Grasp of Darkness MTG Card


Instant speed allows tactical use during combat, disrupting opponents’ strategies and swinging board advantage. Requires two black mana, which challenges diverse mana bases but ensures consistent removal in mono-black decks. Its adaptability makes it applicable in various decks and metas, reinforcing its role in controlling the board.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

Target creature gets -4/-4 until end of turn.

On a world with five suns, night is compelled to become an aggressive force.


Cards like Grasp of Darkness

Grasp of Darkness has carved its niche in MTG as a staple for its robust creature removal prowess. Its effectiveness is often compared to that of other removal spells like Doom Blade, renowned for its ability to dispatch nonblack creatures at a meager cost of two mana. However, unlike Grasp of Darkness, Doom Blade is limited by its inability to affect black creatures, whereas Grasp of Darkness lowers a creature’s power and toughness by four, potentially affecting a much wider array of targets.

Another relevant contender is Go for the Throat, which shares the same mana cost but targets creatures that aren’t artifact creatures. While this spell is also less restrictive than Doom Blade, it can’t impact the board as dynamically as Grasp of Darkness, which can reduce even the mightiest creature’s stats, making it more prone to being taken out by other means like combat damage. Additionally, Grasp of Darkness’s instantaneous effect allows it to shine in combat scenarios, effectively neutralizing tough adversaries in a pinch.

In assessing these options, Grasp of Darkness stands out for its versatility and impact, capable of dealing with a wider range of threats instantly and solidifying itself as a powerful asset in creature control strategies within MTG.

Doom Blade - MTG Card versions
Go for the Throat - MTG Card versions
Doom Blade - MTG Card versions
Go for the Throat - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Grasp of Darkness by color, type and mana cost

Word of Command - MTG Card versions
Terror - MTG Card versions
Simulacrum - MTG Card versions
Transmutation - MTG Card versions
Diabolic Edict - MTG Card versions
Headstone - MTG Card versions
Soul Rend - MTG Card versions
Shallow Grave - MTG Card versions
Wicked Reward - MTG Card versions
Urborg Justice - MTG Card versions
Imps' Taunt - MTG Card versions
Rapid Decay - MTG Card versions
Tainted Pact - MTG Card versions
Toxic Stench - MTG Card versions
Doom Blade - MTG Card versions
Go for the Throat - MTG Card versions
Cast Down - MTG Card versions
Smother - MTG Card versions
Hero's Demise - MTG Card versions
Sickening Shoal - MTG Card versions
Word of Command - MTG Card versions
Terror - MTG Card versions
Simulacrum - MTG Card versions
Transmutation - MTG Card versions
Diabolic Edict - MTG Card versions
Headstone - MTG Card versions
Soul Rend - MTG Card versions
Shallow Grave - MTG Card versions
Wicked Reward - MTG Card versions
Urborg Justice - MTG Card versions
Imps' Taunt - MTG Card versions
Rapid Decay - MTG Card versions
Tainted Pact - MTG Card versions
Toxic Stench - MTG Card versions
Doom Blade - MTG Card versions
Go for the Throat - MTG Card versions
Cast Down - MTG Card versions
Smother - MTG Card versions
Hero's Demise - MTG Card versions
Sickening Shoal - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Grasp of Darkness. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mono-Black MidrangeMono-Black Midrange PioneerMono-Black DiscardPeasant Pioneer Showdown - A Josh and Pat's MTG Bazaar Sponsored Event

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Grasp of Darkness isn’t necessarily a source of card advantage in the traditional sense, but it can be a key component in ensuring board control. By efficiently removing a creature, you keep your opponents’ threats in check, which indirectly contributes to maintaining the equilibrium of the game in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: While Grasp of Darkness does not directly accelerate resources, its low casting cost allows for greater flexibility in spending mana. This can be crucial for developing your board and casting multiple spells in a single turn, effectively pacing your strategy ahead of your opponents’.

Instant Speed: Grasp of Darkness operates at instant speed, offering the advantage of surprise and tactical flexibility. The ability to use it in response to an opponent’s actions can shift combat outcomes or disrupt their plans, often leading to a beneficial exchange for you.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Grasp of Darkness does not fit this criterion as it does not require you to discard a card to play it, allowing you to maintain your hand size when using this spell. Consider other drawbacks when evaluating the potential downsides of including Grasp of Darkness in your deck.

Specific Mana Cost: Grasp of Darkness demands two black mana, which can sometimes pose a challenge in multicolored decks. Players must ensure a reliable source of black mana to consistently cast this spell, often necessitating a heavier focus on swamp lands or mana-fixing capabilities within their deck construction.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Grasp of Darkness’s mana cost isn’t necessarily high, at two black mana, some players might find it less flexible than cheaper removal options. There are several one-mana removal spells that, while potentially offering a less potent effect, provide early-game interactions and more efficient mana usage for tempo-based strategies.


Reasons to Include Grasp of Darkness in Your Collection

Versatility: Grasp of Darkness is a highly adaptable card, capable of being included in any deck that runs black mana. Its ability to provide a significant power and toughness reduction to a target creature ensures it can be a crucial part of multiple strategies, from aggressive decks looking to remove blockers to control decks aiming to manage threats on the board.

Combo Potential: With this card, you unlock combo opportunities by clearing the way for your creature-based combos or synergizing with decks that capitalize on killing opposing creatures. This simple yet effective removal can often lead to decisive turns that swing the game in your favor.

Meta-Relevance: Given its place in the meta, Grasp of Darkness can be particularly useful. It’s a powerful tool against decks that rely heavily on creatures with moderate to high power and toughness. In a creature-centric environment, having a low-cost, efficient removal option like this can mean the difference between victory and defeat.


How to beat

Grasp of Darkness is a powerful removal spell in the MTG arsenal, renowned for its ability to give a creature -4/-4 until end of turn. This potency can disrupt creature-based strategies and nullify formidable threats on the board. When facing this card, flexibility and timing are critical. To effectively counter it, you should prioritize creatures with indestructibility, bolster your creatures’ toughness beyond the -4/-4 threshold, and employ instant-speed spells that can save your creatures or negate the spell.

Players might find cards like Gods Willing to be invaluable, as it can both protect your creature and potentially scry 1, improving your next draw. Alternatively, cards that generate creature tokens could dilute the impact of single-target removal like Grasp of Darkness. By expanding your board presence without overcommitting vital creatures, you can ensure that the loss of any one creature isn’t critically damaging. Lastly, considering the timing of playing your impactful creatures to avoid walking into open mana that could signify a Grasp of Darkness, is another strategic layer to consider.

In summary, while Grasp of Darkness is a formidable tool for MTG players, understanding its mechanics and preparing your deck with appropriate counters can ensure you’re not left in the shadows during your matches.


BurnMana Recommendations

As an MTG enthusiast, you know the value of a well-rounded collection and a strategically built deck. Grasp of Darkness, with its instant-speed control and tactical depth, deserves a closer look. Whether you’re dismantling creature-heavy armies or needing that timely response, this card is a reliable ally. Embrace its versatility and consider the synergies it may unlock within your existing arsenal. Continue to refine your gameplay and adapt to the evolving meta with this powerful spell. Ready for more insights and tricks to enhance your deck’s performance? Dive deeper with us and discover new ways to assert dominance over the tabletop.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Grasp of Darkness MTG card by a specific set like Scars of Mirrodin and Oath of the Gatewatch, 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 Grasp of Darkness and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Grasp of Darkness Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2010-10-01 and 2020-07-03. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12010-10-01Scars of MirrodinSOM 652003NormalBlackJohann Bodin
22016-01-22Oath of the GatewatchOGW 852015NormalBlackDaarken
32019-11-15Game Night 2019GN2 302015NormalBlackDaarken
42020-07-03Core Set 2021M21 1022015NormalBlackDaarken

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Grasp of Darkness has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal