Blue reigns supreme as the ultimate master of countering spells, join us in our break down of the top 20 best blue counterspells for EDH.
Table of Contents
20. Disallow
Disallow is the only spell on this list that counters activated abilities and triggered abilities. This flexibility allows it to disrupt a wider range of threats. In the right situations it can really save your skin, just imagine the satisfaction when countering Narset, Enlightened Master‘s trigger!
19. Unwind
Unwind does not only counter a target noncreature spell but also allows you to untap up to four lands when you cast it, which effectively makes this a free counterspell. Also note that it will untap any land, including power houses like Cabal Cofers and Gaea’s Cradle. You would of course have to keep the 3 mana open in order to respond to threats, which can be a big downside.
18. Rewind
Rewind serves as the four-mana counterpart to Unwind, offering the ability to counter any spell rather than just noncreature spells. This increased versatility comes at the cost of requiring an additional mana to be kept open.
17. Counterbalance
Counterbalance sets itself apart by its unique interaction with the top card of your library. Whenever an opponent casts a spell, you may reveal the top card of your library. If the revealed card has the same converted mana cost as the countered spell, you can counter that spell. Counterbalance has insane potential in deck strategies that carefully manipulate the top of their library using cards like Sensei’s Divining Top.
16. Muddle The Mixture
Muddle the Mixture stands out for its transmute ability. It can function as a counterspell and be transmuted to search for a card with the same converted mana cost, providing flexibility to find specific answers while retaining the option to counter spells.
15. Archmage’s Charm
Archmage’s Charm distinguishes itself with its three modes, allowing you to choose one upon casting. It can counter a spell, gain control of a nonland permanent, or draw two cards. This versatility gives you options to adapt to various situations, making sure that this card will never be a dead draw.
14. Cryptic Command
Similar to Archmage’s Charm, Cryptic Command offers multiple modes, but it allows you to choose two of them. While both cards offer really great versatility, the ability to select two modes make Cryptic Command a superior choice.
13. Dispel
Dispel provides a narrow but highly effective response to important spell threats. It shines at winning counter battles and of course the dream scenario is countering an overloaded Cyclonic Rift for 1CMC. However, if you have limited slots for counterspells in your deck, it might be wiser to opt for one with a broader scope.
12. Glen Elendra Archmage
Glen Elendra Archmage stands as the only creature on this list, and her impact should not be underestimated. Once she hits the battlefield, your opponents will adopt a more cautious playstyle. The fear of having their premium spell countered becomes a psychological deterrent, allowing you to steadily advance towards victory while the rest of the table find themselves restricted by Glen’s unsettling presence. In the right deck and circumstance, she is amongst the very best of blue counterspells in EDH.
11. Pact of Negation
Yes, you can counter anything for free, no strings attached. Sounds amazing, right? But here’s the catch: you’ll have to pay a hefty price of 5 mana on your next turn in order to not lose the game. Now, in slower and more casual EDH tables, this drawback can be quite significant. However, in competitive EDH (cEDH), Pact of Negation becomes a beloved staple and shines when it comes to protecting your game-winning infinite combos.
10. Flusterstorm
Flusterstorm copies itself for each spell cast before it during the current turn. This makes it particularly effective in countering a flurry of spells or winning counterspell battles. It is a great include in counter-heavy metas, making it a staple choice in many cEDH decks.
9. Negate
Negate is an excellent counterspell that is great for protecting your board state and game plan. With most offensive threats in Commander being noncreature spells, Negate is perfectly suited for countering them effectively. It shuts down powerful removal staples like Swords to Plowshares or Toxic Deluge. Additionally, its mana cost of one colorless and one blue makes it a versatile option that can be included in decks beyond mono-blue.
8. Arcane Denial
Arcane Denial can answer any spell, be it a creature or noncreature. While it grants your opponents the advantage of drawing 2 cards, you will also regain your lost card. In Commander, card advantage is crucial and giving your opponent card advantage is never great, but if you’re countering the right spell it will be worth the trade-off.
7. Counterspell
Counterspell, first printed in 1993’s Alpha set, is the all-time classic counterspell in MTG. It has the ability to counter any spell without requiring additional conditions. Its efficiency and broad applicability still earns it a place amongst the best blue counterspells for EDH. When including Counterspell in decks beyond mono-blue, it is crucial to ensure you have enough blue mana sources to reliably cast it.
6. An Offer You Can’t Refuse
Giving your opponent 2 extra mana in the early game might not be the wisest move, especially in high power level metas. However, in casual playgroups, this card is a great include. As the game progresses and everyone’s already ramped up, you don’t have to stress too much about giving your opponent a little boost.
5. Swan Song
This 1 mana spell will counter all noncreature spells, with the exception of planeswalkers and artifacts. While its scope may be narrow, it remains broad enough to counter a wide array of threats. Just like Negate, it serves as a great tool for safeguarding your own game plan. The drawback of granting your opponent a 2/2 bird is laughable when countering game swinging spells like Cyclonic Rift or Farewell. Without a doubt Swan Song is amongst the best 5 blue counterspells for EDH.
4.Fierce Guardianship
Get ready for some serious power as we enter the big leagues of counterspells. Fierce Guardianship, part of the Commander 2020 Free Spells cycle alongside cards like Deadly Rollick and Deflecting Swat, is value at its best. If your Commander is on the battlefield, you can counter any noncreature spell for free. It’s the ultimate protection for your Commander and a must-have in any blue Commander deck if your budget allows.
3. Force of Negation
Just like Fierce Guardianship, this card falls into the realm of free counterspells. With Force of Negation, you can counter any spell without spending a single mana, simply by exiling a blue card from your hand. On top of that, the countered spell gets exiled, never to bother you again. Force of Negation is an aggressive counterspell that only works on other players’ turns and you’ll want to carefully construct your deck with a good amount of blue cards to be able to cast it reliably.
2. Force of Will
Force of Will is the cousin of Force of Negation with a little twist. This bad boy can be unleashed not only on your opponents’ turns but also on your very own. Now, just like its sibling, Force of Will follows the same rules when it comes to deck building. It thrives in mono-blue decks that excel in drawing tons of cards, but even if you’re in a multicolored deck with a good amount of blue cards, this spell will still shine.
1. Mana Drain
This powerhouse is revered as one of the most powerful cards in Commander and MTG overall. It’s like having a regular Counterspell, but with an insane benefit: it also grants you unconditional ramp on your next turn. Countering a 6-mana spell for just 2 mana is already a game-changing move, but gaining an extra 6 mana on your next turn? That’s an astronomical advantage that can propel you far ahead and potentially secure your victory. While Counterspell is a suitable budget alternative, if you’re looking to maximize your potential, Mana Drain is a phenomenal upgrade.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we’ve delved into the world of the 20 best blue counterspells for EDH. From the timeless classics like Counterspell to the extraordinary powerhouses like Mana Drain, these spells exemplify the pinnacle of counter magic. Whether you’re countering game-changing threats, protecting your precious resources, or steering the tides of victory in your favor, these spells have your back.
