10 Best Magic: The Gathering Cards That Capture Black’s Sinister Strategies

Of course, black's ruthlessness extends well beyond simply destroying creatures or forcing opponents to discard cards. It can also turn life into a resource, resurrect enormous threats, and tear apart an opponent's carefully laid plans. Even its most unusual and chaotic spells reflect a desire to exert control wherever possible, but it isn’t without weaknesses. Many of the strongest effects in black come with meaningful costs, whether that's lost life, sacrificed permanents, or resources spent earlier than expected. The trick is knowing when those costs are worth paying, and when a seemingly ruthless decision is actually the smartest move available.