Sudden Setback MTG Card
2024-02-09 - Number 72†
2024-02-09 - Number 72
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
The owner of target spell or nonland permanent puts it on the top or bottom of their library.
"Look, buddy, you're not in trouble. I just wanna ask you a questio—"
Cards like Sudden Setback
Exploring the strategic depths of disruption in MTG, Sudden Setback stands out with its ability to hinder opponents at a critical moment. Its nearest kin might be the classic Duress, which also targets an opponent’s hand, allowing you to choose and discard a noncreature, nonland card. However, Sudden Setback offers a distinct split-second timing, which Duress lacks, giving it an edge in surprising an adversary during their own turn.
Taking a glance at Flusterstorm, we find an instant that can counter multiple spells, but it excels in countering blue spells specifically. Sudden Setback doesn’t counter spells, but instead disrupts by forcing a discard, which can indirectly counter the strategic plays of an opponent. Then there’s Inquisition of Kozilek, another card that excels at hand disruption with no mana cost restriction, but it can’t match the instant speed that gives Sudden Setback its sudden impact.
When we compare these tools of disruption, Sudden Setback’s unique timing and versatile nature make it a valuable card for players seeking to unsettle opponents’ plans with speed and surprise.
Cards similar to Sudden Setback by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Sudden Setback. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Azorius Control | Standard | Azorius Control | Standard League 2024-02-14 |
| WU | Standard | Traditional Standard Ranked Decklists: February 26, 2024 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When resolving Sudden Setback, you’re granted the ability to disrupt your opponent’s hand while potentially affecting the board, all of which can lead to a significant advantage over the course of a match.
Resource Acceleration: By forcing your opponent to discard, you essentially accelerate your own resources in comparison, as they lose access to theirs, giving you an indirect boost in the resources race.
Instant Speed: The flexibility of casting Sudden Setback at instant speed allows you to react opportunistically to your opponent’s plays, keeping your strategy concealed until the most impactful moment.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing Sudden Setback comes with the stipulation of discarding a card. In the heat of a match, especially if your hand is running low, this requirement can tip the scales unfavorably as you lose grip on valuable assets you might need for future turns.
Specific Mana Cost: Sudden Setback requires both black and blue mana to cast. This necessitates a deck built around at least two colors, which can make it inflexible for players running monochromatic decks and possibly cause it to sit idle in your hand at a critical moment.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana, this card falls on the higher end for its particular effect set. In fast-paced games or in duel scenarios where efficiency is key, using four mana can set a player back when tempo is crucial, leaving them potentially vulnerable to quicker, more agile strategies.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Sudden Setback offers flexibility that any deck could benefit from. Its ability to disrupt an opponent’s strategy by forcing them to discard, coupled with its instant speed, makes it suitable for a variety of situations.
Combo Potential: This card can work as both a disruption tool and a setup for combos. By selectively discarding cards, it can reduce opposition while opening up opportunities to combo out with graveyard interactions or by eliminating threats to your own combo pieces.
Meta-Relevance: Given a meta where quick plays and hand strategies dominate, Sudden Setback can shift the tide of a game. It’s particularly impactful in denying opponents key resources or information during crucial turns, thus improving your position in the game.
How to beat Sudden Setback
Sudden Setback is an intriguing card in the arsenal of Magic: The Gathering strategies. As a player looking to counter this spell, it’s essential to understand the dynamics of its ability to disrupt your hand and plans with its instant speed and the element of surprise it carries. It’s certainly one to watch in games where timing and hand quality are crucial.
To effectively tackle Sudden Setback, consider cards that can protect your hand from disruption or recuperate resources after a setback. Spells that grant hexproof to your hand, like Veil of Summer or cards that allow you to draw or retrieve cards from your graveyard, such as Regrowth, can help maintain your strategic advantage. Another approach is to bait out your opponent’s Sudden Setback with less critical spells before playing your key cards, thereby mitigating the impact of their disruption.
Ultimately, while Sudden Setback can swing the momentum of a game, its effectiveness hinges on an element of unpredictability and timing. By keeping a cool head and planning your moves to mitigate its effects, you can maintain control over the game and turn a potential setback into a stepping stone for victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Sudden Setback MTG card by a specific set like Murders at Karlov Manor and Murders at Karlov Manor, 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 Sudden Setback 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Sudden Setback Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2024-02-09 and 2024-02-09. Illustrated by Olivier Bernard.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2024-02-09 | Murders at Karlov Manor | MKM | 72† | 2015 | Normal | Black | Olivier Bernard | |
| 2 | 2024-02-09 | Murders at Karlov Manor | MKM | 72 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Olivier Bernard |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Sudden Setback has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Standardbrawl | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |