Last Gasp MTG Card


Offers efficient creature removal, shifting board advantage and aiding in maintaining card superiority. Instant speed allows for strategic plays and forces opponents to be more conservative. The discard requirement and specific mana cost may limit the card’s versatility.
Card setsReleased in 6 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityCommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

Target creature gets -3/-3 until end of turn.

"Allow me a moment to catch your breath."


Cards like Last Gasp

Last Gasp is an efficient removal card in Magic: The Gathering, closely related to other spells that serve to neutralize threats on the battlefield. It stands in line with other -2/-2 effect spells like Disfigure, which also diminishes a creature’s power and toughness. However, Last Gasp has the advantage of dealing with slightly tougher creatures, giving it an upper hand in certain scenarios.

Agonizing Demise is another card that can be paralleled with Last Gasp. This removal spell offers the flexibility of targeting creatures of any size, but it comes with a higher casting cost. Additionally, Agonizing Demise can potentially deal damage to a creature’s controller as well, though at an even higher kicker cost. Conversely, Last Gasp’s more straightforward approach makes it a viable and cost-effective choice for quickly dealing with immediate threats.

Evaluating these options, it’s evident that Last Gasp holds its ground in the realm of creature removal spells within Magic: The Gathering. Its balance of cost-efficiency and the capacity to target moderately sized threats lends to its strong standing as a reliable removal spell in both casual and competitive formats.

Disfigure - MTG Card versions
Agonizing Demise - MTG Card versions
Disfigure - MTG Card versions
Agonizing Demise - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Last Gasp 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
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
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

Card Pros

Card Advantage: With Last Gasp, the primary benefit is the efficient removal of a problematic creature on your opponent’s side, which can readily swing the board state in your favor. This aligns well with strategies prioritizing keeping the opponent at bay while maintaining card superiority.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly impacting your mana pool, efficient removal like Last Gasp can accelerate your game plan by clearing the way for your threats to press the advantage or by conserving resources you’d otherwise commit to the board for defense.

Instant Speed: Last Gasp’s instant nature affords you the flexibility to respond at the most opportune moment, be it during combat or at the end of your opponent’s turn. This level of unpredictability adds a strategic layer to your play, keeping opponents guessing and forced to play more conservatively.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One potential drawback of Last Gasp is the discard requirement. Using this card means you also forfeit another card from your hand, which could deplete your resources too quickly, especially if you’re already behind on cards.

Specific Mana Cost: Last Gasp demands a specific mana alignment: one black and two of any other color. This might restrict its inclusion to decks that have a solid black mana base, consequently limiting its versatility in multicolored decks.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Its cost is three mana, which might be pricey for what it accomplishes. Considering that there are many efficient removal spells available for less, Last Gasp may not be the most economical choice for controlling the board.


Reasons to Include Last Gasp in Your Collection

Versatility: Last Gasp offers a reliable form of creature removal that can easily slide into multiple deck archetypes. Its ability to target and destroy a creature with up to 3 toughness makes it a handy tool in both aggressive and controlling strategies.

Combo Potential: This card can be a critical piece in decks that capitalize on death triggers or graveyard synergies. By removing key creatures, Last Gasp can pave the way for various combos to unfold, making it a tactical inclusion in combo-oriented decks.

Meta-Relevance: Given its straightforward yet powerful effect, Last Gasp holds its ground in metas dominated by small to mid-sized creatures. Its cost-effectiveness keeps it relevant in fast-paced games where managing threats efficiently can make the difference between victory and defeat.


How to Beat Last Gasp in Your MTG Games

Last Gasp is an intriguing removal spell in the MTG universe. It presents itself as a simple, yet efficient, way of dealing with creatures by providing a -3/-3 debuff until end of turn for the cost of three mana. This can easily disrupt smaller creatures or diminish bigger threats on the board. Thus, to effectively counter Last Gasp, it’s essential to have robust creatures with resilience to such debuffs.

Consider using creatures with indestructibility or those that can regenerate to nullify the impact of Last Gasp. Cards like Darksteel Myr or regeneration abilities like those found on Troll Ascetic can withstand the -3/-3 effect. Alternatively, bolster your creatures’ toughness to endure the hit. This could be achieved through counters or equipment that increases toughness beyond the reach of Last Gasp’s influence. Keeping in mind instant speed protection spells such as Gods Willing or Heroic Intervention can provide a timely shield to your key creatures, effectively rendering Last Gasp ineffective.

To circumvent the setbacks posed by this and other similar removal spells, diversifying your strategy beyond creature reliance is also advisable. Incorporate non-creature spells that impact the game or choose creatures with enter-the-battlefield effects so that their value persists even if they are targeted. By adapting your game plan and keeping these strategic elements in mind, you’ll improve your odds against Last Gasp and like removals on the field.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Last Gasp MTG card by a specific set like Ravnica: City of Guilds and Battlebond, 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 Last Gasp and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Last Gasp Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 2005-10-07 and 2024-01-12. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12005-10-07Ravnica: City of GuildsRAV 932003NormalBlackThomas M. Baxa
22018-06-08BattlebondBBD 1472015NormalBlackJason A. Engle
32018-11-02GRN Guild KitGK1 52015NormalBlackThomas M. Baxa
42018-12-07Ultimate MastersUMA 1032015NormalBlackJason A. Engle
52020-07-17JumpstartJMP 2472015NormalBlackJason A. Engle
62024-01-12Ravnica RemasteredRVR 792015NormalBlackThomas M. Baxa

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Last Gasp has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal