Flusterstorm

Flusterstorm Full Guide

Commander 2011 Rare
Mana Cost: {U}
Type: Instant
Flusterstorm Text:
Counter target instant or sorcery spell unless its controller pays {1}. Storm (When you cast this spell, copy it for each spell cast before it this turn. You may choose new targets for the copies.)
Artist: Erica Yang
Collector Number: 46
Release Date: 2011-06-17
Art crop
Cards Mentioned in This Review
These cards are referenced in the strategy guide below

Strategy Guide

Last updated 2025-06-27
TL;DR Summary

Flusterstorm

A versatile and powerful instant that shines in combo-oriented decks. Flusterstorm's ability to counter spells with a small cost makes it a valuable tool for disrupting opponents, particularly against aggressive strategies. Its Storm ability allows it to copy itself for each spell cast before it this turn, potentially creating multiple instances of disruption.

Power Level: High

  • Commander: A staple in many combo decks, Flusterstorm is often paired with cards like Ancestral Recall and Mystical Tutor to create a powerful engine. Its ability to counter spells can also be used to protect its own combos.
  • Formats: Commander, Modern, and Legacy are popular formats for Flusterstorm due to its ability to interact with the board in meaningful ways.

Its relatively low mana cost and versatility make it a valuable addition to many decks, but its high power level may make it a target for opponents looking to disrupt its effectiveness.

Card Mechanics & Interactions

Flusterstorm's Rules and Interactions

Flusterstorm is a rare instant from the Commander set, costing a single blue mana. It has two main effects: counter an instant or sorcery spell unless its controller pays one mana, and trigger Storm, which allows it to copy itself for each spell cast before it this turn.

Countering Spells

When Flusterstorm resolves, it will attempt to counter the target spell unless the controller chooses to pay one additional blue mana. This interaction is straightforward: if the controller can't or won't pay the extra mana, Flusterstorm counters their spell, putting it on top of their library. Note that this effect is only applicable to spells that were cast during the same turn as Flusterstorm.

Storm Ability

The Storm ability is a more complex aspect of Flusterstorm's design. When you cast Flusterstorm, it copies itself for each spell cast before it this turn. You may choose new targets for the copies. This means if you've cast three spells already, Flusterstorm will create four instances: one targeting your original spell and three more with new targets.

Consider the following scenario:

  • You cast Lightning Bolt.
  • You then cast Counterspell, which gets countered by Flusterstorm.
  • Next, you cast Force of Will, which also gets Flusterstorm'd.
  • Finally, you cast Flusterstorm, copying itself three times due to the two previous spells.

The resulting stack will have five instances of Flusterstorm: one targeting your original spell (Lightning Bolt), and four more with different targets. Each of these copies can be targeted by any player, allowing for creative and potentially game-changing situations.

Edge Cases and Unusual Interactions

When considering Storm effects, it's essential to remember that the copied spells do not share the same timing as their originals. Copies resolve after their original counterparts, which means you can use the copied spell before its original has a chance to interact with the board. This can lead to interesting scenarios:

  • If you copy Flusterstorm onto an opponent's Thought-Knot Seer, and then target the original thought-knot seer with your own Flusterstorm, it will attempt to counter the copied thought-knot seer. However, since the copied spell resolves before its original counterpart, the copied thought-knot seer will have already resolved and taken a permanent effect.
  • When combining Storm effects with cards like Chainer's Edict, which can destroy multiple spells at once, it becomes crucial to understand that the copies themselves are subject to additional destruction effects. If you copy Flusterstorm onto an opponent's spell, and then target both the original and copied spells with Chainer's Edict, only one of the spells (the original) will be destroyed.

Commander-Specific Quirks

In Commander decks, it's not uncommon for players to manipulate their graveyard or take advantage of Storm effects. Flusterstorm can work in tandem with cards like Ad Nauseam or Trostani's Summoner, allowing you to fuel your life total and potentially cast more spells during the turn.

Keep in mind that Commander games often involve complex, long-term strategies. When evaluating how Flusterstorm interacts with other cards, consider the broader context of your deck and plan accordingly.

Strategic Applications

Flusterstorm is a versatile and powerful instant that has been a staple in many blue decks. Its ability to counter target instants or sorceries, while allowing the controller to pay {1} to avoid the effect, makes it an excellent tool for disrupting opponents' plans.

In more aggressive blue decks, Flusterstorm can be used to neutralize opposing threats and create opportunities for card advantage. For example, in a build focused on Snapcaster Mage, Thalia, Guardian of Thraben, and Phantasmal Conjuration, Flusterstorm serves as a crucial component in the sideboard, allowing players to adapt to various metagames and opponents.

Flusterstorm's Storm ability makes it an attractive inclusion in more combo-oriented decks. By casting Counterspell-like spells before Flusterstorm, players can create a massive storm of copies, generating a large amount of card advantage. This archetype often features cards like Opt, Simian Spirit Guide, and Mox Opal to accelerate the storm's development.

In more controlling decks, Flusterstorm can be used in conjunction with cards like Liliana of the Veil or Ainur, The Crystalline Chime to create a formidable combination. By countering opponents' spells and generating card advantage through Storm, players can maintain a strong defensive position while slowly grinding out their opponent.

Some specific Commander strategies that benefit from Flusterstorm include:

  • Sakura-Tribe Elder: A tribal-themed deck featuring a mix of aggressive creatures and removal spells.
  • Estrid, the Masked: A lifegain-focused build centered around Estrid's ability to create tokens.
  • Kiora, Master of the Depths: A more controlling archetype leveraging Kiora's ability to generate card advantage through her Storm ability.

Flusterstorm's versatility and power level make it an attractive inclusion in a wide range of blue decks. Its ability to adapt to different metagames and opponents makes it an excellent sideboard choice for more aggressive builds, while its Storm ability provides significant card advantage in combo-oriented archetypes.

Advanced Techniques

Flusterstorm is a versatile card that offers multiple benefits to the player who casts it. Its ability to counter target instants and sorceries can be particularly effective against removal spells or enemy board control strategies.

One of the key synergies with Flusterstorm is its interaction with cards like Sram, Guinlight. This legendary creature's ability to gain +1/+1 for each instant or sorcery cast before it allows players to generate a significant amount of advantage when using Flusterstorm. By casting instants and sorceries in the earlier part of the turn, players can create a large number of copies of Flusterstorm, which can be used to neutralize enemy removal spells.

Another example of how Flusterstorm can be effective is in combination with Karn, Liberated. This legendary creature's ability to generate 2 colorless mana per turn allows players to accelerate their mana development and cast more spells. By casting a series of instants or sorceries before playing Flusterstorm, players can create multiple copies of the card and use its Storm ability to control the board.

Flusterstorm can also be used in combination with Ancestral Vision, which allows players to draw additional cards on their turn. This creates an opportunity for players to cast a series of instants or sorceries before playing Flusterstorm, generating multiple copies of the card and potentially controlling key areas of the board.

In terms of more aggressive strategies, Flusterstorm can be used with Sultai Emissary as part of a control strategy. This creature's ability to generate a 2/3 flier allows players to pressure their opponents' life totals while using Flusterstorm to neutralize key removal spells and create additional value.

Flusterstorm's Storm ability also offers opportunities for interaction with cards like Vandalblast, which can destroy lands in enemy color. By casting instants or sorceries early in the turn, players can generate multiple copies of Flusterstorm, allowing them to clear lands and potentially disrupt their opponents' plans.

Overall, Flusterstorm is a card that rewards players who are willing to think ahead and plan around its Storm ability.

Common Mistakes

Flusterstorm: Common Mistakes and Misplays

In Commander, Flusterstorm is a versatile card that can be used to disrupt opponents' plans or create a storm of counters. However, there are some common mistakes and misplays players make when playing this card.

Timing Issues

  • Not considering Storm: When casting Flusterstorm, remember the Storm ability triggers on the turn it's cast, not immediately. This means you need to consider the spells cast before it on the same turn when deciding whether to copy the spell.
  • Overlooking opponent's counterspells: If your opponent has a counterspell like Countersquall or Disdainful Stroke, they may be able to counter Flusterstorm, rendering its Storm ability useless.

Misunderstood Rules

  • Storm ability target selection: When copying the spell with the Storm ability, you can choose new targets for each copy. However, this does not mean you can target the same opponent multiple times.
  • Mana cost and payment: If an opponent chooses to pay {1} to prevent Flusterstorm from counterspelling their spell, they can only pay once per instance of the Storm ability.

