Stench of Evil MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Sorcery
Released	1995-06-03
Set symbol
Set name	Ice Age
Set code	ICE
Number	165
Frame	1993
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Mark Tedin

Key Takeaways

Stench of Evil disrupts graveyard strategies, giving players a unique card advantage when timed right.
Requiring card discard and specific mana restricts its flexibility and deck inclusion.
It can be a strategic asset or a sideboard wildcard against land-focused decks.

Text of card

Destroy all plains. Stench of Evil deals 1 damage to each player for each plains he or she controls that is destroyed in this way. Each player may pay for each 1 damage he or she wishes to prevent from Stench of Evil.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Stench of Evil presents a unique opportunity to disrupt an opponent’s graveyard-based strategies while potentially clearing the board of pesky creatures. This can lead to a significant card advantage, especially if used at a time when the opponent is relying on graveyard synergies to maintain their hand and battlefield presence.

Resource Acceleration: Although not directly providing resource acceleration, the use of Stench of Evil can lead to indirect acceleration by removing the need for additional resources to deal with graveyard threats. The card’s effect could save mana and cards that would otherwise be spent on managing the threats it efficiently removes.

Instant Speed: The instant-speed nature of Stench of Evil allows for tactical play during an opponent’s turn. By waiting for the right moment, you can maximize the impact of the card, potentially changing the tide of the game. This flexibility in timing makes it a versatile addition to any deck that can accommodate its specific mana cost.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the drawbacks of Stench of Evil is the need to discard another card to activate its effect. This can be a steep price, particularly if your hand is already depleted or if the discarded card is essential to your strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: Stench of Evil demands a specific combination of mana, including black mana. This requirement makes it less flexible, restricting its inclusion to decks that can reliably generate the necessary colors.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a higher mana cost for its ability, this card might not be as efficient compared to other options available in the format. Players often seek abilities with more impactful or immediate effects for the same cost or less, which can push Stench of Evil out of favor for competitive play.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Stench of Evil offers a unique capability to black decks that want to handle problematic lands. It can be an unexpected way to deal with Land themed decks, giving black controllers a surprising edge.

Combo Potential: This card can fit into combos that benefit from land destruction or that capitalize on opponents being set back in resources, making Stench of Evil a potential game-changer in prolonged matches.

Meta-Relevance: As the competitive landscape evolves, having answers to popular land-based strategies can make Stench of Evil a useful sideboard option to disrupt your opponents’ plans and maintain an advantage.

How to beat

Stench of Evil presents a unique challenge for Magic: The Gathering players. This potent card offers a significant advantage, especially in decks that capitalize on life total manipulation or black mana heavy strategies. To outplay opponents wielding this card, it is crucial to maintain a versatile and responsive strategy throughout your game. Cards with hexproof or indestructible attributes can be invaluable in protecting your board position from Stench of Evil’s destructive influence.

Additionally, incorporating counterspells or hand disruption techniques in your deck enhances your ability to preemptively deal with this threat. Keeping your life total high and removing cards that specifically synergize with Stench of Evil can disrupt an opponent’s tempo, potentially depriving them of the card’s full potential. It’s also beneficial to apply pressure with aggressive plays that can reduce an opponent’s resources before they can fully leverage Stench of Evil against you.

Remember, recognizing and anticipating key plays allows you to tailor your strategy effectively. By employing these tactics, you enhance your chances of successfully navigating around the challenges posed by Stench of Evil and securing your victory on the battlefield.

Cards like Stench of Evil

The mystique of Stench of Evil can be appreciated when evaluating cards with similar effects in Magic: The Gathering. It sits alongside the likes of Rain of Daggers and Crypt Rats, which also allow players to govern the battlefield by dealing damage to multiple creatures. What differentiates Stench of Evil is its specific target: tapped creatures, making it tactical in situations where you can control or predict your opponent’s actions.

Comparatively, Crypt Rats provides the ability to clear the board, impacting both untapped and tapped creatures. It’s versatile but requires careful planning to ensure it doesn’t backfire on your own creatures. Meanwhile, Rain of Daggers destroys all creatures that a player controls, bringing about a more definitive approach to board control without the prerequisite of creatures being tapped.

Focusing on Stench of Evil, it’s the precision of targeting tapped creatures that allows for strategic playmaking, affecting those who stretched their defenses or went all-in. While not as indiscriminate as Crypt Rats or Rain of Daggers, Stench of Evil offers value in its niche, controlling the tempo against aggressive decks that rely heavily on committing their forces.

Cards similar to Stench of Evil by color, type and mana cost

Terisiare's Devastation - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Stench of Evil MTG card by a specific set like Ice Age, 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 Stench of Evil and other MTG cards: