Abrade MTG Card


Abrade’s dual utility offers tactical advantage as both creature removal and artifact destruction, providing strategic deck flexibility. Utilized at instant speed, Abrade enables control of the game’s pace and disrupts opponents’ plans unpredictably. Despite its strengths, Abrade’s mana specificity and optimal timing usage can limit its versatility in some decks.
Card setsReleased in 17 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

Choose one — • Abrade deals 3 damage to target creature. • Destroy target artifact.

The desert is a voracious beast, devouring both flesh and stone.


Cards like Abrade

The Abrade card stands out in the MTG universe owing to its versatility and directness. Its viability can be compared to Lightning Strike, a popular choice for dealing damage to targets. While both cards cost two mana to play and deliver direct damage, Abrade can also destroy an artifact, making it a dual-threat.

Alternately, it shares similarities with Shock. Albeit Shock costs less mana to cast, it offers only half the damage output of Abrade. However, Shock being castable at instant speed can let players respond to threats immediately, but it lacks Abrade’s anti-artifact capability.

Another component in this discussion is Magma Spray. Costing the same mana as Shock, it also inflicts less damage. The edge Magma Spray has is the ability to exile creatures if they are sent to the graveyard, preventing any recurrence, but the card cannot target artifacts, unlike Abrade.

In conclusion, all these alternatives shed light on the value of Abrade in MTG. Its breadth of use, from inflicting damage to destroying artifacts, grants it a significant standing amongst similar playing strategies.

Lightning Strike - MTG Card versions
Shock - MTG Card versions
Magma Spray - MTG Card versions
Lightning Strike - MTG Card versions
Shock - MTG Card versions
Magma Spray - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Abrade by color, type and mana cost

Shatter - MTG Card versions
Word of Blasting - MTG Card versions
Incinerate - MTG Card versions
Guerrilla Tactics - MTG Card versions
Orcish Catapult - MTG Card versions
Blood Frenzy - MTG Card versions
Falter - MTG Card versions
Shattering Pulse - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Strike - MTG Card versions
Starstorm - MTG Card versions
First Volley - MTG Card versions
Surging Flame - MTG Card versions
Psychotic Fury - MTG Card versions
Sudden Shock - MTG Card versions
Fists of the Anvil - MTG Card versions
Magma Jet - MTG Card versions
Seismic Shudder - MTG Card versions
Fling - MTG Card versions
Comet Storm - MTG Card versions
Pyretic Ritual - MTG Card versions
Shatter - MTG Card versions
Word of Blasting - MTG Card versions
Incinerate - MTG Card versions
Guerrilla Tactics - MTG Card versions
Orcish Catapult - MTG Card versions
Blood Frenzy - MTG Card versions
Falter - MTG Card versions
Shattering Pulse - MTG Card versions
Flowstone Strike - MTG Card versions
Starstorm - MTG Card versions
First Volley - MTG Card versions
Surging Flame - MTG Card versions
Psychotic Fury - MTG Card versions
Sudden Shock - MTG Card versions
Fists of the Anvil - MTG Card versions
Magma Jet - MTG Card versions
Seismic Shudder - MTG Card versions
Fling - MTG Card versions
Comet Storm - MTG Card versions
Pyretic Ritual - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Abrade. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Temur Land ComboTemur Land Combo StandardTemur Land ComboStandard Challenge 32 2024-04-20 (1)
Rakdos MidrangeRakdos Midrange PioneerRakdos MidrangePioneer League 2024-05-04
Izzet FaeriesIzzet Faeries PauperIzzet FaeriesPauper League 2024-05-01
Gruul PonzaGruul Ponza PauperGruul PonzaPauper Showcase Challenge 2024-04-20
Jeskai ControlJeskai Control VintageJeskai ControlVintage League 2024-04-30
URUR VintageVintage League 2024-04-26
Gruul MidrangeGruul Midrange ModernGruul MidrangeModern League 2024-05-04
RGRG PauperPauper Showcase Challenge 2024-04-20
Gruul Turbo InitiativeGruul Turbo Initiative PauperMonthly Tournament #38 @ Paper Pauper Magic Discord
Five-Color AnalystFive-Color Analyst Standard4c Land ComboPro Tour Thunder Junction

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Abrade particularly shines with its ability to provide card advantage. It can either target and destroy a threatening artifact or deal three damage to an opposing creature. The player thus gains a dual-purpose card, so it’s effectively two cards in one, granting you an advantage.

Resource Acceleration: When it comes to resource acceleration, Abrade is a useful card to have. It can remove any pesky artifacts that your opponent might use for their mana acceleration while also providing an effective way to slow down enemy strategies. This removal aspect acts as a form of field control, too, potentially altering the gameplay pace to your favor.

