Bone to Ash MTG Card

Bone to Ash combines creature countering with card draw, strengthening hand resources while managing threats. The instant’s flexibility offers strategic advantage against creature-heavy decks, maintaining competitive edge. Countering spells with added benefits makes Bone to Ash a valuable component in control-oriented collections.

Dark Ascension (DKA)
2012-02-03 - Number 29

Magic Origins (ORI)
2015-07-17 - Number 47

Core Set 2019 (M19)
2018-07-13 - Number 47

Core Set 2020 (M20)
2019-07-12 - Number 48

Card sets	Released in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Common
Type	Instant

Text of card

Counter target creature spell. Draw a card.

"I can think of worse ways to go. On second thought, maybe not." —Ludevic, necro-alchemist

Cards like Bone to Ash

Bone to Ash stands out in MTG as a defensive instant, allowing players to counter a creature spell while simultaneously drawing a card. In comparison, Cancel is another well-known counter that can negate any spell, not just creatures, offering more flexibility at the cost of not drawing a card.

Comparably, Dissolve also counters any spell but brings a scrying bonus to the table, allowing players to better control their next draw. While it doesn’t provide the direct card advantage of Bone to Ash, scrying offers strategic depth. Yet another parallel can be drawn with the card Essence Scatter, which exclusively counters creature spells at a cheaper cost without the draw.

Overall, Bone to Ash provides a blend of card countering and drawing that can be highly valuable in controlling the board and maintaining card advantage. In MTG’s ever-evolving strategy space, this card has its niche where countering with a bonus draw can tip the scales in your favor.

Cards similar to Bone to Ash by color, type and mana cost

Careful Consideration - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Bone to Ash. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#	Name	Format	Archetype	Event
	Bant Control	Gladiator		Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 11 2024

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Bone to Ash allows players to not only counter an opponent’s creature spell but also draw a card. This dual action means you effectively remove a threat while replacing Bone to Ash in your hand, maintaining your resources.

Resource Acceleration: While it doesn’t directly accelerate resources, the card advantage gained from Bone to Ash can lead to drawing into more resource-accelerating cards, indirectly contributing to your mana development.

Instant Speed: Bone to Ash can be cast at instant speed, giving flexibility to respond immediately to opponents’ threats. This also allows you to leave mana untapped during your turn for bluffing or casting other instants if no creatures are played by your opponent that turn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Bone to Ash doesn’t ask for a discard, but it does require you to have the card available at the exact time an opponent is casting a creature, which can lead to situational disadvantages. Holding it in hand waiting for the right moment can feel like a missed opportunity to play other spells.

Specific Mana Cost: This card requires both blue mana and generic mana to play, which can limit its inclusion to decks that are able to consistently produce blue mana, potentially excluding it from various multi-color deck strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana cost that includes three generic and one blue, Bone to Ash is a relatively high-cost countermeasure, especially when there are lower-cost alternatives available that might better suit a player’s strategic pace and mana curve.

Reasons to Include Bone to Ash in Your Collection

Versatility: Bone to Ash proves its flexibility by being a reliable counter spell that not only thwarts an opponent’s creature spell but also allows you to draw a card. This double functionality means it slots into decks that are defensive but still looking to maintain card advantage.

Combo Potential: With its ability to draw a card, Bone to Ash can work well in decks that capitalize on card draw synergies. It can help trigger effects that require drawing cards or simply fuel strategies that benefit from having a full hand.

Meta-Relevance: In a game state where creature-heavy decks are dominant, Bone to Ash can offer a strategic edge. By countering key creature spells and replenishing your resources, it keeps you one step ahead in the ever-changing meta, making it a noteworthy inclusion for players aiming to keep their decks competitive.

How to beat

Bone to Ash is a classic control tool in Magic: The Gathering that allows players to counter a creature spell while also providing the added benefit of card draw. This combination is a significant advantage, making it a force to reckon with in matches that go on the longer side. To effectively neutralize the impact of Bone to Ash, one strategy is to bait the spell out with less important creatures. This can force your opponent to use their counter prematurely, allowing your more critical creature spells to resolve safely later on.

Another effective tactic is to apply pressure with non-creature spells. Since Bone to Ash specifically targets creature spells, diversifying your threats with enchantments, planeswalkers, or instants can circumvent this countermeasure altogether. Overloading the opponent with multiple threats at once may also overwhelm their mana resources, making it harder for them to cast Bone to Ash when it’s most needed. Consequently, pacing your plays and being mindful of the opponent’s untapped lands and potential counterspells are key to mastering matchups against decks utilizing this reactive card.

Ultimately, understanding the timing and psychology of countermagic plays a pivotal role in outmaneuvering opponents who rely on Bone to Ash to maintain control. Keeping these elements in mind will give you the upper hand and enhance your gameplay strategy in MTG.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Bone to Ash MTG card by a specific set like Dark Ascension and Magic Origins, 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 Bone to Ash and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Bone to Ash Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2012-02-03 and 2019-07-12. Illustrated by Clint Cearley.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	2012-02-03	Dark Ascension	DKA	29	2003	Normal	Black	Clint Cearley
2	2015-07-17	Magic Origins	ORI	47	2015	Normal	Black	Clint Cearley
3	2018-07-13	Core Set 2019	M19	47	2015	Normal	Black	Clint Cearley
4	2019-07-12	Core Set 2020	M20	48	2015	Normal	Black	Clint Cearley

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Bone to Ash has restrictions

Format	Legality
Historicbrawl	Legal
Historic	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Gladiator	Legal
Pioneer	Legal
Commander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Explorer	Legal
Penny	Legal
Timeless	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2019-07-12	A creature spell that can’t be countered is a legal target for Bone to Ash. The creature spell won’t be countered when Bone to Ash resolves, but you’ll still draw a card.