Introduction to Annihilation MTG Card


Targets and exiles any nonland permanent, altering game dynamics in your favor. Opponent draws a card, balancing resource accumulation post-removal. Operates at sorcery speed, facilitating strategic play and timing.
Introduction to Annihilation - Strixhaven: School of Mages
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityCommon
TypeSorcery — Lesson
Released2021-04-23
Set symbol
Set nameStrixhaven: School of Mages
Set codeSTX
Number3
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byNicholas Gregory

Text of card

Exile target nonland permanent. Its controller draws a card.

"I've never seen a student fail quite so spectacularly. There's potential in that." —Hostram, professor of arcanochemistry


Cards like Introduction to Annihilation

Delving into the world of powerful MTG board clear cards, Introduction to Annihilation stands out due to its ability to exile any nonland permanent, a strong move for any player seeking to disrupt their opponent’s strategy. When compared to Oblivion Ring, which also exiles targets, Introduction to Annihilation doesn’t allow the exiled card to return to play, which makes it a more definitive answer to troublesome permanents. Yet, Oblivion Ring offers a lower casting cost and the flexibility of an enchantment which can be more suitable for certain deck types.

Another card worth mentioning is Unmake, which similarly exiles a target creature. Unmake, however, costs less and can be included in decks that use Swamps and Plains. What sets Introduction to Annihilation apart is its broader target range, capable of removing any nonland permanent, not just creatures. Then there’s Merciless Eviction, one of the larger scale board wipes. It allows players to choose among multiple exile options; while it’s more versatile and can impact the board on a grander scale, it comes with a higher mana cost and isn’t as focused as Introduction to Annihilation.

Ultimately, players who prioritize the ability to permanently remove key nonland permanents from the game, regardless of type, will find Introduction to Annihilation a valuable asset. Its inclusion in a deck means having a straightforward, albeit costlier, solution against an array of threats.

Oblivion Ring - MTG Card versions
Unmake - MTG Card versions
Merciless Eviction - MTG Card versions
Oblivion Ring - MTG Card versions
Unmake - MTG Card versions
Merciless Eviction - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Introduction to Annihilation allows you to remove a major threat from your opponent’s battlefield, giving you a strategic edge. Unlike other removal spells that target specific card types, this card can target any nonland permanent, often leading to a game-changing swing in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: By forcibly making your opponent draw a card through the effect of Introduction to Annihilation, you do not fall behind in resource accumulation. This is particularly effective in ensuring that, even after you’ve spent mana to remove a threat, your opponent doesn’t gain a significant card advantage, keeping the tempo of the game in your control.

Instant Speed: Although Introduction to Annihilation is a sorcery, understanding its role in the context of a larger MTG strategy is important. Playing this removal during your main phase allows you to plan your turns with foresight, potentially clearing the path for an unimpeded attack or strategically timing the destruction of an opponent’s key permanent before it can be utilized.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: With the Introduction to Annihilation requiring a card to be discarded, players can find themselves at a setback when it comes to card advantage. Discarding as an additional cost can significantly hamper your hand, especially if you’re in need of maintaining options.

Specific Mana Cost: The mana cost of Introduction to Annihilation includes colors that are specific to a certain deck archetype, which can be restrictive. This can limit the card’s versatility, making it not as easily included in a variety of decks that do not match these mana requirements.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the card has the potential to provide a game-changing effect by removing a problematic permanent, its high mana cost can be seen as a drawback. There are other removal options available within the game that are more cost-efficient, and having a heavy mana cost can mean a slower response to threats on the battlefield.


Reasons to Include Introduction to Annihilation in Your Collection

Versatility: Introduction to Annihilation offers a flexible answer to virtually any troublesome permanent on the battlefield. Its ability to exile any nonland permanent ensures that it can be a useful tool in a variety of deck builds, from control to midrange.

Combo Potential: By removing key pieces off your opponent’s battlefield, this card can subtly disrupt opponent strategies or even combo off with other cards that reward you for exiling opponent’s cards.

Meta-Relevance: With the ever-changing landscape of the MTG meta, Introduction to Annihilation remains pertinent as it can efficiently handle widely-used indestructible or recursion threats that are common in competitive play.


How to beat

Introduction to Annihilation is a notable part of Magic: The Gathering’s vast array of removal spells. This sorcery allows a player to exile any nonland permanent, which is a straightforward solution to even the most stubborn threats on the battlefield. It’s not without its trade-offs, though. The fact that the card’s target opponent gets to draw a card provides a form of consolation for the loss of their permanent. This additional card could easily replace the exiled one or even turn the tide of the game.

To effectively handle Introduction to Annihilation, a strategic approach is to apply pressure to your opponent’s resources. One method is to maintain a consistent threat level on the board, prompting them to use the removal spell before a more valuable target comes into play. In addition, playing cards that benefit from being targeted or having graveyard interactions can mitigate the impact of your loss. Cards with ‘when this permanent leaves the battlefield’ triggers or similar effects can turn the downside of exiling into an advantage for you.

Ultimately, the key is to force your opponent to make tough decisions regarding when and what to exile, ensuring that the card they draw does not outweigh the advantage you gain from their action.


BurnMana Recommendations

Dive deeper into the strategic nuances of MTG with an in-depth look at powerful removal spells like Introduction to Annihilation. Mastering the delicate balance between resource management and tempo can make all the difference in your gameplay. This card’s place within a well-constructed deck shouldn’t be underestimated; its potential to change the course of battle is immense. Enhance your deck-building skills and understanding of the meta by including versatile cards that can give you an edge over your opponents. Eager for more insights? Join our community where we unravel the intricacies of MTG, ensuring you’re always one step ahead in the arena.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Introduction to Annihilation MTG card by a specific set like Strixhaven: School of Mages, 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 Introduction to Annihilation and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Introduction to Annihilation has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Introduction to Annihilation card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2021-04-16 Although you may want to include Lessons in your sideboard if you’re playing with cards that instruct you to learn, Lesson cards can be included in your main deck like other instant or sorcery cards.
2021-04-16 Lesson is a spell subtype found on some instant and sorcery cards in the Strixhaven set. The Lesson subtype has no special rules associated with it.