I've actually won games of limited because I ended up with 2 in my maindeck. I used one to save a creature while killing my opponents, and then next turn I tutored the second with Diabolic Tutor and tapped my opponents only blocker, which allowed me to swing for lethal damage. It's an all-round good card in limited.
Posted By:
f_fivefiftyseven
(8/7/2010 12:48:35 PM)
This and Diminish will kill an indestructible creature.
Posted By:
Artscrafter
(8/13/2010 10:02:11 AM)
In some decks, it can be extremely useful. I'm starting to build a Infect deck based around Livewire Lash, and this functions as delay, removal, or in a pinch, a way to deal those last two poison counters.
I can see why some people dislike the seemingly contradictory effects, but may I remind you of vigilance? If you're being swung at by a Sun Titan(and forgot to use this before combat), you can use this to take less damage, and tap it down for a free swing next turn.
Posted By:
Amnatto
(12/26/2010 11:52:12 AM)
For just 
, it stops potential attackers in their tracks, and outright kills anything with 1 toughness. (red and white have quite a few)
Definitely better than it looks.
Posted By:
Blackworm_Bloodworm
(7/10/2010 1:33:20 PM)
Black: rupturing apendixes since 2011
Posted By:
Greyson97
(7/12/2010 1:42:01 PM)
Black tapping. I remember that from Planar Chaos.
Posted By:
A3Kitsune
(7/15/2010 11:22:51 PM)
I love this card, or rather, I love cards with multiple uses. Sure the taping effect has nothing to do with the -1/-1 but that is the point. It can be used for different situations. Fantastic card for limited with combat tricks and when you just need one more turn without the big creature attacking.
Posted By:
Salohkin
(9/9/2010 4:28:37 PM)
Not only does it protect against Annihilator by tapping their eldrazi, but it also does a little damage allowing you to exile or destroy based on damage dealt this turn.
Posted By:
StagingTheUniverse
(2/13/2011 5:53:01 PM)
@Mutanman: Why on earth are you expectations so high for a 1 mana cost card? This is a great UTILITY card. Utility stuff usually provides you with options, none of which are game breaking but can spell bad news for something if you use it right.
Posted By:
Johnald
(7/28/2010 10:42:40 AM)
I like Disfigure better. I have an idea: Why not mix the two. Then we would have: Disfiguring Pain, Instant, BB, Target creature gets -2/-2 until end of turn. Tap that creature.
Posted By:
Demonic_Angel13
(7/12/2010 7:29:44 PM)