Guys, just use Scroll Rack.
Posted By:
nammertime
(12/22/2009 10:06:34 AM)
To those thinking hitting the same mana cost is unlikely: Consider Legacy as a format : most relevant spells are in the 1-3 mana range, most being at the magical 2 mana. Suddenly getting Counterbalance locked is a scary and very possible situation.
Posted By:
FreakyM
(2/15/2010 1:36:46 AM)
The abuse of this and sensei's divining top a.k.a. Countertop makes for one of the tier 1 legacy decks. In the format were cmc of 4 or more is almost unplayable, this combo shuts down most of the decks when it's online.
Posted By:
Ringofhix
(2/20/2010 12:07:19 AM)
Repeatable Counterspell for UU?
The ultimate griefer card.
Posted By:
Gabriel422
(12/1/2010 10:08:13 PM)
has anyone ever Counterbalanced a Draco? or Autocthon Worm? or B.F.M.?
just wondering. that would be hilarious.
Posted By:
DarthParallax
(4/22/2011 2:03:53 PM)
As an Izzet Enthusiast, I must say I find this to be the most beautiful artwork in the history of Magic.
I would *love* an oversized version to keep on the table while annoying my EDH group with the actual card.
This card is an absolute monster in *any* format.
I approve.
Oh, Mono Blue Control... how I miss you in Standard :-(
Posted By:
drpvfx
(1/22/2012 5:08:49 PM)
@nevenshinko
No, it can't because Replicate puts copies right on the stack. The controller (your opponent in your example) isn't 'playing' them, which is the key word on this card. The same with Storm and other abilities that specifically say 'copy'.
Something like Cascade, however, does trigger this card because Cascade allows the player to 'cast' the exiled card. In Magic, the words 'cast' and 'play' are interchangeable in this situation.
Posted By:
OmegaSerris
(8/17/2011 11:39:53 PM)
Pairs surprisingly well with Enlightened Tutor. I always assumed that a Counterbalance deck would want the ability to shuffle and peek at the top cards frequently, making any use of Tutor seem ill-advised: what if you need to shuffle it away?
Nowadays people are doing things like running a single Moat. An early e-tutor gets Counterbalance, a later e-tutor can find single copies of unusual CMC spells in your deck. It was hilarious watching someone cast Ad Nauseam only to have their Counterbalance opponent calmly tutor for Karn. (I wonder if nowadays this 5cmc slot will be taken by Norn's Annex?)
A word of caution: Counterbalance doesn't counter copies of spells, meaning it doesn't interact well with Storm cards like Tendrils of Agony or the Hive Mind + Pact of Negation kill.
Posted By:
Salient
(8/31/2011 12:31:29 PM)
"I'll cast Akroma, Angel of Wrath."
"Okay, Counterbalance goes on the stack and my top ca-ALL HAIL THE GREAT LORD EGOTIST!"
Posted By:
SolidSoldier
(9/3/2010 3:41:40 PM)
Even by itself it's a decent card, if you get it out early and it stays out for most of the game, you'll probably end up countering at least a few spells.
Posted By:
BrutalJim
(7/16/2009 4:40:36 PM)