The Saviors of Kamigawa release includes Pain's Reward, a rare sorcery card that challenges players to bid life for card advantage. This 2005 Magic: The Gathering card is a staple for strategic play.
Pain's Reward
2005 • Magic: The Gathering • Saviors of Kamigawa
No Listings Available
No listings available right now.
Price History
$11.03
Description
Pain's Reward stands as a distinctive sorcery within the 2005 Magic: The Gathering Saviors of Kamigawa expansion. As card number 85 in the set, this black mana card requires a unique mana cost of two generic and one black mana to cast. The card introduces a high-stakes bidding mechanic that forces players to weigh the immediate loss of life against the long-term benefit of hand size. The gameplay involves a dynamic auction where each participant may bid life points. The player who wins the bid loses that amount of life but draws four additional cards. This mechanic creates intense psychological warfare, as every player must decide whether the card advantage is worth the potential damage to their life total. The card remains a popular subject for collectors who appreciate the strategic depth introduced during this era of the game. Designed by Matt Cavotta, the card carries a rare designation, making it a sought-after addition for those building collections of Saviors of Kamigawa. The card's identity is rooted in its role as a resource-generating engine that can swing the game state dramatically. Its enduring presence in collector discussions highlights its significance within the Saviors of Kamigawa set. Whether for completing a set or studying classic design patterns, Pain's Reward offers a compelling look at Magic's history. Collectors interested in the Saviors of Kamigawa series often track down this card number to complete their roster. The card's ability to generate card advantage through life loss makes it a memorable piece of Magic: The Gathering history. Its unique bidding mechanic continues to be a topic of analysis among fans of the game. For those exploring the Saviors of Kamigawa expansion, Pain's Reward represents a key strategic tool from the 2005 release. Its design and function reflect the creative direction of the era, offering a distinct experience for players.
Have one of these to sell?
We'll pre-fill the product details from this catalog entry, so your listing lands on this exact page. Just add photos of your copy, pick its condition, and set your price.
Card Details
The catalog profile below summarizes the card identity, featured subject, and notable collectible traits.
Catalog Profile
The core identity of the card within the set.
Featured Subject
The subject, team, league, and sport context tied to this card.
Featured
Pain's Reward
Game
Magic: The Gathering
TCG Attributes
Rarity, print treatment, and game-specific stats for this card.
Rare
Matt Cavotta
Card Stock
English
{2}{B}
Sorcery
B
Card Text
Abilities, attacks, oracle text, and flavor text printed on the card.
Each player may bid life. You start the bidding with a bid of any number. In turn order, each player may top the high bid. The bidding ends if the high bid stands. The high bidder loses life equal to the high bid and draws four cards.






