Cabal Torturer MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Human Minion |
| Abilities | Threshold |
| Released | 2002-02-04 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Torment |
| Set code | TOR |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
| Number | 53 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Pete Venters |
Text of card
o B, oc T: Target creature gets -1/-1 until end of turn. Threshold o3o Bo B, oc T: Target creature gets -2/-2 until end of turn. (Play this ability only if seven or more cards are in your graveyard.)
Cards like Cabal Torturer
In the realm of Magic: The Gathering, Cabal Torturer emerges as an intriguing utility creature. It joins the lineup of monoblack control creatures like Disciple of Phenax or Liliana’s Specter which also influence the opponent’s hand or board. Yet, Cabal Torturer has its unique niche – it utilizes torture counters to weaken creatures, potentially even neutralizing them without direct removal. Disciple of Phenax requires only a single instance of interaction, making the torturer’s ability more flexible over multiple turns.
Another card to consider in comparison is Skinrender, that enters the battlefield with an immediate impact, placing three -1/-1 counters on a single creature. While Skinrender offers a quicker solution, Cabal Torturer excels in its ability to spread those counters across multiple creatures or accumulate them on a single target over time. Then there’s Cuombajj Witches, a card that offers a repeatable, albeit symmetrical, targeted damage ability. Unlike the gradual control offered by the Torturer, Cuombajj Witches can’t ensure the same creeping dread but provides an instant ping to creatures or players.
While each of these cards brings its own strengths to the table, Cabal Torturer stands out for its unique progressive control strategy, securing its place in the MTG landscape as a creature that can influence the board state subtly but substantially.
Cards similar to Cabal Torturer by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Cabal Torturer can systematically whittle down an opponent’s board presence. By targeting smaller creatures turn after turn, it can create a favorable shift in card advantage over time, providing value with each activation.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly impacting mana resources, the Torturer can indirectly accelerate your game plan by removing key blockers or utility creatures. This allows your more impactful spells and attackers to press through with less resistance.
Instant Speed: One of the strengths of the Cabal Torturer lies in its activated ability. The option to use the ability at instant speed offers tactical flexibility during the game, enabling you to wait for the most opportune moment—such as in response to an opponent’s spell or at the end of their turn—to diminish their threats and maintain control.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: The Cabal Torturer requires a constant fodder of cards to discard in order to fully utilize its abilities. This can be particularly taxing in game situations where card advantage is crucial and can leave you at a disadvantage if you’re unable to maintain a sufficient hand size.
Specific Mana Cost: Cabal Torturer’s activation cost demands black mana, which can be restrictive when you’re building a multi-color deck. This specific mana requirement can make it a less flexible choice for decks that require mana fluidity.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: To activate its torturous capabilities, you’ll need to engage three of your mana, which in the world of competitive play is a significant investment. Given this high activation cost, Cabal Torturer might not be your go-to option, especially when there are cards with similar effects at a lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include Cabal Torturer in Your Collection
Versatility: Cabal Torturer offers utility in a range of black-based decks. Its ability to whittle down opponents’ creatures makes it a solid choice in a control or attrition strategy. It seamlessly slides into decks looking for repeatable creature control without overcommitting resources.
Combo Potential: With the right setup, this card becomes part of powerful interactions. It works well with cards that benefit from activated abilities and can be a key piece in unlocking the full potential of Torturer combos. Its tap ability makes it a contender for combos that untap creatures for multiple uses per turn.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where smaller creatures dominate the board, Cabal Torturer’s ongoing threat to opposing creature’s survivability can be a game-changer. This makes it not just a tactical play but also a strategic inclusion against decks reliant on key creatures with low toughness.
How to Beat
Cabal Torturer embodies a unique role in MTG, offering strategic flexibility through its utility as a creature that can weaken your opponent’s creatures. This capacity can be quite a thorn in your side when facing it across the battlefield. While it doesn’t possess high stats, its real value is in the potential incremental advantage it can generate over time.
To effectively counter Cabal Torturer, consider employing instant speed removals such as Lightning Bolt or Path to Exile before its controller has the chance to untap and utilize its ability. Fast-paced aggro decks can also overwhelm a strategy relying on the Torturer, as they can deploy threats more rapidly than the Torturer can manage. Should you anticipate facing such control-based creatures, adapting your deck to include these elements enhances your resilience and can turn the tide of the game in your favor.
Having a well-prepared sideboard or flexible main deck options that can handle creature-based utilities is paramount. Implement these strategies, and your odds of dismantling the Cabal Torturer’s influence will climb, tilting the balance towards victory. As with all MTG tactics, awareness of potential threats and smart deck-building can negate even the most troublesome cards.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Cabal Torturer MTG card by a specific set like Torment, 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 Cabal Torturer and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Cabal Torturer has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |