Battle Strain MTG Card


Card draw and selection tools improve hand options and long-term strategic opportunities with Battle Strain. Instant speed allows Battle Strain to be a surprise element in battle, adapting to game changes swiftly. Red and white mana requirement may limit deck diversity but fosters targeted, synergistic deck building.
Battle Strain - Odyssey
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeEnchantment
Released2001-10-01
Set symbol
Set nameOdyssey
Set codeODY
Number177
Frame1997
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byDave Dorman

Text of card

Whenever a creature blocks, Battle Strain deals 1 damage to that creature's controller.

The pits swallow the weak as predators swallow prey.


Cards like Battle Strain

In the realm of Magic: The Gathering, Battle Strain offers a nuanced strategy to players seeking to control combat phases. This enchantment bears resemblance to cards like Blood Reckoning, which also penalizes opponents for attacking, though Blood Reckoning affects all attackers rather than just the ones that target you specifically.

Focusing on Battle Strain’s unique approach, it aligns most closely with Powerstone Minefield. Both cards create a deterrent for opponents, adding layers of defense and thought to every combat decision. Battle Strain, however, has the distinct advantage of being more narrowly focused, triggering its effect only when creatures attack you or a planeswalker you control, thereby providing targeted protection without deterring your offensive strategies.

Lastly, consider Lightmine Field. Though it shares the defensive angle by punishing wide attacks, it activates against any large scale assault, potentially affecting your own creatures as well. Battle Strain sidesteps this limitation, allowing for aggressive play on your part while keeping your defense lines robust. It’s precisely this tactical depth that makes Battle Strain a distinctive choice for players honing their control decks in Magic: The Gathering.

Blood Reckoning - MTG Card versions
Powerstone Minefield - MTG Card versions
Lightmine Field - MTG Card versions
Blood Reckoning - MTG Card versions
Powerstone Minefield - MTG Card versions
Lightmine Field - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Battle Strain by color, type and mana cost

Power Surge - MTG Card versions
Raging River - MTG Card versions
Smoke - MTG Card versions
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Fractured Loyalty - MTG Card versions
Fire Whip - MTG Card versions
Emblem of the Warmind - MTG Card versions
Goblin War Paint - MTG Card versions
Circle of Flame - MTG Card versions
Power Surge - MTG Card versions
Raging River - MTG Card versions
Smoke - MTG Card versions
Goblin Kites - MTG Card versions
The Brute - MTG Card versions
Giant Strength - MTG Card versions
Lightning Reflexes - MTG Card versions
Goblin Festival - MTG Card versions
Scald - MTG Card versions
Cave Sense - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Surge - MTG Card versions
Maniacal Rage - MTG Card versions
Goblin Bombardment - MTG Card versions
Underworld Breach - MTG Card versions
Lightning Rift - MTG Card versions
Fractured Loyalty - MTG Card versions
Fire Whip - MTG Card versions
Emblem of the Warmind - MTG Card versions
Goblin War Paint - MTG Card versions
Circle of Flame - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: With Battle Strain, you not only impact the battlefield but it can also allow you to pull ahead with extra card draw or selection tools, ensuring you have more options than your opponent as the game progresses.

Resource Acceleration: This card can potentially enable quicker deployment of your strategies by accelerating your resource base. Whether it’s through additional mana or unlocking synergies that power up your play, Battle Strain may offer that crucial tempo boost.

Instant Speed: The versatility of instant speed spells is unmatched, and Battle Strain at instant speed means you can adapt to the state of the game on the fly, making it a tactical addition to your arsenal that’s hard for opponents to predict.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Battle Strain requires you to discard a card to trigger its effect, a significant drawback when your hand is already depleted.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting requires both red and white mana, potentially restricting its inclusion to only certain types of decks that can accommodate multicolored mana bases.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that’s on the higher side, Battle Strain faces tough competition from cards with similar effects but lower casting requirements, possibly making it a less favored option during deck construction.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Battle Strain offers adaptive gameplay to various deck strategies, particularly in those that leverage the power of enchantments and board control mechanics. Its ability to affect multiple creatures makes it a flexible option in diverse game scenarios.

Combo Potential: The synergy with cards that benefit from creatures taking damage or ‘ping’ style strategies can be exploited to great effect. Battle Strain has the potential to be a linchpin in decks that aim to turn disadvantages into strategic advantages.

Meta-Relevance: In a playing environment where creature-based decks are dominant, Battle Strain can serve as a pivotal defense mechanism. Its capacity to discourage attacks or punish aggressive strategies ensures its relevance in the constantly evolving MTG meta.


How to beat

Battle Strain is a unique enchantment that can tilt the battlefield to your advantage in Magic: The Gathering. One effective way to handle this card is by controlling the number of creatures on the board. With fewer creatures to be affected by Battle Strain, you minimize the damage it can deal to you during combat.

Another strategy is to use removal spells that can target enchantments directly, such as Disenchant or Naturalize. Having these in your deck ensures you can respond effectively when Battle Strain appears. Also consider using counterspells like Negate or Cancel to prevent Battle Strain from entering the battlefield in the first place.

Furthermore, running creatures with abilities that negate Battle Strain’s effects, like protection from red, can be invaluable. It’s vital to prepare for the inevitable situation where you’ll face this card in play. Therefore, adapting your deck to handle such hurdles is critical in maintaining the upper hand against your opponent.

Lastly, patience in gameplay is essential. Sometimes it’s best to wait for the opportune moment to attack or cast spells, thus avoiding the negative repercussions Battle Strain poses during your turn.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Battle Strain MTG card by a specific set like Odyssey, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Battle Strain and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Battle Strain has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal