Deathcurse Ogre MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	6
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Ogre Warrior
Released	2004-10-01
Set symbol
Set name	Champions of Kamigawa
Set code	CHK
Power	3
Toughness	3
Number	109
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Mark Tedin

Key Takeaways

Maximize card advantage with strategic ogre-synergy and creature loss in MTG.
Indirect resource acceleration via ogre and sacrifice-based synergies.
Flexibly interact with instant-speed spells for tactical MTG advantage.

Text of card

When Deathcurse Ogre is put into a graveyard from play, each player loses 3 life.

After their worship of oni began, only a few of Kamigawa's ogres remained in the bitter cold of the Tendo Peaks. Most were drawn to the darkness of Takenuma.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Unlocking the potential of the Deathcurse Ogre in your MTG deck can often lead to gains in card advantage. While it might not draw you cards directly, when using it strategically with other spells or abilities that reward you for controlling Ogres or losing creatures, you can turn the demise of the Deathcurse Ogre into card draw opportunities.

Resource Acceleration: Although Deathcurse Ogre doesn’t provide direct mana acceleration, its presence can pave the way for synergistic effects in an Ogre-centric or sacrifice-based deck. Such strategies can lead to indirect resource acceleration, as you may get additional value and resources each time you play an Ogre or when Deathcurse Ogre leaves the battlefield.

Instant Speed: While not an instant itself, the Deathcurse Ogre can interact favorably with spells cast at instant speed. This allows you to remain flexible during your play, waiting for the opportune moment to execute a combo or to respond to an opponent’s threats, making the Ogre a tactical piece in a larger, reactive strategy.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The mechanics of Deathcurse Ogre necessitate discarding another card, which may not be ideal when your hand is already depleted or you have crucial strategy pieces that you cannot afford to lose.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both black and generic mana to cast, Deathcurse Ogre asks for a committed mana base, which can sometimes be restrictive, especially in multicolored decks where mana flexibility is key.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For a creature with its abilities, Deathcurse Ogre demands a mana investment that may not equate to its performance on the battlefield, especially when compared to other creatures in the same mana range that might provide greater impact or value.

Reasons to Include Deathcurse Ogre in Your Collection

Versatility: Deathcurse Ogre offers a solid presence in black-aligned decks. Its stats provide a decent creature for mid-game strategies, capable of both aggressive play and defensive stands.

Combo Potential: As an Ogre, this card may synergize with other Ogre or Demon-themed decks, potentially unlocking powerful interactions or enhancing the effect of cards that benefit from creature type support.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where creature-based strategies prevail, Deathcurse Ogre can be a considerable threat that requires an answer. Its ability to be a consistent four-power creature can pressure the opponent significantly, making it relevant in certain matchups.

How to beat

Confronting a Deathcurse Ogre in Magic: The Gathering requires a strategic approach to overcome its menace. This creature can be challenging due to its continuous regeneration capability, making it a resilient threat on the battlefield. To outmaneuver an opponent wielding this card, consider using removal spells that circumvent the regeneration mechanic like “Path to Exile” or “Swords to Plowshares”. These spells exile the creature, thus ensuring it won’t return to haunt your board.

Another effective strategy is to employ counter spells to preemptively deal with the Ogre before it hits the play. “Counterspell” or “Mana Leak” can stop the Ogre dead in its tracks, preventing it from ever becoming a nuisance. Cards that impose sacrificing creatures can also be useful, as the regeneration effect doesn’t protect against sacrifice, making “Diabolic Edict” or “Liliana of the Veil” excellent choices.

Combat tricks and buffs can turn the tide in your favor too. Granting your creature deathtouch with spells like “Deadly Allure” will ensure that any damage it deals will be lethal to the Ogre. By understanding the nuances of game mechanics and tweaking your deck with the right answers, you can thwart the tenacity of Deathcurse Ogre and maintain control of the battlefield.

Cards like Deathcurse Ogre

Deathcurse Ogre offers a distinct take on the Ogre archetype in Magic: The Gathering, situating itself within the creature card category. It bears resemblance to cards like Skarrgan Pit-Skulk, which similarly rewards players for creature combat success, but Deathcurse Ogre deepens the strategy with its unique fear mechanic, allowing it to be unblockable except by black or artifact creatures. Unlike the more straightforward aggro nature of Skarrgan Pit-Skulk and its bloodthirst ability, Deathcurse Ogre demands a more nuanced understanding of battlefield dynamics.

Another relative in terms of gameplay is Ragged Veins. While not a creature, this enchantment shares the Japanese folklore-inspired flavor, and it could strategize with the Ogre by causing an opponent to second-guess blocking or attacking decisions, which might lead to unblocked damage or creature loss. This synergy highlights the tactical depth compared to the standalone aggressive Pit-Skulk. On the flip side, Ragged Veins can’t directly impact the board state like a creature can.

Drawing comparisons and deliberating on the utility of each card is key to optimizing a deck in Magic: The Gathering. Despite being an underdog, Deathcurse Ogre has the potential to be a game-changer in the right environment, blending lore with a distinct in-game mechanic that could catch an unwary opponent off guard.

Cards similar to Deathcurse Ogre by color, type and mana cost

Chittering Harvester - MTG Card versions

Crossway Troublemakers - MTG Card versions

Geth, Lord of the Vault - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Deathcurse Ogre MTG card by a specific set like Champions of Kamigawa, 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 Deathcurse Ogre and other MTG cards: