Pharika's Libation MTG Card


Instant speed allows strategic game interruptions, heightening Pharika’s Libation’s tactical advantage. Forces opponents to sacrifice, which can tilt the board state in your favor. Limited by specific mana requirements and potentially high cost compared to alternatives.
Pharika's Libation - Theros Beyond Death
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeInstant
Released2020-01-24
Set symbol
Set nameTheros Beyond Death
Set codeTHB
Number111
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byJason Felix

Text of card

Choose one — • Target opponent sacrifices a creature. • Target opponent sacrifices an enchantment.

"If you will not pour your drink out for me, I shall pour mine out for you."


Cards like Pharika's Libation

Pharika’s Libation, a potent addition to Magic: The Gathering’s charms, holds a riveting resemblance to cards with forceful sacrifice effects. Take the example of Edict of Erebos. This enchantment also dictates the opponent to sacrifice a creature, once triggered. Yet, Pharika’s Libation boasts a duality unmatched. It allows players the choice either to make an opponent discard a creature or an enchantment.

Analogous to Bant Charm, which ascertains the control to switch between its three effects, Pharika’s Libation operates at instant speed as well. However, recurring the sacrifice dictate makes Pharika’s Libation an essential component in decks seeking to mitigate the opponent’s board. Another equivalent would be Smallpox that ensures both players sacrifice a creature, which in certain decks, can be utilized for strategic advantage. Yet, Pharika’s Libation offers more precision as it directly targets the opposing side.

Ultimately, evaluating the dynamics and the flexible attributes possessed by Pharika’s Libation, and comparing them to other alternatives, Pharika’s Libation carves a unique place for itself, courtesy of its sheer versatility and ability to disrupt the opponent’s strategy within Magic: The Gathering.

Pharika's Libation - MTG Card versions
Bant Charm - MTG Card versions
Smallpox - MTG Card versions
Pharika's Libation - MTG Card versions
Bant Charm - MTG Card versions
Smallpox - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Pharika’s Libation, an enchantment in the MTG world, forces an opponent to sacrifice a creature or enchantment, effectively creating card advantage. You directly affect an opponent’s board state without losing any of your own resources, making this card a potent tool in your deck.

Resource Acceleration: Though Pharika’s Libation doesn’t provide immediate mana acceleration or color fixing, it does accelerate your strategy. By removing potential stumbling blocks on your opponent’s board, you can more freely deploy your resources and implement your game plan faster than usual.

Instant Speed: Pharika’s Libation shines at instant speed. It gives you the flexibility of casting it during your opponent’s turn, which provides a tactical surprise and can disrupt their plans. Timing this card effectively can give you the upper hand during game flow.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: With Pharika’s Libation, there’s no demand to discard a card from your hand, but it does compel an opponent to sacrifice a creature or enchantment. This could be a setback if your opponent’s board is swarming with low-value creatures, as this ensures the loss of potentially bigger threats.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Pharika’s Libation demands one colorless and one black mana. This specific mana requirement may restraint its application in decks that do not focus on black mana or multi-colored decks with limited black mana sources.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: For merely two mana, Pharika’s Libation could seem reasonably priced. However, when compared with other similar removal or control cards in the MTG universe, its effectiveness might appear insufficient for its cost, especially considering it allows the opponent to decide what to sacrifice.


Reasons to Include Pharika’s Libation in Your Collection

Versatility: Pharika’s Libation exhibits a great deal of versatility as this card fits in numerous deck types, especially invests in black mana. Providing either creature or enchantment removal, it adapts well to the changing needs of the match.

Combo Potential: The intrinsic value of Pharika’s Libation rises manifold when employed in conjunction with other cards. Use it to force an opponent to sacrifice a life-saving enchantment or creature, thereby paving the way for a winning assault.

Meta-Relevance: Pharika’s Libation positions itself as an important card in Meta-relevant contexts. In a metagame saturated with enchantment-heavy decks, this card’s ability to disrupt strategies by compelling opponents to sacrifice their enchantments can prove to be tremendously valuable.


How to beat

Pharika’s Libation is an intriguing card from the world of Magic: The Gathering, standing out due to its characteristic mode of interaction. It isn’t wrong to place it alongside cards like Duress or Thoughtseize, infamous for their disruptive effects. Yet, Pharika’s Libation adds a new twist, compelling opponents to make sacrifices themselves, rather than directly taking cards from their hand.

While the opponent is forced to sacrifice an enchantment or creature, Indestructible or Hexproof creatures might be viable strategies to counter Pharika’s Libation. Cards like Alseid of Life’s Bounty prove useful with its self-protecting ability. Similarly, indestructible enchantments or those that can self-replicate, like Ethereal Armor, provide a reliable buffer against the sacrificial demand of Pharika’s Libation.

Not to forget, timing plays a significant role when you attempt to counter this card. Pharika’s Libation is an instant spell, meaning its power can be controlled with strategic pacing. Slowing down gameplay with control mechanics and carefully managing resources can favorably tip the scales.

To summarize, though Pharika’s Libation poses unique challenges, with carefully picked cards and gameplay strategies, one can minimize its disruptive effects. Victory is achievable with a strategic blend of timing and resource management.


BurnMana Recommendations

Pharika’s Libation presents an enchanting choice for MTG enthusiasts looking to enhance their gameplay. As an instant with the versatility to dismantle an opponent’s battlefield presence, it’s a game-changer in black mana decks that thrive on strategy and disruption. Understand its potential and limitations, consider its place in the meta, and compare it to alternatives to gauge its true value. Confident in your deck-building skills and want to explore innovative tactics with this compelling card? Dive in with us for in-depth analysis and strategic insights to optimize your MTG sessions with Pharika’s Libation.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Pharika's Libation MTG card by a specific set like Theros Beyond Death, 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 Pharika's Libation and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Pharika's Libation has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal