Thought Collapse MTG Card


Thought Collapse offers a substantial shift in the battle of resources by countering and milling simultaneously. Instant speed allows for strategic mana management and responsive play, crucial in control matchups. Though resource-demanding and color-specific, Thought Collapse’s tactical advantage in gameplay can be pivotal.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeInstant
Abilities Mill

Text of card

Counter target spell. Its controller puts the top three cards of their library into their graveyard.

"I can think of no greater punishment than answering your question in full." —Lazav


Cards like Thought Collapse

Thought Collapse carves its niche within the blue spell strategy in the arena of Magic: The Gathering. Standing close to cards like Cancel, Thought Collapse adds an additional layer to the simple counter tactic by milling the opponent for three cards, potentially disrupting their strategy further. Both cards are set at three mana, but Thought Collapse may have an added psychological impact as it whittles down the opponent’s deck.

Another analogous card is Psychic Strike, which operates similarly by countering a spell and forcing a two-card mill. Though it costs one black mana in addition to blue, it presents a slight variation in deck-building strategies. Dissolve is also worth mentioning; it counters a spell and scrys for one, giving you the edge in controlling the top card of your library, though without affecting the opponent’s deck.

Thought Collapse’s unique contribution within MTG controls decks is that is not purely a reactive measure but also a subtle offensive tool. While its counterparts provide different forms of card advantage or deck manipulation, Thought Collapse does the job of stalling your opponent while passively setting the stage for a potential mill victory.

Cancel - MTG Card versions
Psychic Strike - MTG Card versions
Dissolve - MTG Card versions
Cancel - MTG Card versions
Psychic Strike - MTG Card versions
Dissolve - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Bant ControlBant Control GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 11 2024

Card Pros

Card Advantage: With Thought Collapse, you can create a significant shift in the battle of resources. Not only does it counter the target spell to disrupt your opponent’s game plan, but it also mills them for three cards, attacking their deck directly and potentially removing key components of their strategy.

Resource Acceleration: Though Thought Collapse itself doesn’t accelerate your resources in the form of mana or tokens, it effectively acts as a speed bump for your opponent, slowing down their resource development. This temporal advantage can be critical, giving you the upper hand and the opportunity to outpace them in the following turns.

Instant Speed: The flexibility of Thought Collapse being an instant cannot be understated. It allows you to efficiently manage your mana throughout your own turn and then wait until the most opportune moment during your opponent’s turn. This adaptability enables you to respond in real time to threats, ensuring that your counterspell has the most impact when it’s most needed.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the challenges with Thought Collapse is that it forces the player who casts it to discard a card. This can be particularly taxing on your hand, especially if you’re already running low on cards or if the match is at a critical juncture where every resource counts.

Specific Mana Cost: Thought Collapse comes with the requirement of specific mana colors to be cast — two blue and one of any color. This can cause issues in decks that do not have a consistent mana base or in multi-colored decks where blue mana might not be as readily available. It requires a dedicated commitment to blue mana sources to ensure it can be played when needed.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost of three, including two that must be blue, Thought Collapse is somewhat costly for the effect it provides. In decks focused on control or counterspelling, there are alternative cards with a lower mana cost or that offer additional benefits beyond merely countering a spell and milling cards from the opponent’s library.


Reasons to Include Thought Collapse in Your Collection

Versatility: Thought Collapse is a counter spell that provides a solid defense against various spells in any blue-based control deck. Its ability to disrupt opponents’ plans can be a game-changer in both casual and competitive play.

Combo Potential: With mill strategies gaining popularity, Thought Collapse can be a key component, furthering your game plan while hindering your adversary. Pairing it with other mill cards can create a formidable combo that whittles down an opponent’s library quickly.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where key spells can determine a match’s outcome, Thought Collapse can significantly impact by neutralizing opponent’s crucial plays. As spell-heavy decks remain popular, this card’s relevance grows, making it a timely inclusion for players looking to stay ahead of the curve.


How to beat

Thought Collapse is an intriguing counter spell in Magic: The Gathering. It fits the classic mold of canceling your opponent’s spell while also milling their deck. Despite this two-fold function, overcoming Thought Collapse can be achieved with strategic play. Play around the counter by baiting it out early or saving your most critical spells for when the opponent might be low on mana.

Another effective tactic is leveraging spells that can’t be countered. Cards with this explicit clause bypass Thought Collapse entirely, allowing you to maintain your game plan undisturbed. Additionally, utilizing instant-speed spells at the end of your opponent’s turn forces them to react on your terms, potentially draining their mana reserves and leaving them vulnerable.

To sum up, while Thought Collapse presents a dual threat in the form of negation and milling, a well-prepared strategy can mitigate its impact. Playing non-counterable spells, forcing action during opportune moments, and carefully picking when to commit to your plays can turn the tides in your favor against a card like Thought Collapse.


BurnMana Recommendations

For those who appreciate the art of control and incremental advantage in MTG, Thought Collapse offers a valuable tool for your arsenal. The dual nature of countering and milling can be a turning point in your matches, demanding careful consideration for inclusion in blue-centric decks. As strategies and metas evolve, knowing when and why to incorporate cards like Thought Collapse into your collection or playstyle becomes key. Whether you’re building a mill deck or strengthening your control game, understanding the nuances and interactions of cards like these is essential. Interested in refining your deck-building skills and in-game tactics? Dive deeper with us to gain the edge you need to triumph in your next MTG encounter.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Thought Collapse MTG card by a specific set like Ravnica Allegiance 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 Thought Collapse and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Thought Collapse Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2019-01-25 and 2020-07-17. Illustrated by Sara Winters.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12019-01-25Ravnica AllegianceRNA 572015NormalBlackSara Winters
22019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 5212015NormalBlackSara Winters
32020-07-17JumpstartJMP 1842015NormalBlackSara Winters
42020-09-26The ListPLST RNA-572015NormalBlackSara Winters

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Thought Collapse 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 Thought Collapse card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2019-01-25 A spell that can’t be countered is a legal target for Thought Collapse. The spell won’t be countered when Thought Collapse resolves, but its controller will still put the top three cards of their library into their graveyard.