Punish the Enemy MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 5 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
| Released | 2013-05-03 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Dragon's Maze |
| Set code | DGM |
| Number | 35 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Slawomir Maniak |
Text of card
Punish the Enemy deals 3 damage to target player and 3 damage to target creature.
"When justice descends, the servant will burn with the master." —Aurelia
Cards like Punish the Enemy
Punish the Enemy is an intriguing option within the array of red and black removal spells in Magic: The Gathering. In a similar class is Flames of the Raze-Boar, which also offers a means to damage an opponent and their creature. However, Punish the Enemy delivers direct damage to both the target player and a creature they control, providing a dual threat. This ability to split damage adds a layer of versatility that single-target spells might lack.
Another comparable card is Startling Development, which provides damage to a player, like Punish the Enemy, but it goes one step further by offering an increase in power to one of your own creatures for the same mana cost. This presents a more aggressive play, although it sacrifices the potential to directly affect an opponent’s creature.
Considering the landscape of targeted removal spells, Punish the Enemy showcases its efficacy by combining player damage with creature removal. This duality can often lead to beneficial board shifts and capitalize on weakened opponents, setting it apart from other spells that might only focus on one aspect of the game.
Cards similar to Punish the Enemy by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Punish the Enemy provides a dual benefit by dealing damage to both an opponent and one of their creatures. This two-in-one effect can tip the scales in your favor, effectively removing a threat while also inching your opponent closer to defeat.
Resource Acceleration: Although Punish the Enemy isn’t a direct source of resource acceleration, the card’s ability to eliminate key creatures can put you ahead on the board, allowing your other resources to be allocated more effectively in future turns.
Instant Speed: The instant nature of Punish the Enemy offers flexibility, giving you the power to disrupt your opponent’s strategy at a critical moment. Since you can cast it during your opponent’s turn, it keeps them guessing and can counteract surprise moves effectively.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Using Punish the Enemy demands that you discard another card, posing a trade-off that can deplete your hand and potentially cost you valuable options later in the game.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Punish the Enemy is color-intensive, requiring both red and white mana, which may not be easily splashed in decks that don’t focus on these colors, thereby restricting its inclusion to specific archetypes.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value of five, Punish the Enemy holds a higher casting cost which can be cumbersome in fast-paced games where economy and efficiency are key, particularly when other spells could deal damage or control the board at a lower cost.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Punish the Enemy offers a solid level of adaptability by dealing damage both to the opponent and a creature they control. This allows players to manage the board while also ticking down the opponent’s life total, making it a versatile choice for decks that aim to control the pace of the game.
Combo Potential: With the ability to target both players and creatures, Punish the Enemy can be woven into various combos. This spell particularly shines in settings where damaging abilities are synergized to amplify its effect, pairing well with cards that capitalize on direct damage or life loss.
Meta-Relevance: Considering the dynamic play environments, Punish the Enemy can play an important role. In matchups that are creature-heavy or where life totals can be a race, its instant speed and dual-purpose functionality can be pivotal, shifting the game in your favor at critical moments.
How to beat
Punish the Enemy is a card that can be a tough hurdle in MTG due to its ability to deal direct damage while also gaining life. To counteract this, a good strategy is to employ instant-speed removal or counterspells that can neutralize the threat before it deals damage. Timing is of the essence, as it’s crucial to disrupt the spell before it takes effect.
Playing defensively can also be effective. Cards like Dispel are perfect for this role, allowing you to safeguard your creatures and preserve your life total. Another tactic is to use creatures with hexproof or shroud, which are immune to Punish the Enemy’s targeted damage. Additionally, cards that can increase your life total quickly or at instant speed can offset the life loss and keep you in a healthy position.
Remember, always keep an eye on your opponent’s mana and the potential for a Punish the Enemy. Being proactive with your defenses or applying pressure to force out other spells can ensure that when Punish the Enemy is cast, it’s more of a minor inconvenience rather than a game-ending threat.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Punish the Enemy MTG card by a specific set like Dragon's Maze, 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 Punish the Enemy 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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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Punish the Enemy has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Punish the Enemy card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2013-04-15 | If one of Punish the Enemy’s targets is illegal when it tries to resolve, it will still deal damage to the remaining legal target. |
| 2013-04-15 | You must be able to target a player and a creature in order to cast Punish the Enemy. |