Perilous Predicament MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
| Released | 2017-01-20 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Aether Revolt |
| Set code | AER |
| Number | 68 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Ryan Alexander Lee |
Text of card
Each opponent sacrifices an artifact creature and a nonartifact creature.
Comrades in life. Comrades in death.
Cards like Perilous Predicament
Perilous Predicament is an intriguing card that finds its home among Magic: The Gathering’s removal options. Its closest relatives include cards like Fleshbag Marauder and Merciless Executioner. Like Perilous Predicament, these creatures force each player to sacrifice a creature when they come into play. Yet, Perilous Predicament advances this concept by targeting specifically two creatures of each opponent – provided they control at least two. This subtle yet impactful difference can mean a significant shift in board control, favoring the player casting Perilous Predicament during a match.
The spotlight also shines on Barter in Blood and Innocent Blood, which compel all players, including the one who cast the spell, to sacrifice creatures. However, it’s Perilous Predicament that offers the advantage of asymmetrical effect, tipping the scales without requiring its caster to take part in the sacrifice. It’s this asymmetry that often defines pivotal moments in gameplay, giving a player the edge by tactically reducing the number of threats on the opposing side of the battlefield. Consequently, Perilous Predicament is valued for its potential to disrupt opponents without self-sacrifice.
As we delve into the diverse toolbox of removal spells available, Perilous Predicament’s ability to selectively weaken an opponent’s creature presence gives it a prime position in the roster of black control cards in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Perilous Predicament by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Perilous Predicament provides a significant edge as it can eliminate not one, but two creatures your opponent controls. This dual removal often means you’re trading one card for two of your opponent’s, effectively tipping the scale in your favor in terms of resources on the board.
Resource Acceleration: While this card doesn’t directly accelerate your resources, the removal of key enemy creatures can indirectly speed up your game plan. By disrupting your adversary’s board development, you ensure that your subsequent plays are more impactful and less hindered.
Instant Speed: The strength of Perilous Predicament lies in its ability to be played at instant speed, providing flexibility and surprise. You can wait until the most opportune moment, such as right before your opponent’s attack or in response to a game-changing ability, to utilize this removal, thereby maximizing its impact and preserving the element of surprise.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Perilous Predicament forces players to make a tough decision when casting it. You must part with another card, which could hinder your hand strength, especially if your hand is already dwindling.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands a precise blend of mana, including both black and colorless, which could be troubling for decks that aren’t heavily invested in black mana or have a less consistent mana base.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Set at five mana to cast, Perilous Predicament is on the pricier side. Considering the pace of most games, there may be more mana-efficient removal options available, letting you keep up with the swift rhythm of the battlefield without setting yourself back.
Reasons to Include Perilous Predicament in Your Collection
Versatility: Perilous Predicament stands out as a flexible removal option, capable of seamlessly fitting into various black-centric or multicolored decks. Its ability to force an opponent to sacrifice two creatures can be pivotal in disrupting their board presence.
Combo Potential: As a card that influences the battlefield, it can synergize with strategies that capitalize on opponents losing creatures, such as those involving death triggers or graveyard manipulation.
Meta-Relevance: Given its strength in picking apart creature-based strategies, it could become a key sideboard card in a meta dominated by aggro or creature-heavy decks, providing a swing in tempo and board control when timed right.
How to beat
Perilous Predicament stands out in Magic: The Gathering as a spell that can disrupt an opponent’s board state significantly. It forces a player to sacrifice two creatures, which can be a stern test for decks that rely on a wide presence of creatures. Despite this, overcoming this card is not out of reach.
One method to counter this predicament is by utilizing instant-speed creature spells or abilities that can summon creature tokens during an opponent’s turn. By doing this, you can ensure that you have expendable creatures to sacrifice, safeguarding your more valuable ones. Additionally, including cards that can grant your creatures indestructible or regenerate abilities for a turn allows them to survive through the sacrifice effect.
Counter magic also serves as a solid defense against Perilous Predicament. Having counterspells ready can neutralize this threat before it can affect the battlefield. Furthermore, deploying creature cards with enter-the-battlefield effects can offset the creature loss by providing you with additional value, making the sacrifice less damaging. In conclusion, while Perilous Predicament can pose a serious challenge, a well-prepared deck with strategic card choices and timely responses can navigate around its dangers effectively.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Perilous Predicament MTG card by a specific set like Aether Revolt, 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 Perilous Predicament 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Perilous Predicament has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Perilous Predicament card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2017-02-09 | If each creature an opponent controls is an artifact creature, that player sacrifices only one creature. Similarly, if each creature an opponent controls is a nonartifact creature, that player sacrifices only one creature. If an opponent controls no creatures, that player doesn’t sacrifice anything. |
| 2017-02-09 | When Perilous Predicament resolves, first the player whose turn it is (if that player is an opponent) chooses which creatures they will sacrifice, then each other opponent in turn order does the same, then all chosen creatures are sacrificed at the same time. |