Cave-In MTG Card

Cave-In provides board control with its capacity to affect multiple creatures at instant speed. It offers strategic flexibility with an alternative casting option that conserves mana. The utility of Cave-In must be weighed against the cost of discarding a card.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	5
Rarity	Rare
Type	Sorcery
Released	1999-10-04
Set symbol
Set name	Mercadian Masques
Set code	MMQ
Number	180
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Mark Tedin

Text of card

You may remove a red card in your hand from the game instead of paying Cave-In's mana cost. Cave-In deals 2 damage to each creature and each player.

One fleet was gone; others were poised.

Cards like Cave-In

Cave-In stands out in the world of red board-clearing spells in Magic: The Gathering. It echoes the destructive capabilities of cards like Pyroclasm, which similarly deals damage to each creature for a relatively low cost. Yet, Cave-In introduces flexibility with its alternative casting option, allowing you to cast it for free by discarding a card from your hand, whereas Pyroclasm has a fixed mana cost with no such alternative.

Likewise, Anger of the Gods can be likened to Cave-In due to its ability to sweep the board. The notable advantage, though, is Anger of the Gods’ exile effect, preventing creatures from returning to the battlefield or triggering death effects. However, it lacks the free-cast potential that makes Cave-In unique. On the spectrum of cost and effect, Slagstorm is comparable, offering either damage to each creature or each player. Yet, the lack of the alternative casting cost in Slagstorm highlights Cave-In’s strategic flexibility in game play.

Assessing their strengths and situational advantages, Cave-In has a firm place in Magic: The Gathering as a versatile board wipe that adapts to players’ immediate needs and mana availability.

Cards similar to Cave-In by color, type and mana cost

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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Cave-In provides the opportunity to potentially affect multiple creatures and therefore sway the board state in your favor. This kind of utility can position you advantageously by dealing with several threats simultaneously, keeping your hand resourceful.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly providing resource acceleration, Cave-In offers a payment alternative through its mana cost. By opting to sacrifice a land instead of paying its mana cost, you can preserve your mana pool for further plays within the turn, indirectly speeding up your resource allocation.

Instant Speed: As an instant, Cave-In can be played at the most opportune moment, often during an opponent’s turn. This flexibility allows you to navigate complex situations, disrupt opponent strategies, and maximize the impact of the card’s effect without compromising your own turn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Cave-In adds a layer of complexity for players as it necessitates the pitching of an additional card. This creates a strategic dilemma, especially when your hand is dwindling, as you’re forced to weigh the immediate board impact against the potential loss of future plays.

Specific Mana Cost: With its mana cost firmly rooted in red, Cave-In might strain decks that dabble in multiple colors or lack a strong red mana base. This can sometimes result in the card becoming a dead draw at crucial moments during the game where colored mana resources are tight.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although Cave-In can be a game-changer, it does have a steep mana investment when not leveraging its alternative casting cost. At a total of five mana, including three red, it can be prohibitive, particularly since red often emphasizes speed and efficiency over costly spells.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Cave-In offers a flexible solution for players needing both area-of-effect damage and mana flexibility. It can be cast using its mana cost or by its alternative casting mechanism, which doesn’t require mana and can be a game-changer in tight situations.

Combo Potential: This card has synergies in decks that capitalize on red’s damage-dealing abilities or strategies involving discarding as a cost, serving as a potential catalyst for powerful combos.

Meta-Relevance: Given the ever-changing landscape of competitive play, Cave-In can adapt to various metas, excelling particularly in environments where sweeping away small creatures quickly is essential for survival.

How to beat

Cave-In is a powerful card known for its ability to change the course of a game in Magic: The Gathering. Its mechanics allow a player to deal two damage to each creature and each player, which can be a devastating move in the right circumstances. To successfully navigate against Cave-In, it’s vital to employ a strategy that minimizes its impact. This can include utilizing creatures with toughness greater than two, thereby ensuring their survival against the AoE damage Cave-In deals.

Another effective method is to play around the mana cost and alternate casting cost of the card. Since Cave-In can be cast by sacrificing a Mountain instead of paying its mana cost if you control no untapped lands, be aware of your opponent’s land status to predict the likelihood of a sudden Cave-In cast. Additionally, spell counters such as Counterspell or creatures with abilities that negate the effects of red spells can serve as a shield. By anticipating the potential use of Cave-In and adapting your playstyle accordingly, you can maintain control of the game despite your opponent’s attempts to sweep the board.

Ultimately, understanding your opponent’s deck and predicting the timing of a potential Cave-In play can reduce its effectiveness, allowing you to safeguard your creatures and strategically advance your game plan in MTG.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Cave-In MTG card by a specific set like Mercadian Masques, 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 Cave-In and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Cave-In has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal