Cinder Elemental MTG Card
1999-10-04 - Number 183
2009-09-04 - Number 51
2013-02-01 - Number 87
2020-07-17 - Number 304
2020-09-26 - Number JMP-304
| Card sets | Released in 5 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Elemental |
| Power | 2 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
o Xo R, oc T, Sacrifice Cinder Elemental: Cinder Elemental deals X damage to target creature or player.
Their rage can grow to such proportions that they explode in a cloud of fire.
Cards like Cinder Elemental
Cinder Elemental is an intriguing option for players looking to include flexible damage-dealing creatures in their decks. Much like the fan-favorite Flametongue Kavu, Cinder Elemental can inflict damage, but with the added versatility of targeting either creatures or players. Unlike the Kavu, which has a set damage amount upon entering the battlefield, Cinder Elemental’s ability scales with mana investment, making it a potential game-ender.
Another card worth comparing is Inferno Titan, which, similar to Cinder Elemental, deals damage when it comes into play and can repeatedly deal damage during the game. Inferno Titan’s damage distribution is more versatile since it can be split among multiple targets, though it comes at a higher mana cost. Additionally, Embermaw Hellion amplifies the damage dealt by red sources, which could synergistically increase Cinder Elemental’s impact. However, it doesn’t share the same direct damage ability the Elemental possesses.
Despite these differences, Cinder Elemental’s capacity for significant, direct damage and mana flexibility make it a strong contender in red heavy decks, offering both early board presence and late-game threat potential.
Cards similar to Cinder Elemental by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Cinder Elemental offers the potential for repeatable removal. Its ability to deal damage equivalent to the mana you invest into it can translate to removing key threats on the board, effectively diminishing your opponent’s card resources while maintaining your own.
Resource Acceleration: This fiery creature can mesh well with decks that ramp up mana quickly. Since the Elemental’s strength is directly tied to the amount of mana you pump into its ability, having access to a larger mana pool allows for more substantial hits, making it a formidable force when you’ve accelerated your resources effectively.
Instant Speed: One of the strengths of Cinder Elemental is its activation at instant speed. This flexibility lets you end your turn without committing to a particular line of play, keeping your options open. You can respond to your opponent’s actions, potentially removing a creature on their turn or simply applying pressure by threatening activation at any moment.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Cinder Elementals require you to sacrifice them, effectively discarding the card from the field after use. This can deplete your board presence, putting you at a strategic disadvantage.
Specific Mana Cost: These cards necessitate a combination of red mana and generic mana to harness their abilities, potentially restricting your deck-building options and synergies, particularly in multicolored decks.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a summoning cost and additional activation expense that’s relatively high, Cinder Elementals might compete for the same mana resources as other impactful cards in your arsenal, potentially reducing your overall efficiency during gameplay.
Reasons to Include Cinder Elemental in Your Collection
Versatility: Cinder Elemental offers a flexible role in your arsenal, serving as both a reliable source of targeted damage and a threat that can grow more formidable with available mana. It adapts easily to various red deck strategies, from aggro to control.
Combo Potential: Its ability to convert mana directly into damage makes it a potential linchpin in combos. Pair it with mana generation cards or untap effects to unleash significant bursts of damage or take out key threats at crucial moments.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where creature-based strategies dominate, Cinder Elemental stands out as a valuable tool for removing blockers or pressuring life totals. Its capacity for instant damage keeps opponents wary, affecting their playstyle and creating strategic advantages for you.
How to beat
Cinder Elemental can be a persistent threat on the battlefield with its fiery ability to deal damage directly to any target. To effectively neutralize this card, it’s essential to disrupt its mana base or remove it before it becomes activated. Casting instant removal spells, such as Fatal Push or Path to Exile, can ensure that Cinder Elemental never gets a chance to flex its destructive muscles. Additionally, countering it upon cast with spells like Mana Leak or Negate prevents the Elemental from hitting the board entirely.
Furthermore, restricting the opponent’s mana can hinder their ability to leverage Cinder Elemental’s ability, which requires a substantial amount of mana to be effective. A well-timed Damping Sphere or Blood Moon can cripple an opponent’s mana resources, making it difficult for them to utilize their Elemental’s power. In board states where the Elemental is already active, strategies that include flickering or tapping the creature, such as with Tapping it down with Icy Manipulator or exiling it temporarily with Ghostly Flicker, can provide crucial time to find a more permanent solution.
Considering these strategies, it becomes clear that while Cinder Elemental can pack a punch, it’s far from unbeatable. Proper removal, counterspells, and mana disruption are key in ensuring that the Elemental’s flames fizzle out before causing any significant damage.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Cinder Elemental MTG card by a specific set like Mercadian Masques and Planechase, 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 Cinder Elemental 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
See MTG Products
Printings
The Cinder Elemental Magic the Gathering card was released in 5 different sets between 1999-10-04 and 2020-07-17. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1999-10-04 | Mercadian Masques | MMQ | 183 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples | |
| 2 | 2009-09-04 | Planechase | HOP | 51 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Greg Staples | |
| 3 | 2013-02-01 | Gatecrash | GTC | 87 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov | |
| 4 | 2020-07-17 | Jumpstart | JMP | 304 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov | |
| 5 | The List | PLST | JMP-304 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Svetlin Velinov |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Cinder Elemental has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |