Bombard MTG Card

Bombard grants card advantage by efficiently removing threats without player card loss. Operates at instant speed, offering flexibility and timely board control maneuvers. Its mana requirements and cost can pose deck-building challenges in versatile play.
Card setsReleased in 5 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost3
RarityCommon
TypeInstant

Text of card

Bombard deals 4 damage to target creature.

"Want to sink a ship? Blow a hole in the hull. Want to kill a regisaur? Same answer." —Captain Brandis Thorn

Cards like Bombard

Bombard is an intriguing removal spell in Magic: The Gathering, filling a critical role in the red mage’s arsenal. When analyzed alongside similar spells, it’s beneficial to consider Abrade. While Bombard strictly fulfills the role of creature removal, Abrade offers versatility with the choice of targeting artifacts. This makes Abrade particularly more flexible in a broader range of matchups.

Considering versatility, Flames of the Raze-Boar is another related card warranting comparison. Though its mana cost is higher than Bombard, it has the potential to deal damage to multiple creatures, making it sometimes more impactful on a crowded board. Conversely, Bombard’s lower cost makes it a more accessible option during the early to mid-game stages.

To summarize, although a direct comparison of Bombard to other removal spells reveals slight differences in utility, its strength lies in being a straightforward, cost-effective solution to threatening creatures your opponents control. Its specific role often secures its slot in many Red Deck Wins strategies, particularly in limited formats where removal is at a premium.

Abrade - MTG Card versions
Flames of the Raze-Boar - MTG Card versions
Abrade - MTG Card versions
Flames of the Raze-Boar - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Although Bombard doesn’t let you draw cards directly, its ability to remove a creature from the battlefield can indirectly lead to card advantage by negating your opponent’s threats without losing a card yourself.

Resource Acceleration: Bombard isn’t designed to directly accelerate resources in terms of mana, but by eliminating potential mana sinks or creatures that might generate additional value for your opponent, it paves the way for smoother gameplay and better control over the pace of the match.

Instant Speed: Bombard operates at instant speed, giving you the flexibility to react to your opponent’s actions during their turn, potentially removing a key blocker or a creature with a threatening ability before it can affect the game state. This adaptability makes Bombard a strategic tool in maintaining board superiority.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Bombard’s playability does not require a discard, but it does necessitate having a target creature to cast, potentially limiting its usage when you lack a profitable target.

Specific Mana Cost: Requiring both red mana and generic mana, Bombard needs a precise mana balance, which can be challenging in multicolored decks that may struggle with color fixing.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a three mana investment for a single target removal, players might find other spells that provide a better cost-to-impact ratio, especially considering the fast pace of the current meta where lower-cost removals are highly valued.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Bombard offers a straightforward yet powerful removal option for red-based decks. Its ability to target almost any creature makes it a versatile addition, capable of handling various threats that may arise during gameplay.

Combo Potential: While not a combo card in the traditional sense, Bombard synergizes well with strategies that aim to control the board. It can be an essential part of a sequence of plays that clears the way for your creatures to attack without obstruction.

Meta-Relevance: Depending on the creatures commonly played in the current meta, Bombard could be exceedingly effective. Against creature-heavy decks, having an instant-speed removal like Bombard could significantly disrupt your opponents’ board states, especially if their strategy relies on key creatures.

How to Beat Bombard in MTG

Bombard is known for its straightforward efficiency in removal, a spell that can be a game changer in the heat of combat. In Magic: The Gathering, it represents an on-curve threat removal, capable of dealing 4 damage to a target creature at instant speed. It’s these moments that can swing the momentum in your favor if unchallenged.

To effectively counteract Bombard’s impact, it’s advisable to employ multifaceted strategies. The first, and perhaps most straightforward approach, is to utilize counter spells to prevent Bombard from ever resolving. Should the spell manage to make it onto the stack, cards like Negate or Cancel can be a clean solution. Alternatively, cards offering hexproof to your creatures or spells that give indestructibility can render Bombard obsolete. Furthermore, diversifying threats can dilute the effectiveness of single-target removal. By presenting multiple menacing creatures, the choice of a single Bombard becomes more challenging and less impactful.

In essence, success in Magic: The Gathering often hinges on anticipation and preparation. Being aware of removal spells like Bombard and having strategies in place to soften their impact can be the difference between triumph and defeat on the battlefield.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Bombard MTG card by a specific set like Rivals of Ixalan and Game Night, 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 Bombard and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Bombard Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 2018-01-19 and 2020-08-13. Illustrated by Alex Konstad.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12018-01-19Rivals of IxalanRIX 932015NormalBlackAlex Konstad
22018-11-16Game NightGNT 372015NormalBlackAlex Konstad
32019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 8672015NormalBlackAlex Konstad
42020-08-13Arena Beginner SetANB 672015NormalBlackAlex Konstad
52020-09-26The ListPLST GNT-372015NormalBlackAlex Konstad

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Bombard has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
PauperLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal