Spell Contortion MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Instant
Abilities	Multikicker
Released	2010-02-05
Set symbol
Set name	Worldwake
Set code	WWK
Number	38
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Wayne Reynolds

Key Takeaways

Card advantage and tempo gain are pivotal benefits when countering with Spell Contortion.
Instant speed play disrupts opponents, while discard and mana specificity are cons.
Its adaptability and meta relevance make it a strategic addition to blue decks.

Text of card

Multikicker (You may pay an additional any number of times as you cast this spell.) Counter target spell unless its controller pays . Draw a card for each time Spell Contortion was kicked.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Spell Contortion offers a unique twist on maintaining card flow. Upon successful countering of a spell, the ability to draw cards proportional to the spell’s converted mana cost can lead to a significant advantage.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly generating mana or treasure, the card provides an indirect form of resource acceleration. By thwarting an opponent’s key play, it delays their game plan, effectively giving you a tempo boost that can be critical in the race for board dominance.

Instant Speed: The flexibility of being an instant cannot be overlooked. Spell Contortion can be woven into your game strategy at the most opportune times, potentially disrupting your opponent’s carefully laid out plans when they least expect it.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Spell Contortion necessitates sacrificing another card from your hand to unleash its abilities. This trade-off may backfire if you’re already struggling to maintain card advantage or if your hand is filled with crucial pieces you can’t afford to lose.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting conditions for Spell Contortion demand a precise combination of mana, which could hamstring decks that aren’t heavily aligned with its color identity. Players running a multi-color deck might find it particularly challenging to conjure up the right mana blend at the crucial moment.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With other options available for countering spells or drawing cards, the mana investment in Spell Contortion can be a hard sell. For decks that aim for speed and efficiency, allocating resources to a higher-cost card that might not swing the game immediately could disrupt your tempo or game plan.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Spell Contortion offers players the unique ability to interact with the stack by countering spells while possibly drawing a card. This adaptability makes it a suitable choice for any blue-enabled deck looking to maintain card advantage.

Combo Potential: This card’s flexibility extends to its capability to synergize with decks that reward drawing cards or casting spells during an opponent’s turn, amplifying your strategy with each successful spell contortion.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where instant-speed interaction is paramount, Spell Contortion stands out by providing a countermeasure against key spells. It’s a solid inclusion that keeps your play responsive and proactive in a variety of matchups.

How to beat

Spell Contortion is a unique card in the world of Magic: The Gathering, often catching opponents off guard with its ability to counter spells while also drawing cards as a reward for its kicker cost. Facing this flexible spell can be daunting, but there are ways to navigate around it effectively. To outwit this trick, consider playing spells when your opponent’s mana is tapped out, reducing the chances of Spell Contortion being cast. Another strategy is to bait the counter with a less critical spell, paving the way for more important ones to resolve.

Moreover, including cards that can’t be countered, like Supreme Verdict or spells that grant your other spells uncounterable properties such as Cavern of Souls, will ensure your key pieces hit the board. Also, since Spell Contortion requires open mana to be effective, aggressive strategies that force your opponent to act or cards that tax their mana, like Thalia, Guardian of Thraben, can limit their ability to pay the kicker cost and draw cards. These tactics can help keep Spell Contortion from disrupting your game plan and maintain control of the match.

Ultimately, understanding when to commit your threats and deploying cards that limit your opponent’s countering abilities are pivotal strategies in conquering the manipulative nature of Spell Contortion.

Cards like Spell Contortion

Spell Contortion is an intriguing card in the realm of counter-magic within Magic the Gathering. Its closest relatives are cards like Mana Leak and Condescend, which also aim to disrupt opponents’ plays by counteracting their spells. Mana Leak is simpler, requiring a three-mana payment to circumvent the counter, while Spell Contortion has a flexible kicker cost that can scale its effect.

The kicker mechanic makes Spell Contortion stand out, allowing you to draw cards equal to the number of times it was kicked, in addition to countering an opponent’s spell. This draws a parallel with Condescend, which also enables scrying in addition to countering. This card, however, can’t match the card draw potential that comes with Spell Contortion’s kicker.

Furthermore, Spell Contortion, with its ability to become more influential later in the game, offers a strategic advantage. This flexibility in resource allocation makes it a more adaptable choice compared to its counterparts, especially as the game progresses. Hence, Spell Contortion earns its place in the tactical toolkit of Magic the Gathering players who seek to keep their hands filled while keeping the opponent’s threats at bay.

Cards similar to Spell Contortion by color, type and mana cost

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Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Spell Contortion MTG card by a specific set like Worldwake, 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 Spell Contortion and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Spell Contortion has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Spell Contortion card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date	Text
2010-03-01	If Spell Contortion resolves, you draw a card for each time Spell Contortion was kicked, regardless of whether the targeted spell’s controller pays or whether the targeted spell is countered this way.
2010-03-01	If the targeted spell is an illegal target by the time Spell Contortion resolves, Spell Contortion doesn’t resolve. You won’t draw any cards.