Access DeniedHow it works & interactions with other cards

How the Spell Functions

Access Denied targets a single spell currently on the stack. When it resolves, it attempts to counter that spell. If successful, the countered spell is moved to its owner's graveyard (unless otherwise specified). Then, you create a number of 1/1 colorless Thopter artifact creature tokens with flying equal to the mana value of the spell that was countered. Even if the spell cannot be countered, you still get the Thopters as long as the target was legal when Access Denied resolved.

Step-by-Step Resolution

First, you cast Access Denied and choose a target spell on the stack. Upon resolution, the game checks if the target is still legal. If it is, the target spell is countered and sent to the graveyard. The game then checks the mana value of that spell. For example, if the spell had a cost of three generic and two blue mana, the mana value is five. Finally, you put that many 1/1 Thopter tokens onto the battlefield under your control.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common error involves spells with {X} in their mana cost. While a spell is on the stack, the value chosen for X is included in its mana value. If you counter a spell with X=5, the mana value includes that 5. Additionally, remember that mana value is determined by the printed mana cost in the corner of the card, not the total mana actually paid to cast it. If a player used a cost-reduction effect, the mana value of the spell remains unchanged for Access Denied.

Strategic Timing

Because Access Denied costs five mana, you should save it for high-impact spells to maximize your Thopter production. It serves as both a defensive measure and an offensive win condition. Since the Thopters are created during the resolution of the instant, you can cast this during an opponent's end step to untap with a fresh army ready to attack on your own turn.

Interaction examples

Countering Free Spells

Access DeniedForce of Will

If your opponent casts Force of Will by exiling a card and paying 1 life, its mana value is still 5. When you resolve Access Denied targeting it, Force of Will is countered, and you create five 1/1 Thopter tokens, despite your opponent having spent zero mana to cast their spell.

Defending Your Fleet

Access DeniedAetherize

If you have a board full of Thopter tokens and your opponent tries to cast Aetherize to bounce them all to your hand, you can cast Access Denied targeting Aetherize. Aetherize is countered, your existing Thopters stay on the battlefield, and you create four additional 1/1 Thopter tokens because Aetherize has a mana value of 4.

Generating a Flying Army

Access DeniedThopter

When you cast Access Denied targeting a spell with a mana value of 3, the spell is countered and you immediately place three Thopter tokens onto the battlefield. These tokens have flying, allowing you to bypass ground blockers on your subsequent turn.