Dual Shot MTG Card
2016-04-08 - Number 153
2017-09-29 - Number 141
2019-11-07 - Number 912
2020-09-26 - Number SOI-153
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Dual Shot deals 1 damage to each of up to two target creatures.
There is an eagerness among the Quiver of Kessig to prove they are the equal of the other cathar orders.
Cards like Dual Shot
Dual Shot offers Magic: The Gathering players the unique ability to deal damage to two creatures at once, comparable to other direct damage spells. Twin Bolt stands as a close relation, dealing the same total damage, but what differentiates Dual Shot is its instant speed, allowing reactive play during an opponent’s turn. In contrast, cards like Arc Lightning offer a higher damage spread of three damage that can be divided as you choose among creatures and/or players, but at a higher mana cost and sorcery speed.
Forked Bolt is another competitor in the realm of versatile damage spells, with the flexibility to divide two damage to multiple targets or direct it all at one. Yet, its sorcery speed limits the timeliness of its use. In comparison, Dual Shot’s lower cost and instant speed give it an advantage in fast-paced game settings, allowing for a more efficient and timely response to threats on the board.
While each of these spells has its niche and strategic uses in Magic: The Gathering, Dual Shot holds a unique position. Its combination of low cost, instant execution, and multiple target capability makes it a noteworthy choice for players seeking to maintain board control against low-toughness creature decks.
Cards similar to Dual Shot by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Dual Shot doesn’t offer direct card draw or resources, it can create card advantage by allowing you to deal with multiple threats with a single card. By taking out two creatures with one spell, you effectively trade one card for two of your opponent’s, improving your overall position.
Resource Acceleration: Although Dual Shot doesn’t directly accelerate your resources, its low mana cost contributes to your game’s pace. It requires only a single red mana to play, leaving you with more mana available for other spells and strategies within your turn cycle.
Instant Speed: The advantage of instant speed cannot be understated. Dual Shot can be cast on your opponent’s turn, keeping your options flexible. Whether it’s during the combat phase to surprise an attacker or in response to an opponent’s spell or ability, instant speed gives you the upper hand in controlling the field of play.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Dual Shot does not require a discard, but fitting it into a playing strategy that demands consistent card advantage can be challenging, as using it may not always result in a profitable exchange.
Specific Mana Cost: Dual Shot’s red mana cost means it can only be slotted easily into red or multicolor decks. This restricts its flexibility for players who might want to include it in other deck archetypes.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While Dual Shot only costs a single red mana, its impact can be less than other spells at a similar cost. Considering that it only deals one damage to up to two target creatures, other cards could provide a stronger board presence or more significant damage output for the same or slightly higher mana investment.
Reasons to Include Dual Shot in Your Collection
Versatility: Dual Shot offers an efficient removal option that can deal with multiple targets at once, perfect for strategies needing to manage board states with several low-toughness creatures.
Combo Potential: Within decks built around dealing damage, Dual Shot can complement other damage-based effects or cards that trigger upon damage being dealt, amplifying its impact beyond its initial cast.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment filled with token strategies or utility creatures with low toughness, Dual Shot becomes an excellent sideboard choice or even a main deck inclusion to keep opposing boards in check.
How to beat
Dual Shot is a red instant spell that can be a nifty tool in MTG, capable of simultaneously dealing damage to a couple of creatures. This card might remind seasoned players of similar spells, such as Forked Bolt, albeit with a slight difference in distribution of damage. While Forked Bolt gives the flexibility to target creatures and/or players, Dual Shot’s focus is solely on creature targets. This specificity can either be seen as a limitation or as a more strategic option, depending on the situation.
To emerge victorious against Dual Shot, one should consider the toughness of their creatures. Since Dual Shot only deals one damage to each of two creatures, playing creatures with higher toughness can be a simple yet effective counter. This renders Dual Shot less impactful, as it won’t be enough to take down your sturdier minions. Additionally, utilizing cards that grant instant-speed toughness boosts can surprise an opponent, turning their Dual Shot into a mere inconvenience rather than a significant threat.
Critical to overcoming a Dual Shot is the timing of its casting. Being an instant, it can disrupt your attacks or defense unexpectedly. By being mindful of the potential for such a spell and maintaining creature toughness above vulnerable thresholds, you’ll greatly diminish the effect of Dual Shot in your matches.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Dual Shot MTG card by a specific set like Shadows over Innistrad and Ixalan, 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 Dual Shot 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 Dual Shot Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 2016-04-08 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2016-04-08 | Shadows over Innistrad | SOI | 153 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Joseph Meehan | |
| 2 | 2017-09-29 | Ixalan | XLN | 141 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Sara Winters | |
| 3 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 912 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Joseph Meehan | |
| 4 | The List | PLST | SOI-153 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Joseph Meehan |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Dual Shot 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 Dual Shot card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2017-09-29 | You can’t target the same creature twice to have Dual Shot deal 2 damage to it. |