Mortal Obstinacy MTG Card


Grants an advantage by potentially disrupting opponents’ strategies through enchantment removal. While cheap to cast, it necessitates specific conditions to be met for optimal use. It competes with similar cards by offering enchantment removal plus creature strengthening.
Mortal Obstinacy - Journey into Nyx
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeEnchantment — Aura
Abilities Enchant
Released2014-05-02
Set symbol
Set nameJourney into Nyx
Set codeJOU
Number17
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred bySlawomir Maniak

Text of card

Enchant creature you control Enchanted creature gets +1/+1. Whenever enchanted creature deals combat damage to a player, you may sacrifice Mortal Obstinacy. If you do, destroy target enchantment.


Cards like Mortal Obstinacy

Mortal Obstinacy brings a unique twist to the enchantment removal aspect of Magic: The Gathering’s vast array of spells. It stands in comparison with cards like Naturalize, which offers a straightforward approach to destroy target artifact or enchantment. Mortal Obstinacy adds a layer with its enchant creature condition and the potential for repeated enchantment disposal whenever enchanted creature deals combat damage. This could lead to multiple uses as opposed to the one-off effect of Naturalize.

In comparison, Demystify is another solid enchantment removal spell, offering instant speed interaction at a low cost. Mortal Obstinacy requires setup but has the upside of possibly dealing with several threats over a game. Then there’s Revoke Existence, which exiles rather than destroys. This is crucial in a meta with recurring enchantments. Despite not having the repeatability of Mortal Obstinacy, its ability to permanently remove threats can be game-changing.

Evaluating these options, Mortal Obstinacy demands a more strategic approach, providing a potentially recurring answer to enchantments in game scenarios where creature combat is frequent, contrasting with the one-time usage of alternatives but with the benefit of being less situational.

Naturalize - MTG Card versions
Demystify - MTG Card versions
Revoke Existence - MTG Card versions
Naturalize - MTG Card versions
Demystify - MTG Card versions
Revoke Existence - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Mortal Obstinacy by color, type and mana cost

White Ward - MTG Card versions
Green Ward - MTG Card versions
Holy Strength - MTG Card versions
Lance - MTG Card versions
Consecrate Land - MTG Card versions
Animate Wall - MTG Card versions
Black Ward - MTG Card versions
Holy Armor - MTG Card versions
Blue Ward - MTG Card versions
Land Tax - MTG Card versions
Brainwash - MTG Card versions
Green Scarab - MTG Card versions
Blue Scarab - MTG Card versions
Spirit Link - MTG Card versions
Armor of Faith - MTG Card versions
Kithkin Armor - MTG Card versions
Flickering Ward - MTG Card versions
Limited Resources - MTG Card versions
Mask of Law and Grace - MTG Card versions
Shield of Duty and Reason - MTG Card versions
White Ward - MTG Card versions
Green Ward - MTG Card versions
Holy Strength - MTG Card versions
Lance - MTG Card versions
Consecrate Land - MTG Card versions
Animate Wall - MTG Card versions
Black Ward - MTG Card versions
Holy Armor - MTG Card versions
Blue Ward - MTG Card versions
Land Tax - MTG Card versions
Brainwash - MTG Card versions
Green Scarab - MTG Card versions
Blue Scarab - MTG Card versions
Spirit Link - MTG Card versions
Armor of Faith - MTG Card versions
Kithkin Armor - MTG Card versions
Flickering Ward - MTG Card versions
Limited Resources - MTG Card versions
Mask of Law and Grace - MTG Card versions
Shield of Duty and Reason - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Mortal Obstinacy presents a tactical edge by potentially removing an opponent’s valuable enchantment. This interaction not only can disrupt their game plan but sometimes equates to drawing a card due to the parity it breaks.

Resource Acceleration: While Mortal Obstinacy doesn’t directly contribute to resource acceleration, its low mana cost facilitates a smooth curve, allowing you to develop your board while keeping mana up for crucial plays.

Instant Speed: Even though Mortal Obstinacy is an aura that must be cast at sorcery speed, its triggered ability can be a surprise factor during combat or in response to an opponent’s actions, potentially yielding instant-speed-like advantages.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Mortal Obstinacy demands a particular setup to function, specifically needing an enchanted creature. This condition can be restrictive, particularly in games where you don’t draw or control an enchantment.

Specific Mana Cost: This card requires white mana, which ties it exclusively to decks that run Plains or have some form of mana fixing. Players running multi-colored decks without white may find it difficult to accommodate Mortal Obstinacy.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While not exorbitant, the initial mana cost coupled with the need to then attack successfully to trigger its effect makes it less mana-efficient compared to some other enchantment removal options available.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Mortal Obstinacy is highly adaptable, easily fitting into decks that are built around +1/+1 counters or those that aim to deal with an opponent’s enchantments. Its low cost makes it an accessible option for early gameplay, setting the stage for more complex strategies as the game develops.

Combo Potential: This card can be paired with creatures that have, or are able to accumulate, +1/+1 counters, and provides an efficient method for removing problematic enchantments. When synergized with other pieces, it can contribute to a swift and potent offensive strategy.

Meta-Relevance: In a game meta where enchantments are frequently encountered across various formats, Mortal Obstinacy serves as a practical tech choice. Its enchantment removal utility, combined with the added benefit of strengthening your creatures, makes it a relevant inclusion in various decks aiming to stay competitive.


How to Beat Mortal Obstinacy

Mortal Obstinacy offers a unique enchant creature card with an aura that boosts and has a built-in mechanism to tackle opponent’s enchantments in MTG. To effectively beat Mortal Obstinacy, players should focus on maintaining control over the board and preventing their opponents from establishing a fortified position with enchantments. Consider using instant-speed removal spells to dismantle the enchanted creature before the enchantment-triggered ability activates. Importantly, prioritize keeping enchantment removal cards in hand to respond swiftly to Mortal Obstinacy’s placement.

Avoiding over-reliance on key individual enchantments on your side of the battlefield also diminishes Mortal Obstinacy’s potency. By diversifying threats and not stacking too many enchantments on a single creature, you reduce the impact of Mortal Obstinacy detaching and destroying an enchantment. Flexible deck construction, featuring a balance of creatures, removal, and non-aura spells can effectively dampen the efficacy of this card in your opponent’s strategy. In essence, adherence to a proactive and versatile approach in gameplay and deck design can serve as a counterbalance to Mortal Obstinacy’s potential in MTG matches.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Mortal Obstinacy MTG card by a specific set like Journey into Nyx, 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 Mortal Obstinacy and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Mortal Obstinacy has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2014-04-26 If another player gains control of the enchanted creature, Mortal Obstinacy will be put into its owner's graveyard.
2014-04-26 You decide whether to sacrifice Mortal Obstinacy as its triggered ability resolves. If it's not on the battlefield at that time, you can't sacrifice it and destroy the target enchantment.