Burn the Impure MTG Card

Card advantage through dual-effect damage and potential multi-target impact. Clears the way for attacks, enhancing board control and game momentum. Instant speed offers reactive play, increasing strategic depth and flexibility.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Instant
Released	2011-02-04
Set symbol
Set name	Mirrodin Besieged
Set code	MBS
Number	59
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Nic Klein

Text of card

Burn the Impure deals 3 damage to target creature. If that creature has infect, Burn the Impure deals 3 damage to that creature's controller.

Flame doesn't kneel to Phyrexia.

Cards like Burn the Impure

Burn the Impure stands out in Magic: The Gathering as an impactful removal card with a specific edge against creatures with infect. Its direct damage paired with the potential to deal extra to poisoned creatures allows strategic plays. When looking at other burn spells, Incinerate comes to mind. It deals a similar three damage to any target but without the bonus damage condition tied to poison counters.

Moving down the burn spell spectrum, Lightning Strike presents itself as a straightforward option. It also offers three damage to any target, just like Burn the Impure but at instant speed. This gives Lightning Strike added flexibility without the perk of potentially increased damage output against poisoned creatures. Searing Spear is yet another comparable card, mirroring the damage and speed of Lightning Strike, and emphasizing the unique position Burn the Impure holds when countering infect-based strategies.

When weighing the advantages of different burn spells in your arsenal, Burn the Impure might not always be the first pick. It remains specialized for scenarios where dealing with infect creatures is paramount, showcasing its niche yet potentially game-changing role in MTG matches.

Cards similar to Burn the Impure by color, type and mana cost

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Burn the Impure delivers a dual punch; not only does it deal damage to a creature, but if that creature has been infected by a -1/-1 counter, you get to scorch your opponent as well, increasing your lead in the health race. This duality can sometimes mean pulling ahead in card value, as it has the potential to affect multiple targets with a single card.

Resource Acceleration: While Burn the Impure isn’t a direct source of resource acceleration, its capability of removing key blockers or threats allows your resources on the board—your creatures—to press the advantage. This can accelerate your game plan by clearing the path for your own creatures to attack and secure your board dominance.

Instant Speed: The decisiveness of instant speed cannot be overstated. With Burn the Impure at the ready, you secure the power to respond to threats during your opponent’s turn, conserving flexibility and keeping them second-guessing. The ability to act on updated information provides a tactical edge, ensuring your resources are used at the most opportune time.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Burn the Impure requires you to have a creature with infect as the target, which can be troublesome if you’re facing a deck without any. This limits the versatility of the card, sometimes leaving it as a dead card in your hand.

Specific Mana Cost: Having an exact mana combination of one red and two generic mana can be restrictive for multicolor decks, particularly if you’re running a deck that’s mostly green or black. This specificity can hamper your mana flexibility during critical turns.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The card’s total cost of three mana for three damage is on the higher side when compared to other direct damage spells available. Considering its additional infect creature damage clause, Burn the Impure might be passed over for spells with a broader application or lower cost.

Reasons to Include Burn the Impure in Your Collection

Versatility: Burn the Impure is a flexible card that slots into various decks. Its ability to deal damage to creatures makes it a solid pick for both aggressive and control strategies that aim to remove threats efficiently.

Combo Potential: When paired with cards that increase damage output or have effects when damage is dealt, Burn the Impure becomes a cornerstone in combos that could potentially clear multiple threats or even direct significant damage to opponents.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta populated with indestructible or creatures with high toughness, Burn the Impure shines by not only dealing 3 damage but also punishing those equipped with such defenses through its infect mechanic, dealing additional damage in the form of -1/-1 counters.

How to beat

Burn the Impure is a potent card that can be tricky to navigate in a Magic: The Gathering match, especially if you’re relying on creatures with infect to dominate the board. Its ability to deal 3 damage to a creature and then additional damage if that creature has infect means it can swiftly turn the tide of a game. Therefore, one effective strategy to outplay Burn the Impure is to diversify your threats. Don’t overcommit with infect creatures. Mixing in creatures without infect or utilizing non-creature spells can diminish the impact of Burn the Impure, ensuring it doesn’t become a sweeping setback for you.

Another approach is to use spells that protect your creatures. Consider spells that grant hexproof or indestructible temporarily, or use counterspells to prevent Burn the Impure from resolving. It’s all about anticipation. If you can predict when your opponent might have Burn the Impure at the ready, you can hold back on playing your key infect creatures until you have the means to protect them or until your opponent has been forced to use up their removal spell on a less critical target.

It’s a delicate balance — gauging when to develop your board and when to hold back — but mastering this rhythm is key to overcoming challenges like Burn the Impure in the varied landscape of Magic: The Gathering.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Burn the Impure MTG card by a specific set like Mirrodin Besieged, 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 Burn the Impure and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Burn the Impure has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2011-06-01	If the creature is an illegal target when Burn the Impure resolves, the spell won’t resolve and none of its effects will happen, even if that creature has infect.