Painiac MTG Card
Text of card
At the beginning of your upkeep, roll a six-sided die. Painiac gets +X/+0 until end of turn, where X is the result.
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Cards like Painiac
Painiac is a unique creature card that brings a quirky level of unpredictability to Magic: The Gathering matches. It finds parallels in cards like Goblin Test Pilot and Karplusan Minotaur, both of which rely on a degree of chance to determine their effects. Painiac stands out with its ability that allows players to reveal the top card of their library and potentially deal damage based on that card’s mana value.
Meanacing up against similar MTG cards, we can juxtapose it with Mana Clash, a spell hinging on coin flips to deal damage. While Mana Clash can result in an uncertain but potentially high amount of damage, Painiac’s damage output is more controlled as it’s capped by the mana value of cards in your deck. The similarity lies in the thrill of randomness that appeals to players who enjoy gambling with fortunes to outmaneuver opponents.
In the grand scheme, Painiac can be a fantastic choice for players who build their decks with a variety of mana values, thereby maximizing Painiac’s potential. Its blend of risk and predictability provides a strategic depth that enhances gameplay, especially in formats where unpredictability can be turned to a player’s advantage.
Cards similar to Painiac by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: When Painiac enters the battlefield, it provokes the game to lean in your favor by forcing card draw. This card draw mechanism ensures that you are well-prepared for upcoming turns, consistently refreshing your hand with potential answers or threats.
Resource Acceleration: Painiac demonstrates its power by offering a dual benefit—a boost in resources while pressuring opponents. Each card drawn means a step closer to deploying more potent strategies and can potentially synergize with other cards that thrive on draw mechanics.
Instant Speed: The ability of Painiac to disrupt the game at instant speed cannot be overstated. This allows you strategic flexibility, providing the option to wait for the most opportune moment to introduce Painiac to the battlefield and maximize its impact within the scope of your turn or even during an opponent’s end step.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Painiac demands that you discard a card to activate its ability. This can deplete your hand, leaving you at a strategic disadvantage especially in the later stages of the game where card advantage is crucial.
Specific Mana Cost: Painiac’s casting cost requires red mana which narrows its deck compatibility. If you’re not running a deck that heavily features or supports red mana, integrating Painiac could strain your mana base and disrupt your game plan.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Painiac’s unique ability can be a game-changer, its higher than average mana cost can slow down your momentum. For three mana, other cards could provide immediate impact or establish board presence, potentially offering a better return on investment.
Reasons to Include Painiac in Your Collection
Versatility: Painiac offers flexible play options, easily slotting into decks that thrive on life point manipulation or damage-centric strategies. Its ability to potentially grow stronger each turn makes it a dynamic threat in various game situations.
Combo Potential: This card shines in synergistic pairings, aligning with enablers or other cards that benefit from or mitigate self-inflicted damage. With the right deck, Painiac can become a formidable powerhouse that fuels complex and powerful combos.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where aggressive and life-total-focused decks are prevalent, Painiac’s adaptability can provide you with a valuable edge. It resonates with the tactical shifts and can catch opponents off guard while offering consistent pressure each turn.
How to beat
Painiac is a unique MTG card that brings a twist to the game by challenging players to estimate damage for potential card draw. Compared to straightforward card draw spells, Painiac requires a tactical approach to unlocking its potential. Similar in a way to Pain’s Reward, which also offers card draw for life, Painiac adds an unpredictable element that may turn the tide of a match.
When it comes to strategy against Painiac, you’ll want to focus on minimizing the guesses your opponent can make. Cards like Pithing Needle, which can prevent Painiac’s activated abilities from being used, could be crucial. Redirecting the damage to yourself or adjusting life totals with cards like Angel’s Grace to survive their risky bids can be effective too. Additionally, spell-based disruption such as Thoughtseize allows you to strip Painiac from your opponent’s hand before they can leverage its card drawing capability.
The key is to interrupt the synergy Painiac provides in an opponent’s strategy, which depends heavily on the element of surprise and risk management. By implementing preventive measures and keeping damage consistent, you ensure that Painiac’s chaotic draw mechanic does not overwhelm you.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Painiac MTG card by a specific set like Unstable and Unsanctioned, 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 Painiac 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
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Printings
The Painiac Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2017-12-08 and 2020-02-29. Illustrated by McLean Kendree.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2017-12-08 | Unstable | UST | 91 | 2015 | Normal | Silver | McLean Kendree | |
| 2 | 2020-02-29 | Unsanctioned | UND | 55 | 2015 | Normal | Silver | McLean Kendree |