While not a hard counter or fool proof solution by any means, being able ot look at your opponents hand and discard any card you want (other than a character) is going to be quite effective
With competitive pricing and an excellent reputation for authenticity, its a trusted choice for players and collectors
Sure, it also has the break of once per turn end step, but you can gain life every opposing turn with things like permanents, Congregates, or blocking with lifelink dorks
With a mana value that prohibitive, the cards effect better be game-breaking
Two extra mana every turn just smooths everything out, which is why any list of the best mana rocks in MTG basically starts with Sol Ring by default
If you dont have Phyrexian Altar at the ready, using Carrion Feeder as a sacrifice outlet alongside Pitiless Plunderer and Gravecrawler lets you go infinite all the same