A-Knockout Blow MTG Card


Furnishes both creature removal and potential hand disruption, giving you a powerful pivot in games. Imposes a discard cost and specific mana requirements, which can limit its use in certain situations. Versatile in creature-centric metas, pairing well with synergistic cards for controlling the board.
A-Knockout Blow - Streets of New Capenna
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeInstant
Released2022-04-29
Set symbol
Set nameStreets of New Capenna
Set codeSNC
NumberA-20
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byZoltan Boros

Text of card

This spell costs less to cast if it targets a red creature. Destroy target tapped creature. You gain 2 life.


Cards like A-Knockout Blow

A-Knockout Blow is a powerful tool in Magic: The Gathering, offering players a unique combat advantage. It shares similarities with other removal spells like Murder, which also ensures the outright destruction of a creature. However, Murder carries a higher mana cost without the potential upside of being able to deal with multiple threats.

Comparing it further, one can look at another similar card, Reckless Swipe, which also offers creature removal. Although it requires a creature to sacrifice, it boasts a lower mana cost and the ability to potentially swing combat in your favor. Lastly, there’s the noteworthy card Go for the Throat, an efficient removal piece. While it’s restricted to nonartifact creatures, its lower cost and instant speed give it a versatile edge in rapid play environments.

Considering all factors, A-Knockout Blow stands out in scenarios where clearing multiple creatures is paramount. It may cost more, but the board control it grants can often tilt a game into a swift victory for its user, making it a formidable spell in its right within the broader spectrum of combat-centric removal cards in the game.

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

Card Pros

Card Advantage: A-Knockout Blow provides a unique edge as it not only removes a creature from the battlefield but also potentially forces a card from your opponent’s hand, tipping the balance in your favor. This dual effect crafts the perfect scenario for swinging the momentum of the game and developing a substantial card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: Tailored for navigating through tight situations, A-Knockout Blow often paves the way for a seamless transition into power moves. By clearing the path of potential blockers or threats, it enables smoother plays that could lead to an early victory or establish a commanding presence on the board.

Instant Speed: The strength of instant speed spells in MTG cannot be overstated, and A-Knockout Blow doesn’t disappoint. Having the flexibility to dismantle your opponent’s strategies during their turn not only keeps them guessing but also retains the element of surprise, making this card a formidable tool in any player’s arsenal.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: A-Knockout Blow’s effect includes discarding a card from your hand, presenting a potential setback if your hand size is already depleted. This can hinder your ability to maintain card advantage and can become a hindrance during critical turns where every card in hand counts.

Specific Mana Cost: A-Knockout Blow demands a precise mana configuration to cast, which can be restrictive for decks that do not consistently generate the required mana types. This can result in the card being a dead draw in situations where mana flexibility is key.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: While A-Knockout Blow might provide a powerful effect, its higher mana cost compared to alternative removal or combat tricks in the game can make it a less preferable choice. In fast-paced games or against decks that prioritize efficiency, the mana commitment to cast A-Knockout Blow can prove to be a significant drawback.


Reasons to Include A-Knockout Blow in Your Collection

Versatility: A-Knockout Blow is a card that boasts flexibility across various playing styles. Its ability to remove creatures from the battlefield makes it applicable in countless decks that focus on controlling the board.

Combo Potential: This card shines in decks that capitalize on creature removal. Pairing A-Knockout Blow with cards that trigger upon death of creatures or that benefit from the absence of enemy creatures can establish powerful board states.

Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where creatures play a central role, A-Knockout Blow holds significant value. Its potential to disrupt opponent strategies and shift game momentum can be game-changing, particularly in creature-heavy metas.


How to beat

A Knockout Blow has entered Magic: The Gathering as a spell that can tilt the balance of a game. With the capability to remove an opponent’s creature from combat and deal damage to that creature based on your strongest creature’s power, it presents a tactical challenge. To navigate against this, ensure you maintain a diverse array of creatures with different power levels. This minimizes the impact of A-Knockout Blow, as it relies heavily on the strength of your single most powerful creature.

Another strategy is to hold back on playing your most powerful creatures until necessary, giving your opponent less opportunity to leverage A Knockout Blow’s maximum potential. Additionally, using instant speed removal or counterspells can disrupt your opponent’s plan, neutralizing A-Knockout Blow before it can affect the battlefield. Lastly, keep in mind that having robust creatures with hexproof or indestructible can also serve as a safeguard, making your board less susceptible to such targeted removal. Adaptation and forethought are key in preserving your lineup against disruptive spells like A Knockout Blow.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase A-Knockout Blow MTG card by a specific set like Streets of New Capenna, 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 A-Knockout Blow and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where A-Knockout Blow has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal