Thassa's Rebuff MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
| Released | 2014-02-07 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Born of the Gods |
| Set code | BNG |
| Number | 54 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Lucas Graciano |
Text of card
Counter target spell unless its controller pays , where X is your devotion to blue. (Each in the mana costs of permanents you control counts toward your devotion to blue.)
To resist Thassa is to deny the rising tide.
Cards like Thassa's Rebuff
Thassa’s Rebuff takes its place in the pantheon of counterspell magic in MTG as a unique offering that ties its potency to devotion to blue. This card echoes the functionality of iconic counters like Mana Leak, which requires an opponent to pay three mana to negate the counter. Thassa’s Rebuff challenges the norm by scaling its difficulty based on your devotion to blue, making it powerful in the right deck.
Another card to consider is Spell Pierce, a staple in many blue players’ arsenals. It costs less but only targets noncreature spells and asks for a moderate two mana to avoid the counter. While both cards excel in the early game, Thassa’s Rebuff can close out the late game by leveraging a board filled with blue symbols. Lastly, there’s Dissolve, which provides a solid counter no matter the board state also allowing for scrying, but at a steeper three mana.
Comparing these cards foregrounds Thassa’s Rebuff’s potential in a blue-centric build, offering a scalable challenge for your opponent to keep their spells on the stack. Its efficiency in a devoted blue deck makes it a formidable weapon in certain strategic contexts.
Cards similar to Thassa's Rebuff by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Thassa’s Rebuff is built to sustain your hand by strategically countering key spells from opponents, potentially leading to attritional advantage over the course of a game.
Resource Acceleration: This counter spell’s unique aspect lies in its synergy with devotion to blue; the more blue permanents you have, the less mana it costs to activate, efficiently accelerating your resources compared to other counters.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Thassa’s Rebuff at instant speed offers significant strategic flexibility. It allows players to respond to threats immediately, disrupt combo plays, and effectively manage the tempo of the match right when it counts.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Thassa’s Rebuff does not directly require you to discard a card, but it does require you to have a creature with a devotion to blue on the battlefield to be fully effective. Without such a creature, the card may not provide the optimal counterspell coverage needed during critical turns.
Specific Mana Cost: This counterspell demands blue mana, which can restrict its inclusion to blue or blue-inclusive decks only. Players running multicolor decks without a heavy blue focus may find it challenging to consistently have the required blue mana open for this spell.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Thassa’s Rebuff has a relatively low casting cost of two mana, its effectiveness is highly dependent on the board state. Other counterspell options at similar or slightly higher mana costs do not have the same dependency, offering a more guaranteed disruption and making them preferable in situations where board presence is uncertain or when playing a control strategy.
Reasons to Include Thassa’s Rebuff in Your Collection
Versatility: Thassa’s Rebuff is a blue instant spell that offers flexibility in gameplay. It can counter key spells at critical moments, making it a valuable addition to control decks that aim to disrupt opponents’ strategies.
Combo Potential: This card works exceptionally well with decks that have a strong devotion to blue, as it gains strength with more blue symbols among permanents you control. It can be part of combos that protect your board state while you set up for a big play.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where powerful spells and game-changing plays are common, Thassa’s Rebuff serves as an affordable and effective answer. Having this card in your deck ensures you have a response to the competitive landscape, making it a timely choice for keeping your opponents in check.
How to beat
Thassa’s Rebuff poses a unique challenge as a counter spell in Magic: The Gathering, standing out with its devotion-dependent potency. To navigate around it, one must understand that its strength is directly tied to the number of blue mana symbols on the battlefield under the controller’s realm. Hence, the key to diminishing its impact is to manage the opponent’s board presence. Keeping the blue devotion low by removing creatures or enchantments with blue mana symbols is crucial.
Strategic planning can turn the tide in your favor. Play spells when the opponent has fewer untapped lands, reducing the chance of a successful Rebuff. Include cards that can’t be countered or use bait spells to draw out Thassa’s Rebuff before casting your more vital spells. Look for opportunities to resolve your important spells, especially during a turn when your opponent might be tapped out or low on resources.
Remember, adaptability is essential when up against Thassa’s Rebuff. By carefully monitoring the opponent’s mana and board state, and judiciously choosing your moments to act, you can successfully circumvent the constraints posed by this particular counter spell, maintaining the momentum in your favor.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Thassa's Rebuff MTG card by a specific set like Born of the Gods, 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 Thassa's Rebuff 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Thassa's Rebuff has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |