Side to Side MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Instant
Released	2004-11-19
Set symbol
Set name	Unhinged
Set code	UNH
Number	110
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Silver
Illustred by	Jim Nelson
Un-set :-)	This card is part of an Un-set

Key Takeaways

Side to Side can significantly boost card advantage, enabling more strategic plays and better game control.
It can accelerate your resource pool, allowing earlier threats and providing a tactical edge.
Instant speed play offers flexibility and can shift match dynamics unexpectedly in your favor.

Text of card

You and target opponent arm-wrestle. If you win, put a 3/3 green Ape creature token into play.

His friends at the gym never knew Garanth's secret shame. For years he had tried to walk away from professional arm wrestling, but hey—free monkeys.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Side to Side card provides a significant edge by potentially allowing a player to draw multiple cards, keeping their hand full and offering more strategic options to outmaneuver opponents.

Resource Acceleration: This card can offer a quick boost to your resources, giving you an opportunity to deploy threats earlier than usual or enabling bigger plays that could change the tide of the game.

Instant Speed: The ability to play Side to Side at instant speed gives players the flexibility to react to an opponent’s moves, use their mana efficiently, and maintain the element of surprise, all of which are invaluable during tight matches.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the drawbacks of Side to Side is the mandate to discard another card to utilize its effect. This can deplete a player’s hand, leaving them at a disadvantage, especially if they cannot replenish their card stock swiftly.

Specific Mana Cost: Side to Side features a distinct mana cost that is not universally flexible, which means that playing it requires a deck that can consistently generate the correct types of mana. This specificity may restrict the card’s integration into a wide array of decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The card commands a relatively significant amount of mana which might deter players considering cheaper alternatives. Within its mana range, there could be other options that may provide similar or greater benefits without the associated cost and discard requirements, potentially making Side to Side an inferior selection in certain gameplay situations.

Reasons to Include Side to Side in Your Collection

Versatility: Side to Side is an adaptable addition to many deck types, providing players with the ability to surprise opponents and shift the dynamics of the game with its unique mechanics.

Combo Potential: This card opens up a myriad of combo routes, enabling intricate plays that can synergize with other cards to achieve powerful effects and establish commanding board positions.

Meta-Relevance: With shifting gameplay styles often dictating the competitive scene, the usefulness of Side to Side can rise, especially when it counters popular strategies or disrupts common play patterns.

How to beat

Understanding the mechanics and strategies in Magic: The Gathering is essential, particularly when faced with the dynamic ability of the Side to Side card. An adept approach is to limit your opponent’s opportunities to capitalize on its card draw strength. Containment strategy is key here. Disruptive spells like Thoughtseize can preemptively tackle this threat by forcing your opponent to discard it from their hand before they can use its advantage. Similarly, Counterspells are critical in stopping Side to Side from hitting the battlefield. Once on the field, instant-speed removal spells can minimize the duration of its effect.

Board presence is another important factor. Developing a strong lineup of creatures can help to dial back the advantages delivered by Side to Side. Moreover, cards that restrict an opponent’s spell casts or card draws each turn can effectively neutralize the edges provided by this card. Always be mindful of your opponent’s mana availability, as that could signal the potential playing of Side to Side, allowing you to time your counters and removals effectively.

Tackling Side to Side requires a blend of proactive disruption and reactive control. By cutting down the avenues for your opponent to leverage its card draws, you ensure a steadier control over the match’s tempo and flow.

Where to buy

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