Magic: The Gathering

Counterbalance

Coldsnap 31 • uncommon

Set: Coldsnap
Collector number: 31
Rarity: Uncommon
Mana cost: blue mana blue mana
Type: Enchantment
Colors: Blue
Artist: John Zeleznik
Market price: $5.18

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$5.18est. via TCGplayer

104,743cards tracked

5other printings of this card

Market

What it's worth

$5.18market price via TCGplayer · Oct 8, 2026$5.18 – $6.92 over the tracked period

Estimate for a typical copy of Counterbalance; condition, printing, and grading move the real number.

Lore

Why it matters

Counterbalance is a card from the Coldsnap set that challenges players to monitor the top of their library to neutralize incoming threats. By requiring players to match casting costs, this uncommon card transforms every draw step into a strategic opportunity to exert control over the pace of the game.

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Card face

What it does

Whenever an opponent casts a spell, you may reveal the top card of your library. If you do, counter that spell if it has the same mana value as the revealed card.

Formats

Where you can play it

StandardNot legal
PioneerNot legal
ModernLegal
LegacyLegal
VintageLegal
CommanderLegal
PauperNot legal
BrawlNot legal
HistoricNot legal
TimelessNot legal
Penny DreadfulNot legal
OathbreakerLegal

Portions of the materials used are property of Wizards of the Coast. ©Wizards of the Coast LLC. Card text via Scryfall. Not approved or endorsed by Wizards. As of the last catalogue refresh.

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Where to find one

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Provenance

Where it came from

Counterbalance was released in 2006 as part of the Coldsnap expansion for Magic: The Gathering. The set was designed as a thematic successor to the Ice Age block, drawing inspiration from the snowy, high-fantasy aesthetics of the original 1995 releases. The card was intended to provide a reactive, skill-testing mechanic that rewarded players for having a deep understanding of their deck's mana curve and the game state.

The card's artwork was illustrated by Dave Dorman, a renowned artist recognized for his work in the Star Wars universe and various fantasy properties. Dorman utilized his signature cinematic, high-contrast style to depict the magical equilibrium suggested by the card's name. Upon its release, the card saw a modest reception, but it eventually became a foundational element of competitive formats like Legacy, where it gained notoriety for its ability to lock down opponents when paired with top-deck manipulation cards like Sensei's Divining Top.

Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI

Other printings

Every version of this card

The same card, printed again — different sets, treatments, and prices.

Collectors

Who's collecting this

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About

About Counterbalance

Counterbalance is a card in the Magic: The Gathering catalog on collecto.rs. Coldsnap 31 • uncommon. Catalog data is sourced from Scryfall. No public cards collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.

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Can I track my own copy of Counterbalance?

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Where does the Counterbalance catalog entry come from?

The catalog entry for Counterbalance is sourced from Scryfall. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.