Phyrexian Denouncer MTG Card
1999-02-15 - Number 61
2010-03-19 - Number 4
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Creature — Phyrexian Carrier |
| Power | 1 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
oc T, Sacrifice Phyrexian Denouncer: Target creature gets -1/-1 until end of turn.
"The first stage of the illness: rash and nausea." —Phyrexian progress notes
Cards like Phyrexian Denouncer
In the vast array of creatures within Magic: The Gathering, the Phyrexian Denouncer holds an interesting niche. It shows kinship with the likes of Typhoid Rats, as both creatures possess the formidable deathtouch ability, a threat to any would-be blockers regardless of their size. The Denouncer, however, emphasizes its Phyrexian heritage with its efficiency in mana cost and the ability to debuff an opponent’s creature upon sacrifice.
Visara the Dreadful shares a similar fear-inducing presence on the battlefield by offering both a body and a removal utility. Unlike the Denouncer, Visara doesn’t require a sacrifice to destroy another creature, although she demands a much higher mana investment. Fleshbag Marauder is another creature that could be seen in parallel to the Phyrexian Denouncer, forcing each player to sacrifice a creature when it enters the battlefield, a potentially advantageous symmetry if you are prepared for it.
Between these similar cards, Phyrexian Denouncer stands out for players seeking an early-game tactical advantage and a low-cost creature capable of impacting the board state with both its presence and ability to weaken an opponent’s forces. This nuanced balancing of cost, effect, and stats makes it a card worth considering for decks that capitalize on such synergies.
Cards similar to Phyrexian Denouncer by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Phyrexian Denouncer offers a strategic edge in combat scenarios. Upon activation of its ability, it enables the targeted shrinking of an opponent’s creature, potentially turning the tide of battle in your favor and indirectly working as card advantage by neutralizing key threats.
Resource Acceleration: While it may not produce mana or tokens directly, the Phyrexian Denouncer can act as a form of resource acceleration. By efficiently dealing with larger threats using its ability, you reserve your mana and other resources for developing your board and furthering your game plan.
Instant Speed: The true utility of the Phyrexian Denouncer shines at instant speed. Deploy its ability at a moment’s notice, disrupting opponents’ strategies during their turn and preserving the element of surprise. This flexibility allows you to react to threats efficiently while keeping up the pace with the dynamic nature of MTG gameplay.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: As part of its casting condition, Phyrexian Denouncer necessitates a sacrifice of another creature. This could potentially deplete your board presence and hinder your gameplay momentum, especially if you are short on creatures or rely on a particular creature-based strategy.
Specific Mana Cost: Phyrexian Denouncer’s mana cost demands black mana, which may not seamlessly integrate into multi-colored decks. This potentially restricts its inclusion to predominantly black or mono-black decks, with increased difficulty to cast in a varied mana base environment.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Requiring three mana for a creature that provides a modest utility might not be the most mana-efficient play. In the context of MTG’s vast card pool, there are numerous other options that could offer superior board presence or strategic advantage for the same, if not lower, mana investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Phyrexian Denouncer’s ability to act as a low-cost creature makes it a suitable addition to decks that require early board presence. Its effectiveness is not confined to a single deck archetype, giving players the flexibility to experiment with it in various deck formats.
Combo Potential: With its ability to interact with proliferate mechanics or sac outlets, Phyrexian Denouncer grants players the opportunity to engineer synergies within poison-based strategies or utilize its leave-the-battlefield trigger for incremental advantages.
Meta-Relevance: Considering the presence of infect and counter-focused decks in the current competitive scene, the subtle utility of Phyrexian Denouncer can be unfairly overlooked. The card’s potential to contribute to infect counters makes it a pertinent choice for players aiming to capitalize on meta trends.
How to beat
Phyrexian Denouncer may appear modest at first glance in the vast world of Magic: The Gathering. As a low-cost creature that can debilitate opposing creatures, this card can be a strategic tool for controlling the battlefield early in the game. To effectively counteract Phyrexian Denouncer, players should consider employing removal spells that can eliminate it before its ability has a chance to be activated. Swift removal options, such as Shock or Fatal Push, work well to neutralize this threat quickly.
Another tactic is to utilize indestructible or hexproof creatures, which remain unaffected by the Denouncer’s ability. This way, even if the Denouncer is on the field, it won’t impede your more robust creatures from taking charge of the game. Lastly, having a plan for instant-speed interaction can play a pivotal role. Being able to react to the Denouncer’s ability with counterspells or instant damage spells will ensure that your key creatures remain a force to be reckoned with.
In the end, staying prepared for early-game threats like Phyrexian Denouncer by including versatile responses in your deck can help maintain control and pave your way to victory in Magic: The Gathering.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Phyrexian Denouncer MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Legacy and Duel Decks: Phyrexia vs. the Coalition, 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 Denouncer 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
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Printings
The Phyrexian Denouncer Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1999-02-15 and 2010-03-19. Illustrated by Brian Snõddy.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1999-02-15 | Urza's Legacy | ULG | 61 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Brian Snõddy | |
| 2 | 2010-03-19 | Duel Decks: Phyrexia vs. the Coalition | DDE | 4 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Brian Snõddy |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Phyrexian Denouncer has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |