Head to Head MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	1
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Instant
Released	2004-11-19
Set symbol
Set name	Unhinged
Set code	UNH
Number	14
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Silver
Illustred by	Thomas Gianni
Un-set :-)	This card is part of an Un-set

Key Takeaways

Head to Head enables card advantage and resource acceleration, pivotal for gaining an upper hand in matches.
Despite its benefits, Head to Head demands a specific mana setup and a card discard that can be restrictive.
The card’s adaptability, combo potential, and current meta relevance make it a worthwhile addition to any collection.

Text of card

You and target opponent play Seven Questions about the top card of that player's library. (That player looks at the card, then you ask up to six yes-or-no questions about the card that he or she answers truthfully. You guess the card's name—that's question seven—and the player reveals the card.) If you win, prevent all damage that would be dealt this turn by a source of your choice.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Head to Head card shines by allowing players to disrupt their opponent’s strategy while simultaneously drawing a card, potentially providing a way to outpace opponents in resources over time.

Resource Acceleration: By streamlining your deck’s performance, this card can help to ensure that you’re not only playing more efficiently but also setting up for powerful plays earlier in the game.

Instant Speed: The flexibility of an instant speed allows strategic players to react in ways that can turn the tide of a match, making the Head to Head card a versatile threat in any game situation.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Head to Head, as a dynamic MTG card, brings the challenge of discard to the table. This cost can hinder your game plan, forcing you to eliminate potentially valuable cards from your hand that you might need later in the duel. Discarding not only depletes your available options but also tips your strategy to opponents who are keen on observing which pieces you deem expendable.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s demand for specific mana types can restrict its play to decks that support such colors, limiting its universal applicability. Players must have the right mana sources available, which can be a hurdle in multicolored or colorless decks. Decks not aligned with the card’s mana requirements will find it difficult to incorporate Head to Head without making significant adjustments to their mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When it comes to cost-efficiency, Head to Head’s mana requirement might be seen as steep compared to other cards with similar effects. Within the current metagame, mana efficiency is key, and using more mana for a single effect can put you behind your opponents who opt for leaner, more potent strategies.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Head to Head is an adaptable card that can be slotted into a multitude of decks. Its ability to disrupt your opponent while furthering your game plan makes it a smart pick for those looking to keep their options open during gameplay.

Combo Potential: This card has an inherent synergy with strategies that capitalize on direct player interactions and effects that trigger upon casting spells during an opponent’s turn, opening up doors to powerful combos.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where instant-speed responses are crucial, Head to Head remains particularly useful. Its relevance in the current meta can shift the tide of a game, especially in formats where countering your opponent’s plays is key.

How to beat

Overcoming Head to Head in Magic: The Gathering requires strategic planning and foresight. This powerful card can make or break a match, depending on how it’s handled. To outmaneuver it, consider using cards that negate its effects or decrease its value to your opponent. Swift removal spells can whisk it off the board before it becomes a problem. Alternatives like instant-speed removal or counterspells are particularly useful, allowing you to act on your opponent’s turn and disrupt their plans.

In addition, adjusting your playstyle to be less reliant on head-to-head confrontations minimizes the impact of this card. Focus on building a board presence that doesn’t hinge on single threats and diversify your strategies. Cards that offer hexproof protections or that cannot be targeted by spells and abilities can also prove to be invaluable, as they naturally evade the challenge posed by Head to Head.

Ultimately, staying adaptable and prepared for the unexpected shifts in gameplay that Head to Head might introduce is key. By carefully considering your strategy and maintaining control over the flow of the game, you’ll find beating Head to Head to be a rewarding challenge rather than a stumbling block.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Head to Head MTG card by a specific set like Unhinged, 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 Head to Head and other MTG cards: