Pointed Discussion

Spike chooses Duress, Timmy prefers Ostracize. I'm Johnny and play Ostracize with Tempting Wurm.

I like Ostracize better as a first turn discard. It puts down early creatures long enough to establish a lock with more powerful discard options like Hymn to Tourach.

And then there's the first turn Ostracize an opponent's big creature and then second turn Animate Dead it.

Despise is strictly better

I've always loved the flavor and art direction of the Phyrexians in Urza's block.

I almost felt sorry for Kerrick. Then I read what he did. He almost killed Jhoira, for one thing.

Not a bad card. While true Despise is strictly better, this can be used in the pauper format, and goes well when paired with Duress.