Public Execution MTG Card
2012-07-13 - Number 105
2016-08-26 - Number 145
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Destroy target creature an opponent controls. Each other creature that player controls gets -2/-0 until end of turn.
Though the executioner did not speak, the villagers got the message.
Cards like Public Execution
Public Execution is an intriguing removal option in Magic: The Gathering, finding parallels with other creature removal spells. Notably, its effect allows a player to destroy target creature an opponent controls. This is somewhat reminiscent of the widely used Murder, which straightforwardly eliminates any target creature at the same mana cost without the potential downside of powering up the remaining creatures.
Delving into the realm of conditional creature removal, we observe that cards like Doom Blade offer the ability to destroy a creature at half the mana cost but it excludes black creatures. Public Execution doesn’t have that limitation, although it is at a higher cost and sorcery speed. When comparing Public Execution to Go for the Throat, another consideration comes up – restriction versus flexibility. Go for the Throat can’t target artifact creatures, whereas Public Execution imposes no such restrictions.
To sum up, Public Execution holds a particular niche. While it might not be as versatile as instant-speed removals or as cost-efficient as some targeted spells, the added benefit of deterring opponent’s creatures from attacking that turn still gives it a unique edge. It’s a card that stands its ground among removal spells in Magic: The Gathering, especially in scenarios where the subsequent combat deterrent can be tactically advantageous.
Cards similar to Public Execution by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Public Execution lets you remove a problematic creature your opponent controls, potentially disrupting their strategies and swinging the board state in your favor. This creates a significant shift in the balance of power and helps maintain card parity.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing mana, Public Execution can accelerate your resource advantage by dealing with a threat that would otherwise require multiple cards or turns to handle. This indirect resource gain allows for a more efficient use of your cards in future turns.
Instant Speed: Public Execution operates at instant speed, providing the flexibility to respond to your opponent’s moves during their turn. This means you can wait for the most opportunistic moment to cast it, potentially catching an opponent by surprise or acting as a deterrent for attacking with their strongest creature.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Public Execution doesn’t directly require a discard, but its high mana cost can lead to situational disadvantage where players might need to discard other resources to maintain board presence.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands both generic and black mana, making it restrictive for non-black or multi-colored mana bases, potentially causing delays or complications in casting it at the optimal time.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost of six mana to execute its effect, it may arrive too late in the game, considering faster removal options available at lower mana costs. This could result in a less efficient tempo, especially when competing against agile deck strategies.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Public Execution is a card that can be slotted into a broad array of black decks, offering a meaningful way to disrupt opponents by removing their key creatures. Its significance grows in multiplayer games where making an example of one creature can deter others from attacking you.
Combo Potential: This card works well with strategies that capitalize on creature deaths, such as those involving morbid triggers or enabling reanimation tactics. It can also pair with cards that thrive on opponents losing creatures, further enhancing its strategic depth.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-based decks are prevalent, Public Execution’s ability to unconditionally destroy a target creature makes it a clear answer to such threats. Its deterrent effect also helps maintain board control, ensuring its utility in a variety of matchups.
How to beat Public Execution
Public Execution is a unique removal spell in Magic: The Gathering with a chilling effect that not only destroys a target creature but also serves as a deterrent by weakening the opponent’s remaining creatures. It’s a powerful tool for when you’re facing a board with one key threat that’s bolstering the enemy’s army. Understanding the dynamics of how this card works is essential to developing a strategy to overcome it.
In navigating around Public Execution, versatility is key. Playing creatures that have enter the battlefield effects can help mitigate the loss of a creature. Likewise, employing a strategy that disperses your power across multiple creatures as opposed to relying on a single one can diminish the impact of this card. Additionally, having instant-speed removal or counter magic can swiftly deal with Public Execution before it resolves, preserving your battlefield presence. Lastly, situational awareness is crucial; avoid over-extending into the potential threat of this removal to ensure you don’t lose more than necessary to its intimidating effect.
By incorporating these tactics into your game plan, you’ll be positioned to handle the crippling blow Public Execution aims to deliver. Swift adaptation and foresight are the keys to outmaneuvering the oppressive aura of such a powerful interaction and maintaining the upper hand.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Public Execution MTG card by a specific set like Magic 2013 and Conspiracy: Take the Crown, 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 Public Execution and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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
Printings
The Public Execution Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2012-07-13 and 2016-08-26. Illustrated by Anthony Palumbo.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2012-07-13 | Magic 2013 | M13 | 105 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Anthony Palumbo | |
| 2 | 2016-08-26 | Conspiracy: Take the Crown | CN2 | 145 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Anthony Palumbo |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Public Execution has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Public Execution card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2012-07-01 | Only creatures controlled by the player when Public Execution resolves will get -2/-0. Creatures that enter the battlefield under that player’s control or that the player gains control of later in the turn are unaffected. |
| 2012-07-01 | Public Execution targets only the creature it destroys. If that creature is an illegal target when Public Execution tries to resolve, it won’t resolve and none of its effects will happen. No creature will get -2/-0. |
| 2013-07-01 | If the target creature regenerates or has indestructible, each other creature controlled by that creature’s controller will still get -2/-0. |