Persecute MTG Card
1998-10-12 - Number 146
1999-08-04 - Number js146sb
2001-04-11 - Number 154
2001-04-11 - Number 154★
2001-08-08 - Number tvdl154sb
2003-07-28 - Number 151
2003-07-28 - Number 151★
2005-07-29 - Number 151★
2005-07-29 - Number 151
| Card sets | Released in 9 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
Choose a color. Look at target player's hand. That player discards all cards of the chosen color.
"My finest warrior was lost to the Phyrexians. I pray that Lady Selenia died honorably." —Radiant, archangel
Cards like Persecute
Persecute stands as a compelling choice for players aiming to disrupt their opponents’ hands in Magic: The Gathering. It draws a parallel to Duress or Thoughtseize, with all three aiming to interfere with the opponent’s strategy. However, Persecute provides a broader sweep, targeting an entire type of card in the opponent’s hand – which can be particularly devastating for their game plan.
While Duress and Thoughtseize are restricted to non-creature and non-land cards respectively, and act with surgical precision, Persecute can unearth numerous cards of a chosen type. On the flip side, Persecute is pricier in terms of mana cost, requiring four mana against the one and two required by Duress and Thoughtseize, but the potential impact on the opponent’s resources justifies this cost.
Another comparable card is Mind Rot, which forces a discard of any two cards at random. Persecute’s control over the type of cards being discarded can be advantageous, depending on the matchup, though it’s contingent on the knowledge of the opponent’s hand. This strategic insight can be crucial in timing Persecute effectively to ensure maximum disruption.
The sheer potential for a sweeping effect makes Persecute a unique tool for players. If used at an opportune moment, this card can be a game-changer in Magic: The Gathering, destabilizing an opponent’s strategy comprehensively.
Cards similar to Persecute by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Persecute. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Abzan Aggro | Premodern | Misty Premodern Winter Finals |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Persecute is a compelling choice for stripping away a significant portion of your opponent’s hand. When played strategically, it can ensure you disrupt the intricate plans your opponent has been crafting, leaving them with a diminished line of defense and offense.
Resource Acceleration: Although Persecute does not directly accelerate your resources, its ability to target a specific color can severely delay your opponent’s resource development. This, in turn, allows you more time to develop your board and gain an upper hand in the game.
Instant Speed: While Persecute is played at sorcery speed, its impact is often so disruptive that it can feel as immediate and game-changing as an instant. Timing this card right can simulate the swing in tempo typically gained from an instant, by leaving your opponent unable to respond on their crucial turn.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One of the downsides of playing Persecute in your deck is that your opponent must have a hand in order for the card to have an effect. If they don’t, or if their hand is significantly reduced before you cast Persecute, it can end up being a dead draw, not impacting the game.
Specific Mana Cost: Persecute requires a specific mana cost that includes both generic and black mana. This can sometimes be a hurdle, particularly in multi-colored decks that may struggle with producing enough black mana consistently when needed.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Persecute sits at a higher mana cost bracket, requiring one black and three generic mana. While the card has the potential to disrupt your opponent’s hand severely, the mana investment is considerable, and in fast-paced games, this may not be the most tempo-efficient play.
Reasons to Include Persecute in Your Collection
Versatility: Persecute offers the flexibility to disrupt various opponent strategies by targeting a specific color and stripping key cards from their hand, making it a solid sideboard candidate in multiple deck archetypes.
Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with decks that capitalize on opponent’s hand disruption. It pairs effectively with cards that punish players for a low hand count or benefit from knowing the opponent’s hand contents.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta dominated by single-color decks or decks leaning heavily on a particular color, Persecute can be particularly devastating. It enables you to dismantle an opponent’s planned moves and gain a considerable advantage.
How to beat
Overcoming Persecute in Magic: The Gathering requires strategic hand management and an understanding of the game’s nuances. This black sorcery spell forcibly reveals a player’s hand and discards all cards of the color named by the caster. As a targeted approach to dismantling an opponent’s strategy, it can be crippling if you’re relying heavily on a particular color.
To mitigate Persecute’s impact, diversify your deck’s color palette or have a robust multicolor presence, lessening the blow of losing cards from a single color. Employ tactics that allow you to replenish your hand quickly or use cards that function well from the graveyard, bypassing the downside of this potent disruption. Additionally, running instant-speed spells that can be played in response to Persecute will help you maintain resources, or including cards that offer protection from black spells, can safeguard your hand from such invasive tactics.
Ultimately, with a flexible approach and resilience built into your deck design, you can swiftly recover from Persecute’s effect and maintain control of the game, ensuring that this powerful spell becomes more of a minor setback than a game-ending play.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Persecute MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Saga and World Championship Decks 1999, 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 Persecute 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 Persecute Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 1998-10-12 and 2005-07-29. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1998-10-12 | Urza's Saga | USG | 146 | 1997 | Normal | Black | D. Alexander Gregory | |
| 2 | 1999-08-04 | World Championship Decks 1999 | WC99 | js146sb | 1997 | Normal | Gold | D. Alexander Gregory | |
| 3 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 154 | 1997 | Normal | White | Luca Zontini | |
| 4 | 2001-04-11 | Seventh Edition | 7ED | 154★ | 1997 | Normal | Black | Luca Zontini | |
| 5 | 2001-08-08 | World Championship Decks 2001 | WC01 | tvdl154sb | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Luca Zontini | |
| 6 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 151 | 2003 | Normal | White | D. Alexander Gregory | |
| 7 | 2003-07-28 | Eighth Edition | 8ED | 151★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | D. Alexander Gregory | |
| 8 | 2005-07-29 | Ninth Edition | 9ED | 151★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | D. Alexander Gregory | |
| 9 | 2005-07-29 | Ninth Edition | 9ED | 151 | 2003 | Normal | White | D. Alexander Gregory |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Persecute has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Persecute card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | The color is chosen on resolution. |