Blitz of the Thunder-Raptor MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
| Released | 2020-04-24 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths |
| Set code | IKO |
| Number | 109 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Zack Stella |
Text of card
Blitz of the Thunder-Raptor deals damage to target creature or planeswalker equal to the number of instant and sorcery cards in your graveyard. If that creature or planeswalker would die this turn, exile it instead.
The sound of Vadrok's gigantic wings is ominous. But the true terror is when they fall silent.
Cards like Blitz of the Thunder-Raptor
Blitz of the Thunder-Raptor serves as a powerhouse of targeted removal within the pantheon of Magic: The Gathering spells. It bears resemblance to cards like Lightning Bolt, one of the game’s most efficient damage-dealing spells at a low cost, but Blitz brings a twist with its reliance on the number of nonland cards in your graveyard, directly impacting its potential damage output.
Comparatively, Abrade strikes as a versatile contender, offering the flexibility to either deal damage to creatures or destroy an artifact. Although it provides a consistent three damage, unlike the variable power of Blitz, it doesn’t scale with graveyard size. Magma Jet is another alternative with a lower damage count but sweetens the deal with its scry 2 ability, giving more control over upcoming draws. Each card fits a niche, but Blitz of the Thunder-Raptor could outshine them by scaling in power over the game’s progression.
Thus, Blitz of the Thunder-Raptor finds its unique place, excelling in decks rich in instants and sorceries. As turns advance and graveyards fill, its potential to neutralize even the mightiest of threats grows, offering a dynamic that few other removal spells can match in Magic: The Gathering.
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Blitz of the Thunder-Raptor. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Izzet Control | Pioneer | Izzet Control | Pioneer League 2023-12-14 |
 | Decklist | Free form | 81#CS | |
| Izzet Drake | Pioneer | Izzet Drake | Pioneer Preliminary 2023-12-19 (1) |
| Izzet Drakes | Pioneer | Izzet Drake | #07 Last Chance Qualifier: Pioneer |
 | Izzet Combo | Pioneer | Izzet Drake | Sat. 9:30 AM U.S. Regional Championship - Dreamhack Atlanta 2023 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Blitz of the Thunder-Raptor ensures you stay ahead by potentially removing a key threat from your opponent’s board, based on the number of instants and sorceries in your graveyard. This selective removal can disrupt your opponent’s strategy and lead to a clearer path to victory.
Resource Acceleration: While this card itself does not directly accelerate resources, its efficient mana cost in relation to damage output allows you to optimize your plays. You are able to deal with threats while preserving resources for developing your own board presence in the same turn.
Instant Speed: As an instant, Blitz of the Thunder-Raptor provides the flexibility to respond during your opponent’s turn. This means you have the option to act reactively, preserving the element of surprise and making it harder for your opponent to plan around your potential moves.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Blitz of the Thunder-Raptor necessitates having a nonland card in hand to discard, which can be a considerable downside when your hand is running low on cards.
Specific Mana Cost: This card demands both red mana and generic mana, which may not always be readily available, especially in multi-colored decks that might struggle with mana fixing.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its cost sitting at two mana – one of which is specifically red – it competes with other removal spells in your deck slot. In some situations, cards with a lower casting cost might provide similar or even better board control, offering a more efficient use of resources.
Reasons to Include Blitz of the Thunder-Raptor in Your Collection
Versatility: Blitz of the Thunder-Raptor offers a flexible removal option, as it can adapt to the number of instants and sorceries in your graveyard. This makes it a solid choice in spell-heavy decks where it can grow in strength over the course of the game.
Combo Potential: For those who enjoy intricate playstyles, this card synergizes well with decks that capitalize on casting a lot of instants and sorceries. It not only removes threats on the board but also fuels strategies involving graveyard manipulation or spellslinger synergies.
Meta-Relevance: Given that creature-based strategies are central in many current metagames, having targeted removal like Blitz of the Thunder-Raptor can be crucial. It allows you to manage emerging threats dynamically, keeping pace with various creature decks you may encounter.
How to beat
Blitz of the Thunder-Raptor is a unique instant that harnesses the number of instant and sorcery cards in your graveyard, dealing damage to a creature or planeswalker equal to that count. To effectively counter this MTG card, players need to adopt a strategy that minimizes the card’s potential impact. Managing your threats and maintaining a diverse array of creature types can make it challenging for your opponent to find a profitable target for their Blitz.
Another tactic involves leveraging graveyard hate cards, which can significantly reduce the number of spells available for Blitz to count, thereby diminishing its damage output. Cards like Rest in Peace or Scavenging Ooze actively disrupt graveyard-focused strategies, leaving Blitz of the Thunder-Raptor with limited ammunition. It’s also worth considering the use of hexproof or indestructible creatures, which can naturally resist the damage dealt by Blitz, making your battlefield presence more resilient against this and other targeting removal spells.
In summary, countering Blitz of the Thunder-Raptor involves a mix of strategic planning and specific card choices that reduce its effectiveness. By anticipating this spell and preparing your deck accordingly, you can protect your key threats and maintain control over the game state.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Blitz of the Thunder-Raptor MTG card by a specific set like Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths, 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 Blitz of the Thunder-Raptor 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 Blitz of the Thunder-Raptor has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Blitz of the Thunder-Raptor card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2020-04-17 | Blitz of the Thunder-Raptor is still on the stack while you determine how much damage is dealt. It isn’t in your graveyard to contribute to that amount of damage. |
| 2020-04-17 | Blitz of the Thunder-Raptor’s replacement effect will exile the target creature or planeswalker if it would die this turn for any reason, not just due to lethal damage. It applies to the target creature or planeswalker even if Blitz of the Thunder-Raptor deals no damage to it (most likely because you have no instant or sorcery cards in your graveyard). |