Poor Synergies

  • Not pairing with other storm spells: Flusterstorm works well in combination with cards like Grapeshot and Simian Spirit Guide, which can create an explosive storm of spells. However, failing to pair it with these types of cards can make it less impactful.
  • Ignoring the opponent's graveyard: Failing to consider the Storm ability and how it interacts with other cards on the battlefield can lead to missed opportunities for counterspells.

By being mindful of these common mistakes and misplays, players can optimize their use of Flusterstorm in Commander and gain a competitive edge.

Conclusion

Flusterstorm is a rare, blue instant card from the Commander Anthology set. Its ability to counter target instants or sorceries, forcing opponents to pay an additional mana cost, reflects the high stakes of intense spellcasting duels between mages.

In games featuring storm-based decks, Flusterstorm's Storm ability can create a chain reaction when cast. Each time an instant or sorcery spell is cast before it this turn, Flusterstorm copies itself, allowing players to target different spells. This makes it a valuable asset in a deck focused on disrupting opponents' plans.

The Storm ability can also interact with other cards like Twin Ripostes, which allows players to double up on their counter spells and increase the effectiveness of Flusterstorm even further. In games where control is key, Flusterstorm's ability to disrupt opponents' plans and create a storm of counterspells makes it an invaluable addition.

Flusterstorm has been featured in several prominent Commander decks, including the popular "Azami" build, which leverages the card's storm ability to generate an overwhelming number of copies. Its inclusion in these decks highlights its potential as a game-changing tool for players who understand how to utilize it effectively.

Flusterstorm is not without its weaknesses, however. Against aggressive decks that focus on swarming the board with creatures, Flusterstorm may struggle to impact the gamestate meaningfully. Additionally, opponents can use cards like Stormbreath Dragon or Pyrostatic Pillar to neutralize Flusterstorm's Storm ability, limiting its effectiveness.

When playing against opponents with a high number of instant and sorcery spells, consider running multiple copies of Flusterstorm to maximize its potential. Against combo decks, prioritize using Flusterstorm at instant speed to disrupt key pieces of the opponent's combo. In storm-based matchups, be mindful of your own Storm ability and plan accordingly to avoid overextending yourself.

In terms of budget-friendliness, Flusterstorm is a bit steep for casual play or beginner decks, with a price ranging from $7.10 USD to $6.64 EUR. However, its EDHREC Rank of 309 indicates it's still accessible to players with moderate budgets.

If you're building a Commander deck and want similar effects to Flusterstorm, consider the following options:

  • Counterspell: A more affordable and common counterspell that can be played in most decks.
  • Dispel: Another decent option for removing spells from the board, albeit slightly more expensive than Counterspell.
  • Mana Leak: An instant that counters a spell unless its controller pays 2 life. More expensive than Flusterstorm but offers additional value.

Keep in mind that these alternatives might not offer the same level of storm synergy as Flusterstorm, but they can still provide effective disruption and protection for your Commander deck.

Flusterstorm is a valuable addition to any Commander deck focused on disrupting opponents' plans or creating complex combos. Its ability to copy itself multiple times and target different spells makes it a game-changing tool for players who understand how to utilize it effectively.

In the world of Magic: The Gathering, Flusterstorm's presence highlights the importance of blue as a color in Commander Anthology. Blue mages often rely on controlling the board with spells like Spell Pierce, Cyst or Countersquall. As such, Flusterstorm is not only an individual card but also represents a specific aspect of blue magic theory.

The card's art shows a tempestuous sky, reinforcing its name and Storm ability. The artwork evokes the sense of turmoil on the battlefield that this spell can create when used effectively in games.

Flusterstorm has been part of several notable Commander decks over the years, often as a key component of storm and combo strategies. Its inclusion in these decks highlights its potential as a game-changing tool for players who understand how to utilize it effectively.

In summary, Flusterstorm is a valuable addition to any Commander deck focused on disrupting opponents' plans or creating complex combos. Its ability to copy itself multiple times and target different spells makes it a game-changing tool for players who understand how to utilize it effectively.

Deckbuilding & Synergies

Building Around Flusterstorm

Flusterstorm is a versatile card that excels in blue-based decks, particularly those focused on counterspells and storm synergies. Its ability to disrupt opponents' instants and sorceries while generating additional copies of itself makes it an attractive addition to many builds.

