Char MTG Card

Char provides instant, adaptable damage, enhancing control and offensive tactics within various deck archetypes. Its demand for specific mana and potential tempo setback due to high cost must be strategically considered. Inclusion in a collection can significantly impact game outcomes, especially in aggressive or combo decks.

Ravnica: City of Guilds (RAV)
2005-10-07 - Number 117

From the Vault: Twenty (V13)
2013-08-23 - Number 14

GRN Guild Kit (GK1)
2018-11-02 - Number 28

Magic Online Promos (PRM)
2002-06-24 - Number 36142

Card sets	Released in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost	3
Rarity	Rare
Type	Instant

Text of card

Char deals 4 damage to target creature or player and 2 damage to you.

Izzet mages often acquire their magic reagents from dubious sources, so the potency of their spells is never predictable.

Cards like Char

Char is an exceptional instant spell in Magic: The Gathering, akin to popular damage-dealing cards like Lightning Bolt and Incinerate. It’s capable of delivering a significant 4 points of damage to any target, distinguishing itself in the realm of direct damage spells. Lightning Bolt, a renowned classic, can deal 3 damage at a lower cost but doesn’t have the ability to reach that higher damage threshold that Char possesses.

Considering other analogs, Searing Spear matches Char’s ability to target creatures or players, although it only deals 3 damage. What sets Char apart is not just the additional damage it inflicts but also the self-inflicted 2 damage to its caster – a calculated risk for a surge in power. Additionally, in comparison to Flame Javelin, which can deal 4 damage like Char, the flexibility of a lower casting cost with the option to pay with Phyrexian mana for Char gives players more versatility in managing their resources.

Altogether, within the dynamic of MTG’s direct damage spells, Char holds a niche for those willing to take a little heat themselves to deal a powerful strike, standing out as a card of choice for players leveraging life as a resource for more aggressive strategies.

Cards similar to Char by color, type and mana cost

Merchant of the Vale // Haggle - MTG Card versions

Path of Anger's Flame - MTG Card versions

Flames of the Blood Hand - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Char. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#	Name	Format	Archetype	Event
	Decklist	Free form		MO89#CS
	Boros Aggro	Legacy		MO82#CS

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Char ensures a strategic upper hand by instantly dealing damage, potentially removing a key creature from the field. This can tilt the board in your favor by diminishing your opponent’s resources while maintaining your own card count.

Resource Acceleration: Despite costing life, Char can be seen as an investment towards quicker victory. By efficiently handling threats, it accelerates your path to win by keeping opponent’s board clear, enabling your attacks to go through.

Instant Speed: The real strength of Char lies in its instant speed, allowing you to adapt to the battlefield dynamically. Whether it’s taking out a creature during combat or directly targeting an opponent at the end of their turn, the flexibility provided can be utterly game-changing.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: One downside of this card is that it necessitates parting ways with another card from your hand, which can backfire if you’re in a pinch without extra cards to spare.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of this card requires a precise combination of mana types, potentially restricting its inclusion to decks that can reliably produce the necessary colors.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although powerful, the mana investment to cast this card is significant when compared to other cards with similar abilities. This can lead to tempo setbacks in faster-paced games.

Reasons to Include Char in Your Collection

Versatility: Char offers flexibility in deck construction, fitting snugly into aggressive strategies while also serving as a handy tool in control decks that require a means to close games quickly.

Combo Potential: This card can work in tandem with life-gain mechanics or with effects that redirect or prevent damage, turning its downside into an advantage and enabling impactful plays.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where shaving off an opponent’s life total swiftly can be the difference between victory and defeat, Char remains a relevant choice for dealing a significant amount of damage without the need for combat.

How to Beat

Balancing strategy against Char, a notable instant card in Magic: The Gathering, requires an insightful approach. Like other direct damage spells, Char distinguishes itself by inflicting significant damage while simultaneously causing minimal damage to you, the caster. This characteristic has a duality that can turn the tides of a match if not addressed properly.

To effectively counteract Char, consider utilizing life gain spells which can mitigate the impact of the damage received. Cards that offer damage prevention abilities or that can absorb damage could essentially nullify the effects of Char. Additionally, spells that grant hexproof to a player or permanent can provide an invaluable shield against this destructive instant.

Taking into account that Char can target either a creature or a player, maintaining control of the board and keeping viable block options open is crucial. Playing creatures with high toughness can also be a strategic defensive move, as they can withstand the card’s effect more readily. Incorporating these counterplays into your strategy could be the key to outlasting an opponent wielding Char.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Char MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Ravnica: City of Guilds, 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 Char and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Char Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2005-10-07 and 2018-11-02. Illustrated by 2 different artists.

#	Released	Name	Code	Number	Frame	Layout	Border	Artist
1	~~2002-06-24~~	Magic Online Promos	PRM	36142	2003	Normal	Black	Dave Dorman
2	2005-10-07	Ravnica: City of Guilds	RAV	117	2003	Normal	Black	Adam Rex
3	2013-08-23	From the Vault: Twenty	V13	14	2003	Normal	Black	Adam Rex
4	2018-11-02	GRN Guild Kit	GK1	28	2015	Normal	Black	Adam Rex

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Char has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal