Understanding Condemn: A Deeper Dive into Magic's "Removal" Spell

Condemn is an instant spell that has been a staple in Magic: The Gathering for many years, offering players a powerful tool for removing threats from their opponents' boards. In this review, we'll delve deeper into the intricacies of Condemn, exploring its card mechanics, strategic uses, and archetypes that utilize it.

Card Mechanics and Interactions

When cast, Condemn targets an attacking creature, which means it will only have an effect if the creature is currently in play and attacking. The creature is then put into its owner's library, effectively removing it from the game state for the remainder of the turn. This can be a devastating blow to opponents' plans, particularly if they're relying on a specific creature to attack or defend.

The life gain granted by Condemn is also worth noting. The amount of life gained is equal to the toughness of the creature that was put into the library, which means even relatively small creatures can provide significant life gain. This can be particularly useful in combo decks where a single creature's ability can greatly impact the game state.

Strategic Uses and Combos

Condemn is particularly useful in decks that focus on disrupting their opponents' board presence. By putting a creature into its owner's library, Condemn can effectively neutralize an attacking threat while also providing life gain to the player.

One common way to use Condemn is as part of an "oathbreaker" combo deck. These decks often feature creatures that can only be put into the library and used when they are removed from play by other effects. When paired with a creature like Jace, the Mind Sculptor, which can look at cards in an opponent's graveyard to determine which ones it wants to return, Condemn can be used to remove creatures that would otherwise be returned.

Condemn also has applications in more control-oriented decks. By putting creatures into their owner's library, Condemn can disrupt opponents' plans while also gaining life and creating opportunities for other effects to trigger. For example, if an opponent is using a creature with high power and toughness to attack, Condemn could be used to put that creature on the bottom of its owner's library, while simultaneously gaining life.

Deckbuilding Roles and Archetypes

Condemn is typically used in control or midrange decks where its ability to disrupt opponents' plans while also gaining life is valued. In general, Condemn does well in decks with a strong focus on removing threats from play, such as Thalia, Guardian of Thraben.

One common archetype that uses Condemn is the "oathbreaker" combo deck. These decks often feature a mix of creatures that can only be put into the library and other cards that allow for more aggressive play.

Condemn also has applications in more traditional control decks. By putting creatures into their owner's library, Condemn can disrupt opponents' plans while also gaining life and creating opportunities for other effects to trigger.

Format Viability and Competitive Context

Condemn has seen relatively limited play in modern formats due to its relatively low power level. However, this does not mean it is uncompetitive - in fact, Condemn can be a very powerful tool when used correctly.

In Standard formats, Condemn typically performs best in decks that focus on disrupting opponents' plans and gaining life. These types of decks often include cards like Thalia, Guardian of Thraben, which allow for more aggressive play while also providing removal options.

Condemn has seen some play in recent Modern events, particularly in control-oriented decks that use its ability to disrupt opponents' plans while also gaining life. While it is not typically used as a standalone threat, Condemn can be a valuable addition to these types of decks.

Rules Interactions and Technical Notes

One important interaction with Condemn is its potential to create a loop when combined with other cards. For example, if an opponent has a spell that allows them to draw cards for each creature on the battlefield (such as Doom Blade), this could create an infinite loop of cards being put into their library.

Condemn also interacts with its controller's graveyard in interesting ways. When a creature is put into the library by Condemn, it does not go to the graveyard and instead remains there until the end of the turn or some other effect removes it from the game state.

Another technical note to make is that Condemn can only be cast when an attacking creature is on the battlefield. If no creatures are attacking, Condemn will simply do nothing for the remainder of the turn.

Art, Flavor, and Historical Context

Condemn features art by Jason Chan, which depicts a dark and ominous landscape with several figures in the background looking down at a creature as it lies in its owner's library. The artwork captures the themes of life gain and removal that are present in the card.

The flavor text on Condemn reads: "Put it away, where it can cause no more pain." This phrase reflects the idea that creatures are removed from play to prevent them from causing harm to their owners.

Condemn was first printed in the 2013 set Innistrad. Since its release, the card has seen relatively limited play due to its low power level. However, it remains a popular choice among players who enjoy disrupting opponents' plans and gaining life.

Summary of Key Points

• Condemn is an instant spell that can be used to neutralize threats by putting a targeted creature on the bottom of its owner's library.
• The life gain granted by Condemn is equal to the toughness of the creature that was put into the library.
• Condemn interacts with its controller's graveyard in interesting ways, and can create loops when combined with other cards.
• Condemn has applications in control or midrange decks where its ability to disrupt opponents' plans while also gaining life is valued.
• Condemn has seen relatively limited play in modern formats due to its low power level, but remains a popular choice among players who enjoy disrupting opponents' plans and gaining life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Condemn is a powerful tool for players who enjoy disrupting their opponents' plans while also gaining life. Its ability to put creatures into their owner's library can be incredibly useful in combo decks or control-oriented decks, where its removal options are highly valued. While it may not be as flashy as some other cards, Condemn remains an important card in the Magic: The Gathering universe - and one that players should keep a close eye on in the future.

Additional Insights

Condemn's low power level has led to criticism from some players who feel it is too easy to remove threats from play. However, this also means that Condemn can be incredibly difficult for opponents to deal with when they do get put into their owner's library.

In addition, Condemn's ability to grant life gain to the opponent based on the creature's toughness makes it a unique and powerful tool in the right deck. This can be particularly useful in combo decks where a single creature's ability can greatly impact the game state.

Overall, Condemn is a card that requires careful consideration and planning when playing with it. However, for players who enjoy disrupting their opponents' plans and gaining life, Condemn can be a powerful addition to any deck.