Power Sink MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 23 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 1 |
Rarity | Common |
Type | Instant |
Text of card
Target spell is countered unless its caster spends X more mana; caster of target spell can't choose to let it be countered. If caster of target spell doesn't have enough mana, all available mana from lands and mana pool must be paid but target spell will still be countered.
Cards like Power Sink
Power Sink is a standout counter spell in Magic: The Gathering, holding its ground amongst other classic interruption tactics. This card diverts from traditional countering methods by tapping all of an opponent’s lands, even if they pay the X cost. Compare this to the likes of Counterspell, a definitive and straightforward option which counters any spell for two blue mana without additional effects.
Mana Leak is another relative, straightforward yet powerful in early game phases. It counters a spell unless its caster pays an additional three mana, a cost often too high in the early turns. Power Sink, in contrast, can be adjusted for mana availability, potentially exhausting an opponent’s lands completely. Conversely, the X factor in Power Sink’s mana cost makes it less effective in the late game where players may have excess mana at their disposal.
To sum up, Power Sink offers a unique strategy within the realm of Magic: The Gathering counter spells. Its potential to disrupt an opponent’s mana base can be significantly impactful, making it a card worth considering for blue control decks that aim to command the tempo of the game.
Cards similar to Power Sink by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Power Sink. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
# | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
---|---|---|---|---|
Temur Control | Premodern | Misty Premodern Winter Finals |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Power Sink compels your opponent to use up all mana available or face the dismal prospect of their spell being countered, potentially leaving them with fewer resources to counter your plays during your turn. This tipping of scales can be a subtle yet effective way to gain card advantage over time.
Resource Acceleration: Although Power Sink does not directly accelerate your resources, it can indirectly hasten your gameplay by disrupting your opponent’s mana base. When played strategically, Power Sink can set your opponent back, allowing you to pull ahead and deploy your threats or answers more efficiently.
Instant Speed: The real power of Power Sink lies in its ability to function at instant speed, giving you the flexibility to adapt to the game’s flow. You can respond to your opponent’s spells on their turn, forcing them to either commit their mana or lose their spell to the depths of the Power Sink.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Power Sink forces a player to either pay the required mana or to tap all lands. This can backfire if the opponent has excess mana and turns what was intended as a disruption into an opportunity for them to manage their mana more efficiently.
Specific Mana Cost: Power Sink’s casting cost includes blue mana, which can make it restrictive for decks that don’t run heavily on blue or lack mana fixing. Drawing it without access to blue mana means it sits useless in hand.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the starting cost isn’t high, to truly be effective, Power Sink often requires a substantial mana investment to ensure the opponent can’t pay. This can tie up mana you may need for other spells or to respond to threats, reducing its overall utility compared to other counter spells that are effective at a lower, more predictable cost.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Power Sink is a blue instant that can disrupt opponents regardless of the deck theme they are running. It’s a versatile tool, effective against everything from aggressive creature strategies to spell-based combo decks by forcing mana to be tapped at inconvenient times.
Combo Potential: In decks that capitalize on opponents being mana-starved, Power Sink escalates these strategies. It pairs well with cards designed to punish tapped-out states or works to safeguard your own combo setup by hindering potential counterspells or disruptive abilities.
Meta-Relevance: Given that managing resources is always crucial in gameplay, Power Sink maintains relevance in diverse meta environments. It counters key spells and can be a deciding factor in the late game where mana availability often determines the victor.
How to beat
Power Sink, a classic counter spell in Magic: The Gathering, can be a real game-changer when played effectively. This card forces the target spell’s controller to pay an additional sum of mana or have their spell countered and lose any unspent mana as the lands tap. To outplay Power Sink, savvy MTG players often keep track of untapped lands. Ensuring enough mana for both your spell and the potential cost increase from Power Sink is vital. It is also advantageous to bait out Power Sink with a less critical spell, preserving more important plays for when your opponent’s mana is insufficient to activate its effect.
Timing is crucial when dealing with Power Sink. If you play your spells when the opponent has limited untapped mana, they may not be able to use Power Sink to its full potential. Additionally, employing instant-speed spells after your opponent’s turn leaves them with fewer opportunities to utilize their counter spell effectively. Cards that can’t be countered, or abilities that protect your spells from being countered, are also excellent ways to circumvent Power Sink’s influence on the game.
Understanding and anticipating this potent counter spell can help keep your strategy on track and maintain the upper hand in your MTG matches. Staying ahead of Power Sink requires a mix of tactical foresight and resource management.
BurnMana Recommendations
Stepping into the realm of MTG with strategic cards like Power Sink ensures you’re always one step ahead. It’s an essential component for control decks, aimed at disrupting opponents and tipping the scales in your favor. As the game evolves, so should your deck, integrating cards that not only counter but create opportunities for victory. Whether you’re stifling your enemy’s spell-casting or setting the stage for a game-winning combo, Power Sink can be the cornerstone of your tactical arsenal. Want to master the art of control or find more hidden gems for your collection? Journey with us further into the intricate world of MTG.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Power Sink MTG card by a specific set like Limited Edition Alpha and Limited Edition Beta, 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 Power Sink 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
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Printings
The Power Sink Magic the Gathering card was released in 22 different sets between 1993-08-05 and 2022-11-28. Illustrated by 5 different artists.
Show/hide all sets# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1993-08-05 | Limited Edition Alpha | LEA | 72 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Richard Thomas | |
2 | 1993-10-04 | Limited Edition Beta | LEB | 73 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Richard Thomas | |
3 | 1993-12-01 | Unlimited Edition | 2ED | 73 | 1993 | Normal | White | Richard Thomas | |
4 | 1993-12-10 | Intl. Collectors' Edition | CEI | 73 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Richard Thomas | |
5 | 1993-12-10 | Collectors' Edition | CED | 73 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Richard Thomas | |
6 | 1994-04-01 | Foreign Black Border | FBB | 74 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Richard Thomas | |
7 | 1994-04-01 | Revised Edition | 3ED | 74 | 1993 | Normal | White | Richard Thomas | |
8 | 1994-06-21 | Summer Magic / Edgar | SUM | 74 | 1993 | Normal | White | Richard Thomas | |
9 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition | 4ED | 93 | 1993 | Normal | White | Richard Thomas | |
10 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border | 4BB | 93 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Richard Thomas | |
11 | 1995-06-03 | Ice Age | ICE | 91 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Mark Poole | |
12 | 1996-05-02 | Pro Tour Collector Set | PTC | shr93 | 1993 | Normal | Gold | Richard Thomas | |
13 | 1996-07-01 | Rivals Quick Start Set | RQS | 11 | 1993 | Normal | White | Richard Thomas | |
14 | 1996-10-08 | Mirage | MIR | 83 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Charles Gillespie | |
15 | 1996-12-31 | Introductory Two-Player Set | ITP | 12 | 1993 | Normal | White | Richard Thomas | |
16 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 111 | 1997 | Normal | White | Richard Thomas | |
17 | 1997-10-14 | Tempest | TMP | 78 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Jeff Miracola | |
18 | 1998-10-12 | Urza's Saga | USG | 89 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Andrew Robinson | |
19 | 1999-04-21 | Classic Sixth Edition | 6ED | 87 | 1997 | Normal | White | Mark Poole | |
20 | 2000-10-01 | Beatdown Box Set | BTD | 14 | 1997 | Normal | White | Mark Poole | |
21 | 2014-06-16 | Vintage Masters | VMA | 88 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Andrew Robinson | |
22 | 2022-11-28 | 30th Anniversary Edition | 30A | 369 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Richard Thomas | |
23 | 2022-11-28 | 30th Anniversary Edition | 30A | 72 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Richard Thomas |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Power Sink has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Oldschool | Legal |
Commander | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Paupercommander | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Pauper | Legal |
Premodern | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Predh | Legal |
Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Power Sink 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 | Does not increase the mana cost of the spell. It just requires a separate expenditure in order for it to succeed. |
2004-10-04 | When this spell resolves, you either pay X mana or let your lands become tapped. The lands that become tapped are not “tapped for mana”. If you choose to pay, you may pay the X mana using whatever mana abilities you want to use. |
2010-03-01 | Only lands that actually have mana abilities will get tapped. This includes basic lands and lands with mana abilities printed on them, as well as lands which have been granted a mana ability by some effect. |