Commanders and Color Identities

  • Commander: Azami, Lady of Scrolls (a classic storm commander) and other blue-based commanders like Sisay, Weatherlight Captain or Eira, Nightshroud.
  • Color Identity: Blue is the primary color for Flusterstorm, but it can also be included in mono-blue decks or as a supporting card in more complex multi-color builds.

Themes

  • Counterspells: Flusterstorm's ability to disrupt opponents' spells makes it an excellent addition to counterspell-heavy decks. Cards like Countersquall, Dissolve, and Force of Will work well with Flusterstorm.
  • Storm Synergies: As a storm card, Flusterstorm benefits from the storm mechanic, creating additional copies of itself and other spells on the stack.

Engines

Synergy Cards

Some notable synergy cards with Flusterstorm include:

Card Reason
Stormbreath Dragon Generates storm counters and provides additional card draw.
Pyromancer Ascension Accelerates storm development by allowing you to play more spells on the stack.
Spell Pierce Enhances Flusterstorm's disruptive potential by allowing it to counter more complex spells.

Combo Notes

Flusterstorm can be used in various combos, such as:

In conclusion, Flusterstorm is a powerful card that offers significant disruption potential while generating additional copies of itself. Its versatility makes it an excellent addition to many blue-based decks, particularly those focused on counterspells and storm synergies.

Format Roles

Flusterstorm is a versatile and powerful instant in Commander format, particularly in control and combo decks. Its ability to counter target instant or sorcery spells makes it an excellent tool for disrupting opponents' plans.

Storm Ability

The Storm ability allows Flusterstorm to copy itself for each spell cast before it on the same turn, creating multiple instances of the card with different targets. This can lead to a cascade of counterspells, making it difficult for opponents to maintain momentum.

Flusterstorm pairs well with other cards that generate storm or have built-in storm effects, such as Grizzly Bears and Kurkesh, Onakke Ancient. These combinations enable players to create explosive turns, neutralizing their opponents' threats while generating new ones.

Competitive Use Cases

  • Combo Decks: Flusterstorm is a key component in combo decks that rely on storm or other instant/sorcery-based combos. It allows players to disrupt their opponents and maintain tempo.
  • Control Decks: Flusterstorm's ability to counter spells makes it an attractive addition to control decks, particularly those running Force of Will or Counterspell.
  • Evolving Strategy: As the game develops, Flusterstorm can adapt to changing circumstances by creating new copies with different targets.

Casual and Banned Status

While competitive players value Flusterstorm's power, casual players may overlook its potential. However, in a more relaxed environment, Flusterstorm's ability to create chaos and disrupt opponents' plans makes it an entertaining addition to decks.

In terms of banned status, Flusterstorm is not currently restricted in Commander format. Its impact on the metagame is significant, but it does not possess any inherently broken or overpowered abilities that would necessitate a ban.

Price and Availability

Flusterstorm's price point of around $7.10 USD makes it accessible to casual players and those who can't afford more expensive cards. As a rare card from the Commander 2019 set, its availability is decent, with copies available online or through trade.

Overall, Flusterstorm remains a top-tier instant in Commander format, offering a unique combination of disruption and combo potential.

Key Scenarios

Key Scenarios & Matchups

Flusterstorm excels in situations where it can disrupt an opponent's carefully constructed combo or plan. It particularly shines when played against decks that rely heavily on instant and sorcery spells, such as those running Dusk Ursula or Grizzly Bears. In these matchups, Flusterstorm can be a game-changer by countering crucial spells and buying time for the controlling player to recover.

Counters Combo Decks

Flusterstorm is particularly effective against combo decks that rely on complex synergies. When played at instant speed, it can neutralize key pieces of an opponent's combo, disrupting their plans and allowing the controlling player to catch up. In games featuring Ad Nauseam or True-Name Nemesis, Flusterstorm can be a crucial tool for preventing opponents from executing their combos.

Storm-based Decks

Flusterstorm's Storm ability makes it a valuable addition to storm-based decks, such as those running Brainstorm and Ponder. By copying itself multiple times, Flusterstorm can create a maelstrom of counterspells that overwhelm an opponent's spells and protect the controlling player's life total.

Weaknesses

Flusterstorm has some notable weaknesses. Against aggressive decks that focus on swarming the board with creatures, Flusterstorm may struggle to impact the gamestate meaningfully. Additionally, opponents can use cards like Stormbreath Dragon or Pyrostatic Pillar to neutralize Flusterstorm's Storm ability, limiting its effectiveness.

Matchup Considerations

When playing against opponents with a high number of instant and sorcery spells, consider running multiple copies of Flusterstorm to maximize its potential. Against combo decks, prioritize using Flusterstorm at instant speed to disrupt key pieces of the opponent's combo. In storm-based matchups, be mindful of your own Storm ability and plan accordingly to avoid overextending yourself.

History & Meta

Flusterstorm, a rare instant from the Commander (2017) set, has maintained a moderate presence in the Magic: The Gathering metagame. Its EDHREC rank of 309 indicates it is not as commonly played as some other cards, but its utility and versatility make it a valuable addition to certain decks.

In terms of printings, Flusterstorm has only been printed once, in Commander (2017), with no reprints or variations since then. This scarcity contributes to its relatively high price point on the secondary market, with prices ranging from 4.54 Tix to 7.10 USD, depending on the format and condition.

Flusterstorm has appeared in various notable decks over the years, often as a key component of storm and combo strategies. Its ability to copy itself for each spell cast before it this turn makes it an attractive choice for players looking to disrupt opponents' plans or create complex combos. In combination with cards like Counterspell or Abian's Guide, Flusterstorm can provide a high level of protection against instants and sorceries.

Flusterstorm has been featured in several prominent Commander decks, including the popular "Azami" build, which leverages the card's storm ability to generate an overwhelming number of copies. Its inclusion in these decks highlights its potential as a game-changing tool for players who understand how to utilize it effectively.

Flavor & Lore

Flusterstorm is a rare, blue instant from the Commander Anthology set. In the world of Magic: The Gathering, this card finds itself in the midst of intense spellcasting duels between mages. Its ability to counter target instants or sorceries, forcing opponents to pay an additional mana cost, reflects the high stakes of such confrontations.

One of the most distinctive features of Flusterstorm is its Storm ability, which creates a chain reaction when cast. Each time an instant or sorcery spell is cast before it this turn, Flusterstorm copies itself, allowing players to target different spells. This makes it a valuable asset in a deck focused on disrupting opponents' plans.

The Storm ability can also interact with other cards like Twin Ripostes, which allows players to double up on their counter spells and increase the effectiveness of Flusterstorm even further. In games where control is key, Flusterstorm's ability to disrupt opponents' plans and create a storm of counterspells makes it an invaluable addition.

In the world of Commander, where multiplayer gameplay is the norm, Flusterstorm can be used by mages who excel at controlling the board with spells like Countersquall or Countervailing Winds. These cards enable players to adapt their strategy mid-game, taking into account the rapidly changing circumstances on the battlefield.

Flusterstorm's presence also highlights the importance of blue as a color in Commander Anthology. Blue mages often rely on controlling the board with spells like Spell Pierce, Cyst or Countersquall. As such, Flusterstorm is not only an individual card but also represents a specific aspect of blue magic theory.

The card's art shows a tempestuous sky, reinforcing its name and Storm ability. The artwork evokes the sense of turmoil on the battlefield that this spell can create when used effectively in games.

Budget/Alternatives

Budget & Accessibility: Flusterstorm

Flusterstorm is a rare instant from the Commander set, with a mana cost of {U}. Its price reflects its rarity, ranging from $7.10 USD to $6.64 EUR. In terms of budget-friendliness, it's a bit steep for casual play or beginner decks.

Price Comparison:

Card Name Mana Cost Rarity Price (USD)
Flusterstorm {U} Rare $7.10
Counterspell {1} Common $0.25
Dispel {1} Uncommon $0.50

As you can see, Flusterstorm is significantly more expensive than similar counterspells like Counterspell and Dispel.

Reprint Status:

Flusterstorm has not been reprinted in recent sets, making it a bit harder to obtain for those on a budget. However, its relatively low EDHREC Rank of 309 suggests that it's still accessible to players with moderate budgets.

Commander-Friendly Options:

If you're building a Commander deck and want similar effects to Flusterstorm, consider the following options:

  • Counterspell: A more affordable and common counterspell that can be played in most decks.
  • Dispel: Another decent option for removing spells from the board, albeit slightly more expensive than Counterspell.
  • Mana Leak: An instant that counters a spell unless its controller pays 2 life. More expensive than Flusterstorm but offers additional value.

Keep in mind that these alternatives might not offer the same level of storm synergy as Flusterstorm, but they can still provide effective disruption and protection for your Commander deck.