Splendid Agony MTG Card

Instant speed of Splendid Agony allows disruption during opponent’s turn, increasing its strategic value. Versatility in distribution of counters makes it effective against swarm strategies and pivotal creatures. Mana cost and color requirement limit its use to specific deck builds, affecting its flexibility.

Amonkhet (AKH)
2017-04-28 - Number 109

Splendid Agony - Amonkhet Remastered (AKR)

Amonkhet Remastered (AKR)
2020-08-13 - Number 125

Card sets	Released in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Common
Type	Instant

Text of card

Distribute two -1/-1 counters among one or two target creatures.

"Wherever you are in the city, you can feel the presence of the God-Pharaoh. Take comfort in that." —Ukhat, vizier of initiation

Cards like Splendid Agony

Splendid Agony carves its niche in the realm of creature debuff spells in MTG. It bears resemblance to other spells like Grasp of Darkness, which can provide a staggering -4/-4 to a single target. Splendid Agony, uniquely, distributes two -1/-1 counters across one or two creatures, offering strategic flexibility. Unlike Grasp of Darkness, Splendid Agony can spread its impact, potentially weakening multiple threats on the board.

Then, looking at Festercreep, another card that allows for the distribution of -1/-1 counters, we see a distinction. Festercreep demands a creature sacrifice to affect all creatures on the board, a much broader stroke compared to Splendid Agony’s targeted precision. Adding to the comparison is Incremental Blight, which can apply three -1/-1 counters divided as you choose among up to three creatures. Incremental Blight’s effect is more profound but comes with a higher mana cost and a single-use condition.

Ultimately, the utility of Splendid Agony is showcased when evaluated against these similar MTG cards. Its tactical versatility and cost-effective nature position it as a valuable tool for players looking to exert control over the state of the battlefield.

Cards similar to Splendid Agony by color, type and mana cost

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Splendid Agony allows for strategic placement of -1/-1 counters on creatures, creating potential for 2-for-1 scenarios where you can weaken or eliminate multiple threats with a single card.

Resource Acceleration: By diminishing the power of opposing creatures, Splendid Agony can indirectly accelerate your own resource dominance on the battlefield, as you may require less mana to overcome a now weaker adversary’s board.

Instant Speed: The ability to cast Splendid Agony at instant speed provides you with the flexibility to disrupt your opponent’s plays during their turn, potentially altering combat outcomes or nullifying combat tricks they attempt to employ.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Splendid Agony does not have a discard requirement, but it’s important to be aware of cards that do. For those cards, discarding can become a drawback when you are holding crucial cards you need to keep.

Specific Mana Cost: Splendid Agony requires one black and two generic mana, which can be restrictive. Decks not running black mana sources might find it challenging to accommodate this spell without altering their mana base significantly.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana, Splendid Agony might be seen as costly for the effect it provides. There are other spells in the game that can distribute -1/-1 counters or offer similar creature control at a lower cost, potentially providing more flexibility in gameplay.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Splendid Agony offers flexibility in deck construction, being a solid inclusion in any build that aims to control the board by weakening multiple creatures. Its ability to distribute two -1/-1 counters provides a variety of strategic options against swarm decks or to permanently cripple key enemy creatures.

Combo Potential: This card shines in synergistic interactions, especially with decks that capitalize on -1/-1 counters. It can be combined with abilities that trigger off placing counters or with mechanics that exploit the reduced strength of opposing creatures, enhancing both offensive and defensive strategies.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where creature-based strategies prevail, Splendid Agony stands out as a tactical response. It not only disrupts your opponent’s board but also tips the scales in match-ups that rely on maintaining creature superiority. Its tactical application can alter the battlefield, making it a valuable card in the right meta.

How to beat

Splendid Agony is a versatile removal spell in Magic: The Gathering that presents a unique challenge due to its ability to distribute two -1/-1 counters across one or two creatures. This can interrupt your board presence, especially if you rely on creatures with just one toughness or those pivotal to your strategy. To navigate this obstacle, counterplay is essential. In a game where each move can be crucial, resilience becomes a winning trait.

One effective strategy involves utilizing creatures that can benefit from having -1/-1 counters placed on them or those that have undying or persist abilities – coming back stronger or repeating their enter-the-battlefield effects. Employing instant-speed spells that can give your creatures a temporary toughness boost or indestructible status at the right moment can also be a game-changer, negating the potential impact of Splendid Agony. Remember, in the diverse world of Magic: The Gathering, preparation and knowledge of potential threats like Splendid Agony prepare you to maintain the upper hand in battle.

In summary, while Splendid Agony may pose a threat to swarming strategies, players can effectively circumvent this challenge with the right creatures and timely responses, ensuring their on-board assets remain unscathed and battle-ready.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Splendid Agony MTG card by a specific set like Amonkhet and Amonkhet Remastered, 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 Splendid Agony and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Splendid Agony Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2017-04-28 and 2020-08-13. Illustrated by Clint Cearley.

#	Released	Name	Code	Symbol	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2017-04-28	Amonkhet	AKH		109	2015	Normal	Black	Clint Cearley
2	2020-08-13	Amonkhet Remastered	AKR		125	2015	Normal	Black	Clint Cearley

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Splendid Agony has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Penny	Legal
Timeless	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2017-04-18	If one of two target creatures becomes an illegal target in response to Splendid Agony, the -1/-1 counter that would have been put on that creature is lost. It can’t be put on the legal target.
2017-04-18	You choose how the counters will be distributed as you cast Splendid Agony. Each target creature must be assigned at least one counter.