Syncopate MTG Card


Syncopate offers unique gameplay benefits by countering and exiling spells at crucial moments in a match. The card’s mana flexibility can be both an advantage and a constraint, depending on the game’s phase. Despite limitations, Syncopate’s versatility makes it a valuable inclusion for various MTG deck strategies.
Card setsReleased in 8 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

Counter target spell unless its controller pays o X. If that spell is countered this way, remove it from the game instead of putting it into its owner's graveyard.

"Memories can't simply be washed away. The mind must be scrubbed clean." —Ambassador Laquatus


Cards like Syncopate

As players navigate the strategic waters of Magic: The Gathering, forceful counterspells like Syncopate play a key role. This versatile counterspell operates similarly to others like Mana Leak and Condescend, but adds its own strategic nuances. Syncopate uniquely exiles the spell it counters unless its caster pays X, where X is the amount of mana you’ve funneled into Syncopate. This is a pivotal difference, as exiling a spell can prevent a vast array of graveyard-reliant strategies from taking off.

Delving into the intricacies, we see that Mana Leak, though cheaper, merely puts the countered spell into the graveyard, offering opportunities for opponents to make use of their graveyard as a resource. Conversely, Condescend also demands X mana for its counter but pairs this with the Scry mechanic, giving you the potential for future hand sculpting. Lastly, we have Dissolve, a counterpell of similar costs that allows you to Scry but does not offer the variable nature of Syncopate’s X cost.

Therefore, comparing Syncopate to its kin in the counter-library of Magic: The Gathering, its flexible cost and exiling capability offer a tactical edge in games where control and foresight are paramount.

Mana Leak - MTG Card versions
Condescend - MTG Card versions
Dissolve - MTG Card versions
Mana Leak - MTG Card versions
Condescend - MTG Card versions
Dissolve - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Syncopate by color, type and mana cost

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Power Sink - MTG Card versions
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Twiddle - MTG Card versions
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Winter's Chill - MTG Card versions
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Denied! - MTG Card versions
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Whispers of the Muse - MTG Card versions
Ertai's Trickery - MTG Card versions
Force Spike - MTG Card versions
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Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Dimir ControlDimir Control StandardDimir ControlStandard Preliminary 2024-05-08 (1)
Bant ControlBant Control StandardBant Control~~ Izzet Explosive Experiment Event
Mono-Blue TempoMono-Blue Tempo StandardMono-Blue TempoTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: March 4, 2024
Five-color ControlFive-color Control Standard4c Control16 Day3
Azorius ControlAzorius Control GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 08 2024
WUBGWUBG StandardTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: February 26, 2024
Bant FestivalBant Festival StandardBant ControlThe Pizza Box Open: Standard
Esper ControlEsper Control GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 08 2024
Boros ConvokeBoros Convoke StandardBant ControlJaffer's Mini Mosh - Standard
WUBWUB StandardTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: February 5, 2024

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Syncopate disrupts the opponent’s strategy by countering a crucial spell while also effectively exiling it, preventing any form of retrieval from the graveyard. This dual-faceted utility ensures that you stay ahead in the resource competition.

Resource Acceleration: Although not a direct resource accelerator, Syncopate plays an important role in pacing the game. By countering early key plays of an opponent, it can slow them down, giving you the upper hand to develop your board and mana resources unhampered.

Instant Speed: The ability to cast Syncopate at instant speed grants you the flexibility to adapt to the ever-changing battlefield. You have the luxury of waiting until the last possible moment to decide whether to use Syncopate or another response from your hand, making your strategy more unpredictable and effective.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Syncopate allows you to potentially counter any spell, it requires a strategic game plan as this card does not result directly in card advantage. Unlike some counters that replace themselves in your hand or affect the board immediately, the use of Syncopate doesn’t leave you with more cards or an immediate presence on the board.

Specific Mana Cost: Syncopate’s mana cost demands both colorless and blue mana, with the latter being a necessity for casting it at all. This setup could potentially hamper decks that run multiple colors and might not always have the needed blue mana accessible at critical moments, thus limiting its flexibility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: When compared to other counter spells in the game, Syncopate’s effectiveness is dependent on the mana you have available to spend. To counter higher-cost spells, you must invest more mana yourself, which can become inefficient, particularly in the late game where you may wish to cast multiple spells or need mana for other responses.


Reasons to Include Syncopate in Your Collection

Versatility: Syncopate offers a broad range of play options, managing to find its place in any deck that wants to safeguard its strategies against opponents’ spells. Its ability to exile targets ensures threats are dealt with permanently, making it a utility player in various Magic the Gathering formats.

Combo Potential: This card disrupts opponents by exiling crucial spells, potentially unbalancing their game plan. It’s an enabler for strategies that capitalize on an opponent’s fewer options, giving players a tactical edge in matches where timing and precision can set up a win.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where countering key spells is essential, Syncopate shines. It’s especially effective when the meta is saturated with spell-heavy decks, allowing you to strategically exile important pieces from your opponent’s arsenal and stay ahead in the game.


How to Beat Syncopate

Syncopate serves as a versatile counter spell in Magic: The Gathering, challenging players with its mana-leeching effect. Understandably, going against it can be daunting, especially when you’ve lined up the perfect play. Nevertheless, there are strategic moves to undermine its impact on your game. To start with, ensure you’re aware of your opponent’s untapped mana. This insight provides you a clue about their potential to cast Syncopate. Additionally, timing is key. Opt to play non-critical spells first to bait out Syncopate, saving your pivotal cards for when your adversary’s resources are down.

Keeping an eye on your own mana count can also turn the tables. Allocating just enough to cover the Syncopate’s X value plus one ensures your spell’s successful cast. This intricately ties to playing a tight mana base along with lower-cost spells that aren’t as susceptible to being countered. Sometimes, simply outpacing the control deck with aggressive creatures puts enough pressure on your opponent, making Syncopate less threatening. Through these methods, you can intelligently navigate around Syncopate’s control, securing your plays and diminishing its influence in the match.


BurnMana Recommendations

Adept MTG players understand the delicate balance between offense and defense. With Syncopate, you gain the power to disrupt opponents and guide the pace of the game, making it an essential consideration for your deck’s counter-package. Not only does it offset enemy strategies, but the card’s exiling effect hard counters strategies relying on the graveyard. Syncopate stands out in its capacity to shape the match at instant speed, leaving your foes on edge. We extend an invitation to delve deeper into the nuances of this dynamic card and learn more about advancing your MTG prowess. Discover new strategies, refine your deck-building skills, and set yourself up for victory with every draw.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Syncopate MTG card by a specific set like Odyssey 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 Syncopate and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Syncopate Magic the Gathering card was released in 8 different sets between 2001-10-01 and 2022-01-28. Illustrated by 4 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12001-10-01OdysseyODY 1031997NormalBlackPete Venters
22012-10-05Return to RavnicaRTR 542003NormalBlackClint Cearley
32018-04-27DominariaDOM 672015NormalBlackTommy Arnold
42018-11-02GRN Guild KitGK1 32015NormalBlackClint Cearley
52019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 5112015NormalBlackTommy Arnold
62020-09-26The ListPLST DOM-672015NormalBlackTommy Arnold
72021-11-19Innistrad: Crimson VowVOW 832015NormalBlackMarta Nael
82022-01-28Innistrad: Double FeatureDBL 3502015NormalBlackMarta Nael

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Syncopate has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PredhLegal
BrawlLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal