Dark Triumph MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
| Released | 2000-02-14 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Nemesis |
| Set code | NEM |
| Number | 55 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Adam Rex |
Text of card
If you control a swamp, you may sacrifice a creature instead of paying Dark Triumph's mana cost. Creatures you control get +2/+0 until end of turn.
All that's left is the coronation.
Cards like Dark Triumph
Dark Triumph is a specialized tool for Black-aligning decks in MTG. It’s closely related to cards like Overrun in terms of its ability to provide a sudden and often overwhelming increase in creature power. While Overrun favors Green decks, providing creatures with an additional +3/+3 and trample, Dark Triumph is niche in its requirement for having a Swamp in play. This, however, rewards players who focus on the Black swarm strategy, often steering clear of direct damage and leaning heavily into sacrificing creatures for greater benefits.
Another cousin in the realm of power-boosting is Triumph of the Hordes. This card twists the dynamics by adding infect to the mix, which could end a game abruptly as opposed to simply dealing massive damage. Yet, Triumph of the Hordes costs more in terms of mana diversity, needing both Green and colorless. Dark Triumph, in contrast, requires only Black mana and caters to a different style of play centered around tactical creature maneuvers.
Despite these subtleties, each of these cards carve their own space within MTG tactics, with Dark Triumph holding solid ground for players harnessing the relentless nature of Black creature decks. Its specialized buff, tied to the Black color pie, enables a distinct form of combat strategy.
Cards similar to Dark Triumph by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Dark Triumph lets players potentially draw a card whenever a nontoken creature they control dies, which can incrementally build a player’s hand, thus maintaining momentum during the mid to late game phases.
Resource Acceleration: This card can single-handedly boost mana reserves by allowing the sacrifice of creatures. The resulting mana increase can be pivotal for casting larger threats or enabling key plays earlier than usual.
Instant Speed: The ability to use Dark Triumph at instant speed affords players the flexibility to respond to the dynamic changes on the battlefield, making it a versatile choice during critical moments or opponents’ turns.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Dark Triumph necessitates discarding another card which might set you back if you’re already dealing with a depleted hand.
Specific Mana Cost: This card’s mana cost is strictly black, potentially making it difficult to incorporate into multi-colored decks that require a balanced mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its relatively steep mana cost, Dark Triumph competes with other high-impact cards that may deliver more immediate or potent effects on the game.
Reasons to Include Dark Triumph in Your Collection
Versatility: Dark Triumph is a standout card that can make an impact in a variety of black-based decks. Whether you’re amplifying the strength of your token swarm or enhancing the power of your key creatures, this card adapts to multiple strategies with ease.
Combo Potential: Its ability to boost creatures for that critical turn means it synergizes well with strategies that aim to finish the game in a single, overwhelming attack. Combine it with cards that generate creature tokens, and Dark Triumph can be the lynchpin in a game-winning combo.
Meta-Relevance: In a game that often revolves around creature-based combat, Dark Triumph could gain a place in your deck if the environment is teeming with aggressive strategies. It serves not only as a force multiplier but also can tip the scales in your favor during crucial gameplay moments.
How to beat
Dark Triumph is a card that can turn the tides in Magic: The Gathering, especially in a well-assembled black creature deck. It’s a powerful instant that, at the right moment, amplifies the potency of your creatures during combat by giving them an additional boost. Understanding when to deploy your blockers or when to hold back your creatures for a crucial counterattack is essential in mitigating the impact of Dark Triumph.
One effective approach to undermine Dark Triumph’s advantages is to maintain control of the board. Removal spells that can handle multiple creatures at once, such as Day of Judgment or Wrath of God, can be pivotal. If your opponent has fewer creatures, the power of Dark Triumph diminishes significantly. Furthermore, having instant-speed spot removal like Path to Exile or Fatal Push helps to disrupt your opponent’s strategy by taking out a key creature before they can capitalize on the combat trick.
Strategically, always be cautious of the open mana and cards in your opponent’s hand. By carefully tracking these details, you might anticipate their possible plays, including a game-changing Dark Triumph, and plan your moves accordingly to maintain the upper hand in the duel.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Dark Triumph MTG card by a specific set like Nemesis, 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 Dark Triumph 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Dark Triumph has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |