Even the Score MTG Card


Instant speed allows strategic plays, turning tides with surprise creature tokens during crucial moments. While offering valuable board presence, the discard requirement can sometimes offset card advantage gains. Though mana-specific and potentially costly, its conditional free cast can be a late-game powerhouse.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityMythic
TypeInstant

Text of card

This spell costs less to cast if an opponent has drawn four or more cards this turn. Draw X cards.

Those who try to rob the Obscura often leave behind more than they take away.


Cards like Even the Score

Even the Score is an intriguing spell that joins the realm of Magic: The Gathering’s creature-based reactionary cards. It bears similarities to cards like Consign to the Pit, which also removes creatures from the game. However, Even the Score provides a unique advantage: it can be cast for free under certain conditions. Unlike Consign to the Pit, it doesn’t demand a high mana cost if an opponent has more life than you.

In comparison, cards such as Hero’s Downfall showcase immediate impact by destroying target creatures or planeswalkers, yet they lack the cost flexibility found in Even the Score. Similarly, Murder is a straightforward creature removal tool available at any point in the game, unlike Even the Score which looks for a specific game state to maximize value.

Considering these aspects, Even the Score can be a game-changer in decks that thrive on turning the tables when falling behind. Its conditional cost-free nature makes it a potential powerhouse in the late game, offering a significant swing in board presence without depleting mana resources.

Consign to the Pit - MTG Card versions
Hero's Downfall - MTG Card versions
Murder - MTG Card versions
Consign to the Pit - MTG Card versions
Hero's Downfall - MTG Card versions
Murder - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Even the Score by color, type and mana cost

Mana Short - MTG Card versions
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Stoic Rebuttal - 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
Ixidor's Will - 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
Cancel - MTG Card versions
Deluge - MTG Card versions
Stoic Rebuttal - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Drawing cards is a fundamental principle of maintaining momentum in MTG. With Even the Score, the potential to balance the battlefield by creating token creatures can provide a significant presence and leverage on the board, effectively drawing you back into the game when outnumbered.

Resource Acceleration: Even the Score offers the ability to ramp up your resources unexpectedly. By presenting additional creatures at instant speed, you can create blockers or facilitate future card synergies. It can be a form of resource acceleration, providing you with more assets on the field to harness.

Instant Speed: The ability to cast Even the Score at instant speed adds a layer of strategic depth to gameplay. It can turn the tides during an opponent’s attack, serve as a surprise element during the end step, or simply provide a reaction to shifting game dynamics when most beneficial to you.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Even the Score necessitates the discarding of another card, which can be a significant setback when you’re trying to maintain card advantage or simply don’t have adequate cards in hand to leverage the effect.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both white and black mana, Even the Score’s color commitment can be restrictive and makes it less versatile in decks that cannot consistently generate these colors.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Even the Score comes with a mana value that might be on the higher side when compared to other spells that stabilize the board or turn the tide. This could hinder its inclusion in fast-paced or low-curve decks that prefer to operate more efficiently.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Even the Score stands out as a card that can adapt to a variety of situations on the battlefield, easily conforming to strategies demanding timely creature control.

Combo Potential: This card synergizes with setups looking to capitalize on instant-speed plays, providing the means to disrupt opponents’ plans while setting up your own strategy.

Meta-Relevance: Due to its capacity to even the odds in games where the board state may be against you, Even the Score finds its place in metas heavy with creature-based decks.


How to beat

Even the Score is a unique card within Magic the Gathering, creating an engaging challenge for players to overcome. Known for its ability to swing games by equalizing the playing field, overcoming this card demands strategic forethought. A key factor in neutralizing Even the Score’s impact lies in managing one’s life total meticulously, avoiding the scenario that grants your opponent the free cast. Vigilance on board state and life totals turns this card from a game-changer to a dead draw.

Maintaining pressure on your opponent and controlling the board state can also dampen Even the Score’s effect. Opting for instant-speed removals or abilities can keep the board in check during your opponent’s turn. It’s also essential to be aware of spell counters or protective measures which can keep your key cards safe from such equalizing forces. Ultimately, understanding the nuances of your own deck and the meta can help you stay one step ahead of this powerful card and maintain the upper hand in your matches.

Consistent pressure, strategic life total management and board control are the central elements in sidestepping the disruption that Even the Score can bring to the game, ensuring it doesn’t define the outcome of a match.


BurnMana Recommendations

Delving into the tactical depths of MTG involves not just building a deck, but understanding each card’s potential. With Even the Score, you’re equipped with a card that could pivot the tide of battle in your favor, especially when facing decks that command a horde of creatures. Analyzing the pros and cons, from its card advantage potential to its mana cost, is paramount for strategizing its optimal use. For those who crave a card with the duality of offensive and defensive capabilities, Even the Score is a noteworthy candidate. Embrace the nuanced art of MTG and connect with us to broaden your knowledge, optimize your deck, and ultimately command the battlefield with precision.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Even the Score MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Streets of New Capenna 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 Even the Score and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Even the Score Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2022-04-29 and 2022-04-29. Illustrated by Greg Opalinski.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 997652015NormalBlackGreg Opalinski
22022-04-29Streets of New Capenna PromosPSNC 42s2015NormalBlackGreg Opalinski
32022-04-29Streets of New Capenna PromosPSNC 42p2015NormalBlackGreg Opalinski
42022-04-29Streets of New CapennaSNC 422015NormalBlackGreg Opalinski
52022-04-29Streets of New CapennaSNC 4112015NormalBlackGreg Opalinski

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Even the Score has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal