Mindbreak Trap — Magic: The Gathering card

Mindbreak Trap

{2}{U}{U}
Instant — Trap

If an opponent cast three or more spells this turn, you may pay {0} rather than pay this spell's mana cost.

Exile any number of target spells.

Set Through the Omenpaths Bonus Sheet
Rarity Mythic Rare
Mana Value 4
Artist Christopher Moeller
Collector # 11
Scryfall

Why Play Mindbreak Trap

Storm decks and combo strategies often rely on chaining multiple spells in a single turn, making Mindbreak Trap a devastating answer that can be cast for free when opponents go off. Unlike traditional counterspells, it exiles spells rather than countering them, which means it can't be stopped by cards like Cavern of Souls or other "can't be countered" effects. The ability to target any number of spells makes it particularly potent against storm turns where opponents cast numerous cheap spells to build their count.

Format Notes

Mindbreak Trap sees its strongest play in Legacy and Vintage, where fast combo decks like Storm and Dredge create consistent opportunities to trigger the trap cost. The card serves as crucial sideboard tech in these formats, offering combo decks a way to fight back against other combo strategies. In Commander, it functions as powerful stack interaction that can disrupt multiple opponents' plays simultaneously, though the three-spell trigger is less reliable in multiplayer games.

Combos & Synergies

Baral, Chief of Compliance and Goblin Electromancer make casting multiple cheap spells easier for opponents, increasing opportunities to activate the trap cost. The card pairs well with other free counterspells like Force of Will in control shells that want to maintain mana open while still having answers. Knowledge Pool creates particularly amusing interactions since Mindbreak Trap can exile the original spell before the replacement effect resolves.

Learn More

Instant Exile Modern Commander Legacy