Power Sink MTG Card


Power Sink can grant card advantage by forcing opponents to deplete mana or have spells countered. It offers flexibility with instant speed, enabling reactionary plays to disrupt opponents’ strategies. While powerful, Power Sink’s effectiveness can be limited by specific mana costs and high investment.
Card setsReleased in 23 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

Target spell is countered unless its caster spends X more mana; caster of target spell can't choose to let it be countered. If caster of target spell doesn't have enough mana, all available mana from lands and mana pool must be paid but target spell will still be countered.


Cards like Power Sink

Power Sink is a standout counter spell in Magic: The Gathering, holding its ground amongst other classic interruption tactics. This card diverts from traditional countering methods by tapping all of an opponent’s lands, even if they pay the X cost. Compare this to the likes of Counterspell, a definitive and straightforward option which counters any spell for two blue mana without additional effects.

Mana Leak is another relative, straightforward yet powerful in early game phases. It counters a spell unless its caster pays an additional three mana, a cost often too high in the early turns. Power Sink, in contrast, can be adjusted for mana availability, potentially exhausting an opponent’s lands completely. Conversely, the X factor in Power Sink’s mana cost makes it less effective in the late game where players may have excess mana at their disposal.

To sum up, Power Sink offers a unique strategy within the realm of Magic: The Gathering counter spells. Its potential to disrupt an opponent’s mana base can be significantly impactful, making it a card worth considering for blue control decks that aim to command the tempo of the game.

Counterspell - MTG Card versions
Mana Leak - MTG Card versions
Counterspell - MTG Card versions
Mana Leak - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Power Sink by color, type and mana cost

Ancestral Recall - MTG Card versions
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Envelop - MTG Card versions
Brainstorm - MTG Card versions
Ancestral Recall - MTG Card versions
Jump - MTG Card versions
Sleight of Mind - MTG Card versions
Twiddle - MTG Card versions
Unsummon - MTG Card versions
Siren's Call - MTG Card versions
Blue Elemental Blast - MTG Card versions
Spell Blast - MTG Card versions
Magical Hack - MTG Card versions
Riptide - MTG Card versions
Winter's Chill - MTG Card versions
Mind Bend - MTG Card versions
Denied! - MTG Card versions
Hydroblast - MTG Card versions
Whispers of the Muse - MTG Card versions
Ertai's Trickery - MTG Card versions
Force Spike - MTG Card versions
Opt - MTG Card versions
Envelop - MTG Card versions
Brainstorm - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Temur ControlTemur Control PremodernMisty Premodern Winter Finals

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Power Sink compels your opponent to use up all mana available or face the dismal prospect of their spell being countered, potentially leaving them with fewer resources to counter your plays during your turn. This tipping of scales can be a subtle yet effective way to gain card advantage over time.

Resource Acceleration: Although Power Sink does not directly accelerate your resources, it can indirectly hasten your gameplay by disrupting your opponent’s mana base. When played strategically, Power Sink can set your opponent back, allowing you to pull ahead and deploy your threats or answers more efficiently.

Instant Speed: The real power of Power Sink lies in its ability to function at instant speed, giving you the flexibility to adapt to the game’s flow. You can respond to your opponent’s spells on their turn, forcing them to either commit their mana or lose their spell to the depths of the Power Sink.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Power Sink forces a player to either pay the required mana or to tap all lands. This can backfire if the opponent has excess mana and turns what was intended as a disruption into an opportunity for them to manage their mana more efficiently.

Specific Mana Cost: Power Sink’s casting cost includes blue mana, which can make it restrictive for decks that don’t run heavily on blue or lack mana fixing. Drawing it without access to blue mana means it sits useless in hand.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While the starting cost isn’t high, to truly be effective, Power Sink often requires a substantial mana investment to ensure the opponent can’t pay. This can tie up mana you may need for other spells or to respond to threats, reducing its overall utility compared to other counter spells that are effective at a lower, more predictable cost.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Power Sink is a blue instant that can disrupt opponents regardless of the deck theme they are running. It’s a versatile tool, effective against everything from aggressive creature strategies to spell-based combo decks by forcing mana to be tapped at inconvenient times.

Combo Potential: In decks that capitalize on opponents being mana-starved, Power Sink escalates these strategies. It pairs well with cards designed to punish tapped-out states or works to safeguard your own combo setup by hindering potential counterspells or disruptive abilities.

Meta-Relevance: Given that managing resources is always crucial in gameplay, Power Sink maintains relevance in diverse meta environments. It counters key spells and can be a deciding factor in the late game where mana availability often determines the victor.


How to beat

Power Sink, a classic counter spell in Magic: The Gathering, can be a real game-changer when played effectively. This card forces the target spell’s controller to pay an additional sum of mana or have their spell countered and lose any unspent mana as the lands tap. To outplay Power Sink, savvy MTG players often keep track of untapped lands. Ensuring enough mana for both your spell and the potential cost increase from Power Sink is vital. It is also advantageous to bait out Power Sink with a less critical spell, preserving more important plays for when your opponent’s mana is insufficient to activate its effect.

Timing is crucial when dealing with Power Sink. If you play your spells when the opponent has limited untapped mana, they may not be able to use Power Sink to its full potential. Additionally, employing instant-speed spells after your opponent’s turn leaves them with fewer opportunities to utilize their counter spell effectively. Cards that can’t be countered, or abilities that protect your spells from being countered, are also excellent ways to circumvent Power Sink’s influence on the game.

Understanding and anticipating this potent counter spell can help keep your strategy on track and maintain the upper hand in your MTG matches. Staying ahead of Power Sink requires a mix of tactical foresight and resource management.


BurnMana Recommendations

Stepping into the realm of MTG with strategic cards like Power Sink ensures you’re always one step ahead. It’s an essential component for control decks, aimed at disrupting opponents and tipping the scales in your favor. As the game evolves, so should your deck, integrating cards that not only counter but create opportunities for victory. Whether you’re stifling your enemy’s spell-casting or setting the stage for a game-winning combo, Power Sink can be the cornerstone of your tactical arsenal. Want to master the art of control or find more hidden gems for your collection? Journey with us further into the intricate world of MTG.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Power Sink MTG card by a specific set like Limited Edition Alpha and Limited Edition Beta, 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 Power Sink and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Power Sink Magic the Gathering card was released in 22 different sets between 1993-08-05 and 2022-11-28. Illustrated by 5 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11993-08-05Limited Edition AlphaLEA 721993NormalBlackRichard Thomas
21993-10-04Limited Edition BetaLEB 731993NormalBlackRichard Thomas
31993-12-01Unlimited Edition2ED 731993NormalWhiteRichard Thomas
41993-12-10Intl. Collectors' EditionCEI 731993NormalBlackRichard Thomas
51993-12-10Collectors' EditionCED 731993NormalBlackRichard Thomas
61994-04-01Foreign Black BorderFBB 741993NormalBlackRichard Thomas
71994-04-01Revised Edition3ED 741993NormalWhiteRichard Thomas
81994-06-21Summer Magic / EdgarSUM 741993NormalWhiteRichard Thomas
91995-04-01Fourth Edition4ED 931993NormalWhiteRichard Thomas
101995-04-01Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border4BB 931993NormalBlackRichard Thomas
111995-06-03Ice AgeICE 911993NormalBlackMark Poole
121996-05-02Pro Tour Collector SetPTC shr931993NormalGoldRichard Thomas
131996-07-01Rivals Quick Start SetRQS 111993NormalWhiteRichard Thomas
141996-10-08MirageMIR 831997NormalBlackCharles Gillespie
151996-12-31Introductory Two-Player SetITP 121993NormalWhiteRichard Thomas
161997-03-24Fifth Edition5ED 1111997NormalWhiteRichard Thomas
171997-10-14TempestTMP 781997NormalBlackJeff Miracola
181998-10-12Urza's SagaUSG 891997NormalBlackAndrew Robinson
191999-04-21Classic Sixth Edition6ED 871997NormalWhiteMark Poole
202000-10-01Beatdown Box SetBTD 141997NormalWhiteMark Poole
212014-06-16Vintage MastersVMA 882015NormalBlackAndrew Robinson
222022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 3691997NormalBlackRichard Thomas
232022-11-2830th Anniversary Edition30A 722015NormalBlackRichard Thomas

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Power Sink has restrictions

FormatLegality
OldschoolLegal
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

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

Date Text
2004-10-04 Does not increase the mana cost of the spell. It just requires a separate expenditure in order for it to succeed.
2004-10-04 When this spell resolves, you either pay X mana or let your lands become tapped. The lands that become tapped are not “tapped for mana”. If you choose to pay, you may pay the X mana using whatever mana abilities you want to use.
2010-03-01 Only lands that actually have mana abilities will get tapped. This includes basic lands and lands with mana abilities printed on them, as well as lands which have been granted a mana ability by some effect.