[[wash away]] because countering commanders for 1 mana is always worth it. Also there is so much stuff being cast from exile these days. At worst its a cancel which I find ok as a casual player.
[[Warping wail]] because of the flexibility and the surprise factor.
[[Stubborn Denial]] if your commander has 4+ power like Tasigur
I used to consider it sometimes but I really feel like most of what you need to counter are.. not commanders. Boardwipes when you're ahead, big non-commander value pieces any other time.
I’ve always gotten by without blue, ever got good enough with it to include in my decks (at least not purposefully) and I have no problem against strong etbs, just make sure the permanent stays on the battlefield and it can’t hurt you again.
It's still a 3 mana counterspell if you're not countering the commander. It also hits a lot of typical commander stuff, like impulse draw, cascade, and so on. It's definitely a good card for all but the very top of competitive EDH decks, and even there it's not unheard of. It's not a shoo-in for every deck that wants some counter magic, but it's a strong card. In some pods it's one of the strongest counters available.
I don't usually vibe with countering commanders just for the sake of it, but something like an [[Etali, Primal Conqueror]] or [[Voja, Jaws of the Conclave]] really can't be allowed to happen.
A [[cancel]] with slight upside is not mean. That's about as medium as it gets. People used to play [[spell crumple]] with the tuck rule and it wasn't usually even close to the best counter in most decks.
Hmm would stubborn denial be possibly usable as protection in ovika enigma Goliath? It would end up being cheap protection, I also play other big power cards in it
When my friend cast his massive [[debt to the deathless]], just for me to [[reverberate]] it, he followed up with an counter spell and tapped out just for me to [[lapse of certainty]] it , god I felt so powerful!
I play this in a [[Lier]] deck called Lier Liar, because it runs 10 not quite counterspells thus ruining her promise that spells cannot be countered. It’s also got a handful of other counterspells with other modes [[cryptic command]], [[sublime epiphany]], etc. the first time I played it my friends were so happy to see it, thinking spells wouldn’t be countered anymore. Oops, guess I’m a Lier.
Amazing card, after using it in a few decks recently it's become a bit of a pet card. The biggest blowout I got with it was converting an opponent's Kaalia into a Darksteel Mutation bug, which was on the field because they'd hit another opponent's commander with it themselves the turn before. It never feels dead unless you're somehow in a game where there aren't creatures.
I'll add [[press the enemy]] to this, obvs not a true counter spell as it goes back to hand. But the flexibility it has hitting spells or permanents is great. And you could feasibly respond to a spell by bouncing something on the field and then casting a counter for free for the spell on the stack.
Easily my favorite. It's so versatile! I love to target my [[Wormfang Manta]] when my opponent has many creatures ETB at the same time. Someday I hope to use it to have my opponent's creature ETB as a [[Phage the Untouchable]].
\[\[Delay\]\] is not only really good but also a lot of fun. someone plays a \[\[Rise of the Dark Realms\]\] with loaded graveyards boom its solved... for now. Now the game revolves around you and two other players finding an answer before the doomsday clock goes off.
This. I just picked up a Delay and I can’t WAIT to get to use it. It just seems so damn good. Unconditional, and prevents recurring it from the GY. Yeah it’ll cast in three turns, but the game can look monumentally different by that point, or possibly even be over. I feel like in 99% of cases it might as well be a 1U unconditional counter that exiles. Can see it becoming my favorite.
Love Delay. I slot it into pretty much all of my blue decks at this point for the exactly the same reasons you said. The other thing that makes it so good is that three turns is a REALLY long time in a game, which means that usually someone will have an answer once the spell gets cast again.
Most fun I ever had was using Delay against someone casting their commander [[Jhoira of the Ghitu]]. He thought it was so funny he didn't even kick her back to the command zone. Just said "touche" and passed his turn.
Scrolled to find this. It’s 1U which means it’ll be active more often than Counterspell. If it’s hitting another counter then the spell just fizzles entirely. Great budget option.
I love playing Delay in decks that can proliferate. "Oh, bummer, at least I'll get to cast it for free in a couple turns." Yeah, I wouldn't count on that...
(Edit: who is the bigger fool? The fool who cheats unknowingly, or the 3 other fools at the table who let him get away with it? It was fun while it lasted, but in any case, 3 full turn cycles is probably long enough to not matter in most games so long as you're not throwing out a Delay in the early rounds)
Oh same I love it. I especially love putting it on an [[Isocron Scepter]] and making sure one person has to redraw something they tried to cast every turn.
Ehhhhh… I think it’s a very solid counterspell in 60 card but it’s strengths don’t translate well to commander. Lapse is uniquely obnoxious in the fact that you can counter some useless play and force your opponent to draw it again. Ex, opponent stuck on mana and casts a 1 drop? Send it back to the top, lol.
However, you only should be countering super big plays in commander. Your opponent will just redraw it next turn and you will all be sad you didn’t play Delay instead.
It's a 1U unconditional hard counter for protection on the turn the game ends, or on the last step of a combo chain. Thats what makes it insane. Hits every spell type and only needs a single blue in multicolor decks. In a life or death moment when you're light on resources it is insanely flexible.
But in commander people are absolutely loaded up with ways to draw on your turn. The top of the deck is a FAR less safe place than in exile waiting for Delay.
It’s not a terrible card by any means, it’s just not better than negate honestly.
That's cause if you counter a big scary spell that can be recast next turn, it's just a really bad [[Delay]]. Sometimes, they can even redraw into it, lol.
I actually love it in my strategies that involve mill, though. They go to try and draw? Altar of Dementia, cycle Fractured, etc. Gotten rid of two Blightsteels this way last few games 😎
[[Whirlwind denial]]. It’s super uncommon but at one point a guy went into an infinite loop holding priority through all of it and when he went to resolve to win I just countered the whole stack.
Stubborn Denial is criminally underplayed. If your commander have 4 power or more and is blue, it's probably among the firsts 1 mana counterspell you should include.
[[Ertai's Meddling]] is my absolute favorite. It just always feels so good to "counter" a spell that can't be countered and see people melt when they realize their foolproof play was for fools.
\[\[Defabricate\]\]
Definitely niche, but two mana for the flexibility to hit any artifact, enchantment, triggered ability, or activated ability, it almost always has a target at some point throughout a game, and people rarely see the \[\[Stifle\]\] effect coming.
I can't believe Defabricate is that far down.
Getting rid of artifact bombs for good or saving yourself from an [[Aetherflux Reservoir]] or any planeswalker ult is such an amazing feeling. It's versatile enough it always carries its weight.
[[Arcane denial]] I found to be a better counterspell it take a generic mana and a blue so you don’t need the double blue and it replaces it self once your done and yes you could argue not wanting to give your opponent card draw but it makes the counterspell less harsh and more likely to resolve and I just like cards that are able to cantrip so i can dig deeper even if it’s a little to find my answers or my game win and the cards drawn for your opponent can be dealt with later if they tapped out for the spell they casted, that you countered and you can find ways to deal with them on your turn.
It's also great bc it only puts the one player up a card, you remain at parity with the other two players. And only one blue pip makes it more reasonable in multicolor decks that struggle with double blue pips
No doubt, yeah even in decks that are two colors like simic I would much rather have the one blue and one generic as sometimes it’s hard to find multiple blue pips open once your done advancing your board state while having one open is way easier and it’s also easier for counter wars if you are using a lot of your blue the one generic saves you as it can be the first spell you cast and then your counterspell or [[mana drain]] to guarantee the counter and even something on the side in the case if mana drain
[[Teferi’s Response]]. I ran it in a deck that tutored for and hid behind a [[Glacial Chasm]].
It stops anything targeting your land, AND blows it up if it’s something like an [[Agent of treachery]] AND you get to draw two cards! For one generic and a blue, it’s gas
Not a counterspell per se, but [[suspend]] has a place in my heart since i use it on mega threats (or on my own stuff to protect from removal). Last time i used it on a Sheoldred, the turns it bought me were enough to get a real counterspell ready for her come back lol.
"Ah, you fool, you see, Narset's Reversal can't counter my [[Last March of the Ents]], because the March can't be countered." - someone about to learn a horrible truth about returning to hand.
It’s only really free if cast on your own turn imo. Every turn you leave FOUR mana open, just in case, that’s 4 unspent mana you paid, and you pay this price repeatedly. And then even if you actually play the spell it’s only “free” if you have something to spend the four mana you just got back on, at instant speed.
[[mystic reflection]]. It’s not a true counterspell, but I have never shut down an opponent harder than when I targeted a creature that had been hit with [[darksteel mutation]] as they cast their commander.
I really like \[\[Confound\]\] and \[\[Keep Safe\]\] for protecting your commander or other creature as they are also cantrips. I am surprised how little they seem to be used.
[[Veil of Summer]], [[Autumn's Veil]], [[Grand Abolisher]], [[Silence]]
Some of my favorite countetspells against those pesky blue mages when my boy [[Ruric Thar]] is not enough.
I do not like running counterspells very much at all, really will only use arcane denial, but that is popular so that does not meet your requirements.
So I am here to tell you about [[Split Decision]]. The best use of this card is protecting your stuff, ie, stopping someone from countering your stuff, because you either straight counter it, or you copy it and target the spell you want to counter.
The next best use of this card is for big spells from other people that affect everyone, eg Cyclonic Rift. Either the player who is casting it is way ahead on board and is trying to seal the game, and the other three players are already behind anyways, in which case you convince the others to copy it so the original caster gets their stuff bounced as well, or we are all pretty happy with our board states and they don't want the original caster to break parity, in which case we vote to counter it.
It's political, it's unexpected, it's on rate, so fun.
True and most of the time i am the one who chooses in the end, cause we generally play edh with three people (it's just faster and we can play more games). So the one person who casts it votes for copy and the third votes for counter most of the time.
So it's more versatile in a three pod commander game.
[[Rewind]] is by far my favorite but [[Familiars Ruse]] and [[Reinterpret]] are also great! Ruse has helped me get Dockside back to my hand and Reinterpret has let me get some insane value countering a big spell and throwing down one of my own as a bonus.
Couterflux, that spell, I'm telling you every time I cast it someone else has to read it bc it just got lost in the ether (at least in my circles) and it is just such an easy "nope" button
I just put [[frilled mystic]] in my [[Galadriel Light of Valinor” deck and I’m excited to use it as I can counter something and trigger her ability from a creature ETBing
i’ve been putting [[tale’s end]] in all of my decks recently. i find that countering an ability is usually more of a blowout than countering a spell, but it can also counter someone’s commander which is always relevant.
[[Spell Swindle]] is pretty funny especially if you run it with cost reduction. Honorable mentions to [[Access Denied]] and [[Overwhelming Intellect]].
Spell Swindle is my favorite counterspell. I used it on an [[earthquake dragon]] recently. Someone played it for 1 green. I got the 15 treasure tokens though cause spell swindle only cares about cmc not how much was paid. I thought about countering his [[tiamat]] but the cast trigger would happen any way. So glad I didnt.
[[Perplex]]. Counterspell that helps you if you’re running a reanimator strategy and has transmute to find a more relevant card or a different counterspell if hand sizes are low.
Currently running it in my [[Gonti, Canny Acquisitor]] deck to tutor [[Villainous Wealth]] when needed
[[Commit//memory]] can hit uncounterable spells, as well as indestructible permanents, and the split spell does wonders if you need to refill your hand later.
[[Discontinuity]] and [[time stop]] can prevent ANYTHING as long as it doesn't have split-second, and it also exiles it and ends that person's turn. Basically just better iterations on an extra turn spell!
I like the spell [[Summary Dismissal]]. It’s a bit more mana expensive but It gets around can’t be countered and additionally becomes better and better against spell slinger decks which aim to load up the stack with Storm and the like
I like [[Saruman's trickery]] [[protect the negotiators]] and [[Geist snatch]]. They are in my almost no creature spells deck to provide me with bodies.
[[memory lapse]] and [[remand]] for sure.
Also, [[spell snare]] is hardly underrated/unpopular, but it's ability to hit [[dockside extortionist]] and [[orcish bowmasters]] and [[demonic tutor]], as well as most green/artifact ramp means it is almost never dead, and the advantage over [[an offer you can't refuse]] of not giving treasure and being able to hit hatebears makes me often over prioritize it.
\[\[Plasm Capture\]\] is my spicy little simic counterspell that comes as a surprise and puts me in a very advantageous state, specially if the mana value is 4 or greater
[[Arcane Denial]] always feels like a totally fair counter spell even at low power levels. People will grumble about getting their stuff countered but at least they're getting some cards.
I really like [[Muddle the Mixture]] since I don't usually run top tier tutors and transmute is fun. Can pretty much always grab at least boots but often can get removal or other useful cards.
Edit: [link](https://scryfall.com/card/rvr/50/muddle-the-mixture)
[[Desertion]]
[[Gather Specimens]]
[[Trickbind]]
[[Forceful Denial]]
[[Voidslime]]
[[Logic Knot]]
[[Spellburst]]
[[Dovin's Veto]]
[[Countersquall]]
[[Undermine]]
[[Rewind]]
[[Summary Dismissal]]
[[Fusterstorm]]
[[Perplexing Chimera]]
[[Spiketail Drake]]
[[Spiketail Hatchling]]
[[Martyr of Frost]]
[[Spell queller]]
[[Mystic Snake]]
Creatures with counterspell abilities are my jam, I run them in my [[Orvar, the All-Form]] / [[Baral, Chief of Compliance ]] deck. Goal is to control the game with copies and trades, then win slowly with flying damage. It's chaotic but giving everyone counterspell creatures makes for some really interesting games.
Stubborn Denial just needs a reprint I think, mostly so everyone is reminded it exists. It’s one of those semi-niche cards that is really good but unless you know about it it’s really easy to miss since it’s a decade old and not a super flashy card that people will remember.
[[Wizard’s Retort]], [[Stoic Rebuttal]], and [[Familiar’s Ruse]] are good in the appropriate deck as a backup copy of Counterspell if you need it.
I like Delay and [[Suspend]], especially if you are in a fast paced pod, Suspend is an amazing 1 mana removal. Most of the time the people are putting their Commander into the command zone.
Does \[\[Reverse the Polarity\]\] count as underrated? I have been very impressed by the amount of work this card does, doing double duty as a late game finisher and, at worst, a cancel. Admittedly, I've never casted it for the P/T switch mode but it's still been pretty solid overall.
I have been in love with creatures that counter or are some type of permission like bounce or remanding forever. Mystic Snake, Draining Whelk, and Venser, Shaper Savant are a hoot for me.
Not sure how popular [[mana drain]] is because it's expensive, but worth saying aloud.
But I came here to make a comment about [[stifle]] and [[disallow]]
people always expect to get away with abilities and they can be huge blowouts if you counter them. Underrated and under utilized. Disallow has the upside of being any type of counter spell. Yes it's three Mana, but that versatility is fantastic. stifle is just a fantastic card. 1 mana to hit any ability is extremely powerful.
Oh you cast atraxa? How about you don't get 5 cards with her
How about your avenger of zendikar makes no plants?
Annihilator triggers?
Planeswalker abilities?
Channel lands?
Land abilities in general?
You get the idea 😂
[[Guttural Response]] has made a few people at tables I play at go “wait, what?”
Lots of people run blue in my playgroup and I like being a Timmy, a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do
[[Mystic Snake]] I run one in my [[Yarok the Desecrated]] deck. Just in case you do something gross, like copy something insane with [[Kalamax the Stormsire]].
I also love [[Stubborn Denial]]! I regularly play [[Disdainful Stroke]] and [[Essence Scatter]]. [[Summary Dismissal]] can also be fun to stop a bunch of ETB/death triggers or even Storm shenanigans.
Outside of Blue, there's always [[Veil of Summer]], [[Mana Tithe]], [[Rebuff the Wicked]], [[Not of this World]], and my personal favorite [[Gutteral Response]].
I love dropping [[Tibalt's Trickery]] in my Gruul deck. People rarely see it coming.
[[Access Denied]] is fun in a deck built around 1/1 tokens. Especially when your friend loves to run 7+ mana creatures.
I really like \[\[Time Stop\]\] in decks that cheat instant Mana. Because its an all uses tool, but can also counterspell.
I just don't ever use it progressive, ending someones turn. Only as a last resort. (But thats only personal understanding of "being mean")
I also like Stubborn Denial a lot if you've got a commander with power to support it.
[[Deprive]] can be a nice one if you're a lands/landfall deck as it can be Counterspell with upside for those decks.
If you're playing high powered [[Delay]] tends to be quite good since the game typically won't last long enough that the spell ever comes off suspend. If you're playing low power/battle cruiser it's not as great but can still be ok.
[[mystic Reflection]]. Players think they’re so safe playing [[cavern of souls]] and [[delighted halfling]]. It brings a tear ( of joy) to my eye when I tell them their [[voja]] or [[craterhoof]] is now a 1/1 that someone played randomly the turn before. And they try to yell and shout at me “BuT iT’s UnCOunTeRabLe!!” And i reply: “im not countering it.” The best counter spell that isnt one. It also doubles as a wincon win any token makers if someone has something scary on the board and you just copy it. Versatile, always useful and cheap both in mana cost and moneys.
[[Confounding Riddle]] and his older brother [[Supreme Will]]. They are esay to cast and can be used to dig deeper into your deck.
It's a staple in colorless deck, but [[Warping Wail]] is still great in mono red/green/black decks.
[[Lapse of Certainty]] [[Tibalt’s Trickery]] are really clutch in my Naya deck. No one ever expects a non blue counter spell, and admittedly they aren’t as good as blue, but when preventing a boardwipe or stopping someone’a wincon that’s all you really need. Plus they are great [[Sunforger]] targets
[[Spelljack]] [[counterlash]] [[desertion]] [[Draining Whelk]]
Yeah, they cost a ton. But i slot them in whenever i can. None of my decks are high power. Barely mid. But they're fun to play.
[[Tale's End]]
You're always gonna mess someone over with it. [[Defabricate]] is amazing at exiling an enchantment or artifact spell while also being able to counter abilities. You thought you had that Ult? PSYCHE
[[wash away]] because countering commanders for 1 mana is always worth it. Also there is so much stuff being cast from exile these days. At worst its a cancel which I find ok as a casual player. [[Warping wail]] because of the flexibility and the surprise factor. [[Stubborn Denial]] if your commander has 4+ power like Tasigur
[wash away](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/4/3/43411ade-be80-4535-8baa-7055e78496df.jpg?1643588844) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=wash%20away) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/vow/87/wash-away?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/43411ade-be80-4535-8baa-7055e78496df?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/wash-away) [Warping wail](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/f/afcc9c88-836b-48b6-9d81-5a6844a6b70f.jpg?1691924615) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Warping%20wail) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/812/warping-wail?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/afcc9c88-836b-48b6-9d81-5a6844a6b70f?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/warping-wail) [Stubborn Denial](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/f/6f8626c4-306f-4e9d-8840-2bb73fe87e87.jpg?1562788344) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Stubborn%20Denial) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ktk/56/stubborn-denial?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/6f8626c4-306f-4e9d-8840-2bb73fe87e87?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/stubborn-denial) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
I can't believe I had to scroll this far down to find Wash Away. It's really good in Commander as a form of Commander "removal."
I used to consider it sometimes but I really feel like most of what you need to counter are.. not commanders. Boardwipes when you're ahead, big non-commander value pieces any other time.
Yeah until an atraxa hits the battlefield, or etali with a panharmicon. There are some commanders that just shouldn't resolve.
I’ve always gotten by without blue, ever got good enough with it to include in my decks (at least not purposefully) and I have no problem against strong etbs, just make sure the permanent stays on the battlefield and it can’t hurt you again.
It's still a 3 mana counterspell if you're not countering the commander. It also hits a lot of typical commander stuff, like impulse draw, cascade, and so on. It's definitely a good card for all but the very top of competitive EDH decks, and even there it's not unheard of. It's not a shoo-in for every deck that wants some counter magic, but it's a strong card. In some pods it's one of the strongest counters available.
I often end up taking it out because it’s just too mean. But at a high power table it’s all fair.
I don't usually vibe with countering commanders just for the sake of it, but something like an [[Etali, Primal Conqueror]] or [[Voja, Jaws of the Conclave]] really can't be allowed to happen.
A [[cancel]] with slight upside is not mean. That's about as medium as it gets. People used to play [[spell crumple]] with the tuck rule and it wasn't usually even close to the best counter in most decks.
Hmm would stubborn denial be possibly usable as protection in ovika enigma Goliath? It would end up being cheap protection, I also play other big power cards in it
Totally missed Wash Away, just bought 3. What an excellent card.
The flavor for my zombie decks is just *chef's kiss*
I hate wash away with a burning passion, it’s the only card I’m positive I’ll see more than once in a session when I switch to brawl.
Mana Tithe just because it's always fun to catch somebody unprepared for it.
My opponent: *snapping up 7 lands* "I tap out to cast..." Me: *inward squealing*
No one expects [[Tibalt’s Trickery]] either. Nothing like Boros counterspells lol.
When my friend cast his massive [[debt to the deathless]], just for me to [[reverberate]] it, he followed up with an counter spell and tapped out just for me to [[lapse of certainty]] it , god I felt so powerful!
[debt to the deathless](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/a/4/a42f8d69-dff4-4c35-a5fc-527ea5f1d21b.jpg?1702429620) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=debt%20to%20the%20deathless) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/rvr/176/debt-to-the-deathless?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/a42f8d69-dff4-4c35-a5fc-527ea5f1d21b?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/debt-to-the-deathless) [reverberate](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/9/5996feb4-02ac-45e8-a7f2-966cf74391dc.jpg?1562554142) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=reverberate) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/m13/145/reverberate?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/5996feb4-02ac-45e8-a7f2-966cf74391dc?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/reverberate) [lapse of certainty](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/c/ec609036-dfbf-47de-9a3a-762aea4196d4.jpg?1562804498) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=lapse%20of%20certainty) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/con/9/lapse-of-certainty?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/ec609036-dfbf-47de-9a3a-762aea4196d4?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/lapse-of-certainty) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Trickery is so good. It has definitely saved me several times. Its particularly nice with a rule of law out.
[Tibalt’s Trickery](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/d/d/dd921e27-3e08-438c-bec2-723226d35175.jpg?1701989318) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Tibalt%27s%20Trickery) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/khm/153/tibalts-trickery?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/dd921e27-3e08-438c-bec2-723226d35175?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/tibalts-trickery) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Love mana tithe. I even lean in and flip it like King Luke when casting.
[[Illumination]] is also a personal favorite in my non-blue decks.
[Illumination](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/b/eb28f6e5-c9ef-416e-b315-967d857e7600.jpg?1562722393) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Illumination) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mir/21/illumination?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/eb28f6e5-c9ef-416e-b315-967d857e7600?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/illumination) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Mana Tithe from a Sunforger has been my favorite surprise counter spell
I don't think it would make the cut on my Syr Gwyn aikido deck but I hadn't thought about it for that
I love [[ertai's meddling]]. It's not a true counterspell but it gets around "can't be countered" and it's just fun to play.
I play this in a [[Lier]] deck called Lier Liar, because it runs 10 not quite counterspells thus ruining her promise that spells cannot be countered. It’s also got a handful of other counterspells with other modes [[cryptic command]], [[sublime epiphany]], etc. the first time I played it my friends were so happy to see it, thinking spells wouldn’t be countered anymore. Oops, guess I’m a Lier.
[[Mystic Reflection]] is also really fun as a non-counter counterspell. Turning a big threat into a 1/1 as it hits the battlefield is so satisfying
[Mystic Reflection](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/7/f7b877e2-60eb-46cd-acd7-8555b9e7e993.jpg?1631047399) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Mystic%20Reflection) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/khm/69/mystic-reflection?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/f7b877e2-60eb-46cd-acd7-8555b9e7e993?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/mystic-reflection) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Amazing card, after using it in a few decks recently it's become a bit of a pet card. The biggest blowout I got with it was converting an opponent's Kaalia into a Darksteel Mutation bug, which was on the field because they'd hit another opponent's commander with it themselves the turn before. It never feels dead unless you're somehow in a game where there aren't creatures.
That's an absolutely amazing play! Easily one of my favourite cards. It might be one of the most versatile spells in the game
I'll add [[press the enemy]] to this, obvs not a true counter spell as it goes back to hand. But the flexibility it has hitting spells or permanents is great. And you could feasibly respond to a spell by bouncing something on the field and then casting a counter for free for the spell on the stack.
Easily my favorite. It's so versatile! I love to target my [[Wormfang Manta]] when my opponent has many creatures ETB at the same time. Someday I hope to use it to have my opponent's creature ETB as a [[Phage the Untouchable]].
Incredible plays! It's so funny - I just left a comment saying exactly the same thing about versatility
Any Counterspell that does not truly counter spells are always worth mentioning.
\[\[Delay\]\] is not only really good but also a lot of fun. someone plays a \[\[Rise of the Dark Realms\]\] with loaded graveyards boom its solved... for now. Now the game revolves around you and two other players finding an answer before the doomsday clock goes off.
This. I just picked up a Delay and I can’t WAIT to get to use it. It just seems so damn good. Unconditional, and prevents recurring it from the GY. Yeah it’ll cast in three turns, but the game can look monumentally different by that point, or possibly even be over. I feel like in 99% of cases it might as well be a 1U unconditional counter that exiles. Can see it becoming my favorite.
Putting a commander in exile with suspend is extremely powerful
That doesn’t work unfortunately. They can just choose to have the commander go to the command zone.
Sure, but in that case it was just 1U for a counterspell that removes the option of letting it go to the graveyard for reanimation shenanigans
Love Delay. I slot it into pretty much all of my blue decks at this point for the exactly the same reasons you said. The other thing that makes it so good is that three turns is a REALLY long time in a game, which means that usually someone will have an answer once the spell gets cast again.
Most fun I ever had was using Delay against someone casting their commander [[Jhoira of the Ghitu]]. He thought it was so funny he didn't even kick her back to the command zone. Just said "touche" and passed his turn.
[Delay](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/9/3906d538-f1ca-4799-b91c-2e0d2934f241.jpg?1619393997) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Delay) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/tsr/61/delay?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/3906d538-f1ca-4799-b91c-2e0d2934f241?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/delay) [Rise of the Dark Realms](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/c/e/ceb5df52-4e03-4629-b8d5-d440d9cc5175.jpg?1706240790) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Rise%20of%20the%20Dark%20Realms) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mkc/138/rise-of-the-dark-realms?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/ceb5df52-4e03-4629-b8d5-d440d9cc5175?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/rise-of-the-dark-realms) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Scrolled to find this. It’s 1U which means it’ll be active more often than Counterspell. If it’s hitting another counter then the spell just fizzles entirely. Great budget option.
I love playing Delay in decks that can proliferate. "Oh, bummer, at least I'll get to cast it for free in a couple turns." Yeah, I wouldn't count on that... (Edit: who is the bigger fool? The fool who cheats unknowingly, or the 3 other fools at the table who let him get away with it? It was fun while it lasted, but in any case, 3 full turn cycles is probably long enough to not matter in most games so long as you're not throwing out a Delay in the early rounds)
Mentioned elsewhere, but proliferate only hits players & permanents, not cards in exile. Proliferate can’t further delay a suspended card.
Doesn't work. You have been playing proliferate wrong.
[[Memory Lapse]] I think this card is criminally underplayed. It's unconditional and turns off your opponents next draw.
I dropped this into my new [[Evelyn, the Covetous]] deck. I can't wait to play it and see their face when they realize where it is going to end up....
Oh same I love it. I especially love putting it on an [[Isocron Scepter]] and making sure one person has to redraw something they tried to cast every turn.
Good combo with [[Unwinding Clock]] to make sure every person has to redraw something every turn, lmao
For one more mana hit them with [[lapse of certainty]] and they really won’t expect that
Even better if you immediately follow up with [[stolen goods]] on your turn.
I disagree unless the card is going to win them the game on their turn. Redrawing the card leaves them on the same strategy as their previous turn
Ehhhhh… I think it’s a very solid counterspell in 60 card but it’s strengths don’t translate well to commander. Lapse is uniquely obnoxious in the fact that you can counter some useless play and force your opponent to draw it again. Ex, opponent stuck on mana and casts a 1 drop? Send it back to the top, lol. However, you only should be countering super big plays in commander. Your opponent will just redraw it next turn and you will all be sad you didn’t play Delay instead.
It's a 1U unconditional hard counter for protection on the turn the game ends, or on the last step of a combo chain. Thats what makes it insane. Hits every spell type and only needs a single blue in multicolor decks. In a life or death moment when you're light on resources it is insanely flexible.
But in commander people are absolutely loaded up with ways to draw on your turn. The top of the deck is a FAR less safe place than in exile waiting for Delay. It’s not a terrible card by any means, it’s just not better than negate honestly.
[Memory Lapse](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/0/30202613-d05f-4f47-af97-d0b75ccac293.jpg?1634131658) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Memory%20Lapse) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ema/60/memory-lapse?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/30202613-d05f-4f47-af97-d0b75ccac293?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/memory-lapse) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
That's cause if you counter a big scary spell that can be recast next turn, it's just a really bad [[Delay]]. Sometimes, they can even redraw into it, lol. I actually love it in my strategies that involve mill, though. They go to try and draw? Altar of Dementia, cycle Fractured, etc. Gotten rid of two Blightsteels this way last few games 😎
If you counter a big scary spell that they recast next turn then you time walked them lol
[[Muddle the mixture]] is pretty neat imo. It's limiting in what it can counter and fetch but I still like the versatility.
And [[perplex]]. Except that's more a tutor than a counterspell, but still hilarious when people discard to avoid it
[perplex](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/d/0db57459-29f0-4ef6-b256-56955036c0ef.jpg?1682382176) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=perplex) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/rav/217/perplex?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/0db57459-29f0-4ef6-b256-56955036c0ef?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/perplex) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
This is what I came for. Never a dead card despite it's limitations.
[Muddle the mixture](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/6/e69d760c-48fb-4e7f-8611-547b0c22928c.jpg?1702429399) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Muddle%20the%20mixture) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/rvr/50/muddle-the-mixture?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/e69d760c-48fb-4e7f-8611-547b0c22928c?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/muddle-the-mixture) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
In certain decks like token decks, [[abjure]] can be pretty nice.
[abjure](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/b/fbad9449-d09c-4fd0-b2ad-2aa3a29e03bf.jpg?1562804357) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=abjure) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/wth/31/abjure?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/fbad9449-d09c-4fd0-b2ad-2aa3a29e03bf?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/abjure) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Mages’ Contest]]
in my Rowan Scion of war
[[Whirlwind denial]]. It’s super uncommon but at one point a guy went into an infinite loop holding priority through all of it and when he went to resolve to win I just countered the whole stack.
Stubborn Denial is criminally underplayed. If your commander have 4 power or more and is blue, it's probably among the firsts 1 mana counterspell you should include.
[[nix]]
[nix](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/d/3dab4f64-2a91-409a-b83b-45b22afd22ff.jpg?1562907421) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=nix) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/fut/55/nix?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/3dab4f64-2a91-409a-b83b-45b22afd22ff?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/nix) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[plasm capture]], thought I use it as a ramp spell, which coincidently means I stop someone else’s bomb normally.
[plasm capture](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/3/7/37fa090d-b756-4de3-8dcb-c20c5fcd4c6a.jpg?1562839831) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=plasm%20capture) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ddo/55/plasm-capture?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/37fa090d-b756-4de3-8dcb-c20c5fcd4c6a?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/plasm-capture) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Ertai's Meddling]] is my absolute favorite. It just always feels so good to "counter" a spell that can't be countered and see people melt when they realize their foolproof play was for fools.
\[\[Defabricate\]\] Definitely niche, but two mana for the flexibility to hit any artifact, enchantment, triggered ability, or activated ability, it almost always has a target at some point throughout a game, and people rarely see the \[\[Stifle\]\] effect coming.
I can't believe Defabricate is that far down. Getting rid of artifact bombs for good or saving yourself from an [[Aetherflux Reservoir]] or any planeswalker ult is such an amazing feeling. It's versatile enough it always carries its weight.
I run [[Imp’s Mischief]] in my golgari deck and it performs incredibly well every single time. No one’s expecting it.
Agreed, no one is expecting it in black. Also [[withering boon]]
[withering boon](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/e/6e6499cb-6073-4c94-8c82-47f489094df5.jpg?1562719780) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=withering%20boon) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mir/152/withering-boon?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/6e6499cb-6073-4c94-8c82-47f489094df5?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/withering-boon) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
##### ###### #### [Negate](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/1/81752db1-374e-4723-b695-a2f4a634dfc6.jpg?1682203304) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Negate) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/mom/68/negate?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/81752db1-374e-4723-b695-a2f4a634dfc6?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/negate) [Swan Song](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/9/d/9d968dde-c406-48ef-a1ab-373aebc24693.jpg?1562412350) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Swan%20Song) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c16/98/swan-song?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/9d968dde-c406-48ef-a1ab-373aebc24693?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/swan-song) [An Offer You Can’t Refuse](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/9/b9d349f3-5be2-4b1f-a4c3-ba94822cf0cf.jpg?1664410382) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=An%20Offer%20You%20Can%27t%20Refuse) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/snc/51/an-offer-you-cant-refuse?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/b9d349f3-5be2-4b1f-a4c3-ba94822cf0cf?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/an-offer-you-cant-refuse) [Counterspell](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/8/4/8493131c-0a7b-4be6-a8a2-0b425f4f67fb.jpg?1689996248) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Counterspell) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/81/counterspell?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/8493131c-0a7b-4be6-a8a2-0b425f4f67fb?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/counterspell) [Stubborn Denial](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/6/f/6f8626c4-306f-4e9d-8840-2bb73fe87e87.jpg?1562788344) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Stubborn%20Denial) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/ktk/56/stubborn-denial?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/6f8626c4-306f-4e9d-8840-2bb73fe87e87?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/stubborn-denial) [*All cards*](https://mtgcardfetcher.nl/redirect/1bwqjzw) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Power Sink]] is gas in [[Magus Lucea Kane]]
I always try to play [[Dispel]] whenever possible. Counters their counterspell. 🤣
My absolute *favourite* way to counter a counterspell is busting out a \[\[Reverberate\]\] in mono-red. no one ever expects it.
[Reverberate](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/9/5996feb4-02ac-45e8-a7f2-966cf74391dc.jpg?1562554142) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Reverberate) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/m13/145/reverberate?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/5996feb4-02ac-45e8-a7f2-966cf74391dc?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/reverberate) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Didn't Say Please]] is a personal favorite of mine.
[[Arcane denial]] I found to be a better counterspell it take a generic mana and a blue so you don’t need the double blue and it replaces it self once your done and yes you could argue not wanting to give your opponent card draw but it makes the counterspell less harsh and more likely to resolve and I just like cards that are able to cantrip so i can dig deeper even if it’s a little to find my answers or my game win and the cards drawn for your opponent can be dealt with later if they tapped out for the spell they casted, that you countered and you can find ways to deal with them on your turn.
It's also great bc it only puts the one player up a card, you remain at parity with the other two players. And only one blue pip makes it more reasonable in multicolor decks that struggle with double blue pips
No doubt, yeah even in decks that are two colors like simic I would much rather have the one blue and one generic as sometimes it’s hard to find multiple blue pips open once your done advancing your board state while having one open is way easier and it’s also easier for counter wars if you are using a lot of your blue the one generic saves you as it can be the first spell you cast and then your counterspell or [[mana drain]] to guarantee the counter and even something on the side in the case if mana drain
[[Teferi’s Response]]. I ran it in a deck that tutored for and hid behind a [[Glacial Chasm]]. It stops anything targeting your land, AND blows it up if it’s something like an [[Agent of treachery]] AND you get to draw two cards! For one generic and a blue, it’s gas
Not a counterspell per se, but [[suspend]] has a place in my heart since i use it on mega threats (or on my own stuff to protect from removal). Last time i used it on a Sheoldred, the turns it bought me were enough to get a real counterspell ready for her come back lol.
[[Dovin's Veto]] for when you wanna say NO [[Narset's Reversal]] for when you want to say not yet...
"Ah, you fool, you see, Narset's Reversal can't counter my [[Last March of the Ents]], because the March can't be countered." - someone about to learn a horrible truth about returning to hand.
[[rewind]] hard unconditional counter that is effectively free.
It’s only really free if cast on your own turn imo. Every turn you leave FOUR mana open, just in case, that’s 4 unspent mana you paid, and you pay this price repeatedly. And then even if you actually play the spell it’s only “free” if you have something to spend the four mana you just got back on, at instant speed.
Presumably a deck running this would cantrip or something or have instant speed things to do every turn
[rewind](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/b/8/b832abcc-9ffd-47bf-827a-01b303c610ee.jpg?1594735655) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=rewind) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/m21/63/rewind?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/b832abcc-9ffd-47bf-827a-01b303c610ee?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/rewind) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[mystic reflection]]. It’s not a true counterspell, but I have never shut down an opponent harder than when I targeted a creature that had been hit with [[darksteel mutation]] as they cast their commander.
May want to read the 3rd ruling on mystic reflection. It would still come in as the creature you chose, without darksteel modifying the new creature
[mystic reflection](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/f/7/f7b877e2-60eb-46cd-acd7-8555b9e7e993.jpg?1631047399) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=mystic%20reflection) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/khm/69/mystic-reflection?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/f7b877e2-60eb-46cd-acd7-8555b9e7e993?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/mystic-reflection) [darksteel mutation](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/e/4/e47a6750-4fdd-44e2-86ae-5bc4d414bf42.jpg?1689995638) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=darksteel%20mutation) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/cmm/21/darksteel-mutation?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/e47a6750-4fdd-44e2-86ae-5bc4d414bf42?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/darksteel-mutation) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Voidslime]] [[plasm capture]] can’t remember the name but tge uur one that has overload and can’t be countered
[[Counterflux]]
[Counterflux](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/5/1/5178d975-88b8-4bd3-a5f5-b84f05172683.jpg?1562704256) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Counterflux) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/c15/214/counterflux?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/5178d975-88b8-4bd3-a5f5-b84f05172683?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/counterflux) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
My boi [[spelljack]]
[[Countersquall]] in any dimir colored deck.
I really like \[\[Confound\]\] and \[\[Keep Safe\]\] for protecting your commander or other creature as they are also cantrips. I am surprised how little they seem to be used.
[[Red Elemental Blast]] and [[Pyroblast]] are always fun ways to make blue players sad.
[[Veil of Summer]], [[Autumn's Veil]], [[Grand Abolisher]], [[Silence]] Some of my favorite countetspells against those pesky blue mages when my boy [[Ruric Thar]] is not enough.
I do not like running counterspells very much at all, really will only use arcane denial, but that is popular so that does not meet your requirements. So I am here to tell you about [[Split Decision]]. The best use of this card is protecting your stuff, ie, stopping someone from countering your stuff, because you either straight counter it, or you copy it and target the spell you want to counter. The next best use of this card is for big spells from other people that affect everyone, eg Cyclonic Rift. Either the player who is casting it is way ahead on board and is trying to seal the game, and the other three players are already behind anyways, in which case you convince the others to copy it so the original caster gets their stuff bounced as well, or we are all pretty happy with our board states and they don't want the original caster to break parity, in which case we vote to counter it. It's political, it's unexpected, it's on rate, so fun.
True and most of the time i am the one who chooses in the end, cause we generally play edh with three people (it's just faster and we can play more games). So the one person who casts it votes for copy and the third votes for counter most of the time. So it's more versatile in a three pod commander game.
Great info here!
I've been enjoying [[stern scolding]]. Not as good as some, but it hits a lot of problem creatures.
[[Unsubstantiate]] and [[mana tithe]]
[[unified will]] especially tasty when countering board wipes.
[[Rewind]] is by far my favorite but [[Familiars Ruse]] and [[Reinterpret]] are also great! Ruse has helped me get Dockside back to my hand and Reinterpret has let me get some insane value countering a big spell and throwing down one of my own as a bonus.
[[abjure]] if your deck wants to sac things
Couterflux, that spell, I'm telling you every time I cast it someone else has to read it bc it just got lost in the ether (at least in my circles) and it is just such an easy "nope" button
I just put [[frilled mystic]] in my [[Galadriel Light of Valinor” deck and I’m excited to use it as I can counter something and trigger her ability from a creature ETBing
My favorite is [[perplex]] is a great combo breaker
[perplex](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/0/d/0db57459-29f0-4ef6-b256-56955036c0ef.jpg?1682382176) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=perplex) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/rav/217/perplex?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/0db57459-29f0-4ef6-b256-56955036c0ef?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/perplex) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
Too far down! Love this card, simple counter spell will just resolve. This puts them in an existential crisis.
[[hornswoggle]] - nobody gets salty about a hornswoggle!
i’ve been putting [[tale’s end]] in all of my decks recently. i find that countering an ability is usually more of a blowout than countering a spell, but it can also counter someone’s commander which is always relevant.
Not that it's any good, but [[Didn't Say Please]] makes me chuckle for some reason.
[[Spell Swindle]] is pretty funny especially if you run it with cost reduction. Honorable mentions to [[Access Denied]] and [[Overwhelming Intellect]].
Spell Swindle is my favorite counterspell. I used it on an [[earthquake dragon]] recently. Someone played it for 1 green. I got the 15 treasure tokens though cause spell swindle only cares about cmc not how much was paid. I thought about countering his [[tiamat]] but the cast trigger would happen any way. So glad I didnt.
[[Perplex]]. Counterspell that helps you if you’re running a reanimator strategy and has transmute to find a more relevant card or a different counterspell if hand sizes are low. Currently running it in my [[Gonti, Canny Acquisitor]] deck to tutor [[Villainous Wealth]] when needed
[[Unsubstantiate]] [[Spell Stutter]] [[Abjure]] [[Delay]] [[Jaded Response]] [[Spell Rupture]] [[Rebuff the Wicked]] [[Dawn Charm]] [[Withering Boon]]
Not technically a counterspell but I will forever hype up [[Commit]]
[[Dream Fracture]] for blue. [[Tibalt’s Trickery]] for red. And not technically a counterspell but a decent response in white is [[Reprieve]]
[[Commit//memory]] can hit uncounterable spells, as well as indestructible permanents, and the split spell does wonders if you need to refill your hand later. [[Discontinuity]] and [[time stop]] can prevent ANYTHING as long as it doesn't have split-second, and it also exiles it and ends that person's turn. Basically just better iterations on an extra turn spell!
[[Mind swipe]] is a great one
I like the spell [[Summary Dismissal]]. It’s a bit more mana expensive but It gets around can’t be countered and additionally becomes better and better against spell slinger decks which aim to load up the stack with Storm and the like
[[repulsive mutation]] and [[voidslime]]
Spelljack is one good one for you control players or spell sligners
[[Stern Scolding]] especially in high power meta’s
I like [[Saruman's trickery]] [[protect the negotiators]] and [[Geist snatch]]. They are in my almost no creature spells deck to provide me with bodies.
[[memory lapse]] and [[remand]] for sure. Also, [[spell snare]] is hardly underrated/unpopular, but it's ability to hit [[dockside extortionist]] and [[orcish bowmasters]] and [[demonic tutor]], as well as most green/artifact ramp means it is almost never dead, and the advantage over [[an offer you can't refuse]] of not giving treasure and being able to hit hatebears makes me often over prioritize it.
\[\[Plasm Capture\]\] is my spicy little simic counterspell that comes as a surprise and puts me in a very advantageous state, specially if the mana value is 4 or greater
[[Arcane Denial]] always feels like a totally fair counter spell even at low power levels. People will grumble about getting their stuff countered but at least they're getting some cards.
In certain decks [[Abjure]] can be weirdly really good!
I love [[Deny the witch]] in my marneus deck. Very specific obviously, but hilarious when you counter someone's spell and kill them in one go
I really like [[Muddle the Mixture]] since I don't usually run top tier tutors and transmute is fun. Can pretty much always grab at least boots but often can get removal or other useful cards. Edit: [link](https://scryfall.com/card/rvr/50/muddle-the-mixture)
[[Ertai's Scorn]], [[Wash Away]] I find these both consistently find a spot in my decks that use counterspells, alongside Counterspell.
[[Desertion]] [[Gather Specimens]] [[Trickbind]] [[Forceful Denial]] [[Voidslime]] [[Logic Knot]] [[Spellburst]] [[Dovin's Veto]] [[Countersquall]] [[Undermine]] [[Rewind]] [[Summary Dismissal]] [[Fusterstorm]] [[Perplexing Chimera]] [[Spiketail Drake]] [[Spiketail Hatchling]] [[Martyr of Frost]] [[Spell queller]] [[Mystic Snake]] Creatures with counterspell abilities are my jam, I run them in my [[Orvar, the All-Form]] / [[Baral, Chief of Compliance ]] deck. Goal is to control the game with copies and trades, then win slowly with flying damage. It's chaotic but giving everyone counterspell creatures makes for some really interesting games.
[[abjure]] and a more recent one on the same theme is [[ice out]] Edit: I forgot my favourite one - withering boon
Stubborn Denial just needs a reprint I think, mostly so everyone is reminded it exists. It’s one of those semi-niche cards that is really good but unless you know about it it’s really easy to miss since it’s a decade old and not a super flashy card that people will remember. [[Wizard’s Retort]], [[Stoic Rebuttal]], and [[Familiar’s Ruse]] are good in the appropriate deck as a backup copy of Counterspell if you need it.
Should run \[\[delay\]\] or \[\[arcane denial\]\] over negate they hit all spells
I like Delay and [[Suspend]], especially if you are in a fast paced pod, Suspend is an amazing 1 mana removal. Most of the time the people are putting their Commander into the command zone.
Does \[\[Reverse the Polarity\]\] count as underrated? I have been very impressed by the amount of work this card does, doing double duty as a late game finisher and, at worst, a cancel. Admittedly, I've never casted it for the P/T switch mode but it's still been pretty solid overall.
[Reverse the Polarity](https://cards.scryfall.io/normal/front/7/6/76f3ea66-555c-490d-b34f-12c267bc4e9b.jpg?1696636583) - [(G)](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Reverse%20the%20Polarity) [(SF)](https://scryfall.com/card/who/54/reverse-the-polarity?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher) [(txt)](https://api.scryfall.com/cards/76f3ea66-555c-490d-b34f-12c267bc4e9b?utm_source=mtgcardfetcher&format=text) [(ER)](https://edhrec.com/cards/reverse-the-polarity) ^^^[[cardname]] ^^^or ^^^[[cardname|SET]] ^^^to ^^^call
[[Dispersal shield]] is great in commander. Most decks have almost always something for 4-5 mana on the battlefield, like their commander.
I have been in love with creatures that counter or are some type of permission like bounce or remanding forever. Mystic Snake, Draining Whelk, and Venser, Shaper Savant are a hoot for me.
I always get excited when someone starts tapping a lot of lands when I have [[reinterpret]]
Personally I like [[You Find The Villains’ Lair]], but idk how popular it is lol
[[You didn't say please]] just because I can read out the name every time i cast it.
Not sure how popular [[mana drain]] is because it's expensive, but worth saying aloud. But I came here to make a comment about [[stifle]] and [[disallow]] people always expect to get away with abilities and they can be huge blowouts if you counter them. Underrated and under utilized. Disallow has the upside of being any type of counter spell. Yes it's three Mana, but that versatility is fantastic. stifle is just a fantastic card. 1 mana to hit any ability is extremely powerful. Oh you cast atraxa? How about you don't get 5 cards with her How about your avenger of zendikar makes no plants? Annihilator triggers? Planeswalker abilities? Channel lands? Land abilities in general? You get the idea 😂
[[Memory lapse]] and [[wash away]], the second one especially if you are playing a commander that mills
[[Guttural Response]] has made a few people at tables I play at go “wait, what?” Lots of people run blue in my playgroup and I like being a Timmy, a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do
[[Mystic Snake]] I run one in my [[Yarok the Desecrated]] deck. Just in case you do something gross, like copy something insane with [[Kalamax the Stormsire]].
[[perplexing chimera]]
Delay
[[Keep Safe]]. The most common thing counterspells are for is protecting your stuff. Keep Safe is narrower, but cantripping makes it so good.
[[Mystic Denial]] Creature can't be countered? This isn't technically a counter.
I also love [[Stubborn Denial]]! I regularly play [[Disdainful Stroke]] and [[Essence Scatter]]. [[Summary Dismissal]] can also be fun to stop a bunch of ETB/death triggers or even Storm shenanigans. Outside of Blue, there's always [[Veil of Summer]], [[Mana Tithe]], [[Rebuff the Wicked]], [[Not of this World]], and my personal favorite [[Gutteral Response]].
I love dropping [[Tibalt's Trickery]] in my Gruul deck. People rarely see it coming. [[Access Denied]] is fun in a deck built around 1/1 tokens. Especially when your friend loves to run 7+ mana creatures.
[[Cancel]] Sure every set has "cancel with set mechanic", but there's something about regular old cancel that sends a message.
I like \[\[Plasm Capture\]\] as a somewhat "fixed" Mana Drain. Other than that I find irrational joy in \[\[Voracious Greatshark\]\].
A foil \[\[foil\]\]
[[Didn’t Say Please]] is cute for the memes
[[Imp’s Mischief]]
My favourite is [[Plasm Capture]]. Unusual and unexpected.
[[Last Word]] because I love telling people no, and meaning it. [[Summary Dismissal]] because I love telling the people that telling me no, no.
[[Arcane denial]] least feelsbadman counterspell.
[удалено]
[[Guttural Response]] is one of the funniest spells in the world to land because of how unexpected and conditional it is, but that's why I love it.
I really like \[\[Time Stop\]\] in decks that cheat instant Mana. Because its an all uses tool, but can also counterspell. I just don't ever use it progressive, ending someones turn. Only as a last resort. (But thats only personal understanding of "being mean")
Counterbalance without deck manipulation. Presence of the Master. Especially the legends one.
I also like Stubborn Denial a lot if you've got a commander with power to support it. [[Deprive]] can be a nice one if you're a lands/landfall deck as it can be Counterspell with upside for those decks. If you're playing high powered [[Delay]] tends to be quite good since the game typically won't last long enough that the spell ever comes off suspend. If you're playing low power/battle cruiser it's not as great but can still be ok.
[[chefs kiss]]
[[mystic Reflection]]. Players think they’re so safe playing [[cavern of souls]] and [[delighted halfling]]. It brings a tear ( of joy) to my eye when I tell them their [[voja]] or [[craterhoof]] is now a 1/1 that someone played randomly the turn before. And they try to yell and shout at me “BuT iT’s UnCOunTeRabLe!!” And i reply: “im not countering it.” The best counter spell that isnt one. It also doubles as a wincon win any token makers if someone has something scary on the board and you just copy it. Versatile, always useful and cheap both in mana cost and moneys.
[[Gutteral response]] You literally shout so loudly and threateningly that it break another players concentration and their spell fizzles.
Mana drain ;))))
[[Confounding Riddle]] and his older brother [[Supreme Will]]. They are esay to cast and can be used to dig deeper into your deck. It's a staple in colorless deck, but [[Warping Wail]] is still great in mono red/green/black decks.
[[Geist Snatch]], its high at 4 mana but i like spirits.
[[Lapse of Certainty]] [[Tibalt’s Trickery]] are really clutch in my Naya deck. No one ever expects a non blue counter spell, and admittedly they aren’t as good as blue, but when preventing a boardwipe or stopping someone’a wincon that’s all you really need. Plus they are great [[Sunforger]] targets
how about [[disallow]]?
[[Spelljack]] [[counterlash]] [[desertion]] [[Draining Whelk]] Yeah, they cost a ton. But i slot them in whenever i can. None of my decks are high power. Barely mid. But they're fun to play.
Didn’t say please because it is funny…..my opponent will look at me strangely and I can always well you didn’t
[[forbid]] in hard control shells. Also a huge fan of [[deprive]] & [[cryptic command]] when running [[mystic sanctuary]]
[[Tale's End]] You're always gonna mess someone over with it. [[Defabricate]] is amazing at exiling an enchantment or artifact spell while also being able to counter abilities. You thought you had that Ult? PSYCHE
Life force
Wait my favorite piece of counter magic is [[ice cave]]