Undersimplify MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
| Released | 2022-07-07 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate |
| Set code | HBG |
| Number | 40 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Brent Hollowell |
Text of card
Choose target spell. If it's a creature spell, it perpetually gets -2/-0. Counter that spell unless its controller pays .
Cards like Undersimplify
Undersimplify enters the domain of MTG utility spells with a unique twist. When glanced at alongside spells such as Opt or Serum Visions, Undersimplify initially appears to follow the straightforward card selection pathway. However, where Opt gives a scry followed by a draw, and Serum Visions offers a draw with subsequent scry, Undersimplify provides a deeper delve into your deck without the immediate benefit of hand replenishment.
Exploring further, we stumble upon Anticipate, which allows you to look at the top three cards of your library and pick one to your hand, casting its effect at instant speed. Contrastly, Undersimplify exchanges this instant gratification for a delayed, but possibly more influential, payoff. Delve spells, like Dig Through Time, also allow sifting through cards, but they demand a significant resource exchange with the graveyard, a step Undersimplify bypasses, favoring a more cautious but less costly approach.
To sum up, while examining other card selection spells in MTG, the value of Undersimplify lies in its potential to set up future turns without immediate payoff, promoting a longer-term strategy over the instant but fleeting advantage offered by its counterparts. Its unique card interaction makes it an intriguing tool in a player’s arsenal.
Cards similar to Undersimplify by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Undersimplify. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Esper Control | Gladiator | Gladiator Games: We're Back | |
 | Bant Midrange | Gladiator | Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 14 2024 | |
 | Azorius Control | Gladiator | Gladiator Team Unified League | |
| Jeskai Control | Gladiator | Gladiator Team Unified League | |
 | Izzet Tempo | Gladiator | Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 13 2024 | |
 | Sultai Midrange | Gladiator | Sword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 06 2024 | |
| Jeskai Tempo | Gladiator | Gladiator Team Unified League | |
| Four-color Combo | Gladiator | Gladiator Games: We're Back | |
| Azorius Tempo | Gladiator | Gladiator Team Unified League |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: This card shines when it comes to bolstering your hand, allowing you to selectively draw into your deck’s key pieces. By facilitating access to more cards, it effectively tips the balance of power in your favor, creating multiple options to outmaneuver your opponent.
Resource Acceleration: With its unique ability to unlock additional resources, the card streamlines your game plan by providing a boost in mana. This acceleration can be pivotal, giving you the leeway to deploy threats or answers ahead of schedule, shaping the pace of the match.
Instant Speed: The flexibility offered by instant speed interactions cannot be overstated. Having the ability to respond to an opponent’s move or optimize your own strategy at the end of their turn provides a tactical edge. This card can seamlessly integrate into your game flow, keeping your opponents guessing while preserving your resources for the most opportune moment.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One downside of Undersimplify is its requirement to discard a card, which means voluntarily reducing your hand. This could put you at a disadvantage, especially during the late game when every card counts.
Specific Mana Cost: Undersimplify comes with a specific mana cost that may not fit seamlessly into every deck. If your deck doesn’t frequently generate the exact colors of mana required, this card could remain unplayable in your hand for multiple turns.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that is on the higher end for its effects, Undersimplify can be less economical compared to other cards in the same category. This could lead to less efficient turns and slower momentum in building up your board presence or gaining card advantage.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: The Undersimplify card serves as a multi-faceted tool in various deck archetypes. Its ability to manipulate game mechanics makes it adaptable to different playing styles and strategies, allowing players to fine-tune their decks for optimum performance.
Combo Potential: This card’s unique effect opens up combo opportunities, enabling interactions with other cards that can unexpectedly tip the scales in your favor. It works seamlessly within intricate combos, serving as the linchpin for game-winning plays.
Meta-Relevance: Given its universal utility, the Undersimplify card maintains relevance in a shifting meta. It provides strategic depth in games, allowing players to outmaneuver their opponents in a diverse competitive landscape.
How to Beat
Confronting the Undersimplify card in MTG can be a unique challenge. This card allows players to convert complex board states into a more manageable situation, potentially turning the tide of the game. To counteract Undersimplify, strategic planning is key. It’s advisable to maintain a diverse set of cards in hand, ensuring that you can adapt to the simplified board state post-resolution.
Holding onto instant-speed removal or counterspells gives you the flexibility to respond to the activation of Undersimplify’s effects. Additionally, playing creatures with undying or persist abilities can navigate around the temporary setback, as these creatures will return to the battlefield even after Undersimplify resolves. This foresight allows savvy players to maintain an advantage despite the card’s attempt to level the playing field.
In summary, preparation and flexibility are paramount when playing against Undersimplify. By anticipating the potential reset and maintaining responses that function under simplified conditions, you can outmaneuver opponents and sustain your position in the game, diminishing the impact of the card and steering towards victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Undersimplify MTG card by a specific set like Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate, 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 Undersimplify 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Undersimplify has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |