Unauthorized Exit MTG Card
2024-02-09 - Number 298
2024-02-09 - Number 74
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
| Abilities | Surveil |
Text of card
Return target nonland permanent to its owner's hand. Surveil 1.
"The Azorius will be annoyed with me for breaking out their star suspect, but what else is new." —Alquist Proft, case notes
Cards like Unauthorized Exit
Unauthorized Exit carves its niche in Magic: The Gathering with a distinct yet familiar design. This card echoes sentiments found in popular exile spells such as Path to Exile. Both cards allow players to remove a creature from the game, but Unauthorized Exit swings in with a notable difference; it can be cycled away for another card, providing flexibility in gameplay. Path to Exile outshines in immediate removal without a mana cost condition but lacks the cycling option.
Another card worth mentioning alongside Unauthorized Exit is Swords to Plowshares. Swords to Plowshares also exiles creatures at an even lower cost and without a threshold stipulation. However, it compensates the opponent with life, a drawback not shared by Unauthorized Exit. Meanwhile, Oblivion Ring offers a broader removal scope, targeting nonland permanents, though it’s a slower, more mana-intensive enchantment.
Considering these comparisons, Unauthorized Exit offers a versatile choice in creature management. Its cycling feature permits players to adapt their strategies on the fly, making it a valuable tool in decks that require both creature removal and draw flexibility.
Cards similar to Unauthorized Exit by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Unauthorized Exit. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Temur Delver | Legacy | Temur Delver | Legacy League 2024-04-17 |
 | Decklist | Free form | Torino Tournament - Murders at Karlov Manor | |
 | Izzet Transmogrify | Pioneer | Izzet Transmogrify | Pioneer League 2024-03-24 |
 | Mono-Blue Tron | Modern | Mono-Blue Tron | Modern $10K Trial - SCG CON Philadelphia - Friday - 4:00 pm (Silver) |
 | Izzet Control | Standard | Izzet Control | Boa Qualifier #1 (standard) |
 | Hidden Strings | Pioneer | Hidden Strings | Pioneer Preliminary 2024-03-12 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Unauthorized Exit shines in terms of providing card advantage. When played, it has the potential to exile a problematic nonland permanent your opponent controls. This move not only disrupts their board presence but can also yield a card draw if that exiled card was token-based, keeping your hand replenished and ready to respond to future threats.
Resource Acceleration: In MTG, pace is key, and Unauthorized Exit stands out by setting you ahead in the race. By exiling an opponent’s token, not only are you removing their assets, but if you’re running a deck synergistic with graveyard play, it can indirectly accelerate your resources by populating your graveyard for future strategic plays.
Instant Speed: The ability to play at instant speed grants a player the flexibility to make moves unbounded by their own turn. Unauthorized Exit can be employed as a surprising roadblock during your adversary’s most pivotal moments, potentially causing them to waste resources or rethink their strategy on the fly. Such unpredictability can be a decisive factor in the ebb and flow of a match.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Unauthorized Exit forces players to discard a card upon its resolution. This trade-off can often put players at a disadvantage, particularly in game states where maintaining hand advantage is crucial. Careful consideration is needed before casting to ensure the discard doesn’t undercut your own strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: Featuring a blue and black mana requirement, this card fits primarily in Dimir decks, potentially limiting its integration into multicolored or other monocolored strategies. Players without the necessary mana base may find it challenging to utilize Unauthorized Exit efficiently in their deck construction.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost of four mana, Unauthorized Exit sits at a higher point on the mana curve for its provided effect. Alternative cards may offer similar or better utility at a lower mana investment, prompting players to weigh their options when deckbuilding for optimized gameplay outcomes.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Unauthorized Exit can be a flexible addition to any deck that revolves around exile mechanics or protecting key permanents. Its ability to remove opposing threats temporarily can be invaluable in tight situations.
Combo Potential: This card shines when combined with cards that punish opponents for having exiled cards or benefit from the same. It can be the linchpin in setting up game-altering synergies.
Meta-Relevance: With a metagame that routinely features persistent graveyard strategies or indestructible threats, Unauthorized Exit could serve as an essential tool, bypassing conventional removal limitations and disrupting your opponent’s plans effectively.
How to beat
Unauthorized Exit can be a challenging spell to manage in the realm of MTG. This card tests players’ resourcefulness by exiling a creature or planeswalker until a specified land type becomes tapped. A direct approach to overcoming it involves heavy focus on land untapping techniques. Just as crucial is diversifying your mana sources to ensure you’re not solely reliant on one that could activate the card’s return condition.
Another effective strategy includes the use of card abilities that prevent exile or protect versus blue spells, as flexibility and adaptability are key in any MTG player’s arsenal. Cards that allow you to shuffle your own library or return cards from exile also effectively mitigate the impact of Unauthorized Exit by providing additional ways to regain your exiled cards outside of the opponent’s control. Finally, maintaining a pace that keeps pressure on your opponent can prevent the optimal play of Unauthorized Exit or force its premature deployment, effectively nullifying its potential tactical advantage.
In essence, understanding and anticipating Unauthorized Exit, while incorporating strategic countermeasures, can greatly minimize its influence in the game and enhance your resilience against this form of control tactic.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Unauthorized Exit 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 Unauthorized Exit 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 Unauthorized Exit Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2024-02-09 and 2024-02-09. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2024-02-09 | Murders at Karlov Manor | MKM | 298 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Stephen Stark | |
| 2 | 2024-02-09 | Murders at Karlov Manor | MKM | 74 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Andreas Zafiratos |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Unauthorized Exit has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Standardbrawl | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |