Chandra's Pyrohelix MTG Card
2016-09-30 - Number 111
2019-05-03 - Number 120
2019-11-07 - Number 883
2020-11-12 - Number 118
2022-12-02 - Number 514
2020-09-26 - Number WAR-120
| Card sets | Released in 6 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Chandra's Pyrohelix deals 2 damage divided as you choose among one or two target creatures and/or players.
"This one's for my mom, and this one's for me."
Cards like Chandra's Pyrohelix
Chandra’s Pyrohelix stands out in the realm of red damage spells in MTG. Its most direct comparison is with the classic spell Shock, which also inflicts 2 damage for one red mana. However, Chandra’s Pyrohelix offers flexible targeting, allowing the damage to be divided between multiple creatures or players, whereas Shock is limited to a single target. This added flexibility can be a game-changer in scenarios with multiple low-toughness threats on the board.
Comparatively, we have Forked Bolt, another spell exhibiting the ability to split damage. It shares the same damage potential as Chandra’s Pyrohelix but differs as it is a sorcery. This limits its use to your main phases, whereas Chandra’s Pyrohelix’s instant speed gives an edge in reacting during an opponent’s turn or at the end of their phase. Twin Bolt also mirrors this split-damage capability, but like Forked Bolt, it’s a sorcery, thus reinforcing the tactical advantage held by Chandra’s Pyrohelix.
In summary, while many spells in MTG offer the valuable option to deal damage across multiple targets, Chandra’s Pyrohelix provides a unique combination of flexibility and speed, securing its position as a versatile choice in red spell arsenals.
Cards similar to Chandra's Pyrohelix by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Chandra’s Pyrohelix offers a strategic edge by allowing you to hit two targets in one go, potentially clearing out multiple smaller threats or finishing off weakened creatures. This versatility can often translate into maintaining a favorable board state.
Resource Acceleration: Despite not directly accelerating resources, this card can indirectly contribute to maintaining your tempo by efficiently dealing with early game creatures, thus preserving your life total and stalling until you reach critical mana levels for more powerful spells.
Instant Speed: The instant nature of Chandra’s Pyrohelix provides flexibility, giving you the opportunity to react during your opponent’s turn. This can disrupt your opponent’s plays, eliminating creatures before they have a chance to attack or using the damage to sway combat outcomes in your favor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Chandra’s Pyrohelix doesn’t make you discard cards, but this characteristic generally presents a hurdle for spells that do. Needing to throw away part of your hand can be costly when your options are already limited.
Specific Mana Cost: Chandra’s Pyrohelix necessitates one red mana, making it exclusively optimal for red or multicolored decks. This requirement can hinder deck diversity and may not fit into strategies that don’t heavily utilize red mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although Chandra’s Pyrohelix has a relatively low cost of two mana, in the fast-paced world of MTG, even this can be considered high compared to other instant damage spells. Decks aiming for utmost efficiency might opt for lower-cost alternatives to maximize tempo and board control.
Reasons to Include Chandra’s Pyrohelix in Your Collection
Versatility: Chandra’s Pyrohelix serves as a flexible damage spell that can target multiple creatures or players. This makes it a valuable choice for decks that need to manage a board of small threats or want to push through that last bit of damage.
Combo Potential: This card synergizes well with decks that capitalize on spell casting or instant and sorcery synergies. Its ability to hit multiple targets can also complement strategies that reward you for damaging multiple opponents or creatures in a single turn.
Meta-Relevance: In a game where early creature aggression can dominate, Chandra’s Pyrohelix offers a quick and efficient way to control the early game. It’s particularly useful in formats where low-cost creatures are prevalent, helping you to maintain board presence and tempo.
How to beat Chandra’s Pyrohelix
Dealing with Chandra’s Pyrohelix can be tricky, especially when utilized for its versatility in targeting multiple creatures. One effective strategy to overcome this spell is through the use of creatures with toughness greater than two. Since Chandra’s Pyrohelix deals a total of two damage that can be divided among one or two targets, creatures with a higher toughness can withstand the attack and remain on the battlefield.
Another approach is capitalizing on instant-speed spells that can buff your creatures, leaving them out of reach from Chandra’s two-damage capability. Spells like Giant Growth or cards with flash that provide a toughness boost can be cast in response to Chandra’s Pyrohelix, nullifying its potential impact.
Avoid cluttering the board with multiple one-toughness creatures if you suspect your opponent may cast Chandra’s Pyrohelix. Prioritizing the development of a single, more resilient threat can minimize the value your opponent gets from the spell. Ultimately, understanding the strengths and limitations of Chandra’s Pyrohelix is key to strategically outmaneuvering opponents who depend on it for removal or-final-ditch efforts at damage.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Chandra's Pyrohelix MTG card by a specific set like Kaladesh and War of the Spark, 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 Pyrohelix 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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Printings
The Chandra's Pyrohelix Magic the Gathering card was released in 6 different sets between 2016-09-30 and 2022-12-02. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2016-09-30 | Kaladesh | KLD | 111 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Kieran Yanner | |
| 2 | 2019-05-03 | War of the Spark | WAR | 120 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Aleksi Briclot | |
| 3 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 883 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Aleksi Briclot | |
| 4 | The List | PLST | WAR-120 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Aleksi Briclot | ||
| 5 | 2020-11-12 | Kaladesh Remastered | KLR | 118 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Kieran Yanner | |
| 6 | 2022-12-02 | Jumpstart 2022 | J22 | 514 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Aleksi Briclot |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Chandra's Pyrohelix has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Chandra's Pyrohelix card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2019-05-03 | If Chandra's Pyrohelix targets two creatures and one becomes an illegal target, the remaining target is dealt 1 damage, not 2. |
| 2019-05-03 | You divide the damage as you cast Chandra's Pyrohelix, not as it resolves. Each target must be assigned at least 1 damage. In other words, as you cast Chandra's Pyrohelix, you choose whether to have it deal 2 damage to a single target, or deal 1 damage to each of two targets. |