Pain // Suffering MTG Card
2000-10-02 - Number 294
2011-09-02 - Number 72
2023-01-13 - Number 209
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
Target player discards a card from his or her hand.
Cards like Pain // Suffering
Pain // Suffering is a versatile split card within the Magic: The Gathering repertoire offering strategic flexibility. Like other split cards, it provides the option to cast either side, Pain or Suffering, or both if conditions allow. It can be likened to Discovery // Dispersal, where both sides offer distinct but complimentary effects. Pain allows for a certain degree of card draw through life payment, mirroring the effects of spells like Phyrexian Arena but with an immediate impact rather than a delayed draw.
On the matter of Suffering, it bears resemblance to effects seen in cards like Recoil, allowing an element of control by making opponents decide which peril they would rather face. However, unlike Recoil, Suffering requires sacrificing a creature and lands, imposing a potentially more substantial setback on the opponent. Conversely, Suffering differs from the unconditional land destruction found in spells like Sinkhole as it requires a creature’s sacrifice as well.
Overall, Pain // Suffering offers a unique combination of control and flexibility, positioning it favorably among MTG cards that influence both players’ hand and the battlefield in a single turn.
Cards similar to Pain // Suffering by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Pain // Suffering provides a dual utility, with Pain allowing you to discard cards for fresh draws, potentially refilling your hand or finding key pieces. On the flip side, Suffering can disrupt your opponent’s hand, tilting the card balance in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: While Pain doesn’t directly accelerate resources, it ensures you cycle through your deck efficiently. Suffering can indirectly affect resource acceleration by forcing your opponent to discard resource-generating spells or creatures, hindering their mana development and tempo.
Instant Speed: The modality of casting either Pain or Suffering at instant speed provides strategic flexibility. You can choose the right half at the end of your opponent’s turn or react in the middle of their actions, adapting to the pace of the match and maintaining the element of surprise.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One significant drawback of Pain // Suffering is its discard requirement. This can put players at a disadvantage, particularly when their hand is already depleted, forcing them to give up potentially vital cards to use this one.
Specific Mana Cost: Pain // Suffering carries a specific mana cost which can sometimes be restrictive. Decks not heavily invested in black mana may find it challenging to cast Pain // Suffering reliably, potentially causing it to sit unused in hand.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Another limiting factor is its comparatively high mana cost. When looking at other cards with similar effects, Pain // Suffering can be seen as quite mana-intensive, potentially slowing down your play and leaving less mana available for other actions during your turn.
Reasons to Include Pain // Suffering in Your Collection
Versatility: Pain // Suffering offers a twofold advantage with the option to either disrupt opponents’ strategies or recover from setbacks, fitting seamlessly into a variety of decks that value flexibility in their game plan.
Combo Potential: With its capacity to interfere with opponents’ lands while accelerating your own board state, this card synergizes well with effects that capitalize on land counts or specific land types, enhancing many combo-centric decks.
Meta-Relevance: In a game landscape where resource management is key, Pain // Suffering can be a pivotal addition, tipping the scales by affecting both land presence and hand advantage in your favor and against the prevalent control or ramp decks.
How to beat
Pain // Suffering is a multifaceted card in MTG known for its disruptive capabilities, posing a significant challenge for players on the receiving end. To effectively navigate the pitfalls it presents, consider adjusting your strategy to mitigate its impact. One effective tactic is to prioritize maintaining a robust hand size, thereby diluting the potential damage Pain // Suffering can inflict when forcing discards.
Additionally, utilizing cards with graveyard retrieval functions can help you bounce back from the card disadvantage caused by Pain // Suffering, turning a temporary setback into a longer-term gain. In the face of Suffering’s creature return prevention, leaning on indestructible or hexproof creatures can help preserve your board presence. It’s crucial to recognize the split nature of Pain // Suffering—addressing both sides requires a balanced approach. By anticipating the card’s effects and preparing contingencies, you can ensure that its presence doesn’t spell disaster for your game plan.
In summary, overcoming the obstacles presented by Pain // Suffering is about strategic foresight and maintaining flexibility in your play. By doing so, you can transform a potentially painful experience into a showcase of your tactical acumen.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Pain // Suffering MTG card by a specific set like Invasion and Duel Decks: Ajani vs. Nicol Bolas, 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 Pain // Suffering 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
Printings
The Pain // Suffering Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2000-10-02 and 2023-01-13. Illustrated by David Martin.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2000-10-02 | Invasion | INV | 294 | 1997 | Split | Black | David Martin | |
| 2 | 2011-09-02 | Duel Decks: Ajani vs. Nicol Bolas | DDH | 72 | 2003 | Split | Black | David Martin | |
| 3 | 2023-01-13 | Dominaria Remastered | DMR | 209 | 2015 | Split | Black | David Martin |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Pain // Suffering has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |