Gruesome Discovery MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Common
Type	Sorcery
Abilities	Morbid
Released	2012-02-03
Set symbol
Set name	Dark Ascension
Set code	DKA
Number	66
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	John Stanko

Key Takeaways

Control the game flow by making an opponent discard two cards, unbalancing their strategic options.
Morbid ability can accelerate resources when used after a creature’s death earlier that turn.
Instant speed allows strategic flexibility in response to opponent’s moves, enhancing in-game tactics.

Text of card

Target player discards two cards. Morbid — If a creature died this turn, instead that player reveals his or her hand, you choose two cards from it, then that player discards those cards.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Gruesome Discovery helps you control the flow of the game by forcing an opponent to discard two cards, disrupting their strategy and hand balance.

Resource Acceleration: By also allowing you to trigger Morbid if a creature died this turn, it can lead to card advantage that translates into resource acceleration based on the scenario.

Instant Speed: Gruesome Discovery’s ability to be played at instant speed gives you the flexibility to respond to your opponent’s moves during their turn, maximizing your strategical options.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Gruesome Discovery necessitates the player to discard a card, which can be a steep price to pay, especially when your hand is already depleting or if the card discarded is of high value.

Specific Mana Cost: The card’s cost is locked into black mana, specifically requiring two black mana symbols. This could restrict its inclusion to mono-black or black-heavy decks, potentially limiting its versatility in a diverse meta.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a combined mana cost of four, including two specific black mana, Gruesome Discovery may be less appealing compared to other options. Given its effect, players might opt for lower-cost alternatives that provide similar utility without the hefty mana investment.

Reasons to Include Gruesome Discovery in Your Collection

Versatility: Gruesome Discovery provides strategic flexibility as a valuable spell for control decks looking to disrupt the opponent. Its ability to target multiple forms of an opponent’s resources is fitting for various gameplay situations.

Combo Potential: This card works well with mechanics that benefit from discard or death triggers. When combined with cards that capitalize on graveyard interactions, it can become a key piece in a powerful combo.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where players tend to accumulate cards in hand or rely on cornerstone creatures for success, Gruesome Discovery can significantly shift the tide of the game by stripping the opponent of their assets, making it a timely inclusion for your deck.

How to beat

Gruesome Discovery is a potent tool in a player’s arsenal for disrupting their opponent’s strategy in MTG. Its ability to force an opponent to discard not one but two cards can lead to significant setbacks, particularly if utilized at a moment when their hand is a crucial asset. Yet, despite its intimidating effect, there are practiced methods to mitigate its impact on your game plan.

One effective strategy is to maintain a robust hand size. With supplementary card draw effects in your deck, even an untimely Gruesome Discovery won’t cripple your ability to respond or advance your board state. Another approach is to employ cards with graveyard synergy, turning potential discard losses into new opportunities for gameplay. Cards that benefit from being in the graveyard or that can be cast from it can essentially nullify the disadvantage of Gruesome Discovery’s discard effect.

Lastly, instant-speed interaction can foil your opponent’s plans. Casting cards in response to Gruesome Discovery that either draw more cards or utilize the cards in your hand can preserve your position. By adapting to the threat and implementing these tactics, you can confidently navigate around the pitfalls of Gruesome Discovery and maintain control of the match.

Cards like Gruesome Discovery

Gruesome Discovery is a darkly thematic spell in Magic: The Gathering, joining the ranks of card advantage options with an additional twist. When eyeing cards in the same category, one might consider Mind Rot, a fellow spell that forces an opponent to ditch two cards. Gruesome Discovery steps up the strategic element by allowing you to target a player only if you control a creature with power 4 or greater, drawing a parallel to the conditional effects found in others spells.

An interesting comparison is drawn with Wrench Mind, which has a lower casting cost but comes with an artifact clause that could potentially reduce its impact. It’s the fine details like these that highlight the tactical diversity within the discard spell family. Delirium Skeins serves as another analogue, affecting all players equally, which can be a risky but democratic approach depending on one’s strategy. On balance, it discards three cards, a higher impact in more aggressive tactics.

Gauging the different nuances and value proposition of discarding spells in MTG shows that Gruesome Discovery might find its niche for players with a penchant for creature-based strategies, seeking to capitalize on the power present on the board while disrupting the opponent’s hand.

Cards similar to Gruesome Discovery by color, type and mana cost

Terisiare's Devastation - MTG Card versions

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Gruesome Discovery MTG card by a specific set like Dark Ascension, 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 Gruesome Discovery and other MTG cards: