Power Word Kill MTG Card


Efficient and instant, Power Word Kill reduces opponents’ board presence and shifts game momentum. Specific mana requirements and a narrow casting cost influence deck compatibility, impacting its flexibility. Incorporating Power Word Kill into decks adds versatility and strengthens control over the game state.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

Destroy target non-Angel, non-Demon, non-Devil, non-Dragon creature.


Cards like Power Word Kill

Power Word Kill is an intriguing removal spell in Magic: The Gathering. It finds close companions in the realm of creature destruction such as Doom Blade, another efficient two-mana spell. However, Power Word Kill differentiates itself by targeting non-Dragon creatures, which in a meta heavy with Dragons, could be a noticeable limitation. Conversely, Doom Blade can’t affect black creatures, showcasing the tactical nuances between the two.

Go for the Throat is another card that shares the two-mana spot and offers elimination power, but it’s restricted to non-artifact creatures. Comparatively, this makes Power Word Kill a more versatile tool in matchups devoid of Dragons. Meanwhile, Victim of Night provides a broader elimination range at the same cost but comes with a heftier casting requirement: double black mana.

Ultimately, Power Word Kill holds its own by offering a cost-effective and, more often than not, broad-reaching kill spell that evades some tribal and type-based protections, securing itself a stable position in the arsenal of MTG removal options.

Doom Blade - MTG Card versions
Go for the Throat - MTG Card versions
Victim of Night - MTG Card versions
Doom Blade - MTG Card versions
Go for the Throat - MTG Card versions
Victim of Night - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Power Word Kill by color, type and mana cost

Word of Command - MTG Card versions
Terror - MTG Card versions
Simulacrum - MTG Card versions
Transmutation - MTG Card versions
Headstone - MTG Card versions
Urborg Justice - MTG Card versions
Imps' Taunt - MTG Card versions
Rapid Decay - MTG Card versions
Diabolic Edict - MTG Card versions
Tainted Pact - MTG Card versions
Toxic Stench - MTG Card versions
Doom Blade - MTG Card versions
Go for the Throat - MTG Card versions
Cast Down - MTG Card versions
Smother - MTG Card versions
Hero's Demise - MTG Card versions
Sickening Shoal - MTG Card versions
Chill Haunting - MTG Card versions
Grim Harvest - MTG Card versions
Dash Hopes - MTG Card versions
Word of Command - MTG Card versions
Terror - MTG Card versions
Simulacrum - MTG Card versions
Transmutation - MTG Card versions
Headstone - MTG Card versions
Urborg Justice - MTG Card versions
Imps' Taunt - MTG Card versions
Rapid Decay - MTG Card versions
Diabolic Edict - MTG Card versions
Tainted Pact - MTG Card versions
Toxic Stench - MTG Card versions
Doom Blade - MTG Card versions
Go for the Throat - MTG Card versions
Cast Down - MTG Card versions
Smother - MTG Card versions
Hero's Demise - MTG Card versions
Sickening Shoal - MTG Card versions
Chill Haunting - MTG Card versions
Grim Harvest - MTG Card versions
Dash Hopes - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Power Word Kill. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
UBUB PioneerPioneer League 2024-04-12
Mono-Black MidrangeMono-Black Midrange PioneerMono-Black MidrangePioneer Challenge 64 2024-03-17
Rakdos MidrangeRakdos Midrange PioneerRakdos MidrangeReCQ - Pioneer - SCG CON Philadelphia - Friday - 1:30 pm (Bronze)
Golgari MidrangeGolgari Midrange PioneerGolgari Midrange*HALF PRICE FRIDAY* ReCQ - Pioneer - SCG CON Atlanta - Friday - 2:00 pm
Grixis MidrangeGrixis Midrange GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 15 2024
Mono-Black AggroMono-Black Aggro GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 13 2024
Rakdos SacrificeRakdos Sacrifice PioneerRakdos SacrificePioneer Challenge 64 2024-04-07
Grixis TempoGrixis Tempo GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 13 2024
Rakdos VampiresRakdos Vampires PioneerRakdos VampiresPioneer League 2024-03-07
Sultai MidrangeSultai Midrange GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 14 2024

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Power Word Kill enables the removal of an opponent’s creature, effectively reducing their board presence and potentially swinging the card balance in your favor. Aligning with the tenets of control strategies, it can decisively shift the game’s momentum.

