Negate is a format fixture whenever control or tempo decks need a cheap answer to noncreature spells. Standard is often defined by powerful planeswalkers, sweepers, and noncreature win conditions, and Negate cleanly trades with all of them for two mana. Blue decks frequently run it in the main deck or sideboard to shore up combo and control mirrors. Its straightforward text and efficiency make it one of the first counterspells players look to when tuning lists.