While errata on physical Magic cards are, understandably, rare these days, we saw a lot more of them earlier on in the game’s life. As the rules evolved, a number of older cards had to be changed to function properly under the new world order. Martyrdom is one such MTG card, receiving a fairly comprehensive overhaul that takes it from niche Fog effect to sneaky combo enabler.
Martyrdom MTG
Martyrdom hasn’t seen a single reprint since its errata, so the version above is no longer accurate. Instead, the Oracle text for Martyrdom now reads as follows:
“Until end of turn, target creature you control gains “0: The next 1 damage that would be dealt to target creature, planeswalker, or player this turn is dealt to this creature instead.” Only you may activate this ability.”
This wording essentially means that Martyrdom can redirect any amount of damage from any number of sources. Even when played fairly, this makes it a pretty solid card. Redirecting damage to players can prevent an alpha strike from an opponent, provided you have a creature to sacrifice. It can also keep your creatures safe from damage-based board wipes like Blasphemous Act, whether they’re being cast by you or against you.
Martyrdom is particularly good when you can get additional value out of the creature you redirect damage to. Indestructible creatures, like Giggling Skitterspike, can remove the need to ‘sacrifice’ a creature to Martyrdom. Alternatively, you can pair it with something like Phyrexian Obliterator for an absolutely devastating board wipe against an unsuspecting opponent.
To get even more out of Martyrdom, you can pair it with creatures that grant you bonuses when damaged. It’s an easy way to guarantee triggers on Enrage creatures, for one thing, making cards like Polyraptor and Apex Altisaur much more consistent. It can also turn Anti-Venom, Horrifying Healer into an absolutely massive threat if you time it right.
Curious Combos
Where Martyrdom really comes alive, however, is in the various combo lines it enables, thanks to the zero-cost ability it grants post-errata. When paired with Arcbond and any Indestructible creature, for instance, it lets you deal infinite damage to the entire board.
Simply target your creature with both spells, then have it take damage from any source. Arcbond will trigger, dealing said damage to each other creature and player, and you can use the Martyrdom ability to absorb it all. Rinse and repeat until you reach an Arcbond trigger that deals infinite damage to each of your opponents.
For a simpler combo, you can use Martyrdom to make Crackdown Construct an infinitely large creature. Target Construct with Martyrdom to start, then just activate the ability infinite times to build it up. From here, you can kit out Construct with Super State to take out all three opponents at once, or just hit it with Chandra’s Ignition to do the same if you’re in red.
If you’re in Selesnya colors and want to get really funky, Martyrdom can actually mill an opponent out with Altanak, the Thrice-Called and Stiltzkin, Moogle Merchant. Target Altanak with Martyrdom to start, then donate it to your toughest opponent via Stiltzkin. You’ll still be able to activate its Martyrdom ability, which lets you force that opponent to draw their entire deck and lose on the spot.
A Worthy Sacrifice
Whether you’re playing it fairly or winning out of nowhere with it, Martyrdom is a sneakily powerful MTG card. It’s also very underplayed in current Commander, with just under 6,000 decks running it right now according to EDHREC.
The errata is almost certainly a big part of this; the card’s original text doesn’t look fantastic, and the only way to see the updated version is online. Many players likely look at the original and pass it over, unaware of the true power it holds.
On the bright side, Martyrdom being so neglected means it’s also very affordable right now. Whichever one of the card’s Alliances artworks you go for, you’ll only be paying around $0.30 for a near-mint copy. At these prices, it’s an ideal budget pick that you can slot in to surprise your playgroup at your next Commander night.
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