What I like most about Angel_Bob's explanation is that it makes both you and your opponent play as if you were really an Izzet-like Red/Blue wizard.
Think about it... you're jumping from topic to topic, seemingly making complete non sequiturs, but the moment your opponent underestimates you and thinks you're just being a bit loopy, he'll learn that you're actually just plotting faster than he can keep up.
Posted By:
Grumman
(8/13/2011 6:33:56 PM)
@theapprentice: You're just not getting it. At no point does he target the spell that will later be countered.But there are some timing problems with the second example, and even if it does work like that, you've still used two cards.
Does this take out storm? I know it works on copied spells, so...
Posted By:
blindthrall
(8/17/2011 12:34:00 AM)
Actually, you can counter the cascaded spell. Note that it says "you may play the revealed spell without paying it's mana cost" rather than "put the revealed spell into play." If it was the latter, than yes, you couldn't coutner the cascade, but as it is the former you can. This seems to be a no-brainer in any control deck in these colors as, at worst, it's a colourful cancel, and at best you can 2-for-1 your opponent (or opponents in multiplayer, where multiple spells are more likely to be cast at once)
Posted By:
asmallcat
(6/18/2009 10:45:11 AM)
This + Forced Fruition + Cerebral Vortex.
Posted By:
Psuedonaut
(2/12/2011 3:26:29 PM)
i love this card they threw two of the best cards, fork and counterspell, into one card not as good as the individuals but still sweet
Posted By:
jhjohns
(5/24/2009 1:54:48 AM)
This card is Anti-Cascade, duh. It's also severe Grixis Love, hell yes! This is a great 3-drop for Grixis Control, if you think you're up against Cascade, or you just want another counter. It's essentially as pricey as Cancel, and the effect has more potential.
Posted By:
HalcyonDays
(5/4/2009 6:45:33 AM)
I need to make a 
deck.
Posted By:
JFM2796
(9/16/2011 5:29:24 PM)
I've been waiting to counter two spells in multiplayer with this, when it happens I know it will be fun. Untill then it's just a counterspell which is never a bad thing to have in the first place. I also love all the flavor dripping off this card and the nice art. Bonus points for being cool.
Posted By:
FirstPrime
(8/8/2009 7:26:24 AM)
Cascade is an ability that allows you to cast two (sometimes even three or four) spells at the time mick. This card is perfect to counter two of those. This card is a blessing for against the dreadful Bloodbraid Elf. There is nothing for satisfying than stopping both the elf and the ball of lightning (or whatever else) they try to throw at you afterward. Cascade is becoming pretty damn popular in aggro decks, and saying it only merits a 2/5 is no longer fair to the card. I'd say 3/5 is much more like it. I'm sure it would be better if it was a black/blue or white/blue, but Black/Blue/Red decks can certainly use this well.
Posted By:
Fredin
(8/8/2009 10:42:19 AM)
I agree that this is an excellent card against cascade and that is all it is. I give a 2/5.
Posted By:
DerangedSun
(5/4/2009 4:36:08 PM)