Blazing Specter MTG Card


Blazing Specter combines direct damage with forced opponent discards, depleting resources systematically. Demands color-specific mana, potentially limiting its inclusion to Rakdos or similarly focused decks. Remains a versatile, meta-relevant card, serving as both a threat and strategic disruption tool.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Specter
Abilities Flying,Haste
Power 2
Toughness 2

Text of card

Flying; haste (This creature may attack and oc T the turn it comes under your control.) Whenever Blazing Specter deals combat damage to a player, that player discards a card from his or her hand.


Cards like Blazing Specter

The Blazing Specter is a staple for many deck strategies in Magic: The Gathering, slotting into the unique niche where creature damage and hand disruption collide. It brings memories of Hypnotic Specter, another card that pressures the opponent’s hand upon dealing combat damage. While Hypnotic Specter allows for a more efficient mana cost, Blazing Specter brings added versatility with its fire breathing ability, enabling an increase in damage and potential card discard in a single attack.

Considering other parallels, Rakdos’s Return serves a similar function in stripping cards from a player’s hand while also dealing direct damage. However, it lacks the recurring presence of a creature like the Blazing Specter. Then there’s Blightning, which combines damage with discard at a low cost but, unlike Blazing Specter, offers no permanence on the board.

Ultimately, Blazing Specter shines in its dual-threat capacity. Its ability to apply consistent pressure each turn while chipping away at an opponent’s resources makes it a valuable asset for any player looking to marry direct damage with tactical hand disruption in MTG. The recurring threat of card and life loss it presents can be a game-changer in many matches.

Hypnotic Specter - MTG Card versions
Rakdos's Return - MTG Card versions
Blightning - MTG Card versions
Hypnotic Specter - MTG Card versions
Rakdos's Return - MTG Card versions
Blightning - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Blazing Specter by color, type and mana cost

Lim-Dûl's Paladin - MTG Card versions
Balduvian Dead - MTG Card versions
Discordant Spirit - MTG Card versions
Volcano Imp - MTG Card versions
Possessed Barbarian - MTG Card versions
Prosper, Tome-Bound - MTG Card versions
Orcus, Prince of Undeath - MTG Card versions
Blim, Comedic Genius - MTG Card versions
Rakdos Firewheeler - MTG Card versions
Rakdos, Lord of Riots - MTG Card versions
Immersturm Predator - MTG Card versions
Murderous Redcap - MTG Card versions
Hellhole Rats - MTG Card versions
Wort, Boggart Auntie - MTG Card versions
Sootwalkers - MTG Card versions
Viashino Skeleton - MTG Card versions
Singe-Mind Ogre - MTG Card versions
Olivia Voldaren - MTG Card versions
Exava, Rakdos Blood Witch - MTG Card versions
Blazing Hellhound - MTG Card versions
Lim-Dûl's Paladin - MTG Card versions
Balduvian Dead - MTG Card versions
Discordant Spirit - MTG Card versions
Volcano Imp - MTG Card versions
Possessed Barbarian - MTG Card versions
Prosper, Tome-Bound - MTG Card versions
Orcus, Prince of Undeath - MTG Card versions
Blim, Comedic Genius - MTG Card versions
Rakdos Firewheeler - MTG Card versions
Rakdos, Lord of Riots - MTG Card versions
Immersturm Predator - MTG Card versions
Murderous Redcap - MTG Card versions
Hellhole Rats - MTG Card versions
Wort, Boggart Auntie - MTG Card versions
Sootwalkers - MTG Card versions
Viashino Skeleton - MTG Card versions
Singe-Mind Ogre - MTG Card versions
Olivia Voldaren - MTG Card versions
Exava, Rakdos Blood Witch - MTG Card versions
Blazing Hellhound - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Rakdos MidrangeRakdos Midrange Premodern$1K - Pre-Modern - SCG CON Hartford - Sunday - 9:30 am

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Blazing Specter offers a dual-threat by not only dealing damage but also forcing your opponent to discard a card upon hitting them. This can quickly deplete an opponent’s resources while padding your own advantage on the board.

Resource Acceleration: Although Blazing Specter itself doesn’t provide direct mana acceleration, its ability to disrupt your opponent’s hand can indirectly accelerate your resource dominance. By removing potential answers or threats from their hand, you pave the way for your strategies to execute without hindrance.

Instant Speed: While Blazing Specter is not an instant, its abilities create a sense of urgency for the opponent. They are compelled to find an immediate answer or risk suffering the recurring impact of the Specter’s attacks. This can put you in a favorable position, compelling opponents to make suboptimal plays out of desperation.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One of the key factors when playing with Blazing Specter is the obligation it imposes on your opponent to discard a card whenever it deals combat damage. While this can be advantageous, it also means that its power is diminished against an opponent with an empty hand, offering no additional benefits in such scenarios.

Specific Mana Cost: Blazing Specter demands a specific mana combination to be cast — two black and two red. This requirement can pose a significant challenge in decks which are not heavily focused on these colors, potentially restricting its inclusion to strictly Rakdos or multicolored decks that can reliably generate both types of mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a total casting cost of four mana, Blazing Specter’s impact on the game may not align with its cost, especially when compared to other cards within the same mana range. Players might find that other options in their deck-building arsenal can provide a more immediate or versatile effect for the same, or even a lower, mana investment.


Reasons to Include Blazing Specter in Your Collection

Versatility: Blazing Specter offers a dynamic presence on the battlefield that can adapt to various game situations. It doubles as a threat and a disruption tool, stripping away key cards from your opponent’s hand while pressing for damage.

Combo Potential: By incorporating this card into your deck, you set the stage for synergistic plays. It can complement strategies that capitalize on opponent discard or benefit from having a flying, hasty creature to quickly pivot from defense to offense.

Meta-Relevance: Within the shifting landscape of MTG play, Blazing Specter remains a relevant choice, especially in metagames where maintaining card advantage is vital. Its ability to apply pressure while hindering your opponent’s plans can be a deciding factor in games.


How to beat

Blazing Specter presents a unique blend of aggression and disruption in MTG. This formidable card forces your opponent to discard each time it deals combat damage, applying significant pressure. However, like all threats in Magic: The Gathering, there are strategic ways to mitigate its impact. Key to overcoming this menacing flyer is maintaining control over the board. Removal spells such as Doom Blade or Path to Exile can efficiently handle the Specter before it begins its harassing assault. Alternatively, creatures with reach or flash, such as Vendilion Clique, provide a sturdy line of defense.

Counterspells also serve as an effective measure, ensuring the Specter never takes flight. Counterspell itself or Mana Leak are classic options that can neutralize it on the stack. It is essential to have answers at the ready, as a Blazing Specter unchecked can swiftly dismantle a player’s hand, turning the tide of the game. By prioritizing removal or counters in your deck-building strategy, you can prepare to face down this fiery apparition—and any similar threats—across the MTG landscape.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Blazing Specter MTG card by a specific set like Invasion and World Championship Decks 2001, 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 Blazing Specter and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Blazing Specter Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2000-10-02 and 2014-06-16. Illustrated by Marc Fishman.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12000-10-02InvasionINV 2361997NormalBlackMarc Fishman
22001-08-08World Championship Decks 2001WC01 tvdl2361997NormalGoldMarc Fishman
32011-09-02Duel Decks: Ajani vs. Nicol BolasDDH 522003NormalBlackMarc Fishman
42014-06-16Vintage MastersVMA 2452015NormalBlackMarc Fishman

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Blazing Specter has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderRestricted
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal