Spell Blast
Instant
Counter target spell with mana value X. (For example, if that spell's mana cost is 
, X is 5.)
Call it the thinking mage's version of brute force.
Steve Luke
Tempest (TMP)
• #89Rulings
If the target spell has {X} in its mana cost, include the value chosen for that X when determining the value of the {X} in Spell Blast's mana cost. For example, if you wish to counter Volcanic Geyser (a spell with mana cost {X}{R}{R}) whose X is 7, you'll need to choose 9 for Spell Blast's X and pay {9}{U}.
(wotc • 2013-07-01)
Alternative costs, additional costs, cost increases, and cost reductions don't affect a spell's mana value.
(wotc • 2013-07-01)
Rulings
If the target spell has {X} in its mana cost, include the value chosen for that X when determining the value of the {X} in Spell Blast's mana cost. For example, if you wish to counter Volcanic Geyser (a spell with mana cost {X}{R}{R}) whose X is 7, you'll need to choose 9 for Spell Blast's X and pay {9}{U}.
(wotc • 2013-07-01)
Alternative costs, additional costs, cost increases, and cost reductions don't affect a spell's mana value.
(wotc • 2013-07-01)