Infernal Grasp MTG Card


Infernal Grasp provides targeted creature removal at instant speed, bolstering tactical flexibility and board control. While efficient, its 2-life cost and specific mana need might restrict its use in some multicolor decks. Its versatility and meta-relevance make Infernal Grasp a formidable addition to MTG black decks.
Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

Destroy target creature. You lose 2 life.

Ancient evils dwell within the burning chasm called the Ashmouth, ever ready to devour those foolish enough to travel alone.


Cards like Infernal Grasp

Infernal Grasp has emerged as a solid option for players seeking targeted creature removal in MTG. This card shares its spot in the pantheon of creature removal spells alongside classics like Murder, with both cards allowing players to destroy any creature at the cost of three mana. However, Infernal Grasp stands apart by requiring only two mana, albeit at the expense of 2 life points, paving the way for more efficient gameplay.

Another noteworthy card is Doom Blade, a removal spell that offers the same efficiency for two mana but with a restriction—it cannot destroy black creatures. The additional flexibility of Infernal Grasp to target creatures of any color gives it a broader reach in a diverse meta. Then there’s Go for the Throat, which costs the same as Infernal Grasp and also excludes a specific type of creature, this time artifact creatures, from its targets.

Evaluating these correlations, it’s evident that Infernal Grasp’s broad applicability, despite its life cost, makes it a strong contender in MTG’s creature removal category. It balances cost-efficiency and versatility, attributes highly sought after by players building competitive decks.

Murder - MTG Card versions
Doom Blade - MTG Card versions
Go for the Throat - MTG Card versions
Murder - MTG Card versions
Doom Blade - MTG Card versions
Go for the Throat - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Infernal Grasp by color, type and mana cost

Word of Command - MTG Card versions
Terror - MTG Card versions
Simulacrum - MTG Card versions
Transmutation - MTG Card versions
Diabolic Edict - MTG Card versions
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Soul Rend - MTG Card versions
Wicked Reward - MTG Card versions
Urborg Justice - MTG Card versions
Imps' Taunt - MTG Card versions
Rapid Decay - MTG Card versions
Tainted Pact - MTG Card versions
Toxic Stench - MTG Card versions
Doom Blade - MTG Card versions
Go for the Throat - MTG Card versions
Cast Down - MTG Card versions
Smother - MTG Card versions
Hero's Demise - MTG Card versions
Sickening Shoal - MTG Card versions
Goryo's Vengeance - MTG Card versions
Word of Command - MTG Card versions
Terror - MTG Card versions
Simulacrum - MTG Card versions
Transmutation - MTG Card versions
Diabolic Edict - MTG Card versions
Headstone - MTG Card versions
Soul Rend - MTG Card versions
Wicked Reward - MTG Card versions
Urborg Justice - MTG Card versions
Imps' Taunt - MTG Card versions
Rapid Decay - MTG Card versions
Tainted Pact - MTG Card versions
Toxic Stench - MTG Card versions
Doom Blade - MTG Card versions
Go for the Throat - MTG Card versions
Cast Down - MTG Card versions
Smother - MTG Card versions
Hero's Demise - MTG Card versions
Sickening Shoal - MTG Card versions
Goryo's Vengeance - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

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

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Mono-Black MidrangeMono-Black Midrange GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 09 2024
Sultai ComboSultai Combo GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 15 2024
Golgari MidrangeGolgari Midrange GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 12 2024
Mardu HumansMardu Humans GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 15 2024
Mono-Black AggroMono-Black Aggro GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 13 2024
Sultai TempoSultai Tempo GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 09 2024
Mardu MidrangeMardu Midrange GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 12 2024
Abzan MidrangeAbzan Midrange GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 13 2024
Four-color MidrangeFour-color Midrange GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 12 2024
Dimir MidrangeDimir Midrange StandardDimir MidrangeStandard Challenge 64 2024-03-24

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Infernal Grasp allows for decisive removal of a creature, enabling a player to deal with threats and shape the battlefield in their favor. Removing a key creature from your opponent can often lead to a loss of their card advantage and shift the tide of the game.

Resource Acceleration: Although Infernal Grasp does not directly offer resource acceleration, efficient removal of opposing creatures can often pave the way for your own creatures to attack successfully, indirectly accelerating your game plan by clearing potentially obstructive creatures that can block or control the tempo.

Instant Speed: The ability to cast Infernal Grasp at instant speed provides tremendous flexibility. Players can manage their mana efficiently throughout their turn, only using Infernal Grasp when it’s most strategically advantageous, such as during the opponent’s turn to surprise them or in response to an enemy spell or ability that targets their creature.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Infernal Grasp doesn’t require you to discard a card, it does demand a tangible price, demanding the sacrifice of life points, which could be critical in tight situations or against aggressive strategies.

Specific Mana Cost: Costing one black and one colorless mana requires dedication to black mana sources. This limitation means it might not fit seamlessly into multi-colored decks that can’t guarantee the black mana readily available when needed.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a total cost of two mana, Infernal Grasp might seem reasonable, but in a game where efficiency is key, there are alternative removal spells that offer lower cost solutions. Considering the fast-paced nature of many games, having a removal option that doesn’t impact your life total could be more desirable, especially in formats where every point of life is paramount.


Reasons to Include Infernal Grasp in Your Collection

Versatility: Infernal Grasp is valued for its ability to remove almost any creature from the game, giving it a place in any deck that prioritizes creature control. Its broad applicability makes it a staple for black decks across various formats.

Combo Potential: The loss of life on casting this spell can be a boon in strategies looking to activate abilities dependent on life payment. This can synergize with cards that benefit from life-loss or payoffs for destroying creatures.

Meta-Relevance: With a meta that often teems with powerful creatures, Infernal Grasp serves as an effective, low-cost answer. Its place in the current game is cemented due to its efficiency in keeping threatening creatures off the board and maintaining tempo.


How to Beat Infernal Grasp

Infernal Grasp has emerged as a staple for black decks seeking reliable removal in Magic: The Gathering. Its straightforward nature allows players to target and destroy a creature at the cost of losing 2 life and paying two mana – one generic and one black. Because of its efficiency, it can often seem like a formidable obstacle when your key creatures face its wrath.

To effectively sidestep the threat of Infernal Grasp, players should consider timing their creature plays to avoid this instant-speed removal. Additionally, employing creatures with hexproof or indestructible attributes can safeguard your crucial pieces from being targeted. Furthermore, playing cards that regenerate or persistently return creatures to your hand or the battlefield can mitigate the impact of losing a creature to Infernal Grasp.

Strategic plays can turn Infernal Grasp from a looming threat to a manageable aspect of the game. Employing tactics that take advantage of the life loss incurred by its caster can also contribute to a winning strategy. Maintaining a diversified threat presence on the board ensures that losing one creature does not severely disrupt your game plan.


BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering MTG is about identifying and leveraging the key spells that align with your strategy. Infernal Grasp is one such spell that can tip the scales in your favor by offering instant creature removal at a moment’s notice. Deftly employing this card can clear your path to victory, turning potential threats into gaps in your opponent’s defenses. While it does come at the cost of life points, the strategic benefits often outweigh the price. Enhance your deck with Infernal Grasp and navigate the game with precision. Dive deeper and refine your gameplay by learning more about leveraging this powerful spell in your arsenal.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Infernal Grasp MTG card by a specific set like Innistrad: Midnight Hunt and Innistrad: Midnight Hunt, 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 Infernal Grasp and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Infernal Grasp Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2021-09-24 and 2022-08-01. Illustrated by Naomi Baker.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12021-09-24Innistrad: Midnight HuntMID 3892015NormalBlackNaomi Baker
22021-09-24Innistrad: Midnight HuntMID 1072015NormalBlackNaomi Baker
32022-01-28Innistrad: Double FeatureDBL 1072015NormalBlackNaomi Baker
42022-08-01Summer Vacation Promos 2022PSVC 22015NormalBlackNaomi Baker

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Infernal Grasp has restrictions

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