Psychic Purge MTG Card
1994-06-01 - Number 68
2007-09-10 - Number 45
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
Psychic Purge does 1 damage to any target. If a spell cast by opponent or a permanent under opponent's control causes you to discard this card, opponent loses 5 life. Effects that prevent or redirect damage may not be used to counter this loss of life.
Cards like Psychic Purge
Psychic Purge is a unique spell that offers a blend of direct damage and deterrent within the vast library of Magic: The Gathering cards. A card that holds similarities to Psychic Purge is Deflecting Palm from the Khans of Tarkir set. Both cards have a reaction-based mechanic where the player can turn the tables on an opponent by using the opponent’s actions against them. However, while Deflecting Palm prevents damage and then redirects it, Psychic Purge inflicts its damage when a player is forced to discard it, additionally providing the potential to set up future plays.
Another card worthy of comparison is Lobotomy, which also interacts with the opponent’s hand and library, albeit in a control-focused manner. While Psychic Purge acts as a deterrent to forceful discard and deals damage, Lobotomy targets the mind directly by removing options from the opponent’s deck. Lastly, there’s Wheel and Deal, which not only impacts the hands of each player but also draws cards. In contrast to the punishment focus of Psychic Purge, Wheel and Deal leans more towards card advantage and a reset of resources.
Evaluating these options, Psychic Purge stands out with its niche effect that punishes opponents for disrupting your hand, making it a strategic choice for decks looking to leverage each aspect of card play, from hand to graveyard.
Cards similar to Psychic Purge by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Psychic Purge gives you the edge by dealing damage when your opponent forces you to discard, turning a potential setback into an opportunity for direct damage, maintaining the pressure on your opponent.
Resource Acceleration: While Psychic Purge doesn’t directly produce mana or tokens, it enables resource acceleration by potentially removing key threats or nuisances, efficiently utilizing your mana and paving the way for your strategic plays without losing momentum.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Psychic Purge at instant speed allows flexibility in your tactics. You can respond to an opponent’s action or capitalize on their unguarded moment, making it a versatile addition to your arsenal that keeps your opponent guessing.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Psychic Purge necessitates discarding from your opponent, triggering only when a card is discarded from their hand. This condition adds a layer of complexity and decreases its versatility as it requires your strategy to be aligned with forcing discards.
Specific Mana Cost: This card has a hybrid mana cost that includes blue, possibly limiting its inclusivity solely to decks that run this mana color, thus constraining its utility across different deck archetypes.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost geared towards dealing damage equal to the discarded card’s mana value, Psychic Purge can feel costly when compared to other damage-dealing spells. In many situations, players might find alternative cards that provide more immediate or cost-effective damage outputs.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Psychic Purge provides an adaptable solution in decks that are geared towards control or burn strategies. Its ability to deal damage to any target makes it a flexible inclusion, capable of removing small creatures or finishing off a player.
Combo Potential: This card pairs well with self-discard strategies or effects that force players to draw multiple cards, as it can be a surprise source of damage when least expected. It can be a game-changer when combined with setups that recur it from the graveyard.
Meta-Relevance: In game environments where hand disruption or forced drawing is prevalent, Psychic Purge can act as a deterrent or a punishing measure for opponents who rely on these tactics, making it a timely addition to your arsenal.
How to beat
Psychic Purge is a unique card in the realm of MTG, where it doubles as damage and a reactive defense against library manipulation. Users often leverage it to deal direct damage or thwart opponents’ attempts at hindering their draw capabilities. Unlike direct damage spells that function solely offensively, Psychic Purge offers a strategic layer through its triggered ability when discarded.
To effectively counter Psychic Purge, emphasize hand disruption with caution, aiming to preemptively remove it before the discard-trigger can activate. Consider employing cards that grant you a peek at your opponent’s hand, which allows for more informed decisions when playing around their potential counters. In addition, prioritize instant-speed removal that can neutralize the card before it inflicts any damage, and manage your spells to avoid triggering its lash-back effect unintentionally. Taking these steps ensures that you maintain control over the match and mitigate the surprise element that makes Psychic Purge a card worthy of attention.
Ultimately, understanding your opponent’s strategies and playing patiently are key tactics in overcoming the challenges posed by Psychic Purge. With the right approach and reaction time, you can navigate its pitfalls and maintain an advantage on the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Psychic Purge MTG card by a specific set like Legends and Masters Edition, 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 Psychic Purge 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 Psychic Purge Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1994-06-01 and 2007-09-10. Illustrated by Susan Van Camp.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1994-06-01 | Legends | LEG | 68 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Susan Van Camp | |
| 2 | 2007-09-10 | Masters Edition | ME1 | 45 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Susan Van Camp |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Psychic Purge has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Psychic Purge 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 | Discarding as a cost to cast a spell will not trigger the ability. Only discarding as an effect will trigger the ability. |
| 2004-10-04 | The loss of life can’t be prevented by any means. It is not damage. |