Return the Favor — Magic: The Gathering card

Return the Favor

{R}{R}
Instant

Spree (Choose one or more additional costs.)

+ {1} — Copy target instant spell, sorcery spell, activated ability, or triggered ability. You may choose new targets for the copy.

+ {1} — Change the target of target spell or ability with a single target.

*"Don't you know it's rude not to share?"*

Set Outlaws of Thunder Junction
Rarity Uncommon
Mana Value 2
Artist Eli Minaya
Collector # 142
Scryfall

Why Play Return the Favor

Modal flexibility makes this instant shine in reactive strategies where you need versatile answers. At its base cost, it serves as targeted spell redirection against removal or burn, turning opponent's Lightning Bolt into damage aimed at their own creatures or planeswalkers. For three mana total, copying high-value spells like card draw or powerful instants provides significant tempo swings, while the redirect mode punishes decks heavily reliant on single-target effects.

Format Notes

Commander sees the most play due to the multiplayer environment where expensive spells and activated abilities are common targets worth copying. The political aspect of redirecting removal away from your threats or copying an opponent's Rhystic Study trigger creates interesting gameplay dynamics. In competitive formats like Modern and Pioneer, it appears mainly in sideboards as a meta call against combo decks or spell-heavy strategies.

Combos & Synergies

Copying expensive X-spells like Villainous Wealth or Torment of Hailfire for just one additional mana provides exceptional value when opponents invest heavily in these effects. Isochron Scepter can repeatedly cast Return the Favor, creating a versatile tool for ongoing spell interaction and copying. Storm decks appreciate the spell count increase while gaining utility, and it pairs well with Guttersnipe or Young Pyromancer to generate additional value from the copied spells.

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Instant