Cancel MTG Card


Cancel shines as a counter spell, disrupting opponents’ strategies to gain card advantage and control the game flow. Its instant speed allows strategic plays, balancing resource allocation and counter spell timing effectively. Despite its strengths, Cancel’s specific mana requirements and cost may limit its versatility in some decks.
Card setsReleased in 22 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

Counter target spell.

Fendros gasped as he watched the spell drip from the ends of his fingers. He moved his foot, afraid to disturb the spot where it lay slain.


Cards like Cancel

Cancel is a staple in the control archetype for players in Magic: The Gathering. Countering a spell entirely, it’s similar to other counter spells such as Counterspell itself, which holds the benchmark for instant speed interaction at a mana cost of two. However, Cancel’s three mana cost introduces a slightly delayed playability compared to its predecessor. On the upside, unlike specialized countermagic like Essence Scatter or Negate, Cancel doesn’t discriminate – it targets any spell, granting it broader utility.

Another comparable card is Dissipate. Similar in the three mana cost range, Dissipate adds a layer by exiling the countered spell, preventing cards that would recur from the graveyard from finding their way back into the game. Mana Leak, with its two mana cost, can be seen as a more flexible option, although later in the game it loses effectivity as opponents gather more resources to pay the additional cost required.

Considering the balance between immediacy and impact, Cancel positions itself as an entry-level hard counter suitable for players who prioritize versatility over lower-cost alternatives. It’s a cornerstone in decks that thrive on saying “no” to opponents while maintaining enough flexibility to be a contender in its category.

Counterspell - MTG Card versions
Essence Scatter - MTG Card versions
Negate - MTG Card versions
Dissipate - MTG Card versions
Mana Leak - MTG Card versions
Counterspell - MTG Card versions
Essence Scatter - MTG Card versions
Negate - MTG Card versions
Dissipate - MTG Card versions
Mana Leak - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Cancel by color, type and mana cost

Mana Short - MTG Card versions
Psionic Blast - MTG Card versions
Capsize - MTG Card versions
Forbid - MTG Card versions
Frantic Search - MTG Card versions
Exclude - MTG Card versions
Hibernation - MTG Card versions
Circular Logic - MTG Card versions
Keep Watch - MTG Card versions
Archmage's Charm - MTG Card versions
Commander's Insight - MTG Card versions
Catalog - MTG Card versions
Thirst for Knowledge - MTG Card versions
Murmurs from Beyond - MTG Card versions
Dream Fracture - MTG Card versions
Oona's Grace - MTG Card versions
Deluge - MTG Card versions
Stoic Rebuttal - MTG Card versions
Dissipate - MTG Card versions
Thunderheads - MTG Card versions
Mana Short - MTG Card versions
Psionic Blast - MTG Card versions
Capsize - MTG Card versions
Forbid - MTG Card versions
Frantic Search - MTG Card versions
Exclude - MTG Card versions
Hibernation - MTG Card versions
Circular Logic - MTG Card versions
Keep Watch - MTG Card versions
Archmage's Charm - MTG Card versions
Commander's Insight - MTG Card versions
Catalog - MTG Card versions
Thirst for Knowledge - MTG Card versions
Murmurs from Beyond - MTG Card versions
Dream Fracture - MTG Card versions
Oona's Grace - MTG Card versions
Deluge - MTG Card versions
Stoic Rebuttal - MTG Card versions
Dissipate - MTG Card versions
Thunderheads - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Cancel. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Grixis ControlGrixis Control LegacyCharlotte Legacy League Season 1 Week 1

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Cancel thrives at maintaining your edge in card power by countering key spells that could swing the game in your opponent’s favor. This disrupts their strategy and can lead to a card advantage when they lose an important piece of their game plan.

Resource Acceleration: While Cancel itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its low cost allows you to effectively manage your mana. This enables you to keep up the pace with your opponent and potentially save resources for critical turns.

Instant Speed: The real strength of Cancel lies in its instant speed, granting you the ability to make decisive plays during your opponent’s turn. This reactive quality ensures that you retain control of the game’s flow and safeguards your board when it’s most vulnerable.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The necessity to discard another card from your hand can be a significant setback when playing Cancel. This requirement may force you to make undesirable trades or lose strategic resources that could be vital for maintaining your game plan.

