Rouse MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Instant
Released	1999-10-04
Set symbol
Set name	Mercadian Masques
Set code	MMQ
Number	157
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Dave Dorman

Key Takeaways

Rouse boosts card advantage by reclaiming creatures from the graveyard, akin to extra card draw.
Its instant speed enables strategic plays, responding adeptly to opponents’ actions.
Dual mana requirement and discard condition may limit Rouse’s applicability in certain decks.

Text of card

If you control a swamp, you may pay 2 life instead of paying Rouse's mana cost. Target creature gets +2/+0 until end of turn.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Rouse offers a significant edge by returning a creature card from your graveyard to your hand. This retrieval from the graveyard is akin to drawing an additional card, offering you more options and thus increasing your card advantage, which is a key to victory in MTG.

Resource Acceleration: With Rouse, you’re not only retrieving a valuable resource but also potentially accelerating your board presence. By reclaiming a creature, you effectively bypass the need to draw into another threat, thereby speeding up your ability to pressure the opponent.

Instant Speed: The fact that Rouse operates at instant speed gives you the flexibility to respond to your opponent’s moves. You can wait for the best moment to spring a surprise by bringing back a creature during their end phase, ensuring you don’t fall behind during the opponent’s turn and keep up the momentum.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Incorporating Rouse into your gameplay requires you to discard a card, which can be detrimental when you’re strapped for card options. This action can set back your strategy, especially when working with a tight hand where every card counts.

Specific Mana Cost: Playing Rouse demands both red and white mana, a cost that may not seamlessly fit into decks that aren’t specifically built around these colors. For players who operate multicolored or off-theme decks, this can render Rouse less flexible and harder to cast on curve.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that is on the higher side for its effect, Rouse finds itself competing with other spells that might offer similar or better effects for less investment. This often leaves players weighing the card against alternatives when considering deck efficiency and the tempo of their play.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Rouse can be a dynamic addition to multiple deck archetypes, as its ability to untap creatures lends itself to both aggressive and control strategies, enhancing their resilience and offensive capabilities.

Combo Potential: This card’s tactical nature opens up synergy with cards that have tap abilities, creating opportunities for infinite combos or unexpected plays that can turn the tide of a match.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where timing can be everything, Rouse’s instant speed and low mana cost allow it to adapt to the evolving meta, providing an edge against opponents by readying your key creatures for defense or for an unexpected counterattack.

How to beat

Understanding the dynamics of Rouse in the Magic: The Gathering landscape is essential for players seeking to counter its effects. Rouse, as a card, brings a level of tempo that can swing the game. The ability to untap a creature and give it haste can catch many off guard, especially in the early to mid-game phases where sudden combat tricks can lead to significant life total swings.

To effectively neutralize Rouse’s potential, consider incorporating instant-speed removal spells into your deck. These allow you to respond to the casting of Rouse by removing the target creature from the battlefield before it can capitalize on the unexpected burst of speed. This strategic maneuver can mitigate the surprise element and preserve your defensive lines. Furthermore, using counterspells is another viable strategy. By countering Rouse as it’s cast, you not only prevent a creature from becoming an immediate threat but also gain card advantage as your opponent loses both their spell and the potential impact it could’ve had.

Careful observation of the mana your opponent has available can also be key, as predicting when a Rouse may be played allows you to withhold mana for your responsive actions. By planning ahead and employing these strategies, Rouse’s impact can be significantly diminished, keeping you in control of the battlefield’s ebb and flow.

Cards like Rouse

Rouse is another intriguing piece in the puzzle of combat tricks within Magic: The Gathering. Often likened to cards like Giant Growth, which also grants a power boost, Rouse adds a layer with its untap feature. Where Giant Growth merely provides a significant stat increase, Rouse offers additional flexibility by readying a creature for either another attack or a defensive stance.

In the realm of untap and boost, cards such as Rally the Troops share the spotlight. Rally the Troops requires more mana but applies its benefits to multiple creatures, contrasting with Rouse’s single-target effect. Yet, the simplicity and lower cost of Rouse can make it a more accessible choice during the early game. Similarly, Vitalize hinges on untapping creatures but without the bonus of the power increase, showcasing Rouse’s dual functionality.

Breaking down these abilities, it’s clear that Rouse provides a hybrid combination of combat and utility. It stands out particularly in scenarios that demand quick and unpredictable creature responses, marking its spot as a versatile card for players seeking to maintain momentum and exert pressure in their MTG duels.

Cards similar to Rouse by color, type and mana cost

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Rouse MTG card by a specific set like Mercadian Masques, 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 Rouse and other MTG cards: