Turn Aside
Instant
Counter target spell that targets a permanent you control.
- CMC
- 1
- Mana cost
- Color identity
- U
- Rarity
- common
- Set
- The List
- Price
- $0.28
- EDHREC rank
- #6454
Turn Aside counters any spell targeting a permanent you control for a single blue mana — the most efficient rate you'll find for protecting a key piece. Run it when your commander is the engine and losing it to a single removal spell ends the game.
Format Analysis
Where it lives, where it can’t
| Format | Verdict |
|---|---|
| commander | legal |
| legacy | legal |
| modern | legal |
| pioneer | legal |
| standard | not legal |
| vintage | legal |
| pauper | legal |
| oathbreaker | legal |
In Commander, Turn Aside earns its slot in decks that live or die by one permanent — a combo piece, an expensive enchantment, or a commander that costs four or more mana to recast. The narrowness is real: it does nothing against counterspells, Wrath effects, or anything not targeting a permanent, which is why generalist blue decks prefer Counterspell or Swan Song. In Pauper, it sees fringe play as a cheap answer to Bolt and other targeted removal in tempo shells. Legacy, Vintage, and Modern have enough free and near-free interaction that Turn Aside rarely makes the cut over broader options. Oathbreaker mirrors Commander — if the signature spell is the win condition, Turn Aside gets much better.
Key Combos
Combo lines featuring this card
Price Context
Current price
$0.28 bulk tier
At $0.28, Turn Aside is deep bulk — you'll find it in any common collection or pick it up as a throw-in. The price isn't going anywhere meaningful; it's a one-of in niche lists and will stay at the bottom of the bulk bin indefinitely.
Explore
Sources
Mentioned
Updated . Data from Scryfall, EDHREC, and Commander Spellbook.