Specific Mana Cost: Cancel’s casting cost is very particular, requiring one blue and two generic mana. This specific setup can sometimes hinder its incorporation into multi-color decks that may struggle with mana consistency and the ability to cast it when needed.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: At three mana for a straightforward counter effect, some players might find Cancel less appealing compared to other lower-costed counter spells in the game. When mana efficiency is crucial, having to keep three mana open can potentially slow down your overall tempo.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Cancel excels as a utility spell across various decks that require reliable counterspells. Its straightforward mana cost allows it to fit into multicolor decks without heavy color commitment.

Combo Potential: Cancel serves as a protective measure, safeguarding your combo pieces from being disrupted by your opponents’ spells, thereby securing your path to victory.

Meta-Relevance: In environments rampant with high-impact spells, Cancel ensures you have a say in what resolves, keeping you in control and possibly tipping the scales in your favor.


How to beat

Cancel is a classic counter spell that offers a straightforward solution to an opposing threat: by paying three mana, players can negate any spell as it’s cast. It’s a versatile tool in the arsenal of blue mages, ready to disrupt the carefully laid plans of their opponents. Counter strategies, after all, act as a gatekeeper to protect players from potentially game-ending spells.

However, spells like Negate or Dispel offer a more specialized response, targeting only noncreature and instant spells respectively. They come in at a lower cost than Cancel, allowing players to keep up their defenses while still progressing their board state. Another strategy to undermine Cancel is to deploy multiple threats in a single turn, taxing the blue player’s mana and forcing difficult decisions. Additionally, cards with the “cannot be countered” clause, such as Supreme Verdict, are established tools to sidestep counter magic.

Understanding when to bait out counter spells, and maneuvering through a sea of potential negations requires both strategic depth and forethought. Success often hinges on one’s ability to anticipate the counter and strategically allocate resources, making the dance with Cancel a delicate one within Magic: The Gathering’s strategic play.


BurnMana Recommendations

Navigating MTG strategy can be as intricate as casting the right spell at the perfect moment. The inclusion of Cancel in your deck introduces an essential control element that can pivot the game’s direction in your favor. Understanding its pros and cons is key to deploying it effectively. Whether thwarting an opponent’s spell with a well-timed Cancel or choosing an alternative countermeasure that aligns better with your overall deck strategy, the decision could be the tipping point between defeat and victory. Dive deeper with BurnMana and refine your counter strategy, ensuring your deck is built not only to play but to outmaneuver and prevail against the opposition.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Cancel MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Time Spiral, 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 Cancel and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Cancel Magic the Gathering card was released in 22 different sets between 2006-10-06 and 2020-07-03. Illustrated by 7 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 362222003NormalBlackIzzy
22006-10-06Time SpiralTSP 512003NormalBlackMark Poole
32007-07-13Tenth Edition10E 712003NormalBlackMark Poole
42008-10-03Shards of AlaraALA 332003NormalBlackDavid Palumbo
52009-07-17Magic 2010M10 442003NormalBlackDavid Palumbo
62009-10-02ZendikarZEN 442003NormalBlackScott Chou
72010-01-01Magic Player Rewards 2010P10 22003NormalBlackIzzy
82010-06-04Duels of the PlaneswalkersDPA 32003NormalBlackDavid Palumbo
92010-07-16Magic 2011M11 482003NormalBlackDavid Palumbo
102011-07-15Magic 2012M12 472003NormalBlackDavid Palumbo
112012-06-01Planechase 2012PC2 152003NormalBlackDavid Palumbo
122012-10-05Return to RavnicaRTR 312003NormalBlackKarl Kopinski
132013-07-19Magic 2014M14 452003NormalBlackDavid Palumbo
142014-07-18Magic 2015M15 2742015NormalBlackDavid Palumbo
152014-09-26Khans of TarkirKTK 332015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak
162016-11-25Planechase AnthologyPCA 152015NormalBlackDavid Palumbo
172017-04-28AmonkhetAKH 442015NormalBlackMathias Kollros
182017-09-29IxalanXLN 472015NormalBlackMathias Kollros
192018-07-13Core Set 2019M19 482015NormalBlackMathias Kollros
202019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 3072015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak
212020-07-03Core Set 2021M21 462015NormalBlackMathias Kollros
222020-09-26The ListPLST KTK-332015NormalBlackSlawomir Maniak

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Cancel has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal