Stop That MTG Card


Stop That - Unhinged
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeInstant
Released2004-11-19
Set symbol
Set nameUnhinged
Set codeUNH
Number63
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderSilver
Illustred byAnson Maddocks
Un-set :-)This card is part of an Un-set

Key Takeaways

  1. ‘Stop That’ allows tight control over the game with its powerful spell countering and instant speed.
  2. It demands strategic hand management due to its discard requirement and particular mana cost.
  3. This card is versatile, disrupting opponents and enhancing combos in various MTG strategies.

Text of card

Target player discards a card. Gotcha Whenever an opponent audibly flicks the cards in his or her hand, you may say "Gotcha" If you do, return Stop That from your graveyard to your hand.

Now for a squirt of lemon juice.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: ‘Stop That’ can be a key card when it comes to maintaining a solid grip on the game’s flow, allowing you to counter an opponent’s spell, which not only disrupts their strategy but also leaves you in a more favorable position, potentially with more options in your hand than they have in theirs.

Resource Acceleration: While it doesn’t directly produce additional mana or tokens, ‘Stop That’ contributes to resource acceleration by keeping your mana untapped until the perfect moment, ensuring you’re using your resources efficiently and effectively. This allows you to get ahead by making the most out of every turn.

Instant Speed: One of the greatest strengths of ‘Stop That’ is its ability to be cast at instant speed. This flexibility means you can respond to threats immediately or simply wait until the end of your opponent’s turn to decide the best course of action, without committing mana early and alerting them to your defensive capabilities.

Please note that for precise details regarding ‘Stop That’ or any MTG card, including its exact mechanics, legality in various formats, or how it interacts with specific game rules, referring to officially released content by Wizards of the Coast is recommended to ensure accuracy.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Playing Stop That card comes with the caveat of discarding another card from your hand. This can be a substantial setback, especially if your hand is already depleted or if you’re holding onto key pieces for your strategy. Shrinking your hand size could leave you vulnerable in the later stages of the game where options are crucial.

Specific Mana Cost: Stop That requires not just a generic mana but a particular combination to cast, which could be a hurdle in multicolored or colorless decks. If your deck isn’t structured to consistently produce the exact colors needed, you might find the card sitting useless in your hand at critical moments.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the effect of Stop That might seem appealing, it’s essential to weigh its mana cost against alternatives. With a mana cost that’s on the higher end for its effect category, players should consider if their deck can afford the tempo loss, especially when other cards might accomplish similar results more efficiently.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Stop That is highly adaptable, slotting in well with numerous decks that are looking to disrupt opponent plays. With its ability to prevent actions for a turn, this card excels in strategies aiming to throw off the timing of your adversary’s game plan.

Combo Potential: This card’s capability to halt specific spells or effects caters to synergistic plays, setting up for lockout combos or other turn-based strategies where precise timing can lead to a significant advantage.

Meta-Relevance: In game environments where instant-speed interaction or countering key spells is crucial, Stop That can be an unexpected tool, offering both strategic disruption and potential card advantage in the form of intel from an opponent’s hand.


How to beat

Dealing with the disruptive force of the card “Stop That” in Magic: The Gathering requires strategic planning and foresight. This card poses a distinct challenge by targeting a player’s hand, forcing the discard of a nonland card and generating a slight card advantage for the opponent. It’s a move that can unsettle your game plan by removing key pieces at crucial moments.

To effectively overcome “Stop That,” players should consider diversifying their hand with a mix of land and nonland cards, thus reducing the odds of losing high-value spells or creatures. Additionally, intelligent hand management is crucial; by playing out important nonland cards swiftly, one minimizes the impact of potential “Stop That” plays. Holding onto instant-speed interaction can help to negate or diminish the effect when the card is played.

Acknowledging the threat of discard effects in your MTG strategy can significantly reduce the adverse impact “Stop That” may have on your game. By remaining adaptive and utilizing your resources wisely, you can maintain control and continue towards victory despite the challenges posed by this vexing card.



Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Stop That 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 Stop That and other MTG cards:

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