Quick Answer

Cryptic Command is a rare Instant from FCA (FCA) costing {1}{U}{U}{U}. Current price: $4.5 USD. Legal in Modern. Legal in Commander.

Cryptic Command MTG card

Cryptic Command

Instant

Card Text

Choose two — • Counter target spell. • Return target permanent to its owner's hand. • Tap all creatures your opponents control. • Draw a card.

Card Stats

rare CMC: 4.0 FCA FCA 🎨 Kazuya Takahashi

Market Prices

TCGPlayer
$4.50
Normal
Buy
TCGPlayer
$18.49
Foil
Buy
Card Kingdom
$6.49
Normal
Buy
Card Kingdom
$27.99
Foil
Buy
Cardmarket
€4.36
Normal
Buy
Cardmarket
€15.57
Foil
Buy
Prices updated: 2025-12-04

Format Legality

Brawl Legal
Commander Legal
Duel Legal
Gladiator Legal
Historic Legal
Legacy Legal
Modern Legal
Oathbreaker Legal
Penny Legal
Predh Legal
Timeless Legal
Vintage Legal

Similar Cards

Other Printings (12 total)

Community Stats

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Decks Using This Card
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Comments

Often Played With

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cryptic Command? Basics

Cryptic Command is a Instant card from the Magic: The Gathering trading card game.

Its ability reads: "Choose two — • Counter target spell. • Return target permanent to its owner's hand. • Tap all creatures your opponents control. • Draw a card."

How much mana does Cryptic Command cost to cast? Basics

Cryptic Command has a mana cost of {1}{U}{U}{U}, which equals 4.0 total mana (converted mana cost/mana value).

It requires U mana to cast.

What does mana cost mean in Magic: The Gathering? Basics

Mana cost is the amount and type of mana required to cast a spell in Magic: The Gathering.

Cryptic Command's mana cost of {1}{U}{U}{U} means you need to pay that much mana from your lands or other sources.

Colored symbols (W=White, U=Blue, B=Black, R=Red, G=Green) must be paid with that specific color, while numbers can be paid with any color.

What is converted mana cost (CMC) or mana value? Basics

Converted mana cost (now officially called "mana value") is the total amount of mana in a card's mana cost, regardless of color.

Cryptic Command has a mana value of 4.0. This is important for effects that care about a spell's total cost, like cascade or cards that say "mana value 3 or less."

What is oracle text? Basics

Oracle text is the official, current rules text for a Magic card as maintained by Wizards of the Coast. It supersedes any printed text on older cards.

Cryptic Command's current oracle text is: "Choose two — • Counter target spell. • Return target permanent to its owner's hand. • Tap all creatures your opponents control. • Draw a card."

What is the current price of Cryptic Command? Pricing

The current market price for Cryptic Command is approximately $4.5 USD on TCGPlayer.

A foil copy costs approximately $18.49 USD.

On Cardmarket (Europe), it's approximately €4.36 EUR.

Where can I buy Cryptic Command? Pricing

You can purchase Cryptic Command from major MTG retailers including:

Prices vary by condition and printing. Check multiple sellers to find the best price.

What is the difference between normal and foil cards? Pricing

Foil cards have a shiny, holographic finish that makes them more collectible. They are functionally identical to normal cards but typically cost more due to their rarity and visual appeal.

Cryptic Command normal: $4.5 | foil: $18.49

Is Cryptic Command legal in Standard? Legality

Format legality information for Cryptic Command in Standard is not available.

Standard is a rotating format that only allows cards from the most recent sets.

Is Cryptic Command legal in Modern? Legality

Cryptic Command is Legal in Modern format.

Modern includes all cards printed in a standard-legal set from 8th Edition forward.

Is Cryptic Command legal in Commander (EDH)? Legality

Cryptic Command is Legal in Commander (EDH) format.

Commander is a casual multiplayer format where you build a 100-card singleton deck around a legendary creature.

Is Cryptic Command legal in Pioneer? Legality

Format legality information for Cryptic Command in Pioneer is not available.

Pioneer is a non-rotating format that includes all standard-legal sets from Return to Ravnica forward.

Is Cryptic Command legal in Legacy? Legality

Cryptic Command is Legal in Legacy format.

Legacy allows almost all cards ever printed, with a substantial ban list for balance.

Is Cryptic Command legal in Vintage? Legality

Cryptic Command is Legal in Vintage format.

Vintage is the most permissive format, allowing almost all cards with only a minimal ban list. Some powerful cards are "Restricted" (limited to 1 copy).

Is Cryptic Command legal in Pauper? Legality

Format legality information for Cryptic Command in Pauper is not available.

Pauper only allows cards that have been printed at common rarity in a paper or online set.

What is format legality in MTG? Legality

Format legality indicates which official MTG formats allow a card to be played:

  • Legal: Card is allowed in the format
  • Banned: Card is prohibited from play
  • Restricted: Limited to 1 copy (Vintage only)
  • Not Legal: Card was never part of that format's card pool

Different formats have different banned lists based on power level and game balance.

What set is Cryptic Command from? Details

This printing of Cryptic Command is from FCA (FCA), with collector number 29.

Cryptic Command may also appear in other MTG sets with different art or special treatments.

What is Cryptic Command's rarity? Details

Cryptic Command is a rare card in FCA.

Card rarity affects both availability and price. From rarest to most common: Mythic Rare → Rare → Uncommon → Common.

Who illustrated Cryptic Command? Details

Cryptic Command was illustrated by Kazuya Takahashi.

Magic: The Gathering features artwork from hundreds of talented artists, and many cards have been reprinted with new art over the years.

💬 Card Discussion

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