Dispel MTG Card


Dispel maximizes resource management by efficiently countering critical instant-speed spells with low cost. Its utility is tailored to blue decks, aligning with control strategies and preserving in-game resources. Incorporate Dispel in your collection to navigate MTG’s metagame and enhance your tactical prowess.
Card setsReleased in 6 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

Counter target instant spell.

The Jwari winds undo reality as easily as they scatter a pile of leaves.


Cards like Dispel

Dispel is a sleek and efficient spell that serves as a robust defense against instant-speed threats in Magic: The Gathering. Its simplicity, countering an instant for a single blue mana, makes it an attractive option for players looking to protect their game plan. Compare this to Negate, which has the broader ability to counter any noncreature spell for two mana. Negate offers a wider shield, but at a higher mana cost and does not exclusively focus on instants like Dispel.

Glimpse the Unthinkable also invites comparison as a countermeasure. While it’s not as mana-efficient as Dispel, countering both creature and noncreature spells, its versatility in a broader range of situations can’t be ignored. Conversely, Spell Pierce is another popular choice, providing the flexibility to counter any noncreature spell unless the opponent pays the additional cost. However, it loses effectiveness as the game progresses and opponents amass more mana.

Ultimately, Dispel holds its own within the Magic: The Gathering landscape for its cost-effective, pinpoint protection against instant spells, securing its place as a favorite among players who value precision and resource management in high-stakes moments.

Negate - MTG Card versions
Glimpse the Unthinkable - MTG Card versions
Spell Pierce - MTG Card versions
Negate - MTG Card versions
Glimpse the Unthinkable - MTG Card versions
Spell Pierce - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Dispel by color, type and mana cost

Ancestral Recall - MTG Card versions
Jump - MTG Card versions
Sleight of Mind - MTG Card versions
Unsummon - MTG Card versions
Siren's Call - MTG Card versions
Power Sink - MTG Card versions
Blue Elemental Blast - MTG Card versions
Magical Hack - MTG Card versions
Twiddle - MTG Card versions
Riptide - MTG Card versions
Winter's Chill - MTG Card versions
Mind Bend - MTG Card versions
Spell Blast - MTG Card versions
Denied! - MTG Card versions
Hydroblast - MTG Card versions
Whispers of the Muse - MTG Card versions
Ertai's Trickery - MTG Card versions
Force Spike - MTG Card versions
Opt - MTG Card versions
Envelop - MTG Card versions
Ancestral Recall - MTG Card versions
Jump - MTG Card versions
Sleight of Mind - MTG Card versions
Unsummon - MTG Card versions
Siren's Call - MTG Card versions
Power Sink - MTG Card versions
Blue Elemental Blast - MTG Card versions
Magical Hack - MTG Card versions
Twiddle - MTG Card versions
Riptide - MTG Card versions
Winter's Chill - MTG Card versions
Mind Bend - MTG Card versions
Spell Blast - MTG Card versions
Denied! - MTG Card versions
Hydroblast - MTG Card versions
Whispers of the Muse - MTG Card versions
Ertai's Trickery - MTG Card versions
Force Spike - MTG Card versions
Opt - MTG Card versions
Envelop - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Dimir ControlDimir Control PauperDimir ControlPauper Challenge 32 2024-04-21
Caw-GatesCaw-Gates PauperCaw-GatesPauper Challenge 64 2024-04-21
Grixis ControlGrixis Control PauperGrixis ControlPauper Challenge 64 2024-04-28
Dimir FaeriesDimir Faeries PauperDimir FaeriesPauper Preliminary 2024-04-23
Mono-Blue DelverMono-Blue Delver PauperMono-Blue DelverPauper Challenge 32 2024-04-26
Jeskai EphemerateJeskai Ephemerate PauperJeskai EphemeratePauper Preliminary 2024-04-22

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Dispel might not directly lead to drawing cards, but by protecting key spells or creatures, it can effectively preserve the valuable resources you have on the board or in hand.

Resource Acceleration: While Dispel doesn’t accelerate mana, it’s remarkably mana-efficient. At just one blue mana to cast, it allows players to utilize their mana pool strategically, saving resources for pivotal moments.

Instant Speed: Its instant-speed nature lets you disrupt opponents’ critical spells during their turn, aligning perfectly with control strategies to ensure your carefully laid plans remain undisrupted.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Dispel does not necessitate a discard, the trade-off is its narrow focus, potentially taking up a card slot in your hand that could be reserved for more versatile counterspells.

Specific Mana Cost: Dispel requires one blue mana to cast, which makes its inclusion exclusive to blue or blue-included decks, possibly restricting its utility in multi-color combinations that may have limited access to blue mana sources.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Dispel’s mana cost is low at one blue mana; however, it only targets instant spells. This specificity means that its cost-effectiveness is lower compared to more flexible counterspells that can address a wider variety of threats on the battlefield.


Reasons to Include Dispel in Your Collection

Versatility: Dispel can be a key addition to any blue deck, offering the nimbleness to counter instant-speed spells that could disrupt your strategy. Its low mana cost makes it easily slotted into various game phases without significant planning.

Combo Potential: Protecting your crucial combo pieces is vital for executing your strategy smoothly, and Dispel provides that protection efficiently against spells that could otherwise foil your plans at a critical moment.

Meta-Relevance: Given its effectiveness against common instant spells found in many competitive decks, Dispel holds its place as a metagame staple, ensuring that your arsenal is equipped to handle diverse threats at minimal cost.


How to beat

Dispel is a staple in blue MTG decks that offers a simple yet effective way to protect your game plan – by negating opponent’s instants. The key to overcoming Dispel lies in timing and baiting. Since Dispel can only counter spells that are cast at instant speed, structure your plays to force out Dispel on less critical spells. Casting two important instants in one turn can strain your opponent’s mana availability, making it harder for them to effectively use Dispel.

Alternatively, leaning on sorceries and other non-instant spells can naturally dodge Dispel’s restrictive casting target. It’s crucial to assess the situation; if Dispel poses a significant threat, it might be worth considering cards that can’t be countered or using spells that provide a benefit upon casting rather than resolution. This retains value even if the opponent manages to Dispel your spell.

In essence, while Dispel is a cost-effective and reliable countermeasure, its limited scope provides a strategic opening for savvy players. Whether through timing, spell selection, or leveraging uncounterable magic, there are multiple pathways to navigate around Dispel’s defenses and secure victory on the battlefield.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the subtleties and strategic placement of cards like Dispel in your MTG deck can be the difference between a close loss and a masterful win. Whether it’s safeguarding your game-changing spells or thwarting your opponent’s crucial instants, Dispel has the agility to tilt the scales in your favor. If you’re keen to dive deeper into strategies that leverage Dispel’s efficiency or explore alternative cards to broaden your defensive arsenal, our insights are tailored for you. So, tap into our reservoir of knowledge, sharpen your deck-building skills, and embrace the intricacies of MTG to enhance your gameplay.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Dispel MTG card by a specific set like Worldwake and Return to Ravnica, 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 Dispel and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Dispel Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 2010-02-05 and 2022-12-13. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12010-02-05WorldwakeWWK 262003NormalBlackVance Kovacs
22012-10-05Return to RavnicaRTR 362003NormalBlackChase Stone
32015-10-02Battle for ZendikarBFZ 762015NormalBlackChase Stone
42019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 3502015NormalBlackChase Stone
52020-09-26The ListPLST BFZ-762015NormalBlackChase Stone
62022-12-13Explorer Anthology 2EA2 102015NormalBlackChase Stone

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Dispel has restrictions

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