Refute 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 spell. Draw a card, then discard a card.
Complete guide
Refute is a versatile blue instant that provides both control and card filtering for your deck. By countering a threat while allowing you to loot through your library, it ensures you maintain tempo and find the answers you need. Whether you are protecting your board or stopping a combo, Refute keeps your game plan on track.
What It Does
Refute is a counterspell that costs three mana, specifically one generic and two blue. Its primary function is to remove a spell from the stack and put it into its owner's graveyard. Additionally, it features a 'looting' effect, which allows you to draw a card and then immediately discard a card from your hand.
How It Resolves Step by Step
First, you cast Refute and choose a target spell currently on the stack. Upon resolution, Refute checks if the target is still legal; if the spell has been moved or becomes untargetable, Refute is removed from the stack and does nothing. If the target is legal, the spell is countered. Finally, you perform the card filtering: you draw one card into your hand, then you must choose one card from your hand to discard.
Common Mistakes
A common error occurs when the target spell is removed from the stack before Refute resolves, perhaps by another effect. According to official rulings, if the target is illegal, Refute fails to resolve entirely, meaning you do not get to draw or discard. Also, remember that the discard is mandatory; even if your hand was empty before the draw, you must discard the card you just drew if it is the only one you have.
When to Play It
Refute is best utilized in decks that benefit from graveyard synergies or those that need to dig for specific win conditions. Since it costs more than a standard counter, you should save it for high-impact spells where the secondary looting effect helps you cycle away dead cards like extra lands.
Interaction examples
CounterspellWhile Counterspell is more mana-efficient at only two blue mana, Refute provides additional value. If you cast Refute to stop an opponent's creature, you also get to refresh your hand. If you have no cards in hand you want to lose, Counterspell is better; if you have a card that works better in the graveyard, Refute is superior.
Arcane DenialArcane Denial provides delayed card draw for both players, whereas Refute provides immediate card filtering only for you. If you need to find a land or a specific answer right now to survive the current turn, Refute's 'draw then discard' happens immediately upon resolution, unlike Arcane Denial which waits until the next upkeep.
Guide written with AI from the official text and rulings. Official English text prevails.
How it works : Refute
Original English text — Wizards of the Coast / Scryfall
- #1· Wizards of the Coast
If the target spell is an illegal target when Refute tries to resolve, it won't resolve and none of its effects will happen. You won't draw or discard.
No other card is named in this ruling.
Legal formats
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Meta decks with Refute
No archived Top 8 deck with this card yet.