Blowfly Infestation MTG Card


Blowfly Infestation enables consistent card advantage through repeatable -1/-1 counter triggers. It pairs well with instant-speed spells to disrupt opponent plays unpredictably. Though restrictive in mana, its potential for combo plays makes it a valuable asset.
Blowfly Infestation - Shadowmoor
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityUncommon
TypeEnchantment
Released2008-05-02
Set symbol
Set nameShadowmoor
Set codeSHM
Number58
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byDrew Tucker

Text of card

Whenever a creature is put into a graveyard from play, if it had a -1/-1 counter on it, put a -1/-1 counter on target creature.

When the giant Tollek Worldslayer fell, a corruption erupted from his corpse to carry on his name.


Cards like Blowfly Infestation

Blowfly Infestation is a unique enchantment in Magic: The Gathering that thrives in decks focusing on -1/-1 counters. Its nearest relatives in strategy include cards like Crumbling Ashes, which also leverages -1/-1 counters. Both enchantments create an effect at the end of turns, but Crumbling Ashes removes creatures directly instead of placing additional counters like Blowfly Infestation.

Nest of Scarabs is another card that operates similarly, producing a 1/1 black Insect creature token whenever a -1/-1 counter is placed on a creature. Although it doesn’t spread counters like Blowfly Infestation, it complements the strategy by flooding the board with tokens. Contagion Clasp is yet another entry in this vein, providing a way to place -1/-1 counters and potentially proliferate them, further empowering the strategic build revolving around these types of counters. Each option offers strategic variations that can enhance the deck’s theme in different but synergistic ways.

Assessing the synergies and potential combinations, Blowfly Infestation stands out not only as a key card within its niche but also as a catalyst for intricate counter play strategies among similar MTG cards.

Crumbling Ashes - MTG Card versions
Nest of Scarabs - MTG Card versions
Contagion Clasp - MTG Card versions
Crumbling Ashes - MTG Card versions
Nest of Scarabs - MTG Card versions
Contagion Clasp - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Blowfly Infestation by color, type and mana cost

Gloom - MTG Card versions
Season of the Witch - MTG Card versions
Tourach's Gate - MTG Card versions
Withering Wisps - MTG Card versions
Funeral March - MTG Card versions
Casting of Bones - MTG Card versions
Blanket of Night - MTG Card versions
Necropotence - MTG Card versions
Hecatomb - MTG Card versions
Megrim - MTG Card versions
Recurring Nightmare - MTG Card versions
Contamination - MTG Card versions
Oppression - MTG Card versions
Maggot Therapy - MTG Card versions
Murderous Betrayal - MTG Card versions
Noxious Field - MTG Card versions
Tainted Well - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Arena - MTG Card versions
Gravestorm - MTG Card versions
Mortiphobia - MTG Card versions
Gloom - MTG Card versions
Season of the Witch - MTG Card versions
Tourach's Gate - MTG Card versions
Withering Wisps - MTG Card versions
Funeral March - MTG Card versions
Casting of Bones - MTG Card versions
Blanket of Night - MTG Card versions
Necropotence - MTG Card versions
Hecatomb - MTG Card versions
Megrim - MTG Card versions
Recurring Nightmare - MTG Card versions
Contamination - MTG Card versions
Oppression - MTG Card versions
Maggot Therapy - MTG Card versions
Murderous Betrayal - MTG Card versions
Noxious Field - MTG Card versions
Tainted Well - MTG Card versions
Phyrexian Arena - MTG Card versions
Gravestorm - MTG Card versions
Mortiphobia - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Blowfly Infestation enriches your hand by triggering potential card-draw effects every time a -1/-1 counter is placed. This consistent and repeatable action is a boon for card advantage, letting you outmaneuver those who can’t sustain similar draw rates.

Resource Acceleration: Thanks to Blowfly Infestation’s ability to spread -1/-1 counters, it accelerates resource depletion for your adversaries while you potentially ramp up through synergistic interactions with your own cards that benefit from counters being distributed among creatures on the board.

Instant Speed: Although not an instant itself, Blowfly Infestation operates seamlessly with instant speed responses. By casting instants that place -1/-1 counters, you can instantly capitalize on the infestation’s chain reaction during an opponent’s turn, catching opponents at a vulnerable moment and disrupting their strategies.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Blowfly Infestation doesn’t force a discard directly, it does necessitate having creatures to sacrifice, which can deplete your board presence, essentially acting as a resource you must manage closely to avoid self-disadvantage.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring a combination of black mana, this card fits primarily within mono-black or black-centric multi-color decks, thereby limiting its flexibility in deck-building and potentially affecting mana base consistency.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing three mana, which includes two black mana symbols, Blowfly Infestation can be considered a commitment in the early game where mana efficiency can determine board dominance. With this cost, players have to weigh its potential against other impactful three-mana plays that might provide immediate benefits.


Reasons to Include Blowfly Infestation in Your Collection

Versatility: Blowfly Infestation isn’t limited to any single deck archetype. It’s a key piece in decks that revolve around -1/-1 counter strategies, working well with anything from proliferate mechanics to creatures that benefit from counters being placed on any creature.

Combo Potential: This card thrives on synergy. It can create infinite combos with cards like Crumbling Ashes or Nest of Scarabs, leading to significant advantages and potentially game-winning scenarios.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where small creatures are plentiful, Blowfly Infestation can act as a deterrent, keeping swarms at bay. Additionally, it’s a recurring threat that can systematically dismantle your opponent’s board presence over time.


How to beat

Blowfly Infestation is one of those sneaky enchantments in Magic: The Gathering that can wreak havoc if it’s allowed to establish a presence on the battlefield. It thrives in scenarios where numerous creatures are poised to receive -1/-1 counters, heralding a potential domino effect of insect token creation. To counter this, one must be tactical and selective in removing creatures from the game.

Cards with exile effects can be crucial in outmaneuvering Blowfly Infestation. By exiling creatures instead of letting them hit the graveyard, you prevent the chain reaction of -1/-1 counters spreading. Consider incorporating instant-speed removal or board wipes that exile rather than destroy. Not only does this disrupt the continuation of counters, but it also cuts off the engine that is key to your opponent’s strategy.

Another effective strategy is to employ cards that neutralize enchantments directly. Running enchantment removal such as Naturalize or Disenchant provides an answer to Blowfly Infestation the moment it hits the field. By keeping these sorts of counters in your deck, you remain one step ahead, preserving the integrity of your creatures and removing the threat before it can bloom into a full-scale infestation.


BurnMana Recommendations

Wrapping up, Blowfly Infestation presents a hive of strategic possibilities, ripe for deck innovation and unexpected wins. Whether giving life to a -1/-1 counter-centered strategy, setting up infinite combos, or controlling the board, this card has a place in both focused and versatile MTG collections. As the meta evolves, so too does the utility of cards like Blowfly Infestation. Understanding its intricacies could be the difference between a stagnant hand and a dynamic play. Keen to weave Blowfly Infestation into your destructive tapestry or want to counter it effectively in your opponents’ decks? Immerse yourself in our deep dives and roundtables where strategies flourish and your MTG acumen grows.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Blowfly Infestation MTG card by a specific set like Shadowmoor, 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 Blowfly Infestation and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Blowfly Infestation has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Blowfly Infestation card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2008-05-01 This ability is mandatory. If you’re the only player who controls any creatures when this ability triggers, you must target one of them.
2008-05-01 When Blowfly Infestation’s ability resolves, it will put a single -1/-1 counter on the targeted creature. It doesn’t matter how many -1/-1 counters were on the creature that went to a graveyard as long as it had at least one on it.