Blue Elemental Blast MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 21 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 1 |
Rarity | Common |
Type | Instant |
Text of card
Counters a red spell being cast or destroys a red card in play.
Cards like Blue Elemental Blast
The Blue Elemental Blast stands out as an iconic piece within the realm of counterspells and damage prevention in MTG. When put side by side with Hydroblast, both cards share the utility of negating red spells or destroying red permanents. Blue Elemental Blast, however, boasts a charmed history from its very beginnings in the Alpha set and has been a recurring tool in players’ arsenals since. Hydroblast, though almost identical in function, was released later and is sometimes overlooked in favor of its predecessor due to the nostalgic value and collectibility of Blue Elemental Blast.
Considering Red Elemental Blast and Pyroblast are their red counterparts, they offer a mirror strategy, allowing players to counter or destroy blue spells. However, these red spells don’t carry the same legacy or prominence in controlling a game as Blue Elemental Blast does, especially in formats where early control can pivot the game’s direction. Their applicability narrows as they fit into different deck types and metagames.
Ultimately, assessing Blue Elemental Blast in comparison with these similar cards points to its lasting impact on control strategies and its revered position within MTG’s wide spectrum of influential spells.
Cards similar to Blue Elemental Blast by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Blue Elemental Blast. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
# | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mono-Blue Delver | Pauper | Mono-Blue Delver | BLUE - SAT - 1PM - Chicago Pauper Cup | |
Jeskai Glitter Affinity | Pauper | Jeskai Affinity | 11^ tappa | Lega Pauper Mediavalle e Garfagnana 2023/24 - Road to Paupergeddon Pisa | |
Familiars | Pauper | Familiars | Pauper League 2023-11-22 | |
Mono-Blue Painter | Legacy | Painter | Eternal Weekend Europe 2023 Legacy Mainevent | |
WURG | Legacy | Legacy League 2023-10-28 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Blue Elemental Blast offers a strategic edge by providing a one-for-one exchange that often disrupts an opponent’s key play. This interaction can lead the way to a significant shift in the control of the game, giving the player utilizing Blue Elemental Blast the upper hand.
Resource Acceleration: While not directly acting as a resource accelerator, the efficiency of Blue Elemental Blast can indirectly maintain your mana development by eliminating threats or actions that would set you back, aiding in steadily progressing your board state without interruption.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Blue Elemental Blast at instant speed offers the flexibility to respond during critical phases of your opponent’s turn. This could potentially neutralize surprise threats or pivotal spells, ensuring that you are always prepared to handle unexpected red strategies at a moment’s notice.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Blue Elemental Blast doesn’t require a discard, but it’s important to note the card slot it occupies in your deck could be critical. Choosing it means you might forgo another card that provides a broader utility or a lower cost alternative.
Specific Mana Cost: This card necessitates a single blue mana, which restricts its playability to decks that run blue mana sources. This can limit deck diversity and potentially impact your mana curve, reducing the flexibility in deck design.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While one mana may not seem like much, in a game where speed and efficiency are key, the cost for a Blue Elemental Blast could be a deterrent, particularly when there are other spells in the game that offer more versatile responses or proactive plays at a similar or lower mana cost.
Reasons to Include Blue Elemental Blast in Your Collection
Versatility: Blue Elemental Blast offers a powerful option for sideboards or even main decks to counteract red threats. With the ability to counter red spells or destroy red permanents, this card is an excellent tool for control and tempo decks.
Combo Potential: The card’s instant speed allows for surprise plays and can disrupt opponent combos that rely on red spells. It fits well in blue-centric decks that protect key pieces or clear the way for their own combos to resolve.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where red aggro or burn decks are prevalent, Blue Elemental Blast can be a game-changer. Its low mana cost and specific targeting make it a choice card for dealing with formidable red strategies.
How to beat
The Blue Elemental Blast is a powerful tool for blue mages looking to gain an upper hand against red spells and permanents in the multiverse of Magic: The Gathering. This instant spell is not just a reactive measure; it’s a preemptive strike against fiery threats. However, if you’re facing this classic card, fear not. To outplay the Blue Elemental Blast, the key lies in diversification. By weaving a deck with a plethora of non-red spells or by deploying formidable multicolored or colorless creatures, you can effectively dilute the impact of this blue instant.
Alternate strategies include baiting out the blast with less critical red spells or using cards like Pyroblast or Red Elemental Blast, which serve as a direct counter to blue spells, evening the odds on the battlefield. Additionally, taking advantage of cards with hexproof or protection from blue can leave your opponent’s Blue Elemental Blast hopelessly stranded in their hand. By keeping these strategies in mind and analyzing your deck’s vulnerabilities, you can turn the tide and keep your arsenal safe from the blue mage’s watery wrath.
BurnMana Recommendations
Mastering MTG is all about understanding each card’s role in your deck and strategy. Blue Elemental Blast has been discussed for its card advantage, instant speed flexibility, and sideboard strength. As you build your deck, consider the ebb and flow of the current meta and the versatility of your reactions. This card can tip scales in your favor against red-focused adversaries. If your aim is to hold a line against fiery offenses or to simply appreciate the historical significance of such a card in your collection, exploring the depths of Blue Elemental Blast is a strategic move. Join fellow enthusiasts as we dive deeper into optimizing your gameplay, leveraging classic spells, and outmaneuvering opponents at BurnMana.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Blue Elemental Blast MTG card by a specific set like Limited Edition Alpha and Limited Edition Beta, 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 Blue Elemental Blast 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 Blue Elemental Blast Magic the Gathering card was released in 18 different sets between 1993-08-05 and 2022-11-28. Illustrated by 4 different artists.
Show/hide all sets# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1993-08-05 | Limited Edition Alpha | LEA | 49 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Richard Thomas | |
2 | 1993-10-04 | Limited Edition Beta | LEB | 50 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Richard Thomas | |
3 | 1993-12-01 | Unlimited Edition | 2ED | 50 | 1993 | Normal | White | Richard Thomas | |
4 | 1993-12-10 | Collectors' Edition | CED | 50 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Richard Thomas | |
5 | 1993-12-10 | Intl. Collectors' Edition | CEI | 50 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Richard Thomas | |
6 | 1994-04-01 | Foreign Black Border | FBB | 49 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Richard Thomas | |
7 | 1994-04-01 | Revised Edition | 3ED | 49 | 1993 | Normal | White | Richard Thomas | |
8 | 1994-06-21 | Summer Magic / Edgar | SUM | 49 | 1993 | Normal | White | Richard Thomas | |
9 | Media Inserts | PMEI | 5 | 1993 | Normal | White | Richard Thomas | ||
10 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition Foreign Black Border | 4BB | 63 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Richard Thomas | |
11 | 1995-04-01 | Fourth Edition | 4ED | 63 | 1993 | Normal | White | Richard Thomas | |
12 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 35924 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Richard Thomas | ||
13 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 70922 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Slawomir Maniak | ||
14 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 43606 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Christopher Moeller | ||
15 | 2011-01-10 | Masters Edition IV | ME4 | 39 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Richard Thomas | |
16 | 2018-03-16 | Masters 25 | A25 | 43 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Izzy | |
17 | 2018-06-15 | Signature Spellbook: Jace | SS1 | 2 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Slawomir Maniak | |
18 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 299 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Izzy | |
19 | The List | PLST | A25-43 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Izzy | ||
20 | 2022-11-28 | 30th Anniversary Edition | 30A | 49 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Richard Thomas | |
21 | 2022-11-28 | 30th Anniversary Edition | 30A | 346 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Richard Thomas |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Blue Elemental Blast has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Oldschool | Legal |
Commander | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Paupercommander | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Pauper | Legal |
Premodern | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Blue Elemental Blast card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
Date | Text |
---|---|
2004-10-04 | The decision to counter a spell or destroy a permanent is a decision made on announcement before the target is selected. If the spell is redirected, this mode can’t be changed, so only targets of the selected type are valid. |