Shrieking Affliction MTG Card


Functions as an indirect card advantage by recurrently enforcing opponent’s discard. Amplifies pressure with instant speed responses, favoring strategic play. Limited use due to specific mana requirements, emphasizing dedicated black decks.
Shrieking Affliction - Return to Ravnica
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityUncommon
TypeEnchantment
Released2012-10-05
Set symbol
Set nameReturn to Ravnica
Set codeRTR
Number76
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byJohann Bodin

Text of card

At the beginning of each opponent's upkeep, if that player has one or fewer cards in hand, he or she loses 3 life.

A gargoyle's voice reaches pitches that will shatter glass and warp bone.


Cards like Shrieking Affliction

Shrieking Affliction is a unique piece in the puzzle of MTG lockdown strategies. It finds its peers in cards like The Rack, which also punishes opponents for having small hand sizes. While Shrieking Affliction requires the opponent to have one or fewer cards in hand to begin dealing damage, The Rack can start affecting players with as many as three cards, scaling its damage accordingly. Yet, what makes Shrieking Affliction stand out is its lower mana cost, allowing for earlier pressure on your opponent’s hand size.

Another comparable card is Quest for the Nihil Stone, operating on a similar axis of hand size punishment. Although it requires an initial setup, securing a quest counter whenever an opponent discards a card, once online, it can be a consistent source of damage. In terms of game impact, Shrieking Affliction is less conditional and starts affecting the opponent right away, whereas Quest for the Nihil Stone has the potential for higher damage output over time.

Each of these cards has its own niche within MTG control decks, and Shrieking Affliction merits consideration for decks focused on stripping opponents of their resources early and maintaining a long-term advantage through incremental damage.

The Rack - MTG Card versions
Quest for the Nihil Stone - MTG Card versions
The Rack - MTG Card versions
Quest for the Nihil Stone - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Shrieking Affliction by color, type and mana cost

Paralyze - MTG Card versions
Unholy Strength - MTG Card versions
Evil Presence - MTG Card versions
Weakness - MTG Card versions
Imprison - MTG Card versions
Thrull Retainer - MTG Card versions
Torture - MTG Card versions
Death Watch - MTG Card versions
Leshrac's Rite - MTG Card versions
Sadistic Glee - MTG Card versions
Sarcomancy - MTG Card versions
Tortured Existence - MTG Card versions
Volrath's Motion Sensor - MTG Card versions
Sicken - MTG Card versions
Darkest Hour - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Reclamation - MTG Card versions
Dread of Night - MTG Card versions
Withering Hex - MTG Card versions
Genju of the Fens - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Link - MTG Card versions
Paralyze - MTG Card versions
Unholy Strength - MTG Card versions
Evil Presence - MTG Card versions
Weakness - MTG Card versions
Imprison - MTG Card versions
Thrull Retainer - MTG Card versions
Torture - MTG Card versions
Death Watch - MTG Card versions
Leshrac's Rite - MTG Card versions
Sadistic Glee - MTG Card versions
Sarcomancy - MTG Card versions
Tortured Existence - MTG Card versions
Volrath's Motion Sensor - MTG Card versions
Sicken - MTG Card versions
Darkest Hour - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Reclamation - MTG Card versions
Dread of Night - MTG Card versions
Withering Hex - MTG Card versions
Genju of the Fens - MTG Card versions
Vampiric Link - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
8-Rack8-Rack Modern8-RackRCQ Modern Mont Shop
Mono-Black DiscardMono-Black Discard PioneerMono-Black DiscardPioneer Challenge 64 2024-03-16
Mono-Black ScamMono-Black Scam ModernMono-Black ScamModern League 2023-11-21
Mono-Black MidrangeMono-Black Midrange PioneerMono-Black DiscardPeasant Pioneer Showdown - A Josh and Pat's MTG Bazaar Sponsored Event

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Although not directly allowing you to draw cards, Shrieking Affliction effectively acts as a recurring discard source for your opponent, indirectly leading to card advantage as your opponent loses options each turn.

Resource Acceleration: Shrieking Affliction skips the traditional concept of resource acceleration but instead works to decelerate your opponents, putting them at a disadvantage that will compound as the game progresses and they struggle to hold onto crucial cards in hand.

Instant Speed: While Shrieking Affliction itself does not operate at instant speed, its persistent effect complements a strategy that includes instant speed interactions. It allows you to apply pressure passively while keeping mana open for immediate responses, thus optimizing your in-game tactics and keeping opponents on their toes.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: To fully utilize Shrieking Affliction’s potential, your opponent must have one or fewer cards in hand at the beginning of their upkeep. This necessitates a strategy focused on making your opponent discard, which can be inconsistent or require dedicated deck space for discard effects.

Specific Mana Cost: Shrieking Affliction’s casting cost requires a black mana, anchoring it firmly in black decks or those that can reliably generate black mana. This can restrict its inclusion only to specific archetypes and reduce its versatility across different builds.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While its mana cost of one black and one generic mana might seem low, its impact on the early game can be negligible unless paired with a strong discard strategy. Moreover, as the game progresses, your opponent might find it easier to play around the requirement, reducing the effectiveness of your investment.


Reasons to Include Shrieking Affliction in Your Collection

Versatility: Shrieking Affliction is a solid addition to any deck focused on discard strategies. It functions well in control decks, aiming to empty opponents’ hands and apply constant pressure.

Combo Potential: This card synergizes with other discard mechanisms, amplifying the damage inflicted on opponents who are low on resources. It’s a key piece in lock-down decks that can quickly turn the tide of a game.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where keeping a full hand of cards can mean the difference between victory and defeat, Shrieking Affliction can be devastating. Its relevance grows in metas where players hoard cards, forcing them to either play out their hands or suffer the consequences.


How to beat

Shrieking Affliction is a popular enchantment card that can be a linchpin in many discard-focused decks. Its ability to penalize players holding minimal cards makes it a formidable tool for undermining an opponent’s strategy. The key to overcoming this card lies in maintaining a healthy hand size, thus nullifying its punishing effect. Cards such as Reliquary Tower can be essential as they allow no maximum hand size, providing a buffer against the affliction’s detrimental impact.

Another strategy is to utilize cards that benefit from being discarded or those that function effectively from the graveyard. This turns a potential disadvantage into an advantage and can disrupt the tempo of a deck relying on Shrieking Affliction. Quick replenishment of the hand with draw spells or employing creatures that draw cards upon entering the battlefield also helps in mitigating the card’s damage. Aggressive and fast-paced decks can outpace the impact of Shrieking Affliction by swiftly reducing the opponent’s life total before its effect becomes a significant threat to the game plan.

Ultimately, while Shrieking Affliction can be a cornerstone of a punishing discard strategy, it can be overcome by a prepared player who carefully considers their card choices and hand management throughout the match.


BurnMana Recommendations

MTG is a game of nuances and Shrieking Affliction stands as a commendable tool for discard-focused strategies. With insights gathered from our exploration of its pros, cons, and strategic importance, savvy deck builders recognize its potential to control the pace and pressure of a match. If you’re intrigued by the tactical depth Shrieking Affliction promises to bring to your black-centric or resource-denial decks, our compendium at BurnMana is ripe with strategies and tips to optimize your gameplay. Explore more about this card’s role in the current meta, find synergistic cards, and advance your MTG prowess with us.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Shrieking Affliction MTG card by a specific set like Return to Ravnica, 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 Shrieking Affliction and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Shrieking Affliction has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PioneerLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2012-10-01 Shrieking Affliction’s ability will trigger only if an opponent begins their upkeep with one or fewer cards in hand. The ability will check the number of cards in that player’s hand again when it tries to resolve. If that player has two or more cards in hand at that time, that player won’t lose life.