Discombobulate MTG Card


Discombobulate influences gameplay by controlling the opponent’s next card draw. Can be a strategic counter in blue control decks with its instant speed. Its mana cost and necessity in specific blue decks may limit flexibility.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

Counter target spell. Look at the top four cards of your library, then put them back in any order.

"I said 'pick his brain,' not 'tear off his head.'" —Riptide Project researcher


Cards like Discombobulate

Discombobulate is a unique counter spell that adds a twist to the classic control aspects in Magic: The Gathering. Standing out in its ability to not only counter but also control the opponent’s next draw, it draws parallels to other cards like Dissipate. While Dissipate also exiles the countered spell, preventing further graveyard interaction, Discombobulate excels by offering that extra top-deck manipulation which can be a game-changer.

Similarly, we find Rewind, which has the bonus of untapping four lands as it counters. This can be a huge advantage, offering a counter spell that essentially costs nothing. Although it doesn’t provide the same deck control as Discombobulate, it allows the player to hold up a defense while still advancing their board. Compare this to Cancel, a standard counter spell with no further boons, Discombobulate’s additional utility of reshuffling an opponent’s library becomes quite valuable.

Evaluating the various utilities provided by these counter spells, Discombobulate can be considered a handy tool for players looking to assert dominance by disrupting their opponent’s plans, while gaining insight into their next move—all contributing factors that solidify its place in a strategist’s arsenal.

Dissipate - MTG Card versions
Rewind - MTG Card versions
Cancel - MTG Card versions
Dissipate - MTG Card versions
Rewind - MTG Card versions
Cancel - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Discombobulate by color, type and mana cost

Deflection - MTG Card versions
Ray of Command - MTG Card versions
Inspiration - MTG Card versions
Turnabout - MTG Card versions
Quash - MTG Card versions
Foil - MTG Card versions
Thwart - MTG Card versions
Plagiarize - MTG Card versions
Fact or Fiction - MTG Card versions
Cryptic Command - MTG Card versions
Fold into Aether - MTG Card versions
Part the Veil - MTG Card versions
Gifts Ungiven - MTG Card versions
Surging Aether - MTG Card versions
Careful Consideration - MTG Card versions
Gifts Given - MTG Card versions
Permafrost Trap - MTG Card versions
Bone to Ash - MTG Card versions
Sudden Storm - MTG Card versions
Weave Fate - MTG Card versions
Deflection - MTG Card versions
Ray of Command - MTG Card versions
Inspiration - MTG Card versions
Turnabout - MTG Card versions
Quash - MTG Card versions
Foil - MTG Card versions
Thwart - MTG Card versions
Plagiarize - MTG Card versions
Fact or Fiction - MTG Card versions
Cryptic Command - MTG Card versions
Fold into Aether - MTG Card versions
Part the Veil - MTG Card versions
Gifts Ungiven - MTG Card versions
Surging Aether - MTG Card versions
Careful Consideration - MTG Card versions
Gifts Given - MTG Card versions
Permafrost Trap - MTG Card versions
Bone to Ash - MTG Card versions
Sudden Storm - MTG Card versions
Weave Fate - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Discombobulate offers the capability to control the next draw of an opponent, effectively disrupting their game plan while keeping your own plays unaffected. Very few spells offer control over an opponent’s library, making this card particularly unique in its ability to influence an opponent’s forthcoming options.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly accelerating your resources, Discombobulate sets your opponent back by placing their key card at the bottom of their library. This can indirectly accelerate your position in the game as they lose access to critical resources they’ve been relying on or setting up for.

Instant Speed: As an instant, this card maximizes flexibility in your play. You can bide your time and respond to crucial threats as they appear. This ability to act during your opponent’s turn makes Discombobulate a strong defensive tool that meshes well with a strategy seeking to keep the opponent off-balance.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Discombobulate doesn’t require you to discard cards directly, it demands you be ready to deal with the implications of your opponent potentially discarding their suboptimal draws. This might not be as impactful if your opponent’s hand is less reliant on specific draws.

Specific Mana Cost: This card has a particular mana configuration needing two blue and two generic mana, making it less flexible for multi-color decks that may run a variety of spells with diverse mana needs.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Clocking in at four total mana, including two blue, Discombobulate may compete with other spells in your deck that deliver immediate card advantage or board presence. For the same investment, you could potentially cast spells that affect the battlefield directly, instead of just rearranging your opponent’s library.


Reasons to Include Discombobulate in Your Collection

Versatility: Discombobulate offers strategic flexibility in blue control decks, allowing players to counter key spells while also reordering the top cards of their opponent’s library, potentially disrupting their draw.

Combo Potential: This card can be a critical component in setups that capitalize on opponents drawing undesirable cards or in conjunction with effects that force draws, thus exploiting the library rearrangement for tactical advantages.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where spell-based combos or important creature casts are prevalent, Discombobulate serves as a robust answer, countering crucial plays and providing a subtle layer of deck manipulation to set back opponents’ strategies.


How to beat

Discombobulate is a blue counter card that presents a challenge with its ability to not only negate spells but also to rearrange the top four cards of a player’s library. To outmaneuver Discombobulate, it’s crucial to provoke your opponent into using their mana inefficiently. Try baiting with less crucial spells to exhaust resources or wait for an opening when their mana is tapped out. Consider cards that can’t be countered or use spells that grant your spells similar protection.

Deck construction is another avenue. Including cards with a flashback or other alternative cast methods can mitigate the setback from a countered spell. Lastly, instant-speed spells can be key in applying pressure during your opponent’s turn, which could leverage any unused mana you have into a strategic advantage. While Discombobulate is undoubtedly a formidable foe, clever strategic play and a well-constructed deck can provide the means to outplay its disruptive potential.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Discombobulate MTG card by a specific set like Onslaught and Tenth Edition, 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 Discombobulate and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Discombobulate Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2002-10-07 and 2007-07-13. Illustrated by Alex Horley-Orlandelli.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-10-07OnslaughtONS 791997NormalBlackAlex Horley-Orlandelli
22007-07-13Tenth Edition10E 812003NormalBlackAlex Horley-Orlandelli

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Discombobulate has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal