Backfire MTG Card
1994-06-01 - Number 47
1995-04-01 - Number 62
1995-04-01 - Number 62
1995-08-01 - Number 24
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Enchantment — Aura |
| Abilities | Enchant |
Text of card
For each point of damage done to you from target creature Backfire does one point of damage to target creature's controller.
Cards like Backfire
Backfire distinctly stands out in the realm of control spells in Magic: The Gathering. It presents a nuanced way of dealing with creatures by returning damage to its owner rather than destroying the creature outright. It bears some resemblance to cards like Reflect Damage, which also redirects damage from a source to its controller. However, Backfire can be seen as more preemptive, attaching to a creature and waiting for the damage to occur, while Reflect Damage acts as an immediate response to damage being dealt.
Another card to consider is Reins of Power, a spell that can instantly change the tides of a game by swapping creatures between players. Though it doesn’t directly reflect damage, its surprise factor can turn an opponent’s threats into sudden vulnerabilities. While Reins of Power is a once-off effect, Backfire remains on the creature, continually threatening the owner with the potential of self-inflicted damage each combat or whenever that creature deals damage.
Overall, Backfire’s capacity to deter an opponent’s attack by turning their assets into liabilities gives it a unique position among MTG’s control spells, making it a card worth considering for players who enjoy a more strategic approach to victory.
Cards similar to Backfire by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Backfire gives players a strategic edge by providing a deterrent against opponents’ creatures. When enchanting an opponent’s creature with Backfire, any damage the creature deals not only reduces the owner’s life but also translates into an equivalent card draw for you. This turns your opponents’ strengths into potential advantages for you.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing mana or treasure tokens, Backfire can indirectly speed up your resource gains. By drawing cards when enchanted creatures deal damage, you increase your chances of getting the lands or spells necessary to accelerate your overall mana pool, therefore enhancing your capability to play key spells sooner.
Instant Speed: Backfire can be cast at instant speed, offering you the flexibility to respond reactively to threats on the board. This timely play can catch an opponent by surprise during combat or when they commit to a big play, flipping the script in your favor right when it counts. The ability to cast Backfire at instant speed means you’re always a step ahead, protecting your life total and setting up favorable board states on the fly.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Backfire necessitates the player to discard a card, which can deplete your hand and reduce your options, particularly detrimental in decks that rely on card advantage.
Specific Mana Cost: Backfire’s casting cost demands UU (two blue mana), potentially making it a challenging fit in multi-color decks that may not have consistent access to blue mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a cost of three mana (UU and one generic), Backfire might be deemed expensive given that there are alternatives that may deter or remove creatures for a similar or lower investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Backfire offers unique gameplay as it can be easily integrated into control decks that aim to deter opponents from attacking. Its ability to redirect damage to the creature’s controller makes it a tactical tool in many match-ups.
Combo Potential: With the right setup, Backfire can become a punishing part of a combo that targets opponents for massive amounts of damage. It works well with cards that force creatures to attack or deal damage, creating unexpected consequences for your adversaries.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment dominated by creature-heavy decks, Backfire shines by turning an opponent’s aggression into a liability. Its relevance grows as it offers a clever and unusual response to pervasive threats on the board. Integrating Backfire into your collection could provide an edge in shifting metas where creatures are the cornerstone of many strategies.
How to overcome Backfire
Backfire is one of those unique Magic: The Gathering cards that demands a strategic approach when you find it across the table. Primarily, it’s all about timing and choosing the right moment to act. Knowing that any damage the enchanted creature deals returns to the controller, this card discourages opponents from leveraging their powerful creatures’ offensive capabilities. Therefore, the first step is to evaluate whether to commit to attacks or hold your creatures back.
One method to outmaneuver Backfire is by removing the enchantment itself, which can be done with a variety of enchantment removal spells that are staples in MTG like Disenchant or Naturalize. Another way to cope with Backfire is by using indirect damage or “ping” effects, bypassing the enchanted creature and targeting the opponent directly. Cards such as Prodigal Pyromancer or Guttersnipe could be useful here.
Finally, leveraging creatures with lifelink can offset the damaging impact of Backfire, as the life gained may balance out or exceed the damage taken. This ensures that even though Backfire is on the field, your strategy and board presence continue to thrive. By being selective with your attacks and utilizing the right cards, overcoming Backfire becomes a completely manageable task.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Backfire MTG card by a specific set like Legends and Fourth Edition, 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 Backfire and other MTG cards:
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- eBay
- Card Kingdom
- Card Market
- Star City Games
- CoolStuffInc
- MTG Mint Card
- Hareruya
- Troll and Toad
- ABU Games
- Card Hoarder Magic Online
- MTGO Traders Magic Online
See MTG Products
Printings
The Backfire Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 1994-06-01 and 1995-08-01. Illustrated by Brian Snõddy.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1994-06-01 | Legends | LEG | 47 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Brian Snõddy | |
| 2 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition | 4ED | 62 | 1993 | Normal | White | Brian Snõddy | |
| 3 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border | 4BB | 62 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Brian Snõddy | |
| 4 | 1995-08-01 | Renaissance | REN | 24 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Brian Snõddy |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Backfire has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Oldschool | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |