Terrifying Presence MTG Card
2012-05-04 - Number 196
2013-09-06 - Number 65
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Prevent all combat damage that would be dealt by creatures other than target creature this turn.
Elmut had slaughtered vampires, slain werewolves, and destroyed hordes of zombies. Sadly, he never got over his fear of spiders.
Cards like Terrifying Presence
The Terrifying Presence card offers a unique defensive tactic for players in Magic: The Gathering, similar in function to cards aimed at deterring opponents’ attacks. Like Fog, which prevents all combat damage that would be dealt during a turn, Terrifying Presence has the potential to be game-saving. However, whereas Fog shields all damage, Terrifying Presence allows a specific creature to deal damage, turning a potential weak spot into a strength.
Dazzling Reflection is another such card with a mix of deflection and life gain, yet it contrasts Terrifying Presence by targeting only one attacking creature. This can be more limiting but also offers a lifeline with the added health gain. Then comes Ethereal Haze, profoundly affecting the game with its ability to prevent all damage that would be dealt by creatures this turn, akin to Fog but nuanced in its specific reference to creature damage.
Each card carries its strategic advantages and can be pivotal in the right scenario. Terrifying Presence, with its individual creature focus, can not only dampen an assault but can also enable a strategic counter-attack, marking its place in the pantheon of defensive spells in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Terrifying Presence by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Terrifying Presence lets you draw a card when a creature you control with power 4 or greater is targeted by a spell your opponent controls, giving you an upper hand by replenishing your arsenal.
Resource Acceleration: This card can potentially save your high-powered creatures from destruction, allowing you to maintain a formidable board presence without the need to expend additional mana and resources on casting new creatures.
Instant Speed: Its instant nature means that you can protect your creatures unexpectedly during combat or in response to an opponent’s targeted removal, making it a flexible defense tool that can adapt to the dynamic state of the game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One of the downsides of this card is the need to discard another card as part of its casting. This requirement can pose a dilemma, especially when your hand is already low on cards, potentially weakening your overall strategic position.
Specific Mana Cost: Terrifying Presence demands a precise mana combination to play, needing both green mana and additional generic mana. This specific cost can sometimes complicate the inclusion in decks that aren’t heavily focused on green mana or those that prefer a more diverse mana base to accommodate a broader range of spells.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana cost positioned at somewhat of a premium, Terrifying Presence may not always be the most mana-efficient card for its effect. Players might find themselves opting for alternatives that provide similar protection or deterrence benefits at a lower mana investment, thereby allowing for more flexibility and responsiveness during the game.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Terrifying Presence is a card that offers a unique defensive advantage in any deck that features creatures. It’s useful in situations where you are outnumbered or outpowered on the battlefield, helping to protect your life total during crucial turns.
Combo Potential: This card pairs excellently with effects that encourage opponents to attack, like taunt abilities, luring all attackers to a single, indestructible blocker you control, or alongside cards that trigger upon creatures being targeted.
Meta-Relevance: As the game ebbs and flows with different deck types, having tricks like Terrifying Presence can be pivotal against aggressive strategies that rely on early creature dominance. With this card, you fortify your defenses and buy time to deploy your game plan.
How to Beat Terrifying Presence
Terrifying Presence in Magic: The Gathering is a unique instant that lends itself well to strategies centered on surviving large attacks. This card can thwart opponents’ plans by preventing all damage that would be dealt to you and creatures you control, except by a single creature of the assailant’s choice. However, there are ways to navigate this protective spell.
One effective tactic is wielding counter spells or discard effects that can eliminate Terrifying Presence before it becomes an obstacle. Cards like Counterspell or Thoughtseize can disrupt your opponent’s hand, paving the way for your creatures to deliver their blows unobstructed. Another approach involves using removal spells to minimize the number of creatures an opponent controls, limiting the choices available to them when Terrifying Presence is on the stack. This can transform their would-be trump card into a mere bump on the road to victory.
Lastly, consider including some indirect damage sources in your deck, such as burn spells or abilities that deal non-combat damage. These can bypass Terrifying Presence entirely, securing a win even when your opponent feels safe behind their magical barrier.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Terrifying Presence MTG card by a specific set like Avacyn Restored and Duel Decks: Heroes vs. Monsters, 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 Terrifying Presence 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 Terrifying Presence Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2012-05-04 and 2013-09-06. Illustrated by Jaime Jones.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2012-05-04 | Avacyn Restored | AVR | 196 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Jaime Jones | |
| 2 | 2013-09-06 | Duel Decks: Heroes vs. Monsters | DDL | 65 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Jaime Jones |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Terrifying Presence has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Terrifying Presence card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2012-05-01 | Although Terrifying Presence doesn’t affect the target creature, if that creature is an illegal target when Terrifying Presence tries to resolve, it won’t resolve and none of its effects will happen. No damage will be prevented. |