Torment MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Enchantment — Aura |
| Abilities | Enchant |
| Released | 1998-03-02 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Stronghold |
| Set code | STH |
| Number | 73 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Paolo Parente |
Text of card
Enchanted creature gets -3/-0.
"Volrath has killed me. All that remains of me is the scar!" —Tahngarth
Cards like Torment
Torment, a card in the vast library of Magic: The Gathering, finds its niche alongside effects that amplify pain and punishment across the game. Its closest relative may be the iconic card, Mind Twist, as both force opponents to grapple with choice and consequence under duress. Where Mind Twist empties a player’s hand at random, Torment allows for a more strategic approach; opponents must choose their sacrifice, be it discarding cards, sacrificing creatures, or losing life.
Then there’s the sorcery Chain Reaction, which also thrives on the concept of inflicting misery based on the number of creatures in play. Unlike Torment, which opens a menu of pain options to an opponent, Chain Reaction straightforwardly deals damage. Similarly, the card Pox has establishes its reputation for making players relinquish parts of their playing field, hitting their pool of creatures, life, and cards in hand, much like the chess game that is Torment.
While evaluating these comparable cards, Torment holds a prestigious position for those delighting in the art of control and calculated cruelty in MTG. It stands out with a blend of tactical depth and the potential for psychological warfare, elements that seasoned players appreciate in the heat of battle.
Cards similar to Torment by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Torment provides a significant edge by enabling you to potentially discard an opponent’s card while you draw one for yourself. This card serves as a reliable method to tilt the balance of resources in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: Although Torment itself doesn’t directly produce additional resources, its ability to disrupt the opponent’s hand can slow down their game plan, effectively creating a relative acceleration for you.
Instant Speed: The flexibility offered by Torment’s instant speed is a major tactical advantage. It allows you to wait until the most opportune moment within a turn, whether it’s disrupting a key play from your opponent or simply at the end of their turn to maximize the element of surprise.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: In order to cast Torment, players must often discard another card, which could prove disadvantageous, especially during later stages when maintaining hand advantage is crucial.
Specific Mana Cost: Torment cards frequently require black mana, which restricts them primarily to mono-black or two-color decks that must accommodate this need, potentially limiting deck-building flexibility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Torment cards typically come with a high mana cost when balancing their powerful effects, requiring a significant investment that can impact the tempo of the game and may not always equate to a proportionate payoff in gameplay value.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: The Torment card functions well in various settings due to its ability to universally affect opponents. Its adaptability makes it a solid choice for nearly any black deck formula, efficiently disrupting opponents while furthering your strategy.
Combo Potential: As a card that can magnify the results of discarding and life loss, Torment aligns seamlessly with synergistic elements in black-focused combo decks. This potential for combination with other cards that thrive on your opponents’ disadvantages—or your own life-pay mechanics—enhances its value in creating powerful plays.
Meta-Relevance: In environments where players are holding onto multiple cards and life totals remain high, Torment can be particularly impactful. Its relevance in the current meta depends on the prevalence of strategies that hoard resources, as it can swiftly turn the tide of the game by stripping away these advantages.
How to beat Torment
In the strategic realm of MTG, Torment cards present unique challenges with their disruptive abilities. Successfully navigating these hurdles requires understanding the card mechanics and the right countermeasures. To diminish the impact of Torment, players should prioritize maintaining card advantage. Having a robust hand allows you to withstand the punishing choices Torment cards often force upon opponents.
Consider utilizing instant-speed spells and abilities that can respond to Torment cards being cast. This allows you to leverage your mana and resources efficiently, often minimizing the potential damage. Additionally, drawing on graveyard interactions can be a shrewd tactic, given that Torment cards may inadvertently provide fodder for your own graveyard-based strategies.
Ultimately, flexibility and tactical foresight are key. By anticipating the potential threats that Torment cards pose and incorporating strategies that adapt to the situation, you can turn a seemingly disadvantageous position into a winning one. Deck building with resilience in mind ensures that, even in the face of Torment, your game plan remains unshaken.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Torment MTG card by a specific set like Stronghold, 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 Torment 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Torment has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |