Access Denied MTG Card


Access Denied provides card advantage through disrupting opponent strategies and maintaining hand robustness. Instant speed lets players react in real-time, heightening tactical plays and board control. Integrating Access Denied into collections leverages its meta-defying abilities, enhancing deck performance.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeInstant

Text of card

Counter target spell. Create X 1/1 colorless Thopter artifact creature tokens with flying, where X is that spell's mana value.


Cards like Access Denied

The strategic ebb and flow of Magic: The Gathering is often dictated by cards like Access Denied, which suspend an opponent’s progress. Shared traits can be found with cards such as Frost Lynx or Man-o’-War, which also aim to disrupt the pace of the game by targeting creatures. While Frost Lynx freezes a creature upon entering the battlefield, it doesn’t prevent activated abilities like Access Denied. Man-o’-War bounces a creature back to the owner’s hand — useful, yet it also doesn’t address activated abilities, nor does it tackle all potential threats as Access Denied does.

Encounter with the Infinite offers a more severe form of play disruption, effectively taking a chosen card out of play until the holder can cast a spell from their graveyard. This shares Access Denied’s spirit of delay but doesn’t offer universal coverage over abilities. Icy Manipulator is another classic, enabling players to tap a card of choice, similar to the lockdown effect of Access Denied. Nevertheless, Icy Manipulator is not limited to creatures only and can be utilized multiple times, providing a wider range of control.

In summary, while there are numerous cards designed to slow down an adversary, Access Denied stands out by being both comprehensive and specific, targeting the nuanced arena of activated creature abilities and blunting threats across the battlefield.

Frost Lynx - MTG Card versions
Man-o'-War - MTG Card versions
Icy Manipulator - MTG Card versions
Frost Lynx - MTG Card versions
Man-o'-War - MTG Card versions
Icy Manipulator - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Access Denied by color, type and mana cost

Force of Will - MTG Card versions
Desertion - MTG Card versions
Evacuation - MTG Card versions
Double Take - MTG Card versions
Sunder - MTG Card versions
Misdirection - MTG Card versions
Submerge - MTG Card versions
Gush - MTG Card versions
Fervent Denial - MTG Card versions
Perplexing Test - MTG Card versions
Graven Lore - MTG Card versions
Jace's Ingenuity - MTG Card versions
Spin into Myth - MTG Card versions
Counterbore - MTG Card versions
Traumatic Visions - MTG Card versions
Whiplash Trap - MTG Card versions
Archive Trap - MTG Card versions
Mysteries of the Deep - MTG Card versions
Quicksilver Geyser - MTG Card versions
Lost in the Mist - MTG Card versions
Force of Will - MTG Card versions
Desertion - MTG Card versions
Evacuation - MTG Card versions
Double Take - MTG Card versions
Sunder - MTG Card versions
Misdirection - MTG Card versions
Submerge - MTG Card versions
Gush - MTG Card versions
Fervent Denial - MTG Card versions
Perplexing Test - MTG Card versions
Graven Lore - MTG Card versions
Jace's Ingenuity - MTG Card versions
Spin into Myth - MTG Card versions
Counterbore - MTG Card versions
Traumatic Visions - MTG Card versions
Whiplash Trap - MTG Card versions
Archive Trap - MTG Card versions
Mysteries of the Deep - MTG Card versions
Quicksilver Geyser - MTG Card versions
Lost in the Mist - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Access Denied comes into play when discussing the strategic depth provided through card advantage. The ability to counteract an opponent’s spell while simultaneously peeking into their hand and discarding a card of your choice can shift the balance in your favor, maintaining a robust hand while depleting theirs.

Resource Acceleration: Although Access Denied does not directly produce resources, the card effectively dampens an opponent’s resource acceleration. By choosing strategically, you can thwart their plans to ramp up, keeping the tempo of the game under your control.

Instant Speed: The flexibility of instant-speed spells gives players the freedom to make pivotal decisions at critical moments. Access Denied can be cast in response to an opponent’s move, potentially saving your side from a crippling spell or disrupting a combo setup, leaving your opponent at a significant disadvantage while you have untapped resources ready to respond further.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One hurdle players face with Access Denied is the discard prerequisite to activate its ability. If you’re already struggling with card advantage, this can exacerbate the issue, potentially leaving you with fewer strategic options as the game progresses.

Specific Mana Cost: Access Denied has a demanding mana cost, requiring both blue and white mana. This can impose constraints on deck-building and makes the card less versatile, fitting primarily into Azorius or multicolored decks with a proficient mana base to support its casting.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With other cards in the same mana range offering more impactful board presence or card advantage, the mana investment for Access Denied may not always align with the value it provides on the battlefield. Players have to carefully consider if its ability justifies the four mana cost, especially in faster-paced games where efficiency is key.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Access Denied fits seamlessly into decks that require control elements. Its ability to deny opposing creature abilities can be a game-changer, adapting to various gameplay situations.

Combo Potential: This card has synergy with strategies that focus on locking down opponents. Combined with cards that protect it or others that capitalize on tapped creatures, it can be the cornerstone of a powerful deck.

Meta-Relevance: With decks that lean heavily on activated creature abilities dominating the landscape, having Access Denied in your arsenal can ensure you’ve got a fighting chance in the current competitive environment.


How to beat

Access Denied is a unique card that can throw a wrench in your strategic gears if you’re not equipped to tackle its disruptive potential in Magic: The Gathering. This card excels in controlling the flow of the game by denying creature abilities, which can be particularly frustrating when your game plan relies heavily on those abilities. To effectively circumvent Access Denied’s restrictive nature, it is essential to prioritize playing cards that can remove enchantments directly from the battlefield. Cards such as Naturalize or Disenchant can be game-changers, as they can swiftly dismantle Access Denied’s grip on the game.

Another approach to consider is employing creatures with high power and toughness that do not rely on activated abilities to be effective. In this way, even though Access Denied may negate certain abilities, your formidable creatures can still pressure your opponent through sheer force. It’s also beneficial to use instant-speed spells that can disrupt your opponent’s strategy, maintaining control and limiting the impact Access Denied may have on the game’s outcome.

Ultimately, by anticipating the presence of Access Denied and incorporating strategic counters into your deck, you can navigate your matches with confidence, ready to remove or circumvent any barriers Access Denied might present.


BurnMana Recommendations

Stepping into the strategic realm of MTG, Access Denied emerges as a compelling addition to control-minded players’ collections. This card’s ability to influence the battlefield by managing opponents’ resources and negating creature abilities provides a solid tactical edge. To capitalize on its advantages and mitigate any potential drawbacks, remember to maintain card balance and adapt your deck’s mana base accordingly. As you explore and adapt to the evolving MTG landscape, consider Access Denied to enhance your gameplay experience. Delve into more insights and tips to refine your strategies and unlock the full potential of your deck by joining the BurnMana community.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Access Denied MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Neon Dynasty Commander, 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 Access Denied and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Access Denied Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2022-02-18 and 2022-02-18. Illustrated by Johan Grenier.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 979112015NormalBlackJohan Grenier
22022-02-18Neon Dynasty CommanderNEC 472015NormalBlackJohan Grenier
32022-02-18Neon Dynasty CommanderNEC 112015NormalBlackJohan Grenier

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Access Denied has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal