Undo MTG Card
1997-02-03 - Number 47
1998-06-24 - Number 59
1999-07-01 - Number 58
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
Return two target creatures to owner's hand.
"Oft have I wished to undo past deeds, but never did I imagine they would be undone for me." —Naimah, Femeref philosopher
Cards like Undo
Magic the Gathering’s Undo is a unique spell with the ability to rewind a player’s actions. It offers the potential to return three target creatures to their owner’s hands, making it strategic for resetting the battlefield. When comparing Undo to other bounce spells like Unsummon or Vapor Snag, it’s clear that Undo can hit more targets, providing a sweeping effect rather than the single-target impact of its counterparts.
However, the three blue mana cost of Undo positions it at a higher curve compared to the cost-efficient Unsummon. Meanwhile, Vapor Snag provides an additional punch by dealing one damage to the creature’s controller, which Undo lacks. Examining another similar card, Cyclonic Rift offers a more versatile choice; it can target a single creature for a low mana cost or clear an entire board in the late game with its overload cost.
In evaluating these cards, it’s apparent that while Undo might not be as mana-efficient or have extra effects like Vapor Snag or Cyclonic Rift, its ability to simultaneously bounce multiple creatures can reset complex board states, offering a tactical advantage in the right deck.
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Undo provides players with the unique opportunity to return up to two target creatures to their owner’s hand. This can result in a significant shift in board state, effectively negating your opponent’s previous turn and potentially leading to card advantage as they lose their deployed resources.
Resource Acceleration: While Undo doesn’t directly generate mana or tokens, the ability to efficiently reset the board can indirectly accelerate your resources. By disrupting opponent strategies and maintaining a superior board presence, you set the stage for more potent plays in subsequent turns.
Instant Speed: The real power of Undo lies in its instant speed, allowing for a strategic and timely response to an opponent’s threats. This flexibility gives you the upper hand as you can adapt to in-game situations on the fly, choosing the most opportune moment to reverse your opponent’s progress.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Undo demands that you discard a card alongside paying its mana cost, which can backfire when your hand is already dwindling, potentially costing you valuable late-game options.
Specific Mana Cost: Undo’s casting cost requires both blue and generic mana, necessitating a dedicated mana base and possibly limiting its inclusion in multi-colored decks that may struggle with color-fixing.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Priced at three mana, Undo’s utility might be overshadowed by lower cost alternatives that offer similar or more flexible effects without putting as significant a dent in your mana pool for the turn.
Reasons to Include Undo in Your Collection
Versatility: Undo is a flexible card that can disrupt opponent strategies by returning their creatures to their hand, making it useful in a variety of decks. It allows for a tempo gain in critical moments, clearing the way for your attacks or saving your defenses.
Combo Potential: In decks that capitalize on casting spells or those with mechanics that trigger upon creatures leaving the battlefield, Undo can become a combo enabler. It’s also excellent for decks that profit from opponents having a full hand.
Meta-Relevance: Given the prevalence of creature-centric decks, Undo’s ability to bounce three creatures can be key to stalling out aggressive strategies and reclaiming board control, making it a relevant choice in various metagames.
How to beat
Undo is a unique card in the world of Magic: The Gathering that acts as a powerful control tool within the game, offering players the ability to return up to two target creatures to their owner’s hands. This can disrupt your opponent’s board presence and momentum. However, this card’s effectiveness can be mitigated through careful play and strategic deck building.
For starters, consider using creatures with enter the battlefield effects, turning a potential setback into an advantage as you get to reuse those abilities. Additionally, playing spells and abilities that grant your creatures hexproof or protection from blue prevent Undo from targeting them. Lastly, having an instant-speed board presence, such as flash creatures, enables you to maintain threats on the board and apply pressure without overcommitting, ensuring that an Undo play doesn’t set you back too far.
By countering Undo’s tempo swing with these tactics, you maintain control over the game and lessen the impact of your opponent’s control strategies. As such, while Undo can be a challenging card to face, it is not an insurmountable obstacle with the right approach and mindful gameplay.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Undo MTG card by a specific set like Visions and Portal Second Age, 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 Undo 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 Undo Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 1997-02-03 and 1999-07-01. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1997-02-03 | Visions | VIS | 47 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Terese Nielsen | |
| 2 | 1998-06-24 | Portal Second Age | P02 | 59 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Henry Van Der Linde | |
| 3 | 1999-07-01 | Starter 1999 | S99 | 58 | 1997 | Normal | White | Terese Nielsen |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Undo has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Undo card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | The two creatures may have different owners and return to their respective owner’s hands. |