Phyrexian Boon MTG Card

Phyrexian Boon increases draw reliability by returning creatures from the graveyard to your library. Instant speed casting of Phyrexian Boon provides unexpected tricks during opponents’ turns. Its mana cost and discard requirement necessitate strategic hand and deck management.

Alliances (ALL)
1996-06-10 - Number 58b

Alliances (ALL)
1996-06-10 - Number 58a

Masters Edition (ME1)
2007-09-10 - Number 81

Card sets	Released in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Common
Type	Enchantment — Aura
Abilities	Enchant

Text of card

As long as enchanted creature is black, it gets +2/+1; otherwise, it gets -1/-2.

"Dagsson should have paid attention to the lessons of Phyrexia before attempting to create a mechanical utopia." —Sorine Relicbane, Soldevi Heretic

Cards like Phyrexian Boon

Phyrexian Boon is a unique enchantment in the world of Magic the Gathering, where players are always seeking ways to fortify creatures. It recalls shades of Unholy Strength, another card that exclusively bumps up a creature’s power. Nonetheless, Phyrexian Boon stands out with its flavor of granting not just a boost to power, but also deathtouch, making any creature a lethal threat.

Gift of Orzhova presents a different angle to creature enhancement, bestowing not just a power raise but flying and lifelink as well. While it doesn’t give deathtouch like Phyrexian Boon, the evasive and life-generating properties add significant value. There is also Dark Favor, which similarly increases power — with the added cost of life — but without the bonus of deathtouch, it doesn’t threaten opponent’s creatures in the same manner that Phyrexian Boon does.

In reflecting on these cards collectively, Phyrexian Boon emerges as a strong contender within the enchantment space for its scare potential. It’s not just about raising a creature’s power; it equips even the smallest creature with the might to take down the toughest adversaries through deathtouch.

Cards similar to Phyrexian Boon by color, type and mana cost

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Phyrexian Boon enables the player to put a creature card from their graveyard on top of their library, effectively ensuring that they draw a needed creature in their next draw step. This refills the player’s hand and ensures a steady stream of threats.

Resource Acceleration: This card can be a key component in strategies that thrive on having ample creatures on the field or in the graveyard. By returning key creatures to the library, it accelerates the player’s ability to rebuild a formidable board presence.

Instant Speed: Phyrexian Boon can be cast at instant speed, which offers strategic flexibility. Players can wait until the end of their opponent’s turn to decide the best moment to set up their next draw, thus maintaining an element of surprise and adaptability.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Phyrexian Boon demands that a player discards another card, which can be a setback when the hand is already depleted or every card in hand is vital for maintaining strategic momentum.

Specific Mana Cost: With its mana cost demanding both colorless and black mana, Phyrexian Boon cannot be optimally integrated into every deck. This can be particularly challenging for multi-colored decks that may struggle with mana consistency.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Deploying Phyrexian Boon comes at a not insignificant mana cost. Considering its specific effects, players must weigh if its benefits justify occupying a slot that might otherwise be filled with a lower-cost card or one with a broader impact on the game state.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Phyrexian Boon is a multi-faceted card that accommodates various playstyles. Its ability to augment creatures not only strengthens your board presence but also adds a layer of resilience against your opponent’s removal strategies.

Combo Potential: With its ability to place +1/+1 counters, Phyrexian Boon works well in synergy-driven decks that capitalize on counter manipulation. This can enable numerous interactions and combos that can turn the tide of the game in your favor.

Meta-Relevance: As the competitive landscape often shifts towards creature-centric decks, Phyrexian Boon can be a critical addition that tips the scales. Its potential to enhance key creatures makes it a strategic piece in adapting to various meta environments.

How to Beat Phyrexian Boon

Phyrexian Boon can be a formidable card to face in MTG, often swinging the tide of battle with its ability to boost creatures on the battlefield. To outmaneuver this card, one efficient strategy is to prioritize removal spells that can target creatures whether they are buffed or not. Cards like Doom Blade or Go for the Throat can quickly eliminate a threat that’s been empowered by Phyrexian Boon, rendering the buff obsolete. Disenchant effects that remove enchantments can also be pivotal, as they address the source of the power boost directly.

Another tactic is to include counterspells in your deck to prevent Phyrexian Boon from resolving in the first place. Options like Negate or Dovin’s Veto are excellent choices because they can stop the Boon before it even hits the table. Lastly, maintaining board control with wrath effects like Wrath of God or Damnation ensures that even if a creature has been given a boon, they won’t stay on the board long enough to cause serious damage.

Ultimately, being prepared with a mix of removal, counters, and board wipes in your arsenal gives you a fighting chance against the power-up potential of Phyrexian Boon.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Phyrexian Boon MTG card by a specific set like Alliances and Alliances, 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 Phyrexian Boon and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Phyrexian Boon Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1996-06-10 and 2007-09-10. Illustrated by Mark Tedin.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	1996-06-10	Alliances	ALL	58b	1993	Normal	Black	Mark Tedin
2	1996-06-10	Alliances	ALL	58a	1993	Normal	Black	Mark Tedin
3	2007-09-10	Masters Edition	ME1	81	1997	Normal	Black	Mark Tedin

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Phyrexian Boon has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal