumple, it boasts an uncounterable quality, ensuring that crucial spells can be stopped despite any protective measures an adversary might employ.
In weighing their strategic uses, Spell Crumple stands out for its ability to come back into play, potentially offering a perpetual shield against key threats. This trait, along with its moderate cost and the fact that it’s not limited to sorceries and instants, empowers players to keep a persistent check on opponents’ strategies.
Cards similar to Spell Crumple by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Spell Crumple excels at maintaining card advantage by not only counteracting an opponent’s spell but also tucking it into their library. This denies access to that card for an undefined period, effectively reducing the opponent’s resource pool.
Resource Acceleration: By ensuring key spells of an opponent are out of play, you indirectly accelerate your resources. You’re able to commit mana to your own plays, knowing that a potential threat has been dealt with efficiently.
Instant Speed: The power of Spell Crumple is amplified by its casting speed. Being able to cast at instant speed gives you the flexibility to respond to an opponent’s actions during their turn, keeping you one step ahead in the strategic duel.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Spell Crumple doesn’t require discarding as part of its cost, it does necessitate having specific counterspell mana ready, potentially leaving you unable to play other cards in your hand.
Specific Mana Cost: Spell Crumple’s mana cost includes double blue, which can be challenging in multicolored decks that may not consistently generate enough blue mana when needed.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three including two blue mana, it may be less mana-efficient compared to other options in your spell arsenal, especially in the fast-paced early game.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Spell Crumple offers a highly flexible approach to control strategies, fitting seamlessly into commander decks that prioritize countermagic and graveyard manipulation. Its ability to tuck itself and the countered spell into the library allows for more sustained control throughout the game.
Combo Potential: This card has unique synergy with top-of-library mechanics, allowing players to setup future draws or exploit effects that benefit from manipulating both your own and opponents’ decks. Its reusability through tucking itself back into the library can become a repeating asset in combination with effects that allow you to play the top card of your library.
Meta-Relevance: Spell Crumple remains relevant in metas where commander-centric strategies prevail. It can disrupt a key commander’s momentum by preventing a pivotal spell from resolving, forcing opponents to use additional resources to recover their strategy, thereby giving you a noticeable advantage in both tempo and resource management.
How to beat
Confronting the Spell Crumple card in MTG can pose a unique strategic challenge. This well-regarded counter spell not only negates an opponent’s threat but also utilizes the tuck mechanic, effectively removing it from the fray by placing it into the owner’s library. To overcome this obstacle, smart deck construction and playing adroitly around potential counters are key.
Players may incorporate cards that cannot be countered or employ strategies that don’t rely solely on big, impactful spells which are prime targets for Spell Crumple. Another practical method is to bait out the counter spell with a less critical spell before casting your more crucial spells. Also, instant-speed spells that manipulate the top of the library, such as Brainstorm or Sensei’s Divining Top, can be particularly potent as they enable you to dodge Spell Crumple’s tuck effect by rearranging the targeted spell’s position in the deck.
Ultimately, the card’s setback can also be turned to an advantage; by stocking one’s own deck with retrieval mechanics, a player could potentially reclaim the tucked cards. In essence, while Spell Crumple is strong, it is by no means insurmountable with the right approach and cards in Magic: The Gathering.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Spell Crumple MTG card by a specific set like Commander 2011 and Commander Anthology Volume II, 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 Spell Crumple 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 Spell Crumple Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2011-06-17 and 2018-06-08. Illustrated by Dan Scott.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2011-06-17 | Commander 2011 | CMD | 63 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Dan Scott | |
| 2 | 2018-06-08 | Commander Anthology Volume II | CM2 | 50 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Dan Scott |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Spell Crumple has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Spell Crumple card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2011-09-22 | If the spell is an illegal target when Spell Crumple tries to resolve, it won’t resolve and none of its effects will happen. Spell Crumple will be put into its owner’s graveyard. |
| 2011-09-22 | If the targeted spell can’t be countered, it won’t be put onto the bottom of its owner’s library. Spell Crumple will still be put on the bottom of its owner’s library. |