Oppression MTG Card


Oppression can give control decks an edge, by strategically dwindling opponents’ hand size to secure victory. Integrating cards that synergize with discarding can turn the required self-sacrifice into an advantageous tactic. It’s crucial to adopt strategies that circumvent or exploit Oppression’s symmetrical discard effect for success.
Card setsReleased in 6 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityRare
TypeEnchantment

Text of card

Whenever a player successfully casts a spell, that player chooses and discards a card.

"Do not presume to speak for yourself." —Gix, to Xantcha


Cards like Oppression

Oppression is a unique enchantment that creates a challenging dynamic in Magic: The Gathering matches. This card finds kinship with other taxing strategies such as Painful Quandary, which also imposes a toll on your opponent whenever they cast a spell. However, Oppression distinguishes itself by affecting all players, including the one controlling it, setting the stage for strategic depth and careful planning.

Likewise, there’s Bottomless Pit, another card that fosters a similar discard strategy. It’s more aggressive in its approach, mandating a discard at the upkeep and influencing the game’s flow without mana costs. While Oppression allows more control over when the effect occurs, Bottomless Pit’s indiscriminate nature can ramp up the tension each turn.

In sum, Oppression stands out among discard-enforcing cards in MTG thanks to its symmetrical effect that requires players to weigh every spell’s importance against the potential cost of discarding. It’s a powerful tool for control decks that can handle the self-imposed restriction and leverage it better than their opponents, making for a calculated and oppressive gameplay experience.

Painful Quandary - MTG Card versions
Bottomless Pit - MTG Card versions
Painful Quandary - MTG Card versions
Bottomless Pit - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Oppression by color, type and mana cost

Gloom - MTG Card versions
Season of the Witch - MTG Card versions
Tourach's Gate - MTG Card versions
Withering Wisps - MTG Card versions
Necropotence - MTG Card versions
Funeral March - MTG Card versions
Casting of Bones - MTG Card versions
Blanket of Night - MTG Card versions
Hecatomb - MTG Card versions
Megrim - MTG Card versions
Recurring Nightmare - MTG Card versions
Contamination - MTG Card versions
Maggot Therapy - MTG Card versions
Murderous Betrayal - MTG Card versions
Noxious Field - MTG Card versions
Tainted Well - MTG Card versions
Scavenged Weaponry - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Arena - MTG Card versions
Gravestorm - MTG Card versions
Mortiphobia - MTG Card versions
Gloom - MTG Card versions
Season of the Witch - MTG Card versions
Tourach's Gate - MTG Card versions
Withering Wisps - MTG Card versions
Necropotence - MTG Card versions
Funeral March - MTG Card versions
Casting of Bones - MTG Card versions
Blanket of Night - MTG Card versions
Hecatomb - MTG Card versions
Megrim - MTG Card versions
Recurring Nightmare - MTG Card versions
Contamination - MTG Card versions
Maggot Therapy - MTG Card versions
Murderous Betrayal - MTG Card versions
Noxious Field - MTG Card versions
Tainted Well - MTG Card versions
Scavenged Weaponry - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Arena - MTG Card versions
Gravestorm - MTG Card versions
Mortiphobia - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Oppression provides a continuous advantage by requiring each player to discard a card whenever they cast a spell, which can deplete an opponent’s resources more quickly than your own when strategized correctly.

Resource Acceleration: While Oppression doesn’t directly create mana, the resource imbalance it creates can accelerate your position relatively, as opponents may struggle to play their spells efficiently under its restrictive effect.

Instant Speed: Oppression operates at passive speed, meaning once it’s on the field it continuously affects each turn without the need for additional mana investment, allowing you to utilize your mana elsewhere while Oppression constrains opponent actions.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One key drawback of Oppression is its stringent discard rule. Each time a player casts a spell, they need to discard a card. This could hamper your game plan, particularly when your hand is already dwindling.

Specific Mana Cost: Playing Oppression requires a commitment to black mana with a casting cost of three black mana symbols. This specificity can be restrictive, making it a challenge to integrate into a multi-colored deck that requires a diverse mana base.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Oppression can disrupt opponents, it comes with a relatively high mana investment. At three black mana to cast, it competes for space in your deck with other potent three-drops that may not have such a symmetrical effect on you and your opponent.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Oppression can be seamlessly integrated into various control deck builds, providing a strategic advantage by putting continuous pressure on your opponent’s hand and resources.

Combo Potential: This card thrives in scenarios that capitalize on discard mechanics, pairing exceptionally well with effects that trigger upon an opponent discarding cards or rewarding you for the number of cards in your opponents’ graveyards.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where players rely heavily on hand resources and precise play sequences, Oppression can disrupt plans and give you a significant edge, turning the tide of the game in your favor.


How to beat

Oppression is a unique enchantment that creates a challenging environment for players in Magic: The Gathering. This card forces each player to discard a card whenever they cast a spell, making it a formidable tool of disruption. To overcome this, strategic deck building is key. Including cards with madness, reanimation, or flashback abilities can turn a seemingly disadvantageous situation into an advantage, as such mechanics benefit from being in the graveyard.

Another tactic is to use cards that allow for drawing additional cards or creating token creatures that do not require casting spells to maintain a presence on the battlefield. Additionally, playing spells that force the opponent to draw and discard can exhaust their resources while you maintain control. Keeping a tight hand and playing conservatively can also help you mitigate the crushing weight of Oppression’s effect.

Overall, successfully navigating a game against Oppression requires careful planning and an adaptable strategy that can thrive under the constraints it imposes. With the right approach, you can turn Oppression from a hindrance into an asset, effectively securing victory despite its powerful effect on the flow of the game.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the nuance of Oppression in your MTG gameplay involves understanding both its strengths and potential drawbacks. We recommend considering how this powerful card aligns with your strategy and the synergies within your deck. If you’re running a control deck or one that benefits from opponents discarding, Oppression could significantly enhance your tactical edge. Utilizing resources wisely and building around its constraints may lead you to dominate games. To further your expertise and develop winning strategies that incorporate this intriguing card, continue your MTG journey with us. Discover more insights, strategies, and tips that can turn the tide of battle in your favor.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Oppression MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Saga and Seventh Edition, 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 Oppression and other MTG cards:

TCGPlayerBUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Printings

The Oppression Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 1998-10-12 and 2023-09-08. Illustrated by 4 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11998-10-12Urza's SagaUSG 1431997NormalBlackPete Venters
22001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 1521997NormalWhiteAlex Horley-Orlandelli
32001-04-11Seventh Edition7ED 152★1997NormalBlackAlex Horley-Orlandelli
42019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 14242015NormalBlackTOMO77
52020-09-26The ListPLST USG-1431997NormalBlackPete Venters
62023-09-08Wilds of Eldraine: Enchanting TalesWOT 322015NormalBorderlessMatteo Bassini

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Oppression has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
GladiatorLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal