Wanderer's Intervention MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
| Released | 2022-02-18 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty |
| Set code | NEO |
| Number | 41 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Cristi Balanescu |
Text of card
Wanderer's Intervention deals 4 damage to target attacking or blocking creature.
Just as Jin-Gitaxias's victory seemed certain, the Wanderer appeared, her blade already in motion. One mighty slash was enough to take the praetor out of the fight.
Cards like Wanderer's Intervention
When evaluating the suite of counter spells available to players in the vast environment of Magic the Gathering, Wanderer’s Intervention offers a flexible option. It’s akin to the counter spell Negate in its ability to thwart noncreature spells, yet it distinguishes itself with a scalable effect based on the amount of mana invested into it. This makes Wanderer’s Intervention versatile during various stages of the game, giving players the freedom to adjust their defense according to their mana availability.
Comparable to that is a card like Mana Leak, which provides an efficient, low-cost counter spell that can be a significant barrier in the early to mid-game. While Mana Leak is capable of countering any type of spell, its effectiveness wanes as the game progresses and opponents accumulate more resources. In contrast, Wanderer’s Intervention has the potential to remain relevant even in the later stages of the game. Another relative is Disallow, which offers a stringent denial by countering any spell, activated ability, or triggered ability, though it carries a fixed higher mana cost.
Ultimately, when considering utility and adaptability, Wanderer’s Intervention has a notable place within the arsenal of counter spells in Magic the Gathering, further empowering players with strategic depth and late-game viability.
Cards similar to Wanderer's Intervention by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Wanderer's Intervention. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Mardu Samurai | Standard | Mardu Samurai | Traditional Standard Ranked Decklists: April 1, 2024 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Wanderer’s Intervention provides flexibility by offering multiple choices upon casting. It can remove creatures or planeswalkers, often resulting in a favorable exchange of resources and bolstering your position in the game.
Resource Acceleration: Its potential for ramp is subtle but significant. By efficiently handling threats, it clears the way for your strategies to unfold without interruption, effectively accelerating your game plan.
Instant Speed: As a spell that can be cast at instant speed, Wanderer’s Intervention adds a layer of strategy to your play. It allows you to act responsively, offering the element of surprise and the ability to adapt to the board state on the fly.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Wanderer’s Intervention requires players to discard a card when it is cast. This can pose a drawback during gameplay, especially in situations where card advantage is crucial and players are forced to lose a potentially valuable piece from their hand.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands an exact mana combination to be played, which could be a hurdle for decks that don’t consistently generate the required colors. Since it requires both white and generic mana, it’s not as flexible in mono-colored or multicolored decks that lack ample mana fixing.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana cost on the higher side for its effect, players might find it demanding to incorporate into a fast-paced game. There might be other options that provide similar board impact or defensive options at a lower cost, potentially making Wanderer’s Intervention less viable in decks that aim for efficiency.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Wanderer’s Intervention is adaptable, capable of fitting into various control or midrange decks. Its ability to counter multiple spells or abilities makes it a useful tool for ensuring your game plan remains unobstructed.
Combo Potential: This card allows for clever interactions within decks that capitalize on instant-speed tricks or those that benefit from cards with multiple modes. Its versatility can be a combo enabler in the right setup.
Meta-Relevance: Given the dynamic nature of the current competitive scene, having a card like Wanderer’s Intervention can be critical. It’s particularly effective in a meta that’s heavy on stack-based interactions or where countering key spells can swing the game in your favor.
How to beat
When faced with Wanderer’s Intervention, it’s crucial to understand the flexibility this card offers. Much like the versatile Counterflux or Dovin’s Veto, which negate spells outright, Wanderer’s Intervention adds the possibility of exiling a creature on the battlefield. This dual nature sets it apart as both a reactive and proactive measure against a wide range of threats.
To effectively navigate against it, consider the intervention’s cost and timing. It requires a significant mana investment, especially if it is to be used at its maximum potential, so playing around the card involves baiting it out when your opponent has constrained mana resources. You may want to initiate actions that force early or suboptimal uses of the Intervention. Similar strategies apply against cards like Settle the Wreckage or Aether Gust, which also function optimally at specific moments.
Patience is also key. When playing against Wanderer’s Intervention, employing a strategy that pressures your opponent to use it prematurely can greatly diminish its effectiveness. This allows you to reserve your more valuable spells or creatures for later in the game once this versatile card has been handled.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Wanderer's Intervention MTG card by a specific set like Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty, 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 Wanderer's Intervention 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
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Wanderer's Intervention has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |