Flashback is a powerful mechanic in Magic: The Gathering that allows you to play spells from your graveyard. However, one drawback of this mechanic is that once you cast a spell with flashback from your graveyard, it is exiled. This can be a problematic drawback for some players, especially if they want to reuse the spell multiple times. In this article, we will discuss various ways to stop flashback from exiling cards, allowing you to recycle your spells and gain an advantage over your opponents.
Understanding Flashback Mechanics
Before we dive into ways to prevent cards with flashback from being exiled, let’s first discuss how the mechanic works. When a card with flashback is cast from your graveyard, you can pay its flashback cost in addition to its regular mana cost. Once you cast the spell with flashback, it is exiled instead of going back to your graveyard. This makes it a one-time use card unless you can find a way to prevent it from being exiled.
Ways To Stop Flashback From Exiling Cards
There are several strategies you can use to prevent cards with flashback from being exiled. Let’s explore some of the most effective methods:
1. Flicker Effects
Flicker effects are cards or abilities that exile a permanent and then return it to the battlefield. By using flicker effects on a spell with flashback, you can effectively return it to your graveyard instead of being exiled. Some cards that have flicker effects include:
- Cloudshift
- Flickerwisp
- Restoration Angel
2. Graveyard Recursion
Another way to prevent cards with flashback from being exiled is by using graveyard recursion spells or abilities. These cards allow you to return cards from your graveyard to your hand or battlefield. By returning a spell with flashback to your hand, you can recast it as many times as you want. Some cards that provide graveyard recursion include:
- Regrowth
- Eternal Witness
- Gravecrawler
3. Eldrazi Titan Abilities
Eldrazi Titans such as Kozilek, Butcher of Truth and Ulamog, the Infinite Gyre have abilities that shuffle your graveyard back into your library when they are put into the graveyard from anywhere. By including these powerful creatures in your deck, you can prevent cards with flashback from being exiled. This strategy is especially effective in decks that focus on graveyard recursion and card advantage.
4. Copy Effects
Copy effects allow you to create a duplicate of a spell with flashback before it is exiled. By copying the spell, you can cast the copy multiple times without worrying about the original being exiled. Some cards that have copy effects include:
- Twincast
- Reverberate
- Swarm Intelligence
5. Counter Spells
One of the simplest ways to prevent cards with flashback from being exiled is to counter the spell before it resolves. By countering a spell with flashback, it never enters the battlefield and therefore cannot be exiled. Include counter spells such as Counterspell, Negate, and Mana Leak in your deck to stop flashback cards in their tracks.
Conclusion
Flashback is a powerful mechanic that allows you to cast spells from your graveyard, but the drawback of exiling the card after casting can be a hindrance. By employing strategies such as flicker effects, graveyard recursion, Eldrazi titan abilities, copy effects, and counter spells, you can stop flashback from exiling cards and gain an advantage over your opponents. Experiment with these methods in your deck and find the ones that work best for your playstyle. Remember, with the right tools and strategies, you can turn the drawback of flashback into a powerful advantage.
