Stench of Decay MTG Card
1996-06-10 - Number 61b
1996-06-10 - Number 61a
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
All non-artifact creatures get -1/-1 until end of turn.
"My lord, there is only so much I can do. This plague infests Krov worse than any other city." —Halvor Arensson, Kjeldoran Priest
Cards like Stench of Decay
Stench of Decay is an intriguing card that offers a different take on creature removal in the world of MTG. When compared to other removal spells, such as Murder which outright destroys a creature at the cost of three mana, Stench of Decay adds a layer of strategy. Instead of immediate destruction, it represents a delayed threat through its -1/-1 counters which can spread over multiple creatures.
Another comparable card is Shrivel, which reduces the power and toughness of each creature by 1. While Shrivel affects the battlefield instantly, Stench of Decay’s effect persists and can potentially weaken creatures over successive turns. Pernicious Deed is also worth mentioning; it can be activated to destroy all artifacts, creatures, and enchantments with converted mana cost up to a certain amount. Yet, the choice to activate and the costs involved place Stench of Decay in a category that requires a more subtle approach to control.
In essence, the tactical options Stench of Decay brings to the table make it a distinct card within the removal spells category. Its ability to gradually diminish an opponent’s forces allows for strategic plays that can shift the tide of a game over time.
Cards similar to Stench of Decay by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Stench of Decay can potentially clear multiple creatures from the board. This swing in creatures can give you a significant advantage and can disrupt your opponent’s strategy, especially if they rely on a wide board presence.
Resource Acceleration: By removing multiple threats at once, Stench of Decay indirectly accelerates your resources. This allows you to spend your mana more efficiently on future turns, rather than addressing threats one by one.
Instant Speed: The ability to play Stench of Decay at instant speed offers great flexibility. You can wait until the most opportune moment during your opponent’s turn, potentially after they’ve committed more resources to the board, to maximize its impact.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Stench of Decay necessitates the forfeiture of a card from your hand to be played. This can precipitate a disadvantageous situation, particularly when your hand is already scant, thereby depleting your tactical options.
Specific Mana Cost: The card’s casting cost demands a precise combination of mana types, which can complicate its inclusion in multi-colored decks and limit its applicability across diverse strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Commanding a relatively hefty mana investment for its effect, Stench of Decay could be unfavorably compared to alternative cards, potentially providing similar utilities at a lower mana commitment.
Reasons to Include Stench of Decay in Your Collection
Versatility: Stench of Decay offers a broad utility as it can counter a variety of board states. It’s particularly impactful in game formats where creatures and other permanents could create detrimental obstacles.
Combo Potential: This card can seamlessly integrate into decks that capitalize on graveyard synergies or require ways to manage the field while setting up for a winning combo. It might be the key piece to tip the scales in your favor.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where aggro strategies dominate, Stench of Decay can act as a powerful form of control, allowing you to stall your opponent’s aggression and reclaim the board at a crucial moment.
How to beat
Stench of Decay is a unique and potentially troublesome card in the Magic: The Gathering arsenal. Adept at disabling an array of enemy creatures without destroying them outright, staying ahead of this spell could be a test of your tactical acumen. To overcome this decay-based dilemma, consider incorporating cards that grant your creatures indestructibility or can remove debuffs. Darksteel Forge is an example of a card that makes your artifacts indestructible, potentially subverting the reach of Stench of Decay.
Spell protection strategies can also be key. Counterspells offer direct interruption, nipping the threat in the bud before it takes root. Alternatively, cards like Elixir of Immortality can quickly shuffle your graveyard back into your library, potentially limiting the long-term impact of Stench of Decay on your game. Creature-hexproofing equipment like Lightning Greaves or swift, low-cost regeneration spells are also worth including in your deck as protective measures.
In essence, the ability to preempt, protect, or quickly recover from the effects of Stench of Decay can be crucial to maintaining dominance on the battlefield. Adaptability and protective measures need to be cornerstones of your strategy when facing such insidious magic.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Stench of Decay MTG card by a specific set like Alliances and Alliances, 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 Stench of Decay 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 Stench of Decay Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 1996-06-10 and 1996-06-10. Illustrated by Heather Hudson.
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Stench of Decay has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |