---
name: "The Countering Runner"
mana_cost: "{3}{U}{U}"
cmc: 5
type_line: "Legendary Creature — Merfolk Gamer"
colors: ["U"]
color_identity: ["U"]
keywords: []
set: "UNK"
set_name: "Unknown Event"
collector_number: "RU05b"
rarity: "rare"
artist: ""
oracle_id: "9761c2bc-1e18-4fe4-8ccc-7b2df9ae7046"
canonical_url: "https://avascry.com/printing/the-countering-runner-unk"
legalities:
  commander: "not_legal"
  standard: "not_legal"
  modern: "not_legal"
  pioneer: "not_legal"
  legacy: "not_legal"
  vintage: "not_legal"
  pauper: "not_legal"
  penny: "not_legal"
---

# The Countering Runner
- **Mana Cost:** `{3}{U}{U}` (CMC: 5)
- **Type:** Legendary Creature — Merfolk Gamer
- **Power/Toughness:** 3/7

## Oracle Text
Spells you cast that would counter a spell cost {U}{U} less to cast.
Whenever a spell an opponent controls is countered by a spell or ability you control, draw a card. The Countering Runner deals 2 psychic damage to that player. (Psychic damage doesn't cause loss of life, but a player who's been dealt 20 psychic damage loses the game.)
Ready to run (You can have two commanders if both have ready to run.)

## Top 4096-Dim Neural Synergies
1. [Psychic Barrier](/printing/psychic-barrier-nph.md) — Instant
2. [Ertai's Scorn](/printing/ertais-scorn-dmu.md) — Instant
3. [Vodalian Mage](/printing/vodalian-mage-fem.md) — Creature — Merfolk Wizard
4. [Cursecatcher](/printing/cursecatcher-shm.md) — Creature — Merfolk Wizard
5. [Fierce Guardianship](/printing/fierce-guardianship-sld.md) — Instant
6. [Overwhelming Intellect](/printing/overwhelming-intellect-ddj.md) — Instant

## Printing Details
- **Set:** Unknown Event (UNK) #RU05b
- **Rarity:** Rare
- **Artist:** 

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