MourningHow it works & interactions with other cards

What It Does

Mourning is an Aura that attaches to a creature and gives it -2/-0, effectively neutralizing small threats or making large ones less dangerous in combat. Unlike many other enchantments, it features a built-in activated ability that allows its owner to pay one black mana to return the card from the battlefield to their hand. This allows you to re-evaluate your targets as the board state evolves.

How It Resolves Step by Step

First, you cast Mourning by paying one black and one generic mana, choosing a target creature. Once it enters the battlefield, the -2/-0 effect is applied immediately as a continuous effect. To use the return ability, you must have priority; you pay one black mana and put the ability on the stack. When that ability resolves, Mourning leaves the battlefield and returns to your hand, and the creature no longer suffers the power reduction.

Common Mistakes

A frequent point of confusion involves who can activate the return ability. According to official rulings, if you attach Mourning to an opponent's creature, only you (the owner and controller of the Aura) can activate the ability to return it to your hand. The controller of the enchanted creature cannot pay the mana to remove the debuff themselves. Additionally, the ability can only be activated while Mourning is on the battlefield.

When to Play It

Mourning is best utilized in long-form matches where you need to repeatedly adjust your defensive posture. It is particularly effective against aggressive decks that rely on creatures with 2 or less power, as it can effectively render them unable to deal combat damage. Because you can return it to your hand, it is also a great way to trigger abilities that care about enchantments entering the battlefield multiple times.

Interaction examples

Creating a Safe Blocker

Black Market Connections

If you use Black Market Connections to create a 3/2 Shapeshifter token, you might find yourself needing a defensive blocker that doesn't trade with your opponent's 2-power creature. By enchanting your opponent's creature with Mourning, you reduce its power to 0, allowing your Shapeshifter to block it safely turn after turn without dying.

Protecting Life Totals

Phyrexian Arena

When you have Phyrexian Arena in play, you are consistently losing life each turn to draw cards. This makes your life total a precious resource. Using Mourning to reduce the power of an incoming attacker helps mitigate the damage you take from combat, ensuring you have enough time to utilize the extra cards you draw from the Arena.