---
name: "Cryptic Command"
mana_cost: "{1}{U}{U}{U}"
cmc: 4
type_line: "Instant"
colors: ["U"]
color_identity: ["U"]
keywords: []
set: "SLD"
set_name: "Secret Lair Drop"
collector_number: "905"
rarity: "rare"
artist: "Alexander Khabbazi"
oracle_id: "a3e51a35-09df-4189-b131-08a21e6a557d"
canonical_url: "https://avascry.com/printing/cryptic-command-sld"
legalities:
  commander: "legal"
  standard: "not_legal"
  modern: "legal"
  pioneer: "not_legal"
  legacy: "legal"
  vintage: "legal"
  pauper: "not_legal"
  penny: "not_legal"
---

# Cryptic Command
- **Mana Cost:** `{1}{U}{U}{U}` (CMC: 4)
- **Type:** Instant

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

> *Predict the future, survey the past, then choose wisely thy spell to cast.*

## Top 4096-Dim Neural Synergies
1. [Very Cryptic Command](/printing/very-cryptic-command-ust.md) — Instant
2. [Very Cryptic Command](/printing/very-cryptic-command-ust.md) — Instant
3. [Very Cryptic Command](/printing/very-cryptic-command-ust.md) — Instant
4. [Very Cryptic Command](/printing/very-cryptic-command-ust.md) — Instant
5. [Mystic Confluence](/printing/mystic-confluence-tsr.md) — Instant
6. [Get Out](/printing/get-out-dsk.md) — Instant

## Printing Details
- **Set:** Secret Lair Drop (SLD) #905
- **Rarity:** Rare
- **Artist:** Alexander Khabbazi
- **Total Printings:** 25 across all historical editions

## Format Legalities
Commander: `legal` | Standard: `not_legal` | Modern: `legal` | Pioneer: `not_legal` | Legacy: `legal` | Vintage: `legal` | Pauper: `not_legal` | Penny: `not_legal`