Possessed Portal MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 8 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Artifact |
| Released | 2004-06-04 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Fifth Dawn |
| Set code | 5DN |
| Number | 144 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Tony Szczudlo |
Text of card
If a player would draw a card, that player skips that draw instead. At the end of each turn, each player sacrifices a permanent unless he or she discards a card from his or her hand.
Cards like Possessed Portal
The enigmatic Possessed Portal occupies a unique niche within the MTG universe. As an artifact with an effect that prevents players from drawing cards, it echoes the disruptive nature of cards like Omen Machine, which also takes away the chance to draw during the draw step. Yet, Possessed Portal demands a harsher toll—forcing the sacrifice of a permanent if a card isn’t discarded, a strategy that can quickly escalate in one’s favor or spiral into mayhem.
Looking at other parallels, Smokestack comes to mind, which similarly engenders a game of attrition through its “sacrifice a permanent” mechanic. Nevertheless, Possessed Portal seems more immediate with its impact, albeit at a higher cost. Winter Orb is another comparative piece, curtailing each player’s land untapping ability—a different kind of resource denial but one that can be just as devastating given the right board state.
To sum up, while Possessed Portal may not be as well-known as some other disruptive artifacts in MTG, its potential to lock down a game and pressure opponents places it in a formidable position amongst cards designed to control the flow and resources of the game.
Cards similar to Possessed Portal by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Possessed Portal can lock opponents out of drawing additional cards, securing a significant advantage as they are forced to play with only the resources they currently have available.
Resource Acceleration: This card effectively slows the game down, allowing you to leverage your current board state or hand to outpace opponents who cannot draw into further resources or answers.
Instant Speed: While not an instant itself, Possessed Portal can severely restrict the usefulness of opponents’ instant speed plays by limiting their ability to refresh their hand and react to changing game states.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: When activating the abilities of Possessed Portal, players face the tough decision of sacrificing a permanent or discarding a card each turn. This can deplete your hand and board presence quickly, making it a double-edged sword that requires a strategy to work around the continual loss of resources or card advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: Possessed Portal demands a specific mana setup with its four colorless and four generic mana cost, which can be restrictive and demanding on your mana base. Decks not built to generate a large amount of mana may struggle to summon this artifact on the battlefield.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Featuring an eight total mana cost to bring into play, Possessed Portal sits at the higher end of the mana curve. In quicker formats or matches where speed is of the essence, dedicating such a significant amount of resources to get the Portal online may set you behind other plays or strategies that could offer more immediate impact or versatility.
Reasons to Include Possessed Portal in Your Collection
Versatility: Possessed Portal offers a unique aspect to gameplay, shutting down both your own and your opponent’s ability to draw cards. This card can be a game-changer in decks designed to manipulate draw steps or that can function without drawing.
Combo Potential: This artifact becomes lethal when paired with strategies that either force the opponent to draw cards or empty their hand quickly. The Portal’s ability to stop card draws and force discards can be combined with various lock-out combos, effectively bringing your opponent’s game to a halt.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment filled with decks that rely heavily on card advantage for their success, the Possessed Portal can disrupt these strategies significantly. Its ability to impose a draw-stop can be devastating against control decks, making it a relevant choice in certain metagames.
How to Beat Possessed Portal
In the competitive landscape of Magic: The Gathering, Possessed Portal stands out as a formidable artifact. It can bring the game to a standstill by preventing players from drawing cards and forcing the discard of permanents or cards in hand. While this effect is symmetrical, affecting all players, it is typically utilized by a player who can bypass its downside through various strategies. However, overcoming this potent card requires a well-thought-out game plan.
One key tactic is to prioritize the destruction or removal of artifacts. Cards like Naturalize or Disenchant can target and eliminate Possessed Portal from the battlefield, circumventing its lock on the game. Moreover, possessing alternative drawing mechanisms such as “cantrips” or cards with triggered abilities that allow you to draw can keep you a step ahead. In a multiplayer setting, collaboration with others to target the player controlling Possessed Portal may also be an effective strategy. Lastly, having a board state that functions without the need for drawing cards or having a hand—such as with creatures that can recur from the graveyard—keeps you in the game despite the portal’s presence.
By being prepared and having these strategies in reserve, you’ll increase your odds of neutralizing the impact of Possessed Portal and maintaining the flow of your gameplay.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Possessed Portal MTG card by a specific set like Fifth Dawn, 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 Possessed Portal 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Possessed Portal has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |