Contagion MTG Card
1996-06-10 - Number 45
1997-08-13 - Number js45
2001-12-01 - Number 2
2007-09-10 - Number 64
2002-06-24 - Number 62485
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
You may pay 1 life and remove a black card in your hand from the game instead of paying Contagion's casting cost. Effects that prevent or redirect damage cannot be used to counter this loss of life. Put two -2/-1 counters, distributed any way you choose, on any number of target creatures.
Similar Cards to Contagion
Contagion stands as an intriguing utility in black’s arsenal within Magic: The Gathering. It resonates with cards like Snuff Out, providing the ability to eliminate threats without the initial mana investment. Contagion allows the controller to remove smaller creatures from the game at the mere cost of life points and the discard of a black card, making it a dynamic option during a tight mana situation.
Another parallel can be drawn with Disfigure, a straightforward removal spell. While Disfigure costs only one black mana and doesn’t ail the caster’s life total, it is limited in that it can only target creatures with a smaller stat line. Conversely, Contagion offers a flexible immediate impact, enabling players to distribute negative counters among creatures, potentially clearing multiple threats or weakening larger foes.
As players evaluate the strategic depth and adaptability of removal cards, Contagion’s versatility and cost-efficient design position it as a notable choice for players looking to maintain board control while juggling the resources at hand.
Cards similar to Contagion by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Contagion. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Sultai Midrange | Legacy | Beanstalk Control | 2023 Asia Legacy Championship |
 | Mono-Black Aggro | Legacy | Mono-Black Scam | Eternal Weekend Europe 2023 Legacy Mainevent |
| Beanstalk Control | Legacy | Beanstalk Control | Legacy League 2023-11-18 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Contagion offers a flexible approach to weaken or eliminate threats on the board without spending a card from your hand since you may pay for its cost by using life and discarding cards instead.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing mana or card draw, Contagion serves to disrupt your opponent’s resource progression by dealing with key creatures, effectively slowing them down and giving you a lead in the race for board presence.
Instant Speed: The instant speed nature of Contagion allows for reactive play during your opponent’s turn. It adds an element of surprise and strategic depth, as you can bide your time and decide the most advantageous moment to play it, potentially during combat or in response to an opponent’s actions.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Contagion necessitates discarding a card in addition to its other costs. This can deplete your hand, leaving you with fewer options as the game proceeds.
Specific Mana Cost: Requiring two black mana to play, Contagion’s cost constraints limit its flexibility, potentially making it a poor fit in multi-colored or colorless decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: In terms of mana efficiency, Contagion’s setup cost may be deemed excessive. This detracts from its viability, especially when considering alternatives that may achieve similar effects at a lower cost and with fewer requirements.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Contagion offers flexibility as it can be slotted into a range of decks that utilize the -2/-1 counters mechanic or those looking for instant-speed interaction without requiring mana due to its alternate casting cost.
Combo Potential: The ability to distribute -2/-1 counters makes Contagion a strong combo card, aiding in strategies revolving around weakening opponents’ creatures or capitalizing on negative counter synergies.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-based decks are predominant, Contagion can provide a significant edge. Its power to disrupt opponent strategies can be critical to maintaining board control and swinging games in one’s favor.
How to beat
Contagion is a spell known for its ability to disrupt creatures on the battlefield without spending mana at the moment it’s cast. Its efficiency lies in the -2/-1 counters it distributes, which can often spell demise for your opponent’s creatures. Nimble and swift removal spells are key strategies to consider when facing such a card.
One approach includes having creatures with ‘indestructible’ or ‘hexproof’ attributes to nullify Contagion’s impact. Additionally, spells that protect your creatures from being targeted, or that give them a timely boost in toughness, can mitigate the damage done by the negative counters. Since Contagion can also affect your life total, ensure your strategy includes life gain elements to counteract this side effect.
In essence, the right combination of creature resilience and protective spells will elevate your stance against Contagion. Careful planning and a readied response can secure your creatures’ survival, turning potential weakness into tactical advantage. Be prepared, and you’ll turn the tide against the challenging environment this card creates.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Contagion MTG card by a specific set like Alliances and World Championship Decks 1997, 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 Contagion and other MTG cards:
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- 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
Printings
The Contagion Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 1996-06-10 and 2007-09-10. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1996-06-10 | Alliances | ALL | 45 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Mike Raabe | |
| 2 | 1997-08-13 | World Championship Decks 1997 | WC97 | js45 | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Mike Raabe | |
| 3 | 2001-12-01 | Deckmasters | DKM | 2 | 1997 | Normal | White | Mike Raabe | |
| 4 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 62485 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Chris Rallis | ||
| 5 | 2007-09-10 | Masters Edition | ME1 | 64 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Mike Raabe |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Contagion has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |