<p>So, first off, it's important to understand why <strong><a class="mtg-autocard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bRise%20of%20the%20Dark%20Realms%5d">Rise of the Dark Realms</a> isn't a very powerful card in competitive one-on-one Magic</strong>: you're paying nine mana for an effect of highly variable power (since you don't always have perfect control of what's in the graveyard, especially an opponent's). It's a very slow spell that lacks most of the characteristics of a good "<a href="https://boardgames.stackexchange.com/q/5257/1910">finisher</a>."</p>

<hr>

<p>That said, not every game of Magic is the same as one-on-one Constructed. So, what happens if you run into this in Commander, multiplayer, or even a "casual" duel?</p>

<ul>
<li><strong>Graveyards are fragile.</strong> Since the graveyard is a great zone for both <a href="http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?multiverseid=270452" rel="nofollow noreferrer">cheating on costs</a> and <a href="http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?multiverseid=370368" rel="nofollow noreferrer">card selection</a>, there are a lot of cards printed that specifically counteract graveyard strategies. Look at how cheaply you can get graveyard hate in the form of <a class="mtg-autocard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bRest%20in%20Peace%5d">Rest in Peace</a> or <a class="mtg-autocard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bGrafdigger%27s%5d%2b%5bCage%5d">Grafdigger&#39;s Cage</a>, for example. It's pretty easy to sneak graveyard hate into most decks, since many effective cards replace themselves (e.g. <a class="mtg-autocard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bRelic%20of%20Progenitus%5d">Relic of Progenitus</a>) or do more than just attack graveyards (e.g. <a class="mtg-autocard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bRakdos%20Charm%5d">Rakdos Charm</a>, <a class="mtg-autocard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bScavenging%20Ooze%5d">Scavenging Ooze</a>).</li>
<li><strong>Nearly every strategy relying on a single powerful spell is weak to countermagic.</strong> Your opponents like to play big, powerful spells? Counter them! There are tons and tons of counterspells that can meet your needs, ranging from super-fast counters (<a class="mtg-autocard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bForce%20of%20Will%5d">Force of Will</a>, <a class="mtg-autocard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bSpell%20Pierce%5d">Spell Pierce</a>) to big value-generating counters (e.g. <a class="mtg-autocard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bCryptic%20Command%5d">Cryptic Command</a>, <a class="mtg-autocard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bDraining%20Whelk%5d">Draining Whelk</a>) to just plain old <a class="mtg-autocard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bNegate%5d">Negate</a>.</li>
<li><strong>There are lots of spells that just kill <em>ALL</em> of the creatures.</strong> Magic has a lot of "sweeper" effects that can clear the whole board with one spell. A simple <a class="mtg-autocard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bWrath%20of%20God%5d">Wrath of God</a> (or <a class="mtg-autocard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bDamnation%5d">Damnation</a>, or <a class="mtg-autocard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bTerminus%5d">Terminus</a>, or <a class="mtg-autocard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bRout%5d">Rout</a>, or <a class="mtg-autocard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bSupreme%20Verdict%5d">Supreme Verdict</a>, ...) will reset the board for a very minor cost.</li>
<li><strong>Someone stealing your stuff? Steal it back.</strong> Someone cast Rise of the Dark Realms? Let them pass the turn and then cast that <a class="mtg-autocard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bInsurrection%5d">Insurrection</a> you've been holding! Or just tap your <a class="mtg-autocard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bHomeward%20Path%5d">Homeward Path</a> and laugh.</li>
</ul>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-11-15T02:49:46.387Z
Also, while uncounterable spells exist (eg, Thrun, the Last Troll) and normal spells can be made uncounterable (eg, Boseiju, Who Shelters All), there are still ways to answer a spell without using the keyword action "counter" -- such as exiling the spell with Mindbreak Trap, or bouncing the spell with Venser, Shaper Savant.
Brian S
CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-06-11T08:43:18.657Z
The logic is if the format allowed Rise of the Dark Realms to be cast, Insurrection would be equally viable.
Nelson
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-09-10T19:00:59.557Z
2013-11-14T09:17:12.933Z
2017-04-13T12:38:50.177Z
Alex P
<p>This particular spell requires two pretty hefty things:<br>
1. 9 mana (sure, not as difficult for black to gather as any other colour)<br>
2. Several creatures in the graveyard</p>

<p>The best way to win in Magic is, and always has been, with speed.  If a game is going on to the point where your opponent can easily gather 7 mana and there are a dozen creatures in the graveyard, then the game has gone on too long.  End the game before it gets to that point, and suddenly this is a card in your opponents hand that they can't use.  Which changes the card from "a game winner" for your opponent into a liability.  </p>

<p>My advice therefore, is to ignore the cards in your opponent's deck and focus on your own.  Speed it up, make it more dangerous, end the game before this card can become a game-changer.  </p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-09-10T14:30:44.380Z
The converted mana cost is actually 9 not 7. Speed is often a good strategy, but I disagree with you stating it has always been the best way to win.
Colin D
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-09-10T15:10:48.963Z
I agree with Colin. There are control decks that don't care how long the game goes on - you haven't done anything all game. In fact, it's those control decks that kill and counter all your creatures that might run this card: they kill or counter 5 of your creatures, and then cast this. Now they have your 2 drop, 3, drop, 4 drop, 5 drop and 6 drop for 9 mana. Yikes.
corsiKa
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-09-10T16:03:19.010Z
What are the most valuable cards? Instant mana, free cards, a free turn; pure 'speed' cards.  Speed is good because it's difficult to beat.  I'm saying it's the best way to beat *this* card and others like it: Keep the game short and don't let the card become usable and game-changing.
Task
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-09-10T17:19:29.613Z
@Task, The best cards are the best because they are 'efficient' not because they are 'fast'. I agree that beating your opponent before he has a chance to play sounds like solid advise, but isn't that the same advise for all cards with cmc 6+
Colin D
CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-09-10T14:17:16.153Z
2013-09-10T15:52:10.337Z
2013-09-10T15:52:10.337Z
Task
<p>Gather Specimens and Reins of Power are cards that do that. Spelljack. Fork and Wild Ricochet and other copy effects as well, since your copy would resolve first and the original copy would resolve after the graveyards are empty.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-06-07T17:15:36.270Z
2019-06-07T17:15:36.270Z
Flarhoon
<p>There are lots of cards that can counter this. Here are just a few categories.</p>
<ul>
<li>Cards that say 'Counter target spell' - <a class="mtg-autocard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Counterspell">Counterspell</a> or the many variants that are capable of targeting this card.</li>
<li>Don't let creatures build up in graveyards. (<a class="mtg-autocard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Tormod%27s%20Crypt">Tormod&#39;s Crypt</a>, scavenge cards, play a deck heavy on token creatures, etc.)</li>
<li>Let it resolve, then destroy all creatures. (<a class="mtg-autocard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Wrath%20of%20God">Wrath of God</a>, <a class="mtg-autocard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Damnation">Damnation</a>, <a class="mtg-autocard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Day%20of%20Judgment">Day of Judgment</a>, etc.)</li>
<li>Make sure you always have <a class="mtg-autocard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Phage%20the%20Untouchable">Phage the Untouchable</a> in your graveyard (or other cards they do not want like <a class="mtg-autocard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Tempting%20Wurm">Tempting Wurm</a> or <a class="mtg-autocard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Eater%20of%20Days">Eater of Days</a>).</li>
</ul>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-09-10T12:30:13.260Z
2013-11-14T08:10:54.740Z
2013-11-14T08:10:54.740Z
Colin D
<p>How can <a class="mtg-autocard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" href="http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bRise%20of%20the%20Dark%20Realms%5d">Rise of the Dark Realms</a> be beaten/avoided?
Is it possible to deflect this card so that you end up consuming it?</p>

<p><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/SKTLE.jpg" alt="enter image description here"></p>

CC BY-SA 3.0
2013-09-10T13:37:03.350Z
Although I appreciate you accepting my answer, It is often good to wait a while before accepting an answer. This encourages others to contribute answers which may be of higher quality or contain information mine does not.
Colin D
<magic-the-gathering>
What are some strategies to beat Rise of the Dark Realms?
NOAH
# What are some strategies to beat Rise of the Dark Realms?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2013-09-10)

How can [Rise of the Dark Realms](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bRise%20of%20the%20Dark%20Realms%5d) be beaten/avoided?
Is it possible to deflect this card so that you end up consuming it?

![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/SKTLE.jpg)

**Tags:** magic-the-gathering

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: Although I appreciate you accepting my answer, It is often good to wait a while before accepting an answer. This encourages others to contribute answers which may be of higher quality or contain information mine does not.  

---

## 4 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2013-09-10. Score: 6 | Accepted answer

There are lots of cards that can counter this. Here are just a few categories.

* Cards that say 'Counter target spell' - [Counterspell](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Counterspell) or the many variants that are capable of targeting this card.
* Don't let creatures build up in graveyards. ([Tormod's Crypt](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Tormod%27s%20Crypt), scavenge cards, play a deck heavy on token creatures, etc.)
* Let it resolve, then destroy all creatures. ([Wrath of God](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Wrath%20of%20God), [Damnation](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Damnation), [Day of Judgment](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Day%20of%20Judgment), etc.)
* Make sure you always have [Phage the Untouchable](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Phage%20the%20Untouchable) in your graveyard (or other cards they do not want like [Tempting Wurm](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Tempting%20Wurm) or [Eater of Days](https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?name=Eater%20of%20Days)).


---

### Answer by username_2 on 2013-09-10. Score: 12

So, first off, it's important to understand why **[Rise of the Dark Realms](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bRise%20of%20the%20Dark%20Realms%5d) isn't a very powerful card in competitive one-on-one Magic**: you're paying nine mana for an effect of highly variable power (since you don't always have perfect control of what's in the graveyard, especially an opponent's). It's a very slow spell that lacks most of the characteristics of a good "[finisher](https://boardgames.stackexchange.com/q/5257/1910)."

---

That said, not every game of Magic is the same as one-on-one Constructed. So, what happens if you run into this in Commander, multiplayer, or even a "casual" duel?

* **Graveyards are fragile.** Since the graveyard is a great zone for both [cheating on costs](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?multiverseid=270452) and [card selection](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?multiverseid=370368), there are a lot of cards printed that specifically counteract graveyard strategies. Look at how cheaply you can get graveyard hate in the form of [Rest in Peace](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bRest%20in%20Peace%5d) or [Grafdigger's Cage](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bGrafdigger%27s%5d%2b%5bCage%5d), for example. It's pretty easy to sneak graveyard hate into most decks, since many effective cards replace themselves (e.g. [Relic of Progenitus](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bRelic%20of%20Progenitus%5d)) or do more than just attack graveyards (e.g. [Rakdos Charm](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bRakdos%20Charm%5d), [Scavenging Ooze](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bScavenging%20Ooze%5d)).
* **Nearly every strategy relying on a single powerful spell is weak to countermagic.** Your opponents like to play big, powerful spells? Counter them! There are tons and tons of counterspells that can meet your needs, ranging from super-fast counters ([Force of Will](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bForce%20of%20Will%5d), [Spell Pierce](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bSpell%20Pierce%5d)) to big value-generating counters (e.g. [Cryptic Command](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bCryptic%20Command%5d), [Draining Whelk](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bDraining%20Whelk%5d)) to just plain old [Negate](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bNegate%5d).
* **There are lots of spells that just kill *ALL* of the creatures.** Magic has a lot of "sweeper" effects that can clear the whole board with one spell. A simple [Wrath of God](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bWrath%20of%20God%5d) (or [Damnation](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bDamnation%5d), or [Terminus](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bTerminus%5d), or [Rout](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bRout%5d), or [Supreme Verdict](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bSupreme%20Verdict%5d), ...) will reset the board for a very minor cost.
* **Someone stealing your stuff? Steal it back.** Someone cast Rise of the Dark Realms? Let them pass the turn and then cast that [Insurrection](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bInsurrection%5d) you've been holding! Or just tap your [Homeward Path](http://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Search/Default.aspx?name=%2b%5bHomeward%20Path%5d) and laugh.

> **Comments:**
> **username_3**: Also, while uncounterable spells exist (eg, Thrun, the Last Troll) and normal spells can be made uncounterable (eg, Boseiju, Who Shelters All), there are still ways to answer a spell without using the keyword action "counter" -- such as exiling the spell with Mindbreak Trap, or bouncing the spell with Venser, Shaper Savant.  
> **username_4**: The logic is if the format allowed Rise of the Dark Realms to be cast, Insurrection would be equally viable.  

---

### Answer by username_5 on 2013-09-10. Score: 2

This particular spell requires two pretty hefty things:  
1. 9 mana (sure, not as difficult for black to gather as any other colour)  
2. Several creatures in the graveyard

The best way to win in Magic is, and always has been, with speed. If a game is going on to the point where your opponent can easily gather 7 mana and there are a dozen creatures in the graveyard, then the game has gone on too long. End the game before it gets to that point, and suddenly this is a card in your opponents hand that they can't use. Which changes the card from "a game winner" for your opponent into a liability.

My advice therefore, is to ignore the cards in your opponent's deck and focus on your own. Speed it up, make it more dangerous, end the game before this card can become a game-changer.

> **Comments:**
> **username_1**: The converted mana cost is actually 9 not 7. Speed is often a good strategy, but I disagree with you stating it has always been the best way to win.  
> **username_6**: I agree with Colin. There are control decks that don't care how long the game goes on - you haven't done anything all game. In fact, it's those control decks that kill and counter all your creatures that might run this card: they kill or counter 5 of your creatures, and then cast this. Now they have your 2 drop, 3, drop, 4 drop, 5 drop and 6 drop for 9 mana. Yikes.  
> **username_5**: What are the most valuable cards? Instant mana, free cards, a free turn; pure 'speed' cards.  Speed is good because it's difficult to beat.  I'm saying it's the best way to beat *this* card and others like it: Keep the game short and don't let the card become usable and game-changing.  
> **username_1**: @username_5, The best cards are the best because they are 'efficient' not because they are 'fast'. I agree that beating your opponent before he has a chance to play sounds like solid advise, but isn't that the same advise for all cards with cmc 6+  

---

### Answer by username_7 on 2019-06-07. Score: 0

Gather Specimens and Reins of Power are cards that do that. Spelljack. Fork and Wild Ricochet and other copy effects as well, since your copy would resolve first and the original copy would resolve after the graveyards are empty.


---

