Burnout is one of those cards players keep asking about. Here is, in plain words, what its official text says, the rulings published by Wizards of the Coast, and the combos players actually run.
Official card text
Counter target instant spell if it's blue. Draw a card at the beginning of the next turn's upkeep.
Complete guide
Burnout is a classic red 'blast' style spell that provides a rare utility for red mages: the ability to counter an instant. While its primary function is to shut down blue magic, its secondary effect ensures you keep your hand full regardless of what color you are facing.
What It Does
Burnout targets an instant spell. If that spell is blue when Burnout resolves, it is countered and put into its owner's graveyard. Regardless of whether the spell was blue or not, Burnout sets up a delayed trigger that lets you draw a card at the beginning of the very next turn's upkeep.
Step-by-Step Resolution
First, you cast Burnout targeting an instant spell on the stack. Upon resolution, Burnout checks the color of the target. If the target is blue, it is countered. If the target is not blue, it is not countered. Finally, a delayed triggered ability is created; this ability will trigger at the start of the next player's upkeep phase to draw you one card.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is thinking you can only cast Burnout on blue spells. You can legally target any instant spell, even a red or green one. While the spell won't be countered, you will still get the card draw during the next upkeep. Another mistake is forgetting that the draw happens during the NEXT turn's upkeep, not necessarily your own next upkeep.
When to Play It
Burnout is best used as a surprise counter against blue interaction like protection spells or opposing counters. However, because it is a 'cantrip' (a spell that replaces itself), it can be cast on one of your own instants in a pinch just to cycle through your deck for better cards.
Interaction examples
Deflecting SwatYour opponent casts Deflecting Swat to change the targets of your spell. Since Deflecting Swat is a blue instant, you cast Burnout targeting it. Burnout resolves, counters Deflecting Swat, and you will draw a card at the start of the next turn's upkeep.
Chaos WarpYou cast Chaos Warp on a permanent. To dig for more answers, you cast Burnout targeting your own Chaos Warp. Since Chaos Warp is red, it is NOT countered and will resolve normally. However, Burnout still creates the delayed trigger, allowing you to draw a card at the beginning of the next upkeep.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Burnout
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
- #1· Wizards of the Coast
You may target any instant spell with Burnout. If it’s blue at the time Burnout resolves, that spell will be countered and you’ll draw a card at the beginning of the next turn’s upkeep. If it’s not blue at the time Burnout resolves, that spell won’t be countered, but you’ll still draw a card at the beginning of the next turn’s upkeep.
No other card is named in this ruling.
Legal formats
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Meta decks with Burnout
No archived Top 8 deck with this card yet.