Chandra's Defeat MTG Card
2017-07-14 - Number 86
2020-08-13 - Number 147
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Chandra's Defeat deals 5 damage to target red creature or red planeswalker. If that permanent is a Chandra planeswalker, you may discard a card. If you do, draw a card.
"Fire? Is that your only trick, Chandra?" —Nicol Bolas
Cards like Chandra's Defeat
Chandra’s Defeat stands out among red color-specific removal spells in MTG. This card excels against red creatures and planeswalkers, dishing out a powerful 5 damage for just one red mana. A direct comparison can be made with cards like Red Elemental Blast, which can counter or destroy a blue spell for the same cost but is restricted to blue targets only.
Moving on to another close relative, Fry is an apt comparison to Chandra’s Defeat. Fry deals 5 damage to target creature or planeswalker that’s white or blue. The difference lies in Fry’s inability to go as low as a single red mana for its execution. However, it has the added advantage of being uncounterable. There is also Rending Volley that targets white or blue creatures at an efficient one-mana cost but is limited by its lesser damage output.
Assessing their place in MTG, these spells offer strategic options to players looking to tailor their sideboards with precision removal. Chandra’s Defeat shines with its low cost and high damage, especially in matchups where timing and mana efficiency are crucial.
Cards similar to Chandra's Defeat by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Chandra’s Defeat lets you effectively deal with one of red’s most iconic Planeswalkers or a red creature for a minimal cost. This selective removal gives you an edge, conserving your broader-spectrum removal spells for bigger threats.
Resource Acceleration: While this card itself doesn’t generate mana or Treasure, its low cost of a single red mana ensures your resources can be allocated elsewhere. This can keep your game plan moving swiftly without missing a beat, acting as indirect acceleration by being so cost-efficient.
Instant Speed: The capacity to play Chandra’s Defeat at instant speed offers strategic flexibility. You can wait until the perfect moment to dispatch a formidable red creature or hold your mana open until you’ve seen whether Chandra herself enters the fray, making sure your response is always well-timed and impactful.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Chandra’s Defeat doesn’t have an explicit discard requirement, players must often weigh the cost of holding a conditionally powerful card versus utilizing their hand more effectively. Holding onto situational removal may impede the fluidity of your play.
Specific Mana Cost: Chandra’s Defeat’s requirement for red mana makes it a niche choice, suitable mainly for red or multicolored decks. This limits its flexibility in a varied MTG meta where adaptability can be key to victory.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although one red mana can be considered low, the card’s use is highly specific. Decks that could benefit from more versatile removal may find the mana cost unjustified, as it only targets red creatures or planeswalkers, potentially making it a dead card against non-red decks.
Reasons to Include Chandra’s Defeat in Your Collection
Versatility: Chandra’s Defeat is perfect for any collection as it can be a strategic sideboard card in red matchups. Its ability to target a red creature or planeswalker makes it adaptable for a range of situations.
Combo Potential: This card shines when combined with spells that benefit from cheap instant cast spells or those that reward you for targeting. It’s a low-cost addition that can turn the tide when every action counts.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta-game heavily featuring red spells or key red planeswalkers, Chandra’s Defeat stands out as a highly effective answer. Its specificity can give you an edge when facing these common threats.
How to beat
Understanding how to navigate against Chandra’s Defeat can be a crucial point in any MTG match. This targeted red spell can swiftly remove a red creature or planeswalker, making it especially potent in mono-red matchups. One strategic approach is not overcommitting red threats to the board if you suspect your opponent has it in hand. Diversifying your threats across different colors can mitigate the impact of this highly specific removal card.
Another tactic is baiting the spell out early. By presenting a less critical red target, you can potentially draw out Chandra’s Defeat and then play more valuable red cards freely. Holding on to counter spells or protective spells can also help in shielding your key red permanents from being taken out by such direct and potent removal.
Lastly, keeping track of your opponent’s mana and the cards they’ve played gives you insight into when they might have Chandra’s Defeat ready. Playing around it by carefully timing your plays can be the difference between keeping a powerful red planeswalker on the board or seeing it go down in flames.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Chandra's Defeat MTG card by a specific set like Hour of Devastation and Amonkhet Remastered, 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 Chandra's Defeat 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
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Printings
The Chandra's Defeat Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2017-07-14 and 2020-08-13. Illustrated by Kieran Yanner.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2017-07-14 | Hour of Devastation | HOU | 86 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Kieran Yanner | |
| 2 | 2020-08-13 | Amonkhet Remastered | AKR | 147 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Kieran Yanner |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Chandra's Defeat has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |