Dissolve MTG Card


Dissolve provides card advantage through scry after countering, aiding in draw quality control. The card requires careful mana allocation due to its specific blue cost, impacting flexibility. It remains a relevant choice for control decks, keeping players ahead in diverse MTG situations.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeInstant
Abilities Scry

Text of card

Counter target spell. Scry 1. (Look at the top card of your library. You may put that card on the bottom of your library.)

"You thought only the gods could stop you?"


Cards like Dissolve

Dissolve is an established presence in the control arsenal of Magic: The Gathering, holding its own amongst counterspells. Its close relative is Cancel, which at its core, performs the same primary function of countering any spell. The strength of Dissolve, however, comes with its scry 1 capability, allowing a subtle but potent form of deck manipulation absent in Cancel, giving players an edge in setting up their next draw.

Comparatively, there’s also Sinister Sabotage which mirrors Dissolve’s attributes of countering and scrying. The distinguishing factor lies in Sinister Sabotage’s slightly more contemporary mana requirement, making it potentially more fitting in multi-colored decks. Then there’s Void Shatter, another alternative with a similar countering effect, but its unique selling point is the exile component, removing the spell from the game entirely instead of just sending it to the graveyard. This can be a significant advantage in disrupting your opponent’s strategy that revolves around graveyard interactions.

Analyzing the fine details and specific scenarios where each card would shine, Dissolve stands out with a balance of control and foresight, making it a go-to option for players aiming to maintain momentum while disrupting opponents effectively.

Cancel - MTG Card versions
Sinister Sabotage - MTG Card versions
Void Shatter - MTG Card versions
Cancel - MTG Card versions
Sinister Sabotage - MTG Card versions
Void Shatter - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Azorius ControlAzorius Control PioneerAzorius ControlPioneer Challenge 64 2024-01-27

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Dissolve grants you the power to scry 1 after countering a spell, helping you filter your next draw and potentially secure a valuable card for your strategy.

Resource Acceleration: While Dissolve itself does not directly accelerate resources, efficiently managing your spells and ensuring your key strategies remain uninterrupted can indirectly lead to greater resource leverage over your opponent.

Instant Speed: As an instant, Dissolve can be a formidable surprise for your adversary, disrupting their play at a crucial moment and keeping you one step ahead in the duel.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Dissolve provides a counter spell plus scry advantage, the need to discard another card can be disadvantageous. In a situation where hand resources are scarce, it might force a player to give up a valuable piece from their strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: Dissolve requires two blue mana in its casting cost, making it a less flexible option for multicolored decks. This specificity could restrict it to decks that can consistently generate the necessary blue mana when it counts.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing three mana, with two of that being colored mana, positions Dissolve at a higher casting cost than some other counter spells. This can make it less efficient, potentially impacting the player’s tempo, especially during the early game when mana resources could be directed toward establishing board presence or advancing the game plan.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Dissolve is a handy counter spell that fits into many blue-based control decks. Its capability to counter any spell makes it widely applicable in a range of situations, from casual play to more competitive environments.

Combo Potential: The scry 1 ability of Dissolve adds a layer of deck manipulation, allowing players to filter their draws and find combo pieces more effectively. This can be a crucial factor in the success of combo-oriented decks.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta filled with crucial spells that can turn the tide of the game, having Dissolve in your arsenal offers a reliable answer. Its presence in your deck ensures you can disrupt opponents’ strategies and maintain control of the game flow.


How to beat

Dissolve is a counter spell that not only negates an opponent’s magic but also allows its caster to scry 1, giving them a slight peek into the future of their deck. To skilfully play around Dissolve, a strategy involving baiting with less critical spells could tempt your opponent to use their counter prematurely. This opens a window for more crucial spells to pass unmolested through an opponent’s defenses.

An additional tactic is to apply pressure by playing spells on curves that align with your mana availability. This forces the Dissolve player to choose between countering your current threat or holding mana for a potentially greater threat next turn. In a similar strategic approach, one can employ spells that can’t be countered, sidestepping the capability of Dissolve altogether and securing your spell’s resolution on the stack.

To sum up, while Dissolve can disrupt your game plan, its effectiveness depends on the opponent’s timing and the threats that are posed. By understanding when to press and when to hold back, or by including uncounterable spells in your deck, you can mitigate the disruption caused by Dissolve and maintain the upper hand in your matches.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the ins and outs of Dissolve can be a game-changer in MTG. Mastering when to play this counter spell and learning to anticipate your opponent’s moves elevates your strategic play. If you’re looking for ways to enhance your control deck or keen on developing new tactics against common playstyles, then Dissolve and similar cards should not be overlooked. Looking to fine-tune your skills or curious about integrating Dissolve into your own deck? Dive into the depth of Magic the Gathering with us, and let’s steer your gameplay towards victory with each draw and counter play!


Where to buy

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

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Printings

The Dissolve Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2013-09-27 and 2017-11-17. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 523362003NormalBlackJeff Simpson
22013-09-27TherosTHS 472003NormalBlackWesley Burt
32014-01-01Friday Night Magic 2014F14 62003NormalBlackJeff Simpson
42017-11-17Iconic MastersIMA 512015NormalBlackWesley Burt

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Dissolve has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2013-09-15 Scry appears on some spells and abilities with one or more targets. If all of the spell or ability's targets are illegal when it tries to resolve, it won't resolve and none of its effects will happen. You won't scry.
2013-09-15 When you scry, you may put all the cards you look at back on top of your library, you may put all of those cards on the bottom of your library, or you may put some of those cards on top and the rest of them on the bottom.
2013-09-15 You choose how to order cards returned to your library after scrying no matter where you put them.
2013-09-15 You perform the actions stated on a card in sequence. For some spells and abilities, that means you'll scry last. For others, that means you'll scry and then perform other actions.