Damning Verdict MTG Card


Damning Verdict offers board control by removing key threats, granting a solid advantage in-game. Instant speed and versatility make it a formidable choice for reactive strategies and deck-building. Its restrictive mana cost and discard requirement are drawbacks to consider in deck synergy.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeSorcery

Text of card

Destroy all creatures with no counters on them.

"Guilty as charged!"


Cards like Damning Verdict

Damning Verdict is a notable piece in the pantheon of removal spells in Magic: The Gathering. It shares the battlefield control concept with cards like Doom Blade, being designed to neutralize threats. However, Damning Verdict goes a step further by offering unconditional removal, eliminating any creature regardless of color, a striking comparison to the color-specific limitations of Doom Blade.

Looking to Murder, another common removal spell, Damning Verdict holds its ground. Murder allows players to destroy a target creature at instant speed, but at the cost of three mana. Damning Verdict escalates its demand with a higher mana cost, yet compensates with its broader application, disregarding indestructible as a barrier. Hero’s Downfall is also in the discussion, as it can destroy a creature or planeswalker, but again, Damning Verdict’s ability to bypass indestructible creatures places it in a unique spot.

When evaluating removal power across similar cards in Magic: The Gathering, Damning Verdict impresses as a formidable option. It might come with a higher cost, but its capacity to efficiently deal with any creature on the board is an advantage that can often validate its inclusion in a deck.

Doom Blade - MTG Card versions
Murder - MTG Card versions
Hero's Downfall - MTG Card versions
Doom Blade - MTG Card versions
Murder - MTG Card versions
Hero's Downfall - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Damning Verdict by color, type and mana cost

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End Hostilities - MTG Card versions
Winds of Rath - MTG Card versions
Purify - MTG Card versions
Wave of Reckoning - MTG Card versions
Global Ruin - MTG Card versions
Rout - MTG Card versions
Death or Glory - MTG Card versions
March of Souls - MTG Card versions
Lonesome Unicorn // Rider in Need - MTG Card versions
Slash the Ranks - MTG Card versions
Promise of Loyalty - MTG Card versions
Invoke Justice - MTG Card versions
Saltblast - MTG Card versions
Three Dreams - MTG Card versions
Evangelize - MTG Card versions
Hallowed Burial - MTG Card versions
Iona's Judgment - MTG Card versions
Increasing Devotion - MTG Card versions
Defy Death - MTG Card versions
Angelic Edict - MTG Card versions
End Hostilities - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Damning Verdict provides a critical opportunity to interfere with your opponent’s strategy by potentially removing their key creatures from the battlefield. By selectively targeting the most threatening creatures, you can disrupt your opponent’s board presence, leading to significant card advantage over time as they lose crucial resources.

Resource Acceleration: While Damning Verdict doesn’t directly accelerate your resources, the strategic removal of creatures can indirectly lead to resource acceleration. By eliminating potential blockers or attackers, you’re preserving your life total and your creatures on the board. This, combined with good strategy, can speed up your game plan, giving you the upper hand as you develop your board with fewer obstructions.

Instant Speed: The ability to cast Damning Verdict at instant speed is a game-changer. This flexibility allows you to adapt to the battlefield in real-time, making the most informed decisions when it’s most advantageous for you. Instant-speed interactions keep your opponents on their toes, as they must consider that you could have Damning Verdict ready to disrupt their plays at any moment, even during their turn.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Damning Verdict puts the onus on the player to discard another card, which can be a significant setback if your hand is already dwindling, and you’re trying to maintain card advantage over your opponent.

Specific Mana Cost: Damning Verdict’s mana cost is not just a blend but requires black mana exclusively. This can restrict deck-building options, particularly for those who prefer a wider variety of color combinations or multicolor decks that may not prioritize black mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Requiring three black mana can be a steep price, especially in the early game phases. Consider the alternatives available at a similar or lower cost, and you’ll find that some may offer removal or control effects with less stringent mana requirements, giving you more flexibility on when and how to play your cards.


Reasons to Include Damning Verdict in Your Collection

Versatility: Damning Verdict is a flexible card that can be slotted into different types of decks. Its ability to remove troublesome threats from the board can stabilize the game, regardless of your strategy.

Combo Potential: Damning Verdict can synergize with decks that manipulate the number of cards in opponents’ hands, maximizing its potential to clear out multiple creatures with a single cast.

Meta-Relevance: As creature-heavy decks circulate through the meta, Damning Verdict shines by consistently offering a way to level the playing field and turn the tides in your favor.


How to beat Damning Verdict

Damning Verdict brings a strategic shutdown to the battlefield, capable of removing players’ key creatures. Yet, seasoned MTG players know that no card is invincible. When confronting this formidable spell, it’s essential to deploy strategies that minimize its impact. Smart use of creature protection or hexproof abilities can render Damning Verdict ineffective, safeguarding your most vital creatures from being targeted.

Similarly, running counterspells in your deck keeps Damning Verdict at bay by negating it altogether before it can resolve. Deck construction that relies on a wider array of non-creature spells or those with indestructible characteristics can also dilute the potency of Damning Verdict in the game. Additionally, instant-speed creature-saving tricks that provide indestructibility or bounce creatures back to hand are superb tactics for maintaining board presence. Playing around this powerful card requires foresight and a well-prepared deck poised to navigate around such removal threats.

Data shows that adaptability and defensive deck techs are your best line of defense against removal-heavy strategies that include cards like Damning Verdict. Therefore, advance preparation and tactical play are key components in overcoming such obstacles and leading your deck to victory.


BurnMana Recommendations

The intricate dance of MTG deckbuilding and gameplay grows more complex with cards like Damning Verdict. It’s clear that this card can sway the game by removing crucial creatures, giving you an edge. But it also demands that you manage your resources wisely, balancing card advantage with its discard requirement. Want to understand when and how to integrate this potent removal into your deck efficiently? Are you curious about how to counteract its impact effectively? Expand your strategic horizons and refine your gameplay with our insights. Join other MTG enthusiasts and us as we uncover the depths of card interactions and tactical plays.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Damning Verdict MTG card by a specific set like New Capenna Commander and New Capenna Commander, 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 Damning Verdict and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Damning Verdict Magic the Gathering card was released in 1 different sets between 2022-04-29 and 2022-04-29. Illustrated by Gaboleps.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12022-04-29New Capenna CommanderNCC 152015NormalBlackGaboleps
22022-04-29New Capenna CommanderNCC 1162015NormalBlackGaboleps

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Damning Verdict has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal