Abnormal Endurance MTG Card


Allows creature survival through combat or removal, essentially countering kill spells or combat losses. Provides resource efficiency by negating the need to recast creatures, saving mana and cards. Fits well into strategies emphasizing Enter the Battlefield or Leave the Battlefield triggers.
Abnormal Endurance - Core Set 2019
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeInstant
Released2018-07-13
Set symbol
Set nameCore Set 2019
Set codeM19
Number85
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byTomasz Jedruszek

Text of card

Until end of turn, target creature gets +2/+0 and gains "When this creature dies, return it to the battlefield tapped under its owner's control."

Tenacity prevails when hopes die.


Cards like Abnormal Endurance

Abnormal Endurance serves as an intriguing option among the suite of combat trick and creature protection spells in Magic: The Gathering. This card echoes the functionality of cards like Supernatural Stamina, which also allows a creature to return to the battlefield after death within the same turn. However, Abnormal Endurance distinguishes itself by boosting the creature’s toughness, potentially turning the tide of combat in your favor.

Dive into comparisons, and other cards like Undying Evil also spring to mind. They both confer the boon of rebirth upon a creature. The stark difference is that Undying Evil doesn’t alter the creature’s power or toughness. Then, there’s Rush of Vitality, which not only grants indestructible for the turn but also lifelink, an added avenue for gaining life, albeit at the cost of immediate resurrection.

Through examining various card functions with a keen eye, Abnormal Endurance unquestionably holds its ground as a valuable card, especially when its dual-purpose of resurrection and buffing are critical to maintaining a strong battlefield presence in Magic: The Gathering.

Supernatural Stamina - MTG Card versions
Undying Evil - MTG Card versions
Rush of Vitality - MTG Card versions
Supernatural Stamina - MTG Card versions
Undying Evil - MTG Card versions
Rush of Vitality - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Abnormal Endurance by color, type and mana cost

Word of Command - MTG Card versions
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Chill Haunting - MTG Card versions
Grim Harvest - MTG Card versions
Dash Hopes - MTG Card versions
Word of Command - MTG Card versions
Terror - MTG Card versions
Simulacrum - MTG Card versions
Transmutation - MTG Card versions
Headstone - MTG Card versions
Urborg Justice - MTG Card versions
Imps' Taunt - MTG Card versions
Rapid Decay - MTG Card versions
Diabolic Edict - 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
Chill Haunting - MTG Card versions
Grim Harvest - MTG Card versions
Dash Hopes - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Although Abnormal Endurance doesn’t directly allow you to draw cards, it helps maintain card advantage by effectively protecting one of your creatures from death. This can be pivotal in retaining a strong board presence and can negate an opponent’s attempt to disrupt your strategies.

Resource Acceleration: While not providing traditional mana acceleration, Abnormal Endurance offers a different kind of resource acceleration by saving your resources. By keeping a creature on the board that may otherwise die, you’re effectively saving the mana and card resources you would have needed to spend to replace it.

Instant Speed: Abnormal Endurance can be cast at instant speed, which is highly advantageous. This allows you to respond to threats or actions taken by your opponent during their turn, making it a versatile tool for protecting your key creatures at critical moments.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Abnormal Endurance doesn’t have a discard requirement, players must be aware of similar cards in their deck that do have this drawback, potentially leaving you at a card disadvantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Abnormal Endurance requires one black mana, which can be restrictive for multicolored decks and could affect its inclusion in anything but black-focused builds.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For two mana, Abnormal Endurance offers a creature revival for one turn, but there are more mana-efficient options for long-term reanimation strategies within the game.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Abnormal Endurance can be a key card in decks that take advantage of creature abilities. It enables creatures to withstand a removal attempt or a combat that would otherwise be lethal, only to return for a second round.

Combo Potential: This instant enhances strategies that revolve around Enter the Battlefield (ETB) or Leave the Battlefield effects. Using it in conjunction with creatures that have these abilities can create powerful interactions and unexpected plays.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where creature-based strategies are prevalent, Abnormal Endurance provides a cost-effective way to protect important creatures and could be the difference in maintaining board presence and momentum.


How to beat

Abnormal Endurance is a notable combat trick card in Magic: The Gathering, often turning the tides of battle unexpectedly. When faced with this black instant, timing is everything. To outmaneuver its effect, it’s crucial to bait it out at a moment less critical for you or exhaust their mana pool before launching key attacks. Having instant-speed removal that can function both before and after Abnormal Endurance is played increases your chances of neutralizing its impact. Cards like Shock or Lightning Strike are excellent for this reason, allowing you to respond to the Endurance cast by removing the creature for good before it has a chance to return to the battlefield. Moreover, playing proactive countermeasures like graveyard hate can prevent this resurrection mechanic from ever taking place. Nihil Spellbomb or Tormod’s Crypt don’t just mitigate the effects of Abnormal Endurance but also disrupt any strategies reliant on graveyard interactions, thereby reinforcing your position while keeping your opponent on their toes.


BurnMana Recommendations

Abnormal Endurance offers a blend of resilience and surprise that can reshape the board in your favor. Striking at instant speed, it turns near defeats into opportunities, adding a twist to typical MTG creature dynamics. Whether fortifying your deck with persistent creatures or exploiting the synergy with ETB effects, this card exemplifies strategic depth in gameplay. If your collection aims to thrive on cunning and flexibility, consider the advantages Abnormal Endurance could bring. We delve deeper into game-changing strategies and the pivotal role such cards play. Gear up for your next MTG showdown with insights from our full guide on strategic play.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Abnormal Endurance MTG card by a specific set like Core Set 2019, 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 Abnormal Endurance and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Abnormal Endurance has restrictions

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

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Abnormal Endurance card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2018-07-13 Abnormal Endurance's effect works only once. If the targeted creature dies and is then returned to the battlefield, it's considered to be a new creature. If that new creature dies, it won't come back.