Miscast MTG Card


Miscast is a flexible, instant-speed counterspell important for interrupting combo plays and pivotal spells. The card indirectly creates card advantage by negating crucial opponent spells for one blue mana. Despite its benefits, drawbacks include a specific mana requirement and a potentially risky discard.
Miscast - Core Set 2021
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityUncommon
TypeInstant
Released2020-07-03
Set symbol
Set nameCore Set 2021
Set codeM21
Number57
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred bySteve Argyle

Text of card

Counter target instant or sorcery spell unless its controller pays .

"Next time, try something more appropriate for your skill level." —Barrin, Tolarian archmage


Cards like Miscast

Miscast serves as a valuable countermeasure in the arena of blue instant spells, joining the lineage of efficient counters such as Spell Pierce. Where Miscast stands out is in its sheer potential to disrupt noncreature spells for a mere single blue mana. Comparatively, Spell Pierce also costs one blue mana but it lacks the blanket countering capability, applying only to noncreature spells unless the caster pays an additional two mana.

Another counterpart is Dispel, which is equally cost-effective and specializes in thwarting instants only. Although it does not affect sorceries, enchantments, or planeswalkers like Miscast, its precision against instant spells can be a boon. Then there’s Swan Song, presenting an even broader range of targets including enchantments and sorceries. However, it compensates the controller of the countered spell with a 2/2 bird creature, which could be a minor drawback compared to the clean counterplay offered by Miscast.

Thus, when analyzing usability and flexibility against similar spells, Miscast proves to be a strong contender, with its one-blue mana cost and capability to foil pivotal noncreature strategies at critical moments in the game.

Spell Pierce - MTG Card versions
Dispel - MTG Card versions
Swan Song - MTG Card versions
Spell Pierce - MTG Card versions
Dispel - MTG Card versions
Swan Song - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Miscast by color, type and mana cost

Ancestral Recall - MTG Card versions
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Sleight of Mind - MTG Card versions
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Opt - MTG Card versions
Ancestral Recall - MTG Card versions
Jump - MTG Card versions
Sleight of Mind - MTG Card versions
Twiddle - MTG Card versions
Unsummon - MTG Card versions
Siren's Call - MTG Card versions
Power Sink - MTG Card versions
Blue Elemental Blast - MTG Card versions
Spell Blast - MTG Card versions
Magical Hack - MTG Card versions
Sea Kings' Blessing - MTG Card versions
Riptide - MTG Card versions
Winter's Chill - MTG Card versions
Mind Bend - 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

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Dimir FlashDimir Flash ExplorerThe Pizza Box Open: Explorer
DecklistDecklist Free formWeekday Night Magic
Dimir Tainted PactDimir Tainted Pact OtherThe Arena Coliseum - Timeless Trials $1K #001
Bant ControlBant Control GladiatorGladiator Team Unified League

Card Pros

Instant Speed: Miscast’s ability to be played at instant speed grants players the flexibility to disrupt opponents’ strategies during their turn. This timing can be especially crucial against combo decks or in response to game-changing spells when your opponent least expects it.

Card Advantage: While Miscast doesn’t directly offer card draw, it can indirectly contribute to card advantage by negating your opponent’s crucial spells. This can often lead to a situation where opponents are a card down without having had any effect on the game state.

Resource Acceleration: Although Miscast does not directly provide resource acceleration like additional lands or mana, its low casting cost allows players to efficiently utilize their mana. By spending only a single blue mana to potentially counter a high-impact spell, players can save their resources for other plays, effectively accelerating their ability to commit more to the board or keep up other counterspells.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Miscast requires the player to forfeit an important card to fulfill its casting cost. This could be a risky move, particularly when your hand lacks expendable options or when every card counts for your strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: With its blue mana cost, Miscast demands a specific color commitment that can be restrictive. Decks not heavily invested in blue mana may find it challenging to consistently meet this requirement when it’s most needed during gameplay.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Miscast’s ability to counter target spells is valuable, its mana cost is significant in comparison to other counterspells. This could result in a slower response time, potentially giving opponents a window to strengthen their board position unchallenged.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Miscast is a spell that can be slotted into numerous deck types, capable of thwarting your opponent’s plans at a low mana cost. It shines in situations where protecting your own strategy or disrupting your opponent’s is crucial.

Combo Potential: This card has the ability to safeguard your vital combo pieces from being countered or disrupted, ensuring that your grand play goes off without a hitch. It’s a safety net against interaction-heavy decks.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where instants and sorceries dominate, Miscast rises in value. It’s an excellent tool for navigating through metas heavy with control or storm strategies where a single countered spell can turn the tides of a game.


How to beat Miscast

Miscast is an impactful counterspell that targets spells primarily in the instant and sorcery categories within Magic: The Gathering. The card’s allure lies in its cost-efficiency, coming in at a single blue mana, making it an ideal choice for disrupting an opponent’s early spellcasting or protecting your own strategies without a significant mana investment.

To navigate successfully around Miscast, consider leveraging cards that can’t be countered or employing strategies that don’t rely heavily on instants or sorceries. Creatures with hexproof or abilities like “can’t be countered” force Miscast holders to play on their back foot. Also, waiting for the right moment when the opponent taps out or uses their mana resources elsewhere can allow safe passage for your critical spells. Picking the right spot is crucial – bait the Miscast with less vital spells to clear a path for your game-changers.

In summary, beating Miscast in MTG involves adept mana management and tactical thinking. Integrate uncounterable elements or shift your focus to non-spell-casting routes, such as creature-heavy attacks or abilities, to outmaneuver the restrictions placed by this powerful counterspell.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the strengths and limitations of Miscast is key to optimizing your MTG gameplay. Whether it’s integrating its disruptive capabilities at critical moments or anticipating when it could be a liability, Miscast has a place in decks that value control and flexibility. Strengthen your collection by recognizing when this card outshines others in similar roles and deploy it to protect your pivotal plays. Want to refine your deck-building skills and develop strategies to overcome any challenge? Immerse yourself in our comprehensive guides and discover how to turn Miscast into a decisive advantage in your MTG clashes.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Miscast MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2021, 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 Miscast and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Miscast has restrictions

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