Clawing Torment MTG Card


Grants control by forcing opponents into tough decisions, implying a potential lead through card advantage. Enables strategic depth with its instant speed, allowing for unexpected plays and game-changing reactions. Though powerful, its discard cost and specific mana needs might restrict its use to certain deck types.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeEnchantment — Aura
Abilities Enchant

Text of card

Enchant artifact or creature As long as enchanted permanent is a creature, it gets -1/-1 and can't block. Enchanted permanent has "At the beginning of your upkeep, you lose 1 life."

A kami's anger never fades, never sleeps, never loosens its grasp.


Cards like Clawing Torment

Clawing Torment introduces a sinister presence onto the battlefield, reminiscent of other enchantment auras that specialize in debilitating opponent’s creatures. Much like the infamous Dead Weight, Clawing Torment can reduce the might of our adversary’s threats significantly. While Dead Weight permanently diminishes a creature’s power, Clawing Torment adds injury to insult by chipping away at the opponent’s life total turn after turn.

Another parallel can be drawn with Stab Wound, a card infamous for turning even the mightiest creatures into liabilities. Both Clawing Torment and Stab Wound have the dual purpose of weakening creatures and steadily draining the opponent’s life, though Stab Wound offers a greater power reduction at the cost of a higher mana investment. Moreover, while Stab Wound’s impact on the board is more profound, Clawing Torment’s lower mana cost grants it an edge in terms of flexibility and early game pressure.

Overall, Clawing Torment is a compelling choice for players seeking a cost-effective method to suppress threatening creatures and inflict passive damage over time. Its place in the pantheon of creature-debilitating enchantments is secured by its unique blend of effects that cater to aggressive and control strategies alike.

Dead Weight - MTG Card versions
Stab Wound - MTG Card versions
Dead Weight - MTG Card versions
Stab Wound - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Clawing Torment by color, type and mana cost

Paralyze - MTG Card versions
Unholy Strength - MTG Card versions
Evil Presence - MTG Card versions
Weakness - MTG Card versions
Imprison - MTG Card versions
Thrull Retainer - MTG Card versions
Torture - MTG Card versions
Death Watch - MTG Card versions
Leshrac's Rite - MTG Card versions
Sadistic Glee - MTG Card versions
Sarcomancy - MTG Card versions
Tortured Existence - MTG Card versions
Volrath's Motion Sensor - MTG Card versions
Sicken - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Reclamation - MTG Card versions
Darkest Hour - MTG Card versions
Withering Hex - MTG Card versions
Genju of the Fens - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Link - MTG Card versions
Bloodchief Ascension - MTG Card versions
Paralyze - MTG Card versions
Unholy Strength - MTG Card versions
Evil Presence - MTG Card versions
Weakness - MTG Card versions
Imprison - MTG Card versions
Thrull Retainer - MTG Card versions
Torture - MTG Card versions
Death Watch - MTG Card versions
Leshrac's Rite - MTG Card versions
Sadistic Glee - MTG Card versions
Sarcomancy - MTG Card versions
Tortured Existence - MTG Card versions
Volrath's Motion Sensor - MTG Card versions
Sicken - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Reclamation - MTG Card versions
Darkest Hour - MTG Card versions
Withering Hex - MTG Card versions
Genju of the Fens - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Link - MTG Card versions
Bloodchief Ascension - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Clawing Torment. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Golgari ToxicGolgari Toxic StandardThe Pizza Box Open: Standard
DecklistDecklist Free form81#CS

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Clawing Torment offers valuable disruption by forcing opponents to make difficult decisions, potentially leading to card advantage when they discard.

Resource Acceleration: This card can alter the pace of the game by tying up the opponent’s resources, effectively slowing down their strategy and giving you the upper hand.

Instant Speed: The benefit of reacting at instant speed cannot be overstated. Clawing Torment can be cast in response to an opponent’s actions, creating surprise and strategic depth during their turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Clawing Torment comes with the hitch of requiring a card to be discarded when you cast it. This could be burdensome when your hand is already dwindling and every card counts.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both black and colorless mana, Clawing Torment’s mana cost demands a dedicated spot in black-centric or two-color decks, potentially limiting its versatility across various MTG archetypes.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The investment of four mana for its effect might not align well with the tempo of the game, particularly when there’s an opportunity cost involved — other spells or creatures might provide a comparable or greater impact for the same, or even a lesser, mana expenditure.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Clawing Torment is a flexible card that can slot into various deck archetypes. Its ability to afflict the opponent every turn makes it a strong pick for control-oriented strategies that aim to whittle down the opponent’s life total gradually. It’s particularly useful in black-themed decks that already focus on incremental damage and disruption.

Combo Potential: This card shines in combinations where your aim is to stack multiple enchantments or effects that penalize the opponent. It can work seamlessly with cards that benefit from opponents losing life, enabling intricate synergies that can swiftly tip the scales in your favor during a game.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta environment where long games prevail, Clawing Torment’s persistent damage can be a decisive factor. It applies continuous pressure, which is invaluable against opponents relying on creature-based strategies, as it bypasses creatures entirely to erode the opponent’s life total.


How to beat

Clawing Torment is an enchantment card that poses a real challenge by inflicting consistent damage over time. To effectively counter it, the best strategy lies in the domain of enchantment removal or direct life gain techniques to offset the drip damage. Consider spells like Naturalize or Disenchant that can remove Clawing Torment with minimal cost and disruption to your play. Life gain cards such as Rest for the Weary or the ever-popular Kitchen Finks also offer a pathway to recuperate from the damage and even gain a tactical advantage.

Diversifying your deck with versatile reactive cards is essential when facing any persistent threat like Clawing Torment. Cards that can swing the momentum in your favor, like Thriving Grove or Radiant Fountain, can subtly undermine the effects of such enchantments. Being prepared with a variety of answers is key to maintaining control of the game. Thus, staying vigilant and ready to adapt your strategy is your surest path to victory against the relentless pressure of Clawing Torment.

Ultimately, examining your deck to ensure you have a balanced mix of offensive and defensive measures will safeguard you against Clawing Torment. By doing so, you not only beat the card but also strengthen your overall game strategy.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG involves understanding both the strengths and weaknesses of each card. Clawing Torment, with its disruptive power and ability to alter game dynamics, is a card that demands careful consideration for any deck. The insights shared here should guide you in making informed decisions about including this enchantment in your collection. Looking for ways to integrate Clawing Torment effectively or counteract its toll on your game plan? We delve deep into strategies that optimize your playstyle and provide the know-how to outmaneuver your opponents. Join our community for an in-depth exploration, and bring your MTG expertise to new heights.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Clawing Torment // Clawing Torment MTG card by a specific set like Neon Dynasty Art Series and Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty, 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 Clawing Torment // Clawing Torment and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Clawing Torment // Clawing Torment Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2022-02-18 and 2022-02-18. Illustrated by Rovina Cai.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12022-02-18Neon Dynasty Art SeriesANEO 322015Art seriesBorderlessRovina Cai
22022-02-18Kamigawa: Neon DynastyNEO 912015NormalBlackRovina Cai

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Clawing Torment has restrictions

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