Wizard's Retort MTG Card


Offers card advantage through conditional cost reduction, elevating wizard-centric decks for effective counters. Instant speed utility allows for flexible and reactive play, keeping opponents on edge. Demands tight mana and board state considerations, challenging players to optimize their deck synergy.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

This spell costs less to cast if you control a Wizard. Counter target spell.

"The second mage learned to dissipate blasts of lightning. Threat and response: thus did the study of magic progress." —Naban, dean of iteration


Cards like Wizard's Retort

Within the realm of blue counter spells in Magic: The Gathering, Wizard’s Retort stands out as a card with strategic versatility. Its close relative is the iconic Cancel, which offers the same effect of negating a spell. However, Cancel does so at a strict three mana cost with no conditions. Wizard’s Retort can potentially be cast for less, provided you control a Wizard, enabling more efficient play and preserving mana for other tactics.

Another card that Wizard’s Retort is often measured against is Counterspell. This card is straightforward and powerful, offering the same effect without any conditions but requiring two blue mana. This makes Counterspell highly consistent but less flexible in decks with varied mana bases. Lastly, there’s Mana Leak, which also counters any spell unless its caster pays additional mana. While generally less reliable in the late game, Mana Leak can be a game-changer in the early to mid-game phases.

Assessing Wizard’s Retort within this group of blue counter spells, it’s evident that it provides a nuanced balance for players adept at leveraging the Wizard creature type, making it a formidable option in the right deck construction.

Cancel - MTG Card versions
Counterspell - MTG Card versions
Mana Leak - MTG Card versions
Cancel - MTG Card versions
Counterspell - MTG Card versions
Mana Leak - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Wizard's Retort by color, type and mana cost

Mana Short - MTG Card versions
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Capsize - MTG Card versions
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Dream Fracture - MTG Card versions
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Cancel - 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
Crystal Spray - 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
Venser's Diffusion - MTG Card versions
Dream Fracture - MTG Card versions
Oona's Grace - MTG Card versions
Cancel - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
UU PioneerPioneer Challenge 64 2024-03-09
AzoriusAzorius Free formSet Roulette Feburary 2024
Izzet ProwessIzzet Prowess PioneerIzzet ProwessPeasant Pioneer Showdown - A Josh and Pat's MTG Bazaar Sponsored Event
Mono-Blue DevotionMono-Blue Devotion PioneerMono-Blue DevotionF2F Tour Championship - Toronto Round 4 (Regional Championship)

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Wizard’s Retort provides a key tactical advantage, enabling you to counter any nonland spell if you control a Wizard, which could potentially disrupt your opponent’s strategy while keeping your hand equipped for future threats.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly accelerating resources, the advantageous cost of Wizard’s Retort when controlling a Wizard ensures more mana is available for other spells and plays, effectively keeping your resources free for multiple actions within a turn.

Instant Speed: The power of Wizard’s Retort shines at instant speed, affording you the flexibility to act during your opponent’s turn. This reactive play maintains pressure and unpredictability, allowing you to efficiently manage threats while advancing your board state.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Unlike its inspiration, Counterspell, Wizard’s Retort lacks an inherent card disadvantage. However, in decks not heavily focused on Wizards, it can sometimes feel as if you’re effectively down a card when you could be casting more universally applicable counters without conditional requirements.

Specific Mana Cost: Wizard’s Retort demands both blue mana and a Wizard on the battlefield for the reduced cost benefit, which may not always align with your deck’s strategy or the state of your board, potentially making it a less versatile option compared to other generic counterspells.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: In situations where you don’t have a Wizard to enable its cost reduction, the three mana price tag – particularly with two blue mana symbols – can be notably steep, especially when considering alternative counters that offer additional upside or lower base costs.


Reasons to Include Wizard’s Retort in Your Collection

Versatility: Wizard’s Retort serves as a powerful counter in almost any blue-centric deck. Its low mana cost can easily fit into the curve, while its conditional cost reduction synergizes well with decks featuring wizards.

Combo Potential: This card shines in scenarios where you need to protect key combo pieces. Cast it for a reduced cost by controlling a wizard, thus leaving more mana open for other strategic plays within the same turn.

Meta-Relevance: Counterspells are cornerstones of interactive play, and with a meta that often includes powerful spells and game-altering abilities, Wizard’s Retort provides a reliable disruption against opposing strategies.


How to beat

Wizard’s Retort is an instant counter spell that can be a game changer in Magic: The Gathering matches. With it, you can counter any spell your opponent casts, provided you have three mana available, one of which must be blue. The spell is reminiscent of the classic Counterspell due to its straightforward utility, but it offers a unique perk. If you control a Wizard, the cost is reduced, allowing for a more efficient mana spend.

To counter Wizard’s Retort effectively, you must strategize around baiting out the spell early or waiting until your opponent is low on mana. Play out less critical spells first to draw out counters or wait until you can cast multiple spells in one turn, overloading their ability to respond. Moreover, cards that can’t be countered or spells that give you the ability to pay extra mana to avoid counters can be pivotal in bypassing Wizard’s Retort’s control.

In essence, mastering the timing of spell casting and including specific counter-resisting cards in your deck can turn the tide against Wizard’s Retort, ensuring your impactful spells land on the battlefield and steer the game in your favor.


BurnMana Recommendations

MTG enthusiasts seeking a tactical edge often consider Wizard’s Retort a staple in blue decks. With its ability to disrupt opponents at a potentially reduced mana cost, it’s a must for those aiming to maintain momentum and control. For players crafting decks with a wizardly theme, this spell not only counters effectively but also synergizes with their strategy, enhancing their gameplay. It’s not just about shielding your win conditions but also about optimizing your plays with smart, versatile cards. Diving deeper into such strategic nuances can really bring your MTG experience to a new level. Eager for more tips? Stay with us and discover how to make Wizard’s Retort work wonders for you.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Wizard's Retort MTG card by a specific set like Dominaria and Jumpstart, 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 Wizard's Retort and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Wizard's Retort Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2018-04-27 and 2020-07-17. Illustrated by Grzegorz Rutkowski.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12018-04-27DominariaDOM 752015NormalBlackGrzegorz Rutkowski
22020-07-17JumpstartJMP 1982015NormalBlackGrzegorz Rutkowski
32020-09-26The ListPLST DOM-752015NormalBlackGrzegorz Rutkowski

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Wizard's Retort has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2018-04-27 Once you announce that you’re casting Wizard’s Retort, no player may take other actions until the spell’s been paid for. Notably, players can’t try to raise the spell’s cost by removing your Wizards.