Circular Logic MTG Card


Its value grows in graveyard-focused decks, further enhancing card interactions and deck strategies. Circular Logic operates at instant speed, offering flexibility and surprise elements during gameplay. While powerful, it requires strategic hand management and the right mana setup to maximize efficacy.
Card setsReleased in 12 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeInstant
Abilities Madness

Text of card

Counter target spell unless its controller pays o1 for each card in your graveyard. Madness o U (You may play this card for its madness cost at the time you discard it from your hand.)


Cards like Circular Logic

Circular Logic is an intriguing counter spell that holds a special spot within the pantheon of Magic: The Gathering’s interrupt options. When considering cards similar to Circular Logic, Mana Leak naturally comes to mind due to its ability to counter spells unless a player pays additional mana. Circular Logic takes a unique approach by considering the number of cards in your graveyard, potentially making it much more formidable later in the game.

Another card worth mentioning is Counterspell, a quintessential and straightforward option that counters targets for a set two blue mana regardless of game conditions. While Counterspell doesn’t require setup to be effective, Circular Logic can cost significantly less with a stocked graveyard. Lastly, Logic Knot deserves a comparison, as it also scales with the graveyard size through Delve, allowing you to exile cards to reduce its cost. However, unlike Circular Logic, which can be an unexpected threat when discarded, Logic Knot doesn’t have the flashback feature that gives Circular Logic additional versatility and strategic depth in gameplay.

These comparisons underscore the niche Circular Logic fills. With graveyard synergy and cost-flexibility, Circular Logic has a distinctive role in Magic: The Gathering, offering players an alternative tactical edge in their counter spell arsenal.

Mana Leak - MTG Card versions
Counterspell - MTG Card versions
Logic Knot - MTG Card versions
Mana Leak - MTG Card versions
Counterspell - MTG Card versions
Logic Knot - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Circular Logic by color, type and mana cost

Mana Short - MTG Card versions
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Archmage's Charm - MTG Card versions
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Venser's Diffusion - MTG Card versions
Dream Fracture - MTG Card versions
Oona's Grace - MTG Card versions
Mana Short - MTG Card versions
Psionic Blast - MTG Card versions
Capsize - MTG Card versions
Intuition - MTG Card versions
Forbid - MTG Card versions
Frantic Search - MTG Card versions
Exclude - MTG Card versions
Crystal Spray - MTG Card versions
Hibernation - MTG Card versions
Keep Watch - MTG Card versions
Archmage's Charm - MTG Card versions
Commander's Insight - MTG Card versions
Ixidor's Will - MTG Card versions
Catalog - MTG Card versions
Vex - MTG Card versions
Thirst for Knowledge - MTG Card versions
Murmurs from Beyond - MTG Card versions
Venser's Diffusion - MTG Card versions
Dream Fracture - MTG Card versions
Oona's Grace - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
WUGWUG PauperPauper League 2023-11-29
Caw-GatesCaw-Gates PauperCaw-GatesPauper Challenge 32 2024-05-03
DecklistDecklist Free form80#CS
MadnessMadness PremodernEternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent
Five-color ComboFive-color Combo Premodern$1K - Pre-Modern - SCG CON Atlanta - Saturday - 9:30 am
Five-color MidrangeFive-color Midrange Premodern$1K - Pre-Modern - SCG CON Atlanta - Saturday - 9:30 am
Azorius AggroAzorius Aggro Premodern$1K - Pre-Modern - SCG CON Atlanta - Saturday - 9:30 am
PsychatogPsychatog PremodernEternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent
Azorius TribeAzorius Tribe Pauper2° Tappa - Season 7 - Road to Paupergeddon Spring edition 2024 @ Lega Pauper Martesana
Azorius ComboAzorius Combo PauperIPT Pauper Paradise

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Circular Logic not only counters a spell, it also adds to graveyard synergy, often ending up netting additional value in graveyard-utilizing decks or through card interactions that benefit from casting or having particular cards in the graveyard.

Resource Acceleration: While Circular Logic itself does not provide direct mana acceleration, its low cost and threshold ability can significantly reduce the mana needed for countering crucial spells, thereby freeing up resources for more strategic plays or further development of the board state.

Instant Speed: This card operates at instant speed, providing the flexibility to disrupt opponents’ plans at critical moments. The capacity to cast it from the graveyard using the Madness mechanic also offers an efficient way to capitalize on unexpectedly discarded cards, essentially turning a potential setback into a tactical advantage.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Circular Logic necessitates the player to discard another card from their hand, which can be a drawback during critical moments when maintaining card advantage is key to victory.

Specific Mana Cost: It requires both blue mana and generic mana to cast, which could prove restrictive in decks that don’t consistently generate the needed mana types.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While its Madness cost can mitigate this, the full cost of three mana – two generic and one blue – is considered high for a counterspell, especially when compared to other options available that may offer more competitive mana costs for similar effects.


Reasons to Include Circular Logic in Your Collection

Versatility: Circular Logic is an adaptable counterspell that can find its place in a variety of blue-based decks. Its utility rises since it can be used from the graveyard, giving players a strategic edge even after it’s discarded or milled.

Combo Potential: In decks that capitalize on cycling or discard synergies, this card offers additional combo potential. Its ability to counter spells for a single blue mana when unearthed becomes a powerful surprise tactic when paired with graveyard interactions.

Meta-Relevance: Circular Logic maintains its relevance in metas where spellslinger decks are prevalent. Its flexibility to disrupt opponents at critical junctures ensures that it remains a valuable asset, especially in formats where resource management is crucial.


How to beat Circular Logic

Circular Logic is often seen as a deterrent in the Magic: The Gathering landscape, thanks to its aptitude for countering spells when you least expect it. This card’s unique trait lies in using the Madness mechanic, which enables a substantially reduced cost when discarding it. While daunting, overcoming Circular Logic can be achieved by adopting strategic plays that neuter its potential.

Timing is critical—playing important spells when your opponent is low on mana or unable to discard Circular Logic can sidestep its counter. Additionally, baiting out the counter with less crucial spells could clear the path for your vital spells later in the game. Moreover, graveyard removal can be a silver bullet, exiling Circular Logic before it becomes a discounted threat.

Ultimately, a deep understanding of your opponent’s deck and potential moves is invaluable. By carefully choosing when to play key spells and neutralizing the graveyard, you can diminish the efficacy of Circular Logic and maintain the upper hand in your battles across the plains of Magic: The Gathering.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dive into the complex currents of Magic the Gathering with a card like Circular Logic. A staple in transformative sideboards and a powerhouse in graveyard-centric strategies, this card will fine-tune your deck’s reaction speed. Acknowledging its cons is just as crucial as exploiting its advantages, allowing you to formulate a comprehensive game plan. If mastering unexpected plays and strategic discard tactics resonates with your playstyle, then Circular Logic is a card that deserves your attention. Embrace the versatile nature of Circular Logic and add a layer of depth to your deck. Continue your journey with us and enrich your MTG expertise.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Circular Logic MTG card by a specific set like Torment and Magic Online Promos, 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 Circular Logic and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Circular Logic Magic the Gathering card was released in 9 different sets between 2002-02-04 and 2023-01-13. Illustrated by Anthony S. Waters.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-02-04TormentTOR 331997NormalBlackAnthony S. Waters
22002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 362442003NormalBlackAnthony S. Waters
32002-08-14World Championship Decks 2002WC02 shh331997NormalGoldAnthony S. Waters
42002-08-14World Championship Decks 2002WC02 cr331997NormalGoldAnthony S. Waters
52003-08-07World Championship Decks 2003WC03 dz33sb2003NormalGoldAnthony S. Waters
62003-08-07World Championship Decks 2003WC03 dz332003NormalGoldAnthony S. Waters
72003-08-07World Championship Decks 2003WC03 dh332003NormalGoldAnthony S. Waters
82014-06-16Vintage MastersVMA 602015NormalBlackAnthony S. Waters
92018-12-07Ultimate MastersUMA 472015NormalBlackAnthony S. Waters
102019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 3172015NormalBlackAnthony S. Waters
112020-09-26The ListPLST UMA-472015NormalBlackAnthony S. Waters
122023-01-13Dominaria RemasteredDMR 422015NormalBlackAnthony S. Waters

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Circular Logic has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2022-12-08 Count the number of cards in your graveyard as Circular Logic resolves to determine how much the controller of the target spell has to pay. Circular Logic is still on the stack at that time. It doesn’t count itself.