Outnumber MTG Card


Low mana cost allows Outnumber to fit smoothly into turns, balancing board development with removal. Instant speed offers versatile responses and surprise plays, disrupting opponents on the fly. Focus on creature count highlights Outnumber’s strength in decks swarming with creatures.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

Outnumber deals damage to target creature equal to the number of creatures you control.

Everyone who could still lift a weapon had a part in retaking Sea Gate.


Cards like Outnumber

Delving into the pool of Magic: The Gathering combat enhancers, Outnumber stands out as an efficient removal tool. It’s often weighed against other single-target spells like Lightning Bolt, which is renowned for its cost-effective damage output. Although Lightning Bolt offers fixed damage, Outnumber shines in creature-heavy decks where its damage potential can exceed the former, especially in large-scale battles.

Comparing Outnumber further, we see an alignment with cards such as Blaze, which provides flexibility in damage output. However, Blaze’s mana cost is directly tied to the damage dealt, contrasting with Outnumber’s low, fixed mana requirement that leverages your creature count. Cards like Fireball also offer multipurpose damage distribution, but they lack the scalability and board-dependent efficiency that Outnumber can exhibit in the right deck.

In analysis, Outnumber’s potential to deal massive damage for minimal mana investment makes it an exceptional choice in scenarios brimming with allies. While it may not have the universal applicability of some other direct damage spells, its peak performance in creature-dense situations is undeniable, solidifying its niche in MTG strategies involving numerous creatures.

Lightning Bolt - MTG Card versions
Blaze - MTG Card versions
Fireball - MTG Card versions
Lightning Bolt - MTG Card versions
Blaze - MTG Card versions
Fireball - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Outnumber by color, type and mana cost

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False Orders - MTG Card versions
Chaoslace - MTG Card versions
Red Elemental Blast - MTG Card versions
Tunnel - MTG Card versions
Artifact Blast - MTG Card versions
Active Volcano - MTG Card versions
Shock - MTG Card versions
Lightning Bolt - MTG Card versions
Panic - MTG Card versions
Vertigo - MTG Card versions
Hearth Charm - MTG Card versions
Pyroblast - MTG Card versions
Fighting Chance - MTG Card versions
Shower of Sparks - MTG Card versions
Heat Ray - MTG Card versions
Overload - MTG Card versions
March of Reckless Joy - MTG Card versions
Burst Lightning - MTG Card versions
Fever Charm - MTG Card versions
Electrostatic Bolt - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Boros AggroBoros Aggro PioneerBoros AggroPioneer League 2023-12-18

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Outnumber is an efficient way to convert the number of creatures you control into direct damage, potentially removing multiple threats with a single card. This can shift the battlefield in your favor, maintaining or even tilting the card advantage towards you.

Resource Acceleration: Although Outnumber does not directly generate mana or tokens, its low casting cost acts as an accelerator by allowing you to keep up with other plays. You can develop your board and still have a potent removal option without falling behind on resources.

Instant Speed: Outnumber’s capability to be played at instant speed gives you the flexibility to respond to your opponent’s actions. It enables surprise combat tricks or the disruption of your opponent’s strategy at a critical moment, all while keeping your mana open for other instant speed interactions.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Outnumber requires you to discard another card, which might force you to lose valuable hand advantage, putting you at a potential setback against opponents with fuller hands.

Specific Mana Cost: With its need for red mana, Outnumber can only be optimally integrated within red or multicolor decks, thus restricting its widespread adaptability in various deck archetypes.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Outnumber’s mana cost can be considered high for its damage output, especially when there are alternatives in the game that may provide more efficient creature removal or damage-dealing effects at a lower cost.


Reasons to Include [THEME] in Your Collection

Versatility: Outnumber fits seamlessly into a multitude of red-centric decks, excelling in strategies that rely on a high volume of creatures. Its nature allows it to adapt to various board states, making it a dynamic addition to any collection.

Combo Potential: This card thrives in decks focused on creature synergies, where the number of creatures you control directly fuels its potency. It’s a solid pick for combos that aim to magnify creature count and can serve as an unexpected finisher or board control tool.

Meta-Relevance: In a player environment that sees frequent creature-based decks or swarming strategies, Outnumber holds its ground as an essential responsive spell. Its relevance increases in metas where board presence determines the victor of matches.


How to beat

Outnumber is a well-known card in Magic: The Gathering that offers a flexible and potentially powerful removal option. It calculates damage based on the number of creatures you control, thus making it more effective in decks that quickly amass a large board presence.

When facing an opponent who utilizes Outnumber, the key strategy is to limit their creature count. This can be done through board wipes, or by using spot removal to keep their creature numbers in check. Cards like Wrath of God or Doomskar are effective, as they can clear multiple threats at once, reducing the potency of Outnumber. Additionally, prioritizing the removal of their token generators and creatures with “go-wide” strategies will make Outnumber significantly less damaging. Ensuring that you maintain a robust defense or have counter play options ready is also crucial to surviving an Outnumber fueled onslaught. Lastly, having instant speed interactions can throw your opponent’s combat calculations off, thus preserving your life total and key creatures while your opponent’s forces dwindle, hampering the effectiveness of their Outnumber strategy.

While simple in its design, Outnumber’s strength hinges on a specific board state. By keeping your opponent’s side of the field under control, you can effectively ‘outnumber’ their Outnumber and diminish its impact on the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

Having an edge in MTG often comes down to understanding how certain cards, like Outnumber, can sway the tide of battle. Capitalizing on creature quantity, Outnumber serves as a powerhouse in the right deck, skillfully turning a crowded battlefield into a strategic advantage. As MTG continues to evolve, mastering such synergistic cards becomes crucial. Outnumber’s instant speed and damage potential are its highlights, but it’s the practiced application that truly defines its effectiveness. Curious to refine your playstyle and maximize the impact of Outnumber in your matches? Delve deeper with us and fine-tune your deck to perfection for your next clash in the MTG arena.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Outnumber MTG card by a specific set like Battle for Zendikar and Mystery Booster, 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 Outnumber and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Outnumber Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2015-10-02 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by Tyler Jacobson.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12015-10-02Battle for ZendikarBFZ 1502015NormalBlackTyler Jacobson
22019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 10232015NormalBlackTyler Jacobson
32020-07-17JumpstartJMP 3542015NormalBlackTyler Jacobson
42020-09-26The ListPLST BFZ-1502015NormalBlackTyler Jacobson
52022-12-02Jumpstart 2022J22 5782015NormalBlackTyler Jacobson

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Outnumber has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2015-08-25 Count the number of creatures you control as Outnumber resolves to determine how much damage Outnumber deals.