Tendrils of Agony MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 7 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityUncommon
TypeSorcery
Abilities Storm

Key Takeaways

  1. Tendrils of Agony leverages the Storm mechanic to turn spell sequences into powerful life-draining events.
  2. Though not directly rapid in resource acceleration, it complements decks geared towards spell casting velocity.
  3. Strategically cast at opportune moments, this card can deliver game-winning blows with its pseudo-instant nature.

Text of card

Target player loses 2 life and you gain 2 life. Storm (When you play this spell, copy it for each spell played before it this turn. You may choose new targets for the copies.)


Card Pros

Card Advantage: When it comes to Tendrils of Agony, gaining card advantage can become almost inexorable. This card becomes a powerhouse in decks built around the Storm mechanic, where each spell cast previously in the turn amplifies its effect. Each copy created from the Storm trigger maintains its own life-draining capability, which can rapidly deplete opponents’ life while bolstering yours, thereby turning the tide of the game significantly.

Resource Acceleration: Resource acceleration isn’t direct with Tendrils of Agony, but the card can effectively be a linchpin in decks that accelerate through spellcasting. As spells are cast rapidly in succession to build the Storm count, Tendrils can act as a finishing move that capitalizes on that acceleration, translating it into damage and life gain which in MTG can be one of the most robust forms of winning capital.

Instant Speed: Its instant speed nature isn’t as literal as instants or flash spells, but in a Storm chain, Tendrils of Agony can be the spell cast at pinnacle moments, much like an instant. It can be played when the conditions are most favorable—after a flurry of spells—and deliver a crushing blow when the opponent least expects it, often concluding the match then and there.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Unlike other cards that you can play directly from your hand, Tendrils of Agony requires you to have spells cast before it to truly capitalize on its effect. This means it demands a strategic setup and specific actions prior to its execution, potentially depleting your hand quickly.

Specific Mana Cost: Tendrils of Agony has a mana cost that includes black mana, which might not be as easily accessible or desirable in multicolored decks, especially those that do not focus on black mana ramp or black spells synergies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that totals four, there might be instances where playing Tendrils of Agony could be considered mana-inefficient. When assessing the card’s potency in direct damage or immediate board impact, it might lag behind other options within the same mana range that offer more predictable and direct outcomes.


Reasons to Include Tendrils of Agony in Your Collection

Versatility: Tendrils of Agony is not just a one-trick pony. This card effortlessly slips into Storm decks, where each spell cast amplifies the power of the card. Additionally, due to its scalability, it can be a game-ender in both the early and late stages of a match, making it a dynamic addition to any black mana spell-slinger’s repertoire.

Combo Potential: Tendrils of Agony’s true strength lies in its ability to work with various combo enablers. It shines when coupled with spells that can rapidly increase the storm count, leading to a massive life swing. Cards like Dark Ritual or Lion’s Eye Diamond can set off a chain reaction ending in an opponent’s defeat, showcasing this card’s explosive potential.

Meta-Relevance: In competitive play, Tendrils of Agony frequently surfaces as a linchpin in legacy and vintage formats where the Storm mechanic can determine the victor. Given the ever-shifting nature of the meta, having a card with the proven capability to take down opponents in a single turn ensures your collection remains competitive and adaptable to various strategic landscapes.


How to beat

Tendrils of Agony is a powerful spell in the MTG realm, known for its capability to dramatically swing the game in favor of the caster through its storm mechanic, which amplifies its effect with each prior spell cast in a turn. To counteract this, players must tactically disrupt the storm chain. Keeping a hand disruption spell, for instance, Thoughtseize or Inquisition of Kozilek can be key in removing Tendrils of Agony from an opponent’s hand before they can cast it.

Another effective strategy is to hold up counterspells specifically for the storm turn. Cards like Flusterstorm are particularly potent as they can target the storm copies individually and therefore dismantle the chain. Additionally, utilizing graveyard hate cards such as Rest in Peace or Leyline of the Void can prevent the recursive combos that tend to lead up to a Tendrils of Agony play, effectively neutralizing the card’s potential before it becomes a threat.

Ultimately, beating Tendrils of Agony involves a mix of preemptive disruption and reactive counters. Understanding the nature of your opponent’s combo and carefully timing your responses can ensure you keep the upper hand against this formidable card.


BurnMana Recommendations

As we delve into the nuances of Tendrils of Agony, it becomes clear how pivotal this card is in MTG’s intricate dance of spells and strategy. In decks where the storm count climbs, Tendrils of Agony transforms from a mere card to a crescendo that captivates and conquers. For MTG enthusiasts aiming to edge out competition or simply to revel in the sheer thrill of a game-changing play, Tendrils of Agony is a card worth wielding. Fortify your deck and enrich your collection with this embodiment of strategic excellence. Discover more and embrace the full potential of Tendrils of Agony as part of your MTG journey.


Cards like Tendrils of Agony

Tendrils of Agony is a powerful presence in the storm archetype across various formats in Magic: The Gathering. While there are many cards tailored to storm strategies, few match the impact of this spell. For instance, Grapeshot is another star in these decks, offering a similar effect by dealing damage corresponding to the number of spells played. Tendrils of Agony follows suit but opts to drain life, giving it an edge in terms of survivability and the potential to swing lifetotals.

Another staple frequently compared to Tendrils is Mind’s Desire. Both unleash a flurry of spells in a single turn, but Mind’s Desire can lead to an unpredictable cascade of spells. Tendrils of Agony, arguably more predictable and direct, presents itself as the preferable choice when a player is set on a clear path to victory. And while Brain Freeze operates on a similar mechanic aiming to mill the opponent, Tendrils of Agony ensures a more definitive end to the game through its life sapping.

Although each of these cards can be a linchpin in a storm player’s arsenal, Tendrils of Agony often emerges as the decisive tool for those looking to seal their victory through a refined, life-draining spectacle.

Grapeshot - MTG Card versions
Mind's Desire - MTG Card versions
Brain Freeze - MTG Card versions
Grapeshot - Time Spiral (TSP)
Mind's Desire - Scourge (SCG)
Brain Freeze - Scourge (SCG)

Cards similar to Tendrils of Agony by color, type and mana cost

Stench of Evil - MTG Card versions
Mind Warp - MTG Card versions
Fatal Lore - MTG Card versions
Final Strike - MTG Card versions
Persecute - MTG Card versions
Ancient Craving - MTG Card versions
Stream of Acid - MTG Card versions
Unmask - MTG Card versions
Reprocess - MTG Card versions
Befoul - MTG Card versions
Agonizing Memories - MTG Card versions
Mutilate - MTG Card versions
Extinction Event - MTG Card versions
Terisiare's Devastation - MTG Card versions
Damnation - MTG Card versions
Profane Prayers - MTG Card versions
Endemic Plague - MTG Card versions
Zombify - MTG Card versions
Cranial Extraction - MTG Card versions
Devouring Greed - MTG Card versions
Stench of Evil - Ice Age (ICE)
Mind Warp - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Fatal Lore - Alliances (ALL)
Final Strike - Portal (POR)
Persecute - Eighth Edition (8ED)
Ancient Craving - Crimson Vow Commander (VOC)
Stream of Acid - Starter 1999 (S99)
Unmask - From the Vault: Lore (V16)
Reprocess - Seventh Edition (7ED)
Befoul - Seventh Edition (7ED)
Agonizing Memories - Tenth Edition (10E)
Mutilate - Warhammer 40,000 Commander (40K)
Extinction Event - Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths (IKO)
Terisiare's Devastation - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Damnation - Double Masters 2022 (2X2)
Profane Prayers - Onslaught (ONS)
Endemic Plague - Onslaught (ONS)
Zombify - Masters 25 (A25)
Cranial Extraction - Champions of Kamigawa (CHK)
Devouring Greed - Modern Masters 2015 (MM2)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Tendrils of Agony MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Scourge, 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 Tendrils of Agony and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Tendrils of Agony Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2003-05-26 and 2021-04-23. Illustrated by 4 different artists.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 314332003normalblackVolkan Baǵa
22003-05-26ScourgeSCG 751997normalblackPete Venters
32014-06-16Vintage MastersVMA 1422015normalblackVolkan Baǵa
42021-04-23Strixhaven Art SeriesASTX 73s2015art_seriesborderlessRovina Cai
52021-04-23Strixhaven Mystical ArchiveSTA 342015normalborderlessRovina Cai
62021-04-23Strixhaven Art SeriesASTX 732015art_seriesborderlessRovina Cai
72021-04-23Strixhaven Mystical ArchiveSTA 972015normalborderlessDaken

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Tendrils of Agony has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernBanned
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
GladiatorLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

DateText
2013-06-07 A copy of a spell can be countered like any other spell, but it must be countered individually. Countering a spell with storm won't affect the copies.
2013-06-07 Spells cast from zones other than a player's hand and spells that were countered are counted by the storm ability.
2013-06-07 The copies are put directly onto the stack. They aren't cast and won't be counted by other spells with storm cast later in the turn.
2013-06-07 The triggered ability that creates the copies can itself be countered by anything that can counter a triggered ability. If it is countered, no copies will be put onto the stack.
2013-06-07 You may choose new targets for any of the copies. You can choose differently for each copy.

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