Bitter Chill MTG Card
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 2 |
Rarity | Uncommon |
Type | Enchantment — Aura |
Abilities | Enchant,Scry |
Released | 2023-09-08 |
Set symbol | |
Set name | Wilds of Eldraine |
Set code | WOE |
Number | 44 |
Frame | 2015 |
Layout | Normal |
Border | Black |
Illustred by | Julie Dillon |
Text of card
Enchant creature When Bitter Chill enters the battlefield, tap enchanted creature. Enchanted creature doesn't untap during its controller's untap step. When Bitter Chill is put into a graveyard from the battlefield, you may pay . If you do, scry 1, then draw a card.
Cards like Bitter Chill
Bitter Chill is a novel inclusion in the realm of Magic: The Gathering’s cold-themed control cards. Cards like Frost Breath have a striking resemblance as they also halt the progress of opposing creatures. Bitter Chill goes further by incorporating life gain, giving players a defensive edge Frost Breath lacks.
Chilling Grasp is another card with a related theme, freezing two creatures while also being an instant. However, unlike Bitter Chill, it doesn’t offer the life gain bonus, which can be pivotal in tight matches. Icefall is a noteworthy parallel too, granting both a freezing effect and the potential to destroy a land. Although versatile, Icefall comes with a higher mana investment than Bitter Chill.
In summary, Bitter Chill stands out in Magic: The Gathering’s ice-themed cards. By combining creature control with life gain, it provides a unique tactical advantage to its caster, setting it apart from others in its category and reinforcing its position as a beneficial spell in strategic decks.
Cards similar to Bitter Chill by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Bitter Chill. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
# | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
---|---|---|---|---|
Simic Tempo | Gladiator | Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 08 2024 | ||
WU | Standard | Traditional Standard Ranked Decklists: February 19, 2024 | ||
Izzet Tempo | Gladiator | Gladiator Team Unified League |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Bitter Chill shines by providing an edge in card economy. Drawing a card when it’s cast ensures you’re not falling behind in the card count duel, which is critical in tightly contested matches.
Resource Acceleration: This spell’s ability to untap up to two lands can be a game-changer. It effectively reduces its own casting cost, or sets you up for further plays, making it a valuable tool for staying ahead in the mana race.
Instant Speed: The versatility of Bitter Chill casting at instant speed cannot be overstated. It allows for reactive gameplay, giving you the flexibility to wait for the perfect moment. Whether it’s disrupting an opponent’s strategy or simply optimizing your next move, the instantaneous nature of this card is a huge tactical boon.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Bitter Chill can offer a strategic advantage, it does require players to discard a card. This can place you at a disadvantage, especially in the later stages of the game when each card in hand counts significantly towards your potential victory.
Specific Mana Cost: Bitter Chill demands a precise mana combination to cast. This stipulation can be particularly challenging for multi-colored decks that may struggle with producing the necessary mana at the crucial moment, potentially limiting the card’s versatility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that might seem steep relative to the impact it has on the gameplay, some players may find that Bitter Chill takes up a valuable slot in their deck. Considering the plethora of options available in the MTG universe, some other spells could offer similar or better effects for a lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Bitter Chill is a flexible card that can be utilized in multiple deck strategies. Its ability to target any creature or planeswalker makes it a handy tool, especially in formats where pinpoint removal is key.
Combo Potential: As a spell that can potentially change the momentum of the game by freezing the opponent’s threats, Bitter Chill works well with decks that capitalize on controlling the board and setting up for a winning combo.
Meta-Relevance: Given how the card can affect strategies relying on key creatures or planeswalkers, Bitter Chill could prove to be a smart addition if the current meta is populated by decks that lean heavily on these card types.
How to Beat
Bitter Chill is a unique spell within the cold confines of Magic: The Gathering, presenting a chilling challenge on the battlefield. Its ability to freeze a creature in its tracks—preventing it from untapping on the next turn—paired with card draw, makes it a cool tool for controlling the tempo of the game. Yet, like any frosty enchantment, a strategic flame can thaw its icy grip.
Overcoming Bitter Chill’s frostbite requires a blend of foresight and flexible play. For starters, utilizing instants that untap your creatures can be an effective counter, allowing you to slip past the icy shackles and re-engage your attackers or blockers. Similarly, cards that offer protection from blue, the color of Bitter Chill, can ward off the spell altogether.
Moreover, cards that allow you to draw or recycle your own hand can replenish your options, minimizing the sting of this chilling spell. By adapting to the frigid onslaught and maintaining the warmth of your tactics, Bitter Chill’s icy facade can be shattered, keeping your creatures’ momentum unfrozen and the battlefield under your fiery command.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Bitter Chill MTG card by a specific set like Wilds of Eldraine, 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 Bitter Chill 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Bitter Chill has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Standard | Legal |
Historicbrawl | Legal |
Historic | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Gladiator | Legal |
Alchemy | Legal |
Pioneer | Legal |
Commander | Legal |
Modern | Legal |
Future | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Explorer | Legal |
Brawl | Legal |
Penny | Legal |
Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Bitter Chill card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
Date | Text |
---|---|
2023-09-01 | If the creature Bitter Chill would enchant is an illegal target by the time the Aura spell resolves, the entire spell doesn't resolve. It's put into the graveyard from the stack, not the battlefield, so its last ability won't trigger. |