Behold the Power of Destruction MTG Card


Behold the Power of Destruction - Archenemy Schemes
RarityCommon
TypeScheme
Released2010-06-18
Set symbol
Set nameArchenemy Schemes
Set codeOARC
Number4★
Frame2003
Layoutscheme
Borderblack
Illustred byJesper Ejsing

Key Takeaways

  1. Offers card advantage while elevating strategic depth and control over game tempo.
  2. Instant speed allows for surprise plays and optimal mana utilization.
  3. Demands careful deck building due to its color-specific and higher mana cost.

Text of card

When you set this scheme in motion, destroy all nonland permanents target opponent controls.

"I'd call that a successful first test. Golem! Rearm the Doom Citadel!"


Card Pros

Card Advantage: “Behold the Power of Destruction” presents an impressive potential for amassing card advantage. By dismantling multiple threats or resources in your adversary’s arsenal, you ensure a superior position in terms of accessible options and strategic depth throughout the game.

Resource Acceleration: This potent card isn’t just about destruction; it can also fuel your own game plan. By selectively wiping out the board yet preserving your key assets, you set the stage for a swift and overwhelming comeback, propelling you ahead in the race for ultimate victory.

Instant Speed: The flexibility of instant speed spells cannot be overstated, and in the case of “Behold the Power of Destruction,” it provides a tactical edge. Wait for the perfect moment to disrupt your opponent’s plays or end-of-turn to maximize the element of surprise and the efficacious use of your mana.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The casting conditions for Behold the Power of Destruction obligate a player to discard a card. This trade-off can backfire especially when you’re grappling with a depleted hand, essentially forcing you to lose further grip on your strategic reserves.

Specific Mana Cost: Tapping into the might of Behold the Power of Destruction demands a precise alchemy of mana types. Its stringent requirement for a particular mana combination can be a stumbling block for decks that aren’t built around its color identity, thereby reducing its versatility across various deck types.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana valuation that sits on the higher end of the spectrum, Behold the Power of Destruction poses a substantial investment for its destructive capabilities. Players might find this cost-prohibitive, turning looks towards alternatives that bring similar levels of havoc to the battlefield without as hefty of a mana burden.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Behold the Power of Destruction is a card that offers flexibility in deck building. With its capability to disrupt opponents’ boards, it’s a solid addition to any deck looking to manage threat levels from multiple angles.

Combo Potential: This card pairs seamlessly with strategies that benefit from destroying creatures or artifacts. It can set off chain reactions that clear the way for your heavy hitters to take the game or can be the cornerstone in a control deck.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where sturdy board states are common, Behold the Power of Destruction provides an edge by dismantling your opponents’ defenses. Its presence can give you a significant advantage, particularly in matches where board control is paramount.


How to beat

Contending with Behold the Power of Destruction in Magic: The Gathering can often feel like an uphill battle. This formidable card has the potential to wreak havoc on an unprepared player’s strategy. Overcoming such an obstacle requires a well-thought-out approach. Players must consider cards that either negate the effects of Behold the Power of Destruction or mitigate the damage it causes. Options include playing your own high-impact cards that can either overshadow its influence or utilizing counter spells to prevent it from resolving in the first place.

Another effective strategy involves deploying cards that allow for strategic sacrifices, giving you control over which of your resources are affected. Additionally, incorporating cards into your deck that can rapidly replenish your board state post-destruction can vastly reduce the impact of this powerful spell. Likewise, an emphasis on hand disruption can interfere with your opponent’s ability to cast this game-changer, ultimately turning the tide in your favor. To effectively neutralize Behold the Power of Destruction, a player must maintain resilience and adapt their game plan to preserve their standing within a match.


Cards like Behold the Power of Destruction

Behold the Power of Destruction enters the Magic: The Gathering arena as a formidable force to be reckoned with. It bears a resemblance to renowned board wipes like Damnation, which also clears the board of creatures, regardless of size or abilities. What makes Behold the Power of Destruction stand out is a more selective approach, potentially leaving some of the caster’s creatures untouched if the conditions are right.

Another card worth mentioning is Wrath of God, a classic that has shaped the format for years. Wrath of God doesn’t distinguish between friend or foe, obliterating all creatures in play without bias. Behold the Power of Destruction offers a more nuanced strategy, providing a degree of control over the outcome. Lastly, there’s the card Hour of Reckoning which presents an alternative by only destroying non-token creatures, a nuance that could sway a player’s choice depending on their deck’s composition.

Comparing these mighty spells, Behold the Power of Destruction earns its place by combining elements of risk management and strategic board control. Its ability to alter the course of a match with a single cast places it high in the ranks of destructive spells within the MTG universe.

Damnation - MTG Card versions
Wrath of God - MTG Card versions
Hour of Reckoning - MTG Card versions
Damnation - Planar Chaos (PLC)
Wrath of God - Limited Edition Alpha (LEA)
Hour of Reckoning - Ravnica: City of Guilds (RAV)

Cards similar to Behold the Power of Destruction by color, type and mana cost

Perhaps You've Met My Cohort - MTG Card versions
Imprison This Insolent Wretch - MTG Card versions
Your Inescapable Doom - MTG Card versions
All in Good Time - MTG Card versions
The Dead Shall Serve - MTG Card versions
Surrender Your Thoughts - MTG Card versions
Mortal Flesh Is Weak - MTG Card versions
The Iron Guardian Stirs - MTG Card versions
Ignite the Cloneforge! - MTG Card versions
I Bask in Your Silent Awe - MTG Card versions
Nature Demands an Offering - MTG Card versions
Which of You Burns Brightest? - MTG Card versions
Look Skyward and Despair - MTG Card versions
Nothing Can Stop Me Now - MTG Card versions
Plots That Span Centuries - MTG Card versions
I Know All, I See All - MTG Card versions
Rotted Ones, Lay Siege - MTG Card versions
A Display of My Dark Power - MTG Card versions
My Genius Knows No Bounds - MTG Card versions
All Shall Smolder in My Wake - MTG Card versions
Perhaps You've Met My Cohort - Promotional Schemes (PARC)
Imprison This Insolent Wretch - Promotional Schemes (PARC)
Your Inescapable Doom - Promotional Schemes (PARC)
All in Good Time - Archenemy Schemes (OARC)
The Dead Shall Serve - Archenemy Schemes (OARC)
Surrender Your Thoughts - Archenemy Schemes (OARC)
Mortal Flesh Is Weak - Archenemy Schemes (OARC)
The Iron Guardian Stirs - Archenemy Schemes (OARC)
Ignite the Cloneforge! - Archenemy Schemes (OARC)
I Bask in Your Silent Awe - Archenemy Schemes (OARC)
Nature Demands an Offering - Archenemy Schemes (OARC)
Which of You Burns Brightest? - Archenemy Schemes (OARC)
Look Skyward and Despair - Archenemy Schemes (OARC)
Nothing Can Stop Me Now - Archenemy Schemes (OARC)
Plots That Span Centuries - DCI Promos (PDCI)
I Know All, I See All - Archenemy Schemes (OARC)
Rotted Ones, Lay Siege - Archenemy Schemes (OARC)
A Display of My Dark Power - Archenemy Schemes (OARC)
My Genius Knows No Bounds - Archenemy Schemes (OARC)
All Shall Smolder in My Wake - Archenemy Schemes (OARC)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Behold the Power of Destruction MTG card by a specific set like Archenemy Schemes, 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 Behold the Power of Destruction and other MTG cards:

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