Burst Lightning MTG Card
2009-10-02 - Number 119
2015-05-22 - Number 109
2019-11-07 - Number 879
2002-06-24 - Number 37610
2010-01-01 - Number 8
2020-09-26 - Number P10-8
2020-09-26 - Number MM2-109
| Card sets | Released in 7 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
| Abilities | Kicker |
Text of card
Kicker (You may pay an additional as you cast this spell.) Burst Lightning deals 2 damage to target creature or player. If Burst Lightning was kicked, it deals 4 damage to that creature or player instead.
Cards like Burst Lightning
Burst Lightning is a versatile instant spell that finds its niche within the fast-paced red burn strategies in Magic: The Gathering. Like Shock, the introductory burn spell dealing two damage to any target for one mana, Burst Lightning offers the additional firepower with its kicker cost. Paying the kicker elevates the damage to four, allowing for more impactful plays against creatures or direct opponent strikes.
Comparatively, Lightning Bolt stands as the gold standard for one-mana burn spells, offering three damage without additional cost. Burst Lightning doesn’t match this raw efficiency, but it compensates with its flexibility to hit harder in the later game. Searing Spear and Incinerate also join the fray, both dealing three damage for two mana. These spells lack the adjustable nature of Burst Lightning, but their consistency is beneficial for straightforward damage requirements.
Ultimately, the ability to choose the magnitude of its effect allows Burst Lightning to shine in various scenarios. Whether it’s taking out small threats early on or delivering a more substantial punch when needed, Burst Lightning carves out its own space amongst the myriad of direct damage options available to players.
Cards similar to Burst Lightning by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Burst Lightning. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Jeskai Prowess | Modern | Jeskai Prowess | Modern League 2024-04-19 |
 | Izzet Prowess | Free form | d00mwake's Pure Modern 5 | |
 | Izzet Breach | Free form | d00mwake's Pure Modern 5 | |
 | Izzet Control | Modern | Blue-Red Control | Modern League 2023-12-20 |
| Boros Burn | Modern | Boros Burn | Modern League 2024-02-14 |
 | Izzet Wizards | Modern | Blue-Red Control | F2F Tour Championship - Ottawa Round 5 (Regional Championship) |
 | Indomitable Creativity | Modern | Indomitable Creativity | Modern Challenge 96 2023-12-16 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Burst Lightning doesn’t directly draw cards, it can be a strategic form of card advantage through its efficient removal of key enemy creatures, therefore indirectly preserving the cards in your hand.
Resource Acceleration: Not directly a tool for resource acceleration, Burst Lightning offers versatility with its kicker cost allowing you to scale its impact based on your available mana, potentially removing larger threats as your resources grow.
Instant Speed: Burst Lightning’s instant speed enables dynamic play, it can be cast in response to an opponent’s actions or end of their turn, maintaining the element of surprise and strategic control over the game board.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Burst Lightning demands a specific ‘kicker’ cost for its boosted effect; without an extra mana investment, it limits its damage capacity.
Specific Mana Cost: Its red mana requirement may not align with multicolor deck strategies, potentially restricting deck-building flexibility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For the enhanced ‘kicker’ version, four mana might be a significant investment, especially when competing spells may offer more impact or versatility for the same or lower cost.
Reasons to Include Burst Lightning in Your Collection
Versatility: Burst Lightning is a prime candidate for a wide array of decks, fitting seamlessly into red aggressive strategies or as a flexible removal spell in control decks. Its ability to scale with the game via its kicker cost makes it adaptable for both early threats and late-game finishers.
Combo Potential: This card can play a pivotal role in combo decks. The instant speed allows players to end games unexpectedly or interact with the stack, efficiently removing creatures or directly targeting opponents when the opportunity strikes. Its synergy with spell amplification effects can turn Burst Lightning into a decisive blow.
Meta-Relevance: As the game environment evolves, having reliable and efficient damage spells becomes crucial. Burst Lightning holds its ground in various metas, dealing with prominent one-toughness creatures or finishing off an opponent who’s just within reach. Its relevance has remained consistent, ensuring it’s a staple in many red decks.
How to beat
Burst Lightning is a versatile spell in the arsenal of Magic: The Gathering enthusiasts. As a quick and efficient removal option, it offers players the ability to deal direct damage to creatures or players. It’s the flexibility of this instant spell that can impact a game significantly, especially with its kicker cost, which allows for increased damage if additional mana is available.
To effectively counteract Burst Lightning, it’s essential to understand the timing and strategic casting windows. Utilize cards that grant hexproof or shroud to safeguard your valuable creatures from being targeted. Additionally, embracing spells that counter instants can neutralize Burst Lightning before it takes effect. Keeping mana open for these counterspells can be the key to maintaining board presence against such direct damage spells.
Employing creatures with high toughness also provides a buffer against Burst Lightning’s base damage. However, one must be wary of the kicker, which can turn the tide by inflicting four damage instead of two. Thus, the adaptation of your strategy by including prevention and protection mechanics is crucial in staying one step ahead of potential threats like Burst Lightning.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Burst Lightning MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Zendikar, 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 Burst Lightning 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 Burst Lightning Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 2009-10-02 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 37610 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Jung Park | ||
| 2 | 2009-10-02 | Zendikar | ZEN | 119 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Vance Kovacs | |
| 3 | Magic Player Rewards 2010 | P10 | 8 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Jung Park | ||
| 4 | 2015-05-22 | Modern Masters 2015 | MM2 | 109 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Vance Kovacs | |
| 5 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 879 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Vance Kovacs | |
| 6 | The List | PLST | P10-8 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Jung Park | ||
| 7 | The List | PLST | MM2-109 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Vance Kovacs |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Burst Lightning has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |