Cutting words vs counterspell

[diplomancer]

Cutting words is, probably, the best reaction-based class feature in the game.

And Lore Bards are the best counterspellers, especially after level 14.

Has anyone who has played a Lore Bard NOT gotten counterspell as an additional magical secret for precisely this reason? And for those who did grab it, did you have a problem with the reaction conflict it creates (obviously you are going to counterspell if a spell comes, but did you ever decide not to do CW because you were concerned you would not be able to counterspell afterwards, and then end up not using either in many turns?

[Ganryu]

Cutting words is, probably, the best reaction-based class feature in the game.

And Lore Bards are the best counterspellers, especially after level 14.

Has anyone who has played a Lore Bard NOT gotten counterspell as an additional magical secret for precisely this reason? And for those who did grab it, did you have a problem with the reaction conflict it creates (obviously you are going to counterspell if a spell comes, but did you ever decide not to do CW because you were concerned you would not be able to counterspell afterwards, and then end up not using either in many turns?

Oh, Lore Bard should drool at counterspell.

One spell:

Glibness

https://roll20.net/compendium/dnd5e/Glibness#content

You literally cannot fail a counter spell. Add the Jack of All Trades and Peerless Skill, and its just overkill. Not even Abjuration Wizards get this sweet a deal.

However, counterspell is niche. Cutting Words is not. I don't think you are going to feel like you are missing out if you don't have it.

[Xihirli]

Counterspell is generally the best option when it’s possible. Cutting Words tends to fall a little bit behind later on when the enemies you actually have to prevent attacks from roll 30s on everything. Sure you’re rolling a d10 but -5 doesn’t mean much most of the time.

[Keravath]

Lore bards have a lot of competition for their reaction depending on the circumstances.
- counterspell
- cutting words
- shield spell (either as another magical secret or hexblade warlock mutliclass)
- absorb elements (sorcerer multiclass?)

In a situation where there are a lot of attacks happening and casters are about then the bard can be hard pressed to figure out whether they need to save their reaction.