Case of the Burning Masks MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Enchantment — Case |
| Released | 2024-02-09 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Murders at Karlov Manor |
| Set code | MKM |
| Number | 113 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Case |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Bastien L. Deharme |
Text of card
When this Case enters the battlefield, it deals 3 damage to target creature an opponent controls. To solve — Three or more sources you controlled dealt damage this turn. (If unsolved, solve at the beginning of your end step.) Solved — Sacrifice this Case: Exile the top three cards of your library. Choose one of them. You may play that card this turn.
Cards like Case of the Burning Masks
Case of the Burning Masks finds its niche in the pantheon of Magic: The Gathering’s red instant spells designed for targeted removal. Much like Abrade, Case of the Burning Masks offers players a versatile option for dealing with threats on the board. While both cards provide the utility of destroying artifacts or dealing damage, Abrade allows for a choice between damage to creatures or artifact destruction, whereas Case of the Burning Masks adds the unique twist of Mask counters that limit the targeted creature’s abilities, even if not lethal.
Comparatively, another close relative in function is Flame Slash, a spell that is straightforward when it comes to dealing damage to creatures. However, Flame Slash falls short in versatility, as it doesn’t affect artifacts or offer an ongoing hindrance to a creature’s capabilities. Moreover, Lightning Bolt stands out as a classic, being cost-effective for its one red mana cost and instant speed, although it doesn’t touch artifacts nor does it apply a continuing detriment like the Mask counter.
When weighing options, Case of the Burning Masks presents itself as a resourceful choice within Magic: The Gathering’s red spells, delivering not just instantaneous destruction but also a strategic component with its Mask counters, potentially tipping the scales in a player’s favor.
Cards similar to Case of the Burning Masks by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Case of the Burning Masks shines when it comes to maintaining a strong hand presence. By providing you with an extra card upon resolving, it ensures you have the resources to respond to your opponent’s moves or to bolster your own strategy on the fly. This can be a critical edge in the ebb and flow of a match where every card counts.
Resource Acceleration:One of the key strengths of this card lies in its ability to ramp up your mana reserves without compromising turn progression. By offering additional mana sources, it allows players to cast more expensive spells ahead of schedule or efficiently utilize mana for multiple spells in a single turn, tipping the scales in their favor.
Instant Speed:The flexibility of casting Case of the Burning Masks at instant speed cannot be overstated. This enables you to adapt to the battlefield’s state at the most opportune moment, whether that’s disrupting an opponent’s strategy during their turn or fortifying your own position just before yours begins. It’s this level of unpredictability and adaptability that makes it a formidable tool in any player’s arsenal.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: When you cast Case of the Burning Masks, it necessitates the discarding of another card. This aspect can be problematic, particularly in streamlined decks where each card holds significant tactical value or when your hand is already depleted.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of Case of the Burning Masks is relatively rigid, requiring two red mana. This specific mana requirement can complicate things for multi-colored decks where red mana may not always be readily available, thus affecting the card’s versatility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The card enters the fray at a three mana cost point, which comprises one generic and two red mana. While the impact on the game can be notable, there are other cards at this cost that offer immediate board presence or more substantial game-changing effects, which may deter some players from including it in their deck.
Reasons to Include Case of the Burning Masks in Your Collection
Versatility: Case of the Burning Masks is a card that can easily adapt to numerous playstyles. Its ability can be a game-changer in decks that aim to manipulate the number of cards each player holds.
Combo Potential: With its unique effect on both players’ hands, it can serve as a cornerstone in strategies designed around hand size, triggering a vast array of synergies with cards that monitor opponents’ hand counts.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where players accumulate large hand sizes, Case of the Burning Masks can be a disruptive force, impacting the flow of the game and giving you an upper hand against decks that rely on card advantage.
How to beat
Case of the Burning Masks is a unique card that presents both a challenge and opportunity in Magic: The Gathering games. When playing against this card, it’s integral to adapt your strategies to counter the potential threats it poses. Key to overcoming Case of the Burning Masks is to prioritize the removal of artifacts or enchantments, which could be done through the inclusion of cards with naturalize effects or versatile removal spells that are prevalent in the current meta.
Another proven tactic involves maximizing the efficiency of your creature removal to deal with the token creatures created by Case of the Burning Masks. This can be effectively accomplished with cards that provide board wipe abilities or those offering value by removing multiple creatures with a single spell. Moreover, direct damage spells or those that limit an opponent’s casting abilities can mitigate the card’s impact, making it less threatening over the course of a game.
Overall, dealing with Case of the Burning Masks requires a balanced approach, combining proactive threat management with reactive measures to neutralize its advantage. This approach, coupled with a well-constructed deck that anticipates such obstacles, can turn the tides in your favor and secure your dominance over this challenging card.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Case of the Burning Masks MTG card by a specific set like Murders at Karlov Manor, 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 Case of the Burning Masks 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
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Case of the Burning Masks has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Standardbrawl | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |