The Cruelty of Gix MTG Card


Instantly disrupt opponents by discarding their cards, tipping the game in your favor strategically. Revive powerful artifacts from the graveyard, potentially amplifying your board presence significantly. While mana-intensive, its ability to operate at instant speed adds a surprise element to gameplay.
Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeEnchantment — Saga
Abilities Read Ahead

Text of card

Read ahead (Choose a chapter and start with that many lore counters. Add one after your draw step. Skipped chapters don't trigger. Sacrifice after III.) I — Target opponent reveals their hand. You choose a creature or planeswalker card from it. That player discards that card. II — Search your library for a card, put that card into your hand, then shuffle. You lose 3 life. III — Put target creature card from a graveyard onto the battlefield under your control.


Cards like The Cruelty of Gix

Within the realm of control spells in Magic: The Gathering, The Cruelty of Gix offers a unique approach to power manipulation. This can be juxtaposed with cards like Despise, which similarly targets an opponent’s hand causing them to discard a creature or planeswalker card. However, The Cruelty of Gix goes a step further, allowing the player to not only disrupt the opponent’s hand but also their battlefield and graveyard, providing a more comprehensive control tactic.

When evaluating other counterparts like Distress, we notice that this card also allows a peek into an opponent’s hand with the resulting action of discarding any nonland card of your choice – a broader range compared to Despise. Nevertheless, The Cruelty of Gix’s versatility in affecting multiple aspects of the game gives it an edge. Additionally, we have Funeral Charm which, like The Cruelty of Gix, offers the choice of compelling an opponent to discard a card, but it is limited to instant speed and misses the extended reach of The Cruelty of Gix into the battlefield and graveyard zones.

Considering these facets, The Cruelty of Gix stands out with its multifaceted capabilities, making it a potent tool for disruption and a formidable addition to control strategies in Magic: The Gathering.

Despise - MTG Card versions
Distress - MTG Card versions
Funeral Charm - MTG Card versions
Despise - MTG Card versions
Distress - MTG Card versions
Funeral Charm - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to The Cruelty of Gix by color, type and mana cost

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Dawn of the Dead - MTG Card versions
Gravebreaker Lamia - MTG Card versions
Doomwake Giant - MTG Card versions
Painful Quandary - MTG Card versions
Horror of Horrors - MTG Card versions
Worms of the Earth - MTG Card versions
Forbidden Crypt - MTG Card versions
Death Pits of Rath - MTG Card versions
Handcuffs - MTG Card versions
Discordant Dirge - MTG Card versions
Subversion - MTG Card versions
Larceny - MTG Card versions
Conspiracy - MTG Card versions
Putrefaction - MTG Card versions
Unnatural Hunger - MTG Card versions
Intimidation - MTG Card versions
Spreading Plague - MTG Card versions
Yawgmoth's Agenda - MTG Card versions
Traveling Plague - MTG Card versions
Screams of the Damned - MTG Card versions
Dawn of the Dead - MTG Card versions
Gravebreaker Lamia - MTG Card versions
Doomwake Giant - MTG Card versions
Painful Quandary - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Rakdos ReanimatorRakdos Reanimator StandardRakdos ReanimatorTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: March 25, 2024
Rakdos MidrangeRakdos Midrange StandardRakdos MidrangeMAGIC REGIONAL QUALIFIER TOURNAMENT (DreamHack RCQ (1-slot) Round 6)
Mono-Black MidrangeMono-Black Midrange StandardMono-Black MidrangeTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: April 1, 2024
Grixis ControlGrixis Control StandardGrixis ControlStandard Super Qualifier 2024-04-28
Esper ReanimatorEsper Reanimator StandardEsper ReanimatorTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: March 25, 2024
Dimir ReanimatorDimir Reanimator StandardDimir ReanimatorStandard Preliminary 2024-03-20
Jund RampJund Ramp StandardJund RampStandard Challenge 64 2024-03-31
Sultai ComboSultai Combo StandardSultai ReanimatorThe Pizza Box Open: Standard
Golgari MidrangeGolgari Midrange StandardGolgari MidrangeStandard $1k RCQ Invite Cyphacon MTG Weekend
Sultai ReanimatorSultai Reanimator StandardSultai ReanimatorStandard Challenge 64 2024-03-24

Card Pros

Card Advantage: The Cruelty of Gix offers a strategic boon by potentially discarding cards from the opponent’s hand. Disrupting your opponent’s resources can shift the tide of the game in your favor, ensuring you stay ahead in the battle of wits and hands.

Resource Acceleration: This potent card can accelerate your own resources by allowing you to return an artifact card from your graveyard to the battlefield. Reanimating powerful artifacts can quickly escalate your board presence and give you the upper hand.

Instant Speed: The ability to perform actions at instant speed cannot be overstated. The Cruelty of Gix can be wielded during your opponent’s turn, catching them off-guard and disrupting their well-laid plans. It offers an element of surprise and strategy, key in outmaneuvering opponents.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: The Cruelty of Gix commands you to discard a card to fulfill its conditions. For players who are already struggling with a dwindling hand, this stipulation can be a significant setback, potentially forcing them to give up key pieces in their strategy.

Specific Mana Cost: Casting The Cruelty of Gix demands a precise combination of mana, including both colorless and black mana. This necessity can be challenging for multicolor decks that may not always have the requisite mana readily available, limiting its versatility across various deck builds.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost that leans on the higher end for its effects, there might be alternative cards that provide similar benefits for less mana. This leaves players weighing the effectiveness of The Cruelty of Gix against other options that could fit more seamlessly into their game plan without straining their mana resources as much.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: The Cruelty of Gix card is a dynamic addition to any Magic play set because it seamlessly integrates into various deck archetypes. Its ability to manipulate the graveyard and library offers strategic depth, making it a useful tool in control and combo-based decks alike.

Combo Potential: This card shines when paired with strategies that capitalize on graveyard recursion or search mechanics. It enables potent combos by retrieving key pieces from the graveyard or setting up for powerful plays in subsequent turns. Players looking to craft intricate win conditions will find The Cruelty of Gix an essential component.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where adaptability is key to succeeding in an ever-evolving metagame, The Cruelty of Gix maintains relevance. Its ability to disrupt opponents’ strategies while advancing your own game plan provides a tactical advantage that can tip the scales in a competitive environment.


How to beat

The Cruelty of Gix is a powerful card that can pose a formidable challenge on the battlefield. Its ability to disrupt an opponent’s game plan by forcing the sacrifice of permanents can be devastating. Tackling this card requires a strategic approach. A common method is to maintain a reserve of expendable creatures or tokens that can be sacrificed without significantly impacting your board state. Prioritizing the deployment of less valuable permanents when The Cruelty of Gix might be in play helps mitigate the damage it inflicts.

Another technique is to employ instant-speed removal or counterspells to prevent The Cruelty of Gix from resolving in the first place. Cards like Disenchant or Counterspell can be key assets to have at the ready. Additionally, running a deck with inherent resilience, such as those with graveyard-recursion capabilities or hexproof permanents, can lower the impact of Gix’s cruelty. By carefully managing your resources and maintaining a full hand, you can navigate around the hurdles created by this potent card, ultimately preserving your lead in the game.

In summary, while The Cruelty of Gix carries the potential to upset well-laid plans, a versatile strategy and thoughtful reserve can turn the tide in your favor, ensuring that Gix’s malevolence does not define the outcome of the match.


BurnMana Recommendations

The Cruelty of Gix stands out as a versatile spell that embodies the strategic complexity of MTG. Players who revel in dismantling their opponents’ tactics while fortifying their own position will appreciate the depth this card brings to the table. With its capability to impact hand, battlefield, and graveyard, it’s a card that could pivot the game in your favor. Insightful deck builders and those who enjoy a surprise element during gameplay should consider integrating The Cruelty of Gix into their repertoire. Ready to harness its power and enrich your collection? Dive deeper with us and discover how The Cruelty of Gix can elevate your gameplay.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase The Cruelty of Gix MTG card by a specific set like Dominaria United Promos and Dominaria United Promos, 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 The Cruelty of Gix and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The The Cruelty of Gix Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2022-09-09 and 2022-09-09. Illustrated by Volkan Baǵa.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12022-09-09Dominaria United PromosPDMU 87p2015SagaBlackVolkan Baǵa
22022-09-09Dominaria United PromosPDMU 87s2015SagaBlackVolkan Baǵa
32022-09-09Dominaria UnitedDMU 872015SagaBlackVolkan Baǵa

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where The Cruelty of Gix has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2022-09-09 As a Saga with read ahead enters the battlefield, its controller chooses a number from one to that Saga’s greatest chapter number. The Saga enters the battlefield with the chosen number of lore counters. Neither choosing the number nor putting the counters on the Saga use the stack, and neither can be responded to.
2022-09-09 You must search your library as the chapter II ability resolves, and you will lose 3 life.