Instant Speed: Abrade operates at instant speed, which adds to its versatility and strategic value. Whether utilized in your turn or being kept as surprise destruction on the opponent’s turn, the fast pace of Abrade ensures you’re not losing ground in the spell speed race. The flexibility in when to cast Abrade adds a layer of unpredictability, possibly disrupting your opponent’s plans.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Abrade does not necessitate a discard for its activation, making it a stable card to hold in your hand. However, its inherent value may compel a player to utilize it sooner rather than hold onto it for the opportune moment, potentially leading to rapid depletion of resources.

Specific Mana Cost: Abrade calls for a specific mana color – red. Its dependency on this particular cost could limit its application to certain deck builds, potentially hindering its versatility across various matches.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Requiring three mana to activate, Abrade might seem reasonable on the surface. Nevertheless, in the realm of MTG where turn efficiency plays a vital role, other cards could offer more immediate effects or even greater versatility at a lesser mana cost.


Reasons to Include Abrade in Your Collection

Versatility: The Abrade card is one of those spells that can find a home in any red deck. Its diverse functionalities, either to deal 3 damage to a creature or destroy an artifact, offer flexibility in responding to a variety of scenarios on the battlefield.

Combo Potential: Abrade works fantastic in combination with damage amplifying cards such as Furnace of Rath, or if you want to punctuate the artifact destruction, synergize it with cards like Shrapnel Blast or Goblin Welder.

Meta-Relevance: In the fast-paced MTG games where artifacts like Embercleave or vehicles dominate the scene, having Abrade in your arsenal makes a significant difference. Its instant speed and low mana cost can disrupt opponent strategies, offering a competitive edge in the current meta.


How to beat

Abrade is a powerful card in MTG, specially valued for its versatility. It gives players the ability to choose between dealing damage to a creature or destroying an artifact. This flexible removal spell has its uses, but strategies to overcome it are just as varied.

Firstly, holding onto cards with protection abilities or hexproof can be useful; after all, Abrade can’t target what it can’t touch. Moreover, having indestructible creatures in your deck can also provide a great shield against Abrade’s damaging effect. Abrade requires a target to be effective, make sure that target isn’t your key creature.

Secondly, since Abrade destroys artifacts, decks constructed without heavy reliance on artifacts can seamlessly rein in its destructive potential. Also, opting for artifacts with protective abilities that render them immune to such spells can work to your advantage.

All in all, while Abrade is indeed a strong and versatile card in MTG, using a strategic blend of protected or indestructible creatures and artifact choices can help you effectively beat it on the battlefield.


BurnMana Recommendations

Abrade is more than just another card in the MTG universe – it’s a strategic linchpin for red deck enthusiasts. Its power to tilt the battlefield to your advantage can’t be understated. With its swift, dual-purpose capabilities, Abrade presents itself as a staple in many decks. If you’re looking to fine-tune your deck’s efficiency or adapt to meta-shifts where artifacts hold sway, incorporating Abrade is a smart move. Eager to delve into deck-building insights and enhance your gameplay with versatile cards like Abrade? Join our vibrant MTG community where we undress the complexity of each match and embrace the strategic depths of MTG.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Abrade MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Magic Online Promos, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Abrade and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Abrade Magic the Gathering card was released in 15 different sets between 2017-07-14 and 2023-11-17. Illustrated by 5 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 861362015NormalBlackJonas De Ro
22002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 650012015NormalBlackFlorian de Gesincourt
32017-07-14Hour of DevastationHOU 832015NormalBlackJonas De Ro
42017-07-15Hour of Devastation PromosPHOU 832015NormalBlackFlorian de Gesincourt
52019-12-02Secret Lair DropSLD 14252015NormalBlackTOMO77
62020-08-07Double Masters2XM 1142015NormalBlackJonas De Ro
72020-08-13Amonkhet RemasteredAKR 1362015NormalBlackJonas De Ro
82020-09-26The ListPLST HOU-832015NormalBlackFlorian de Gesincourt
92020-11-20Commander LegendsCMR 4102015NormalBlackJonas De Ro
102020-11-20Commander LegendsCMR 6592015NormalBlackJonas De Ro
112021-11-19Crimson Vow Art SeriesAVOW 382015Art seriesBorderlessDominik Mayer
122021-11-19Innistrad: Crimson VowVOW 1392015NormalBlackDominik Mayer
132022-01-28Innistrad: Double FeatureDBL 4062015NormalBlackDominik Mayer
142022-10-14Game Night: Free-for-AllGN3 672015NormalBlackJonas De Ro
152022-11-18The Brothers' War CommanderBRC 1111997NormalBlackJonas De Ro
162023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 2032015NormalBlackJonas De Ro
172023-11-17The Lost Caverns of IxalanLCI 1312015NormalBlackBartek Fedyczak

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Abrade has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal