Cackling Flames MTG Card
2006-05-05 - Number 59
2019-02-15 - Number 55
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
| Abilities | Hellbent |
Text of card
Cackling Flames deals 3 damage to target creature or player. Hellbent Cackling Flames deals 5 damage to that creature or player instead if you have no cards in hand.
"I like a little entertainment with my dinner." —Rakdos
Cards like Cackling Flames
Cackling Flames is an intriguing option for players looking to deal direct damage in Magic: The Gathering. It carries a resemblance to cards like Shock, which also delivers an immediate impact on the board by dealing 2 damage to any target. Cackling Flames, however, goes a step further by offering the potential for 4 damage, provided you’ve played another spell during the turn due to its hellbent ability.
Another card worth mentioning in its league is Lightning Strike. This card offers a solid middle ground with 3 damage to any target at the cost of two mana. While not as conditional as Cackling Flames, it lacks the scalability but is more reliable for consistent damage output. Then there’s the mighty Lightning Bolt, a classic that deals 3 damage for a single mana. Although it doesn’t boast the 4-damage ceiling of Cackling Flames, its efficiency is unrivaled.
Cackling Flames certainly has its niche, especially in decks that can reliably enable its hellbent condition. Its potential to cause a significant swing in the game’s momentum makes it a situational yet powerful tool in the arsenal of direct damage spells.
Cards similar to Cackling Flames by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Cackling Flames offers a direct approach to dealing damage, which can be pivotal in dismantling an opponent’s strategy. This can be especially beneficial in controlling the board and reducing an opponent’s resources while sustaining your own card economy.
Resource Acceleration: Not directly associated with resource acceleration, Cackling Flames is however cost-efficient. This allows players to deploy other strategies alongside this spell, potentially creating a resource acceleration through strategic play.
Instant Speed: As an instant, Cackling Flames grants flexibility in gameplay, allowing reactive plays against opponents during their turn. Its instant speed nature ensures you have the upper hand in timing, usurping the opponent’s initiative and potentially disrupting their plays.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: One of the drawbacks of the Cackling Flames card is the obligation to let go of another card from your hand. This prerequisite could put players at a significant disadvantage, especially during moments in the game where maintaining hand advantage is crucial.
Specific Mana Cost: Cackling Flames demands a specific combination of mana to cast – three mana of any color and one red. This requirement can make it challenging for decks that aren’t heavily invested in red mana sources or multicolored mana decks that might struggle to consistently meet the card’s mana demands.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: At a total of four mana for a single-target damage spell, Cackling Flames might not always be the most economical choice. Other spells in the format might offer similar or greater impact at a lower cost, providing players with more flexibility and efficiency for their strategy.
Reasons to Include Cackling Flames in Your Collection
Versatility: Cackling Flames offers a flexible option for a range of decks, shining in those that favor direct damage spells or spell-slinging approaches.
Combo Potential: The card works well within strategies that amplify spell damage or make use of spell casts, such as prowess or storm decks.
Meta-Relevance: In metas where aggressive strategies prevail, Cackling Flames can serve as a robust tool to swiftly lower life totals or clear out problematic creatures.
How to beat
Cackling Flames is a powerful instigator in the world of MTG, known for its capability to deliver direct damage to any target. When facing off against this card, it’s critical to consider options that can mitigate or completely nullify its impact. One effective strategy is to include cards that can counter noncreature spells in your deck, such as Negate or Counterspell. These will allow you to stop Cackling Flames before it can even hit the battlefield and disrupt your game plan.
Furthermore, having protection spells or abilities that prevent or reduce damage can be invaluable. Cards like Tamiyo’s Safekeeping not only shield your permanents but also your life total from harmful effects, turning what could have been a devastating blow into a wasted effort from your opponent. Additionally, proactive measures such as playing creatures with high toughness can absorb the hit from Cackling Flames, lessening the impact on your overall strategy and keeping you in control of the match.
Adopting these defensive tactics and understanding the importance of timing when using them are key to overcoming the challenge posed by Cackling Flames in any MTG duel. Keep these tips in mind to remain one step ahead and secure your path to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Cackling Flames MTG card by a specific set like Dissension and RNA Guild Kit, 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 Cackling Flames 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 Cackling Flames Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2006-05-05 and 2019-02-15. Illustrated by Shishizaru.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2006-05-05 | Dissension | DIS | 59 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Shishizaru | |
| 2 | 2019-02-15 | RNA Guild Kit | GK2 | 55 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Shishizaru |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Cackling Flames has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |