Very Cryptic Command

Description

Very Cryptic Command, designated as card number 49b in the 2017 Unstable expansion, stands as a testament to the creative freedom found in Magic: The Gathering's unofficial 'Un-sets'. Crafted by artist Zoltan Boros, this blue rare instant card is celebrated for its mechanical versatility, offering players a choice of four distinct effects that can significantly alter the flow of a game. Unlike standard competitive formats, the Unstable set embraces humor and unpredictability, making cards like this one particularly appealing to collectors who appreciate the whimsical design philosophy behind the series. The card’s gameplay revolves around the 'Choose two' mechanic, allowing the caster to select from a pool of powerful abilities. Players can choose to untap two target permanents, providing crucial mana acceleration or enabling repeated attacks. Alternatively, they can tap every permanent a target player controls that has a one-word name, a disruptive effect that can shut down key artifacts or creatures. The card also offers resource management options, such as discarding your entire hand to draw that many new cards, or returning an instant or sorcery card from your graveyard directly to your hand. These options make Very Cryptic Command a favorite for casual play and formats that value adaptability over strict tournament legality. For collectors, Unstable cards hold a unique place in the Magic: The Gathering hobby. Released during a time when Wizards of the Coast experimented with non-canon storylines and joke cards, these items often feature vibrant artwork and clever text that diverge from the serious tone of the main game. Very Cryptic Command, with its clean blue identity and strategic depth, represents a high-quality piece of this experimental era. Its rarity as a rare card in a set designed for fun ensures it remains a sought-after item for those building diverse collections of Magic trading cards. Whether you are interested in the lore of the Unstable universe or simply enjoy the mechanics of versatile instants, this card offers a compelling glimpse into the creative side of the game.