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Painful Quandary
SOM · Scars of Mirrodin #73 · Rare · released 2010-10-01
{3}{B}{B}
Enchantment
Whenever an opponent casts a spell, that player loses 5 life unless they discard a card.
"For each word spoken, one forgotten. For each thought, a memory rotten."
—Moriok incantation
Painful Quandary is a rare black enchantment from Scars of Mirrodin (2010). It has been printed 8 times across 6 sets, from 2010 to 2025. Recent market prices range from $1.56 to $21.55 depending on printing and finish. It is legal in Standard, Pioneer, Modern, Legacy, Vintage, Commander, Oathbreaker, Historic, Brawl and Penny Dreadful.
USD$2.77
USD Foil$21.55
Format legality
Where you can play Painful Quandary in sanctioned and popular formats.
StandardLegal
PioneerLegal
ModernLegal
LegacyLegal
VintageLegal
CommanderLegal
PauperNot legal
OathbreakerLegal
HistoricLegal
BrawlLegal
Penny DreadfulLegal
All printings (8)
Prices range from $1.56 to $21.55 across finishes. Cheapest printing: The Brothers' War at $1.56.
| Set | No. | Rarity | Price | Foil |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scars of Mirrodin This page | 73 | Rare | $2.65 | $21.55 |
| The Brothers' War Promos | 111s | Rare | — | $3.13 |
| The Brothers' War Promos | 111p | Rare | $2.70 | $2.40 |
| The Brothers' War | 331 | Rare | $4.48 | $6.65 |
| The Brothers' War | 111 | Rare | $1.56 | $1.94 |
| Foundations Promos | 179s | Rare | — | $2.13 |
| Foundations | 179 | Rare | $1.69 | $2.02 |
| Magic Online Promos | 105716 | Rare | — | — |
More from Scars of Mirrodin
Rulings
Official rulings from Wizards of the Coast (2).
- 2022-10-14Whenever an opponent casts a spell, Painful Quandary's ability triggers and goes on the stack on top of it. It will resolve before the spell does.
- 2011-01-01Whenever an opponent casts a spell, Painful Quandary's ability triggers and goes on the stack on top of it. It will resolve before the spell does.
Frequently asked questions
Is Painful Quandary legal in Commander?
Yes — Painful Quandary is legal in Commander (EDH).
What formats is Painful Quandary legal in?
Painful Quandary is legal in Standard, Pioneer, Modern, Legacy, Vintage, Commander, Oathbreaker, Historic, Brawl and Penny Dreadful.
How many times has Painful Quandary been printed?
Painful Quandary has been printed 8 times across 6 sets, from 2010 to 2025.
What is the cheapest printing of Painful Quandary?
The cheapest printing is The Brothers' War (#111) at about $1.56.
Who illustrated Painful Quandary?
This printing of Painful Quandary was illustrated by Whit Brachna.