Afflict MTG Card

Afflict ensures consistent damage, affecting opponents’ decisions whether creatures are blocked or not. Mana cost and discard requirements can limit Afflict card playability in some MTG decks. Its inclusion is meta-relevant, providing combat advantages and synergy with other mechanics.

Odyssey (ODY)
2001-10-01 - Number 115

Tenth Edition (10E)
2007-07-13 - Number 125

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Common
Type	Instant

Text of card

Target creature gets -1/-1 until end of turn. Draw a card.

When one of the Patriarch's champions displeased him, he would only shake his finger. That was enough.

Cards like Afflict

Examining the strengths of the Afflict mechanic in MTG uncovers a unique disruption strategy to the gameplay. Afflict, not dissimilar to Theros-born heroic ability, provides a damaging jab to opponents when your creatures become blocked. Its twist, however, is in the punishment it serves on the blocker—a consequence that heroic bypasses. For instance, Afflict ensures that even if the creature is blocked, a guaranteed outcome—damage—is infused into the tactical equation.

Looking at creatures with Evasion abilities, such as Flying or Menace, offers an indirect comparison. These cards, designed to often slip past blockers, avoid combat damage when unblocked, but Afflict comes into play precisely when the creature is stifled. Another relative is the Bushido mechanic from Kamigawa, which bolsters a creature’s power and toughness, but unlike Afflict, does not guarantee damage to the player upon blocking.

In a MTG context, what makes Afflict stand out is this forced choice it imparts on the opponent—block and lose life, or let the damage through. It’s a tactical nuance that enriches the battlefield with compulsory decisions, setting Afflict apart as a potent tool in the combat phase.

Cards similar to Afflict by color, type and mana cost

Card Pros

Card Advantage: When executing a successful attack with a creature carrying Afflict, the mechanic ensures you’re impeding your opponent’s strategy, essentially forcing them to choose between losing life and letting your creature through – either way you’re chipping away at their resources while maintaining your own, fostering a subtle form of card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: While Afflict itself doesn’t directly provide resource acceleration, it pressures your opponent into making unfavorable blocks or taking damage which can slow down their own resource development. Over time, this can lead to a significant tempo advantage, indirectly contributing to your overall resource acceleration.

Instant Speed: The beauty of Afflict is that it doesn’t require instant speed interaction; it’s a constant threat that sits on the board attached to creatures. However, pairing Afflict creatures with instant speed spells adds another layer of difficulty for your opponent, who must consider the potential for combat tricks and removal when deciding how to deal with your Afflicted attackers.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the notable drawbacks of the Afflict mechanic lies in its potential discard requirement. This downside can put players at a disadvantage, especially when they are pressed for card resources, and forced to discard can disrupt strategic plans.

Specific Mana Cost: The Afflict ability often comes with a specific mana cost that can pose deck-building constraints. For instance, if the cost includes black mana, this can limit the card’s inclusion to only certain types of decks that are equipped with the necessary mana base, potentially restricting its widespread playability.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The efficiency of cards with the Afflict ability is sometimes questioned due to their comparatively high mana cost. Players must consider if the trade-off between the Afflict effect and the cost is worth it, especially when there might be alternative cards with lower costs or more impactful effects available within the MTG card pool.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Afflict is a powerful keyword mechanic that goes well with aggressive strategies, slipping damage past blockers and adding an edge to your creature-based attacks. It’s easy to integrate into various deck types, bringing a new dynamic to combat.

Combo Potential: Cards with Afflict work exceptionally in tandem with other mechanics that penalize blocking or not blocking, allowing players to set up punishing situations for opponents. This interaction enhances the synergies within your deck and can decisively shift the game in your favor.

Meta-Relevance: In an environment dense with creature combat, including decks with Afflict can deter opponents from blocking, pushing through critical damage. It’s especially relevant when facing decks that rely on creature-based board presence and can make a significant difference during matches.

How to beat

The Afflict mechanic in Magic: The Gathering presents a unique challenge. Cards with Afflict damage the opponent as they become blocked, making them a persistent threat. Winning against such cards requires strategic planning. Firstly, removal spells are an efficient way to handle creatures with Afflict. By avoiding blocking and instead using direct removal or exile effects, you can prevent the Afflict damage altogether.

Counter spells offer another line of defense by preventing Afflict creatures from hitting the battlefield in the first place. Playing control-heavy decks can give you the edge you need. On the flip side, if you’re in a creature-heavy deck, consider creatures with higher toughness that can withstand the Afflict damage or effects that negate combat damage, allowing you to block without major drawbacks. Also, life-gain strategies can help offset the Afflict-triggered damage, maintaining a healthy life total despite your opponent’s best efforts to whittle it down.

Lastly, speed is important. Outracing an Afflict-oriented deck with aggressive plays can force your opponent to use their Afflict creatures defensively. In such cases, the Afflict mechanic loses much of its sting, tilting the game in your favor. By combining these tactics, you can successfully navigate the waters of battling against Afflict cards and emerge victorious.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Afflict MTG card by a specific set like Odyssey and Tenth Edition, 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 Afflict and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Afflict Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2001-10-01 and 2007-07-13. Illustrated by Roger Raupp.

#	Released	Name	Code	Symbol	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2001-10-01	Odyssey	ODY		115	1997	Normal	Black	Roger Raupp
2	2007-07-13	Tenth Edition	10E		125	2003	Normal	Black	Roger Raupp

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Afflict has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal