Pongify
Instant
Destroy target creature. It can't be regenerated. Its controller creates a 3/3 green Ape creature token.
*Some spellcrafting mistakes go on to become spells of their own.*
Set
Tarkir: Dragonstorm Commander
Rarity
Uncommon
Mana Value
1
Artist
Heather Hudson
Collector #
160
Why Play Pongify
Blue decks gain access to unconditional creature removal at just one mana, making it excellent for dealing with large threats early in the game. The spell shines when targeting expensive creatures like Tarmogoyf, Primeval Titan, or commanders in multiplayer games where trading a 6+ mana threat for a 3/3 body represents significant tempo gain. Use it proactively to clear blockers before attacking or reactively to stop game-ending threats, as the 3/3 Ape token is often manageable compared to what you're destroying.Format Notes
Most impactful in Commander where expensive creatures and bombs are common, making the mana-to-effect ratio highly favorable. Legacy and Modern decks occasionally include it as budget removal or in specific tempo strategies, though these formats have more efficient answers available. The card has never faced banning issues and remains a solid role-player in casual and semi-competitive metas where creature-based strategies dominate.Combos & Synergies
Pairs excellently with Gilded Drake effects where you can steal an opponent's creature, then Pongify your own stolen permanent to deny them the creature permanently. Works well alongside Curse of the Swine for redundant transformation effects in control shells. Token-hate cards like Illness in the Ranks or Echoing Truth can mitigate the downside by dealing with the Ape token efficiently.Featured in These Decks
- Tricky Terrain Commander
- Quick Draw Commander
- Peer Through Time Commander
- Jeskai Striker Commander
- From Cute to Brute Commander
- Everyone’s Invited! Commander