Resource Acceleration: Though not directly providing resource acceleration, the efficient mana cost of Power Word Kill allows players to keep their mana open for additional actions, contributing to a more flexible and reactive game plan.

Instant Speed: As an instant, Power Word Kill offers the strategic advantage of timing. The ability to dispatch creatures at a moment’s notice, even during the opponent’s turn, makes it a daunting threat and a versatile tool for disrupting enemy strategies.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Power Word Kill is a potent removal spell, it does not have a discard requirement, which may be misunderstood as a con by some players. Instead, its limitations stem from other factors detailed below.

Specific Mana Cost: Power Word Kill has a distinct mana cost that favours black mana-heavy decks. This specificity can be restrictive as it compels players to have the correct mana available, making it less flexible in multi-colored decks that may struggle to generate the necessary black mana on demand.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While not exceedingly high, the mana cost of Power Word Kill may be considered steep compared to other removal spells in MTG. Some alternatives may offer similar effects for a lower cost, potentially making them more attractive in faster-paced games where efficiency is key.


Reasons to Include Power Word Kill in Your Collection

Versatility: Power Word Kill stands out for its ability to be slotted into a broad range of black decks. Its pinpoint removal of almost any creature makes it a reliable inclusion, proving its worth from standard to commander play.

Combo Potential: This card excels in decks that seek to manipulate the graveyard. It seamlessly works to remove threats, while fueling strategies that benefit from opponents’ creatures dying, such as with cards that trigger on death or cast triggers.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state where creatures dominate the battlefield, Power Word Kill grants you the edge by actively shaping the battlefield in your favor. It is a cost-effective answer to many of the formidable creatures that define the current meta.


How to Beat

Power Word Kill is a powerful removal card that can deal with a wide array of creatures in Magic: The Gathering. Its ability to destroy a creature that doesn’t have the types of Dragon, Angel, Demon, or Devil for a mere two mana makes it a formidable spell. However, its limitation is its strength when considering strategies to counteract it. The key to beating Power Word Kill is to invest in creatures that fall within its exception categories.

Cards like Aurelia, Exemplar of Justice (Angel), Terror of Mount Velus (Dragon), and Rakdos, the Showstopper (Demon), can navigate around this spell, keeping your formidable creatures in play. It’s also effective to diversify your creature base to minimize the impact of targeted removal. Additionally, utilizing spells that give your creatures indestructible or hexproof for a turn can help protect your board and maintain your presence in the game. Look for cards like Lazotep Plating or Heroic Intervention to afford your creatures protection from such direct threats.

Ultimately, understanding the limitations of removal spells like Power Word Kill allows you to craft a deck with resilience, using the right mix of creatures and protective spells to maintain a strong battlefield presence against your opponent’s removal strategies.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the ebb and flow of MTG gameplay hinges on strategic card choices and understanding the nuances of each spell in your arsenal. Power Word Kill is a stalwart for those looking to refine their black mana decks, providing pinpoint creature removal at instant speed. As the battlefield evolves and new threats emerge, staying informed and adapting your strategies is crucial. Whether you’re building a deck from scratch or optimizing an existing one, insights on removal spells can give you the edge. Dive deeper into the world of MTG with us and discover how to optimize your deck with Power Word Kill for your next victorious match.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Power Word Kill MTG card by a specific set like Adventures in the Forgotten Realms and Adventures in the Forgotten Realms, 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 Word Kill and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Power Word Kill Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2021-07-23 and 2021-07-23. Illustrated by Izzy.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12021-07-23Adventures in the Forgotten RealmsAFR 4002015NormalBlackIzzy
22021-07-23Adventures in the Forgotten RealmsAFR 1142015NormalBlackIzzy

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Power Word Kill has restrictions

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

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Power Word Kill card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2021-07-23 A creature is a legal target for Power Word Kill if it doesn't have any of these four creature types. If it has one of these four creature types, it's not a legal target, even if it also has a creature type that's not among these four. For example, a Demon Rogue is not a valid target for this spell.