Bolt Bend

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Bolt Bend is a 4-mana instant (effectively {R} with a power-4+ creature in play) that redirects any single-target spell or ability. In red decks with large creatures — Voltron, big midrange, or stompy shells — it functions as a near-free counterspell analog, protecting a threat or turning removal back on the opponent. Its cost discount condition requires a power-4+ creature, making it dead weight in creature-light or go-wide decks.

• Bolt Bend's discount requires controlling a creature with power 4 or greater at cast time, not just any large creature — the check is a cast condition, not a trigger, so it won't reduce cost if the creature dies in response.

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• Unlike Deflection or Ricochet Trap, Bolt Bend also redirects abilities (not just spells), so it can retarget things like Planeswalker activated abilities or triggered abilities that target your permanents.

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• In 1v1 Brawl, Bolt Bend is a key piece of protection in big-creature commanders (e.g., Blightsteel Colossus shells) because a single opponent's removal spell is the primary threat and {R} effectively counters it.

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• EDHREC rank: #576