Scent of Brine MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Instant
Released	1999-06-07
Set symbol
Set name	Urza's Destiny
Set code	UDS
Number	45
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Greg Staples

Key Takeaways

Disrupts opponent plays by countering multiple targeted spells with a single cast at instant speed.
Requires discarding a card, potentially depleting resources, and has a specific mana cost.
Increases strategic gameplay through versatility and combo potential, fitting various strategies.

Text of card

Reveal any number of blue cards in your hand. Counter target spell unless its controller pays o1 for each card revealed this way.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Scent of Brine offers the potential to disrupt multiple spells, giving you an edge by effectively negating several of your opponent’s actions with a single card.

Resource Acceleration: Although it doesn’t directly generate mana or tokens, Scent of Brine can prevent your resources from being wasted by countering key spells that would otherwise set you back.

Instant Speed: The real power of Scent of Brine lies in its ability to be cast at instant speed, allowing for surprise plays and strategic flexibility during your opponent’s turn or in response to unforeseen threats.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Scent of Brine requires a card to be discarded as part of its casting cost. This can subtract valuable resources from your hand, particularly in situations where your card advantage is already under pressure.

Specific Mana Cost: Casting this spell demands a precise combination of blue mana. This requirement can sometimes be restrictive because it narrows the range of decks that can efficiently play the card. Those without a strong blue mana base might find it challenging to cast Scent of Brine on curve.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a requirement of three blue mana and one of any other color, Scent of Brine sits at a higher mana cost for its effect. Other cards in the game might offer similar or better outcomes for less mana, making them potentially more appealing choices for deck builders looking for card advantage or protection mechanics.

Reasons to Include Scent of Brine in Your Collection

Versatility: Scent of Brine exhibits a unique flexibility in gameplay, easily slipping into decks that rely on defensive measures or card advantage. Its reactive nature allows players to protect their key spells or creatures, making it a multifaceted card suitable for a range of strategies.

Combo Potential: For those who love intricate play sequences, this card shines by potentially turning an opponent’s spell into a surprise advantage for yourself. It harmonizes with setups that capitalize on casting spells during an opponent’s turn or leveraging card draw for bigger plays.

Meta-Relevance: Scent of Brine can be particularly effective in a game environment filled with high-impact spells. In such a landscape, being able to selectively counter while also drawing cards can sway the course of a match and provide a distinct edge over the opposition.

How to beat

Scent of Brine is a unique spell that offers a reactive defense strategy for players in Magic: The Gathering. The key to overcoming this card lies in its requirement for a specific trigger – it only functions when an opponent is actively casting spells. By maintaining a diverse and unpredictable playstyle, you can make it difficult for your opponent to capitalize on Scent of Brine’s potential.

To effectively counteract Scent of Brine, consider staggering your spell casting or using instant spells during your opponent’s turn. This approach can limit their opportunities to use Scent of Brine as a means to protect their valuable creatures or important spells. Since it targets only a single spell, it’s advisable to bait out the use of Scent of Brine with a less critical spell before committing your pivotal spells to the stack.

In summary, your strategy to beat Scent of Brine should include unpredictability and patience. Wait for the right moment, then play your impactful spells once Scent of Brine has been dealt with or when the odds of its optimal use by your opponent are minimal.

Cards like Scent of Brine

In the realm of Magic: The Gathering, Scent of Brine holds a unique position among card protection spells. It offers a comparison to the likes of Turn Aside, which provides a similar effect in countering spells that target a single permanent you control. What sets Scent of Brine apart is its scalability, as it can potentially counter multiple targeted spells depending on the number of cards revealed from your hand.

Another counterpart is Squelch, which not only deals with targeted spells but also abilities, adding versatility to your defense. While Squelch has the additional draw card benefit, Scent of Brine’s strength lies in its potential to nullify more than one threat without the need to expend additional cards in hand. Then we have Hindering Light, a spell that shields your stuff and draws a card in the process. Scent of Brine skips the guaranteed card draw for a broader protective scope.

Ultimately, Scent of Brine presents a compelling option for players looking to safeguard their key game pieces. Its ability to deflect multiple targets with one spell while keeping your hand size intact can be a game-changer in matches where opponents rely heavily on spot removal.

Cards similar to Scent of Brine by color, type and mana cost

Hypnotic Sprite // Mesmeric Glare - MTG Card versions

Accumulated Knowledge - MTG Card versions

Thassa's Intervention - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Scent of Brine MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Destiny, 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 Scent of Brine and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Scent of Brine 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 Scent of Brine card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.