SCD - Return the Favor
Posted: Thu Apr 04, 2024 2:29 am
I think Return the Favor is worth looking at. This just seems like the ultimate in flexibility as far red redirect/copy spells go and for a pretty efficient cost.
As far as I'm aware, Return the Favor is the only effect that can copy opponents' activated or triggered abilities. I could be wrong but I don't remember seeing that anywhere else. (other than Aboleth Spawn but that is pretty specific.)
There are spells of course that can counter abilties, but copy ones you don't control? There are several effects that can copy your own triggered abilities such as Strionic Resonator and Lithoform Engine. Probably more, but it's a pretty rare effect outside of specific kinds of triggers like ETBs.
I never really felt like I could comfortably maindeck Redirect or Twincast or Wild Ricochet as there always seemed to be better cards to play that were less situational. I've always like these effects however as they make for some very fun plays.
But I think holding up three or four mana for this should be worth it given the huge number of options that activated or triggered abilities offer over only instants and sorceries. It can redirect a kill spell or just steal value if the opportunity presents itself. But of course, the option to copy your own stuff is always there so I just don't see this ever being a dead card.
In terms of tempo this has the potential to 3 for 1 someone (just like Wild Ricochet). Say opponent casts a Path to Exile. You pay and not only is their Path now yours, but 2 of their creatures get exiled. But it is strickly better because it can also redirect and copy a Reclamation Sage or a Strip Mine and you don't always have to to pay the 4 mana either.
Amazing for an uncommon if you ask me (probably should have been rare?).
As far as I'm aware, Return the Favor is the only effect that can copy opponents' activated or triggered abilities. I could be wrong but I don't remember seeing that anywhere else. (other than Aboleth Spawn but that is pretty specific.)
There are spells of course that can counter abilties, but copy ones you don't control? There are several effects that can copy your own triggered abilities such as Strionic Resonator and Lithoform Engine. Probably more, but it's a pretty rare effect outside of specific kinds of triggers like ETBs.
I never really felt like I could comfortably maindeck Redirect or Twincast or Wild Ricochet as there always seemed to be better cards to play that were less situational. I've always like these effects however as they make for some very fun plays.
But I think holding up three or four mana for this should be worth it given the huge number of options that activated or triggered abilities offer over only instants and sorceries. It can redirect a kill spell or just steal value if the opportunity presents itself. But of course, the option to copy your own stuff is always there so I just don't see this ever being a dead card.
In terms of tempo this has the potential to 3 for 1 someone (just like Wild Ricochet). Say opponent casts a Path to Exile. You pay and not only is their Path now yours, but 2 of their creatures get exiled. But it is strickly better because it can also redirect and copy a Reclamation Sage or a Strip Mine and you don't always have to to pay the 4 mana either.
Amazing for an uncommon if you ask me (probably should have been rare?).