Fatal Blow MTG Card
1997-06-09 - Number 67
1999-04-21 - Number 128
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Bury target creature that was damaged this turn.
"What is crueler? To let a wound of the heart fester, or to simply cut it out?" —Crovax
Cards like Fatal Blow
Fatal Blow is an intriguing spell that offers players a strategic advantage in the game of Magic: The Gathering, particularly due to its ability to destroy a creature that was dealt damage this turn. When comparing it to other removal spells, we can look at cards like Last Gasp, which also targets and destroys a creature but is restricted by that creature’s toughness being 3 or less. While Last Gasp is constant in its effect, Fatal Blow requires setup but can potentially take down much larger threats.
Furthermore, we examine Grisly Spectacle, which not only destroys a creature regardless of toughness but also forces the creature’s controller to put a number of cards equal to its power from their library into their graveyard. The added milling effect can be pivotal but comes with a higher mana cost. Fatal Blow, with its lower mana cost and instant speed allows for more versatile play, albeit with the precondition of damage.
In summary, Fatal Blow’s strategic requirement for prior damage enables it to be a cost-effective removal tool under the right circumstances. It stands out in scenarios where creatures are regularly engaging in combat, making it a valuable card amongst its peers in MTG.
Cards similar to Fatal Blow by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Fatal Blow offers strategic depth by potentially removing a key creature from the opponent’s side. This can disrupt their gameplay and lead to a more favorable board state for you, indirectly contributing to card advantage.
Resource Acceleration: While Fatal Blow doesn’t directly accelerate resources, efficient creature removal can conserve your resources, allowing you to allocate mana more effectively in subsequent turns.
Instant Speed: As an instant, Fatal Blow provides the flexibility to react during your opponent’s turn. This surprise factor can catch an adversary off-guard, potentially creating a significant swing in momentum when they least expect it.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Fatal Blow demands discarding another card to activate its effects, a steep price potentially depleting your hand and weakening your overall position.
Specific Mana Cost: Demanding a precise combination of black mana can constrain deck-building choices, making it less versatile across the varied MTG decks out there.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing three mana might deter some players, as there are alternatives that either perform a similar function at a lower cost or offer more value for the same expense.
Reasons to Include Fatal Blow in Your Collection
Versatility: Fatal Blow offers the strategic edge of being an instant, making it highly adaptable for use in various decks. This simplicity ensures it complements a range of strategies from aggressive to control-oriented playstyles.
Combo Potential: For those who enjoy intricate play, Fatal Blow excels in combinations that involve managing the state of the battlefield. It pairs well with cards that manipulate creature power, thus setting up for an efficient removal.
Meta-Relevance: Given the ebb and flow of MTG’s competitive environment, Fatal Blow maintains relevance in meta games where creatures are a predominant force. Its ability to dispatch a sizable threat during combat phases can be pivotal in many matches.
How to beat
Fatal Blow is one of those intriguing cards in your MTG arsenal that can absolutely turn the tide of a match. Known for its potential to sway combat in your favor, this card destroys target creature that was dealt damage this turn. This means that any creature wounded in combat isn’t safe as long as your opponent holds Fatal Blow. Planning your moves carefully becomes even more critical when facing such a threat.
To effectively counteract Fatal Blow, one strategy is to minimize combat with opponent creatures unless you can ensure your creature’s survival or have a means to regenerate or protect it. Using cards with indestructible or hexproof abilities can prove invaluable. Additionally, keeping instant-speed removal or counterspells handy can disrupt your opponent’s Fatal Blow before it decimates your key creatures. It’s all about staying one step ahead and keeping your creatures out of harm’s reach, while simultaneously pressuring your opponent to commit their Fatal Blow suboptimally.
Understanding and anticipating the timing and impact of Fatal Blow within the framework of your game can provide you with the insight necessary to neutralize its potency. Playing smart and protecting your vital assets will ensure that this card doesn’t deliver a fatal blow to your game plan.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Fatal Blow MTG card by a specific set like Weatherlight and Classic Sixth Edition, 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 Fatal Blow 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 Fatal Blow Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1997-06-09 and 1999-04-21. Illustrated by George Pratt.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1997-06-09 | Weatherlight | WTH | 67 | 1997 | Normal | Black | George Pratt | |
| 2 | 1999-04-21 | Classic Sixth Edition | 6ED | 128 | 1997 | Normal | White | George Pratt |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Fatal Blow has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Fatal Blow card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2008-04-01 | Fatal Blow can’t target a creature that hasn’t been dealt damage this turn. |
| 2008-04-01 | Fatal Blow cares whether the creature had been dealt damage during the turn, not whether there is still damage on it. If the creature had regenerated, causing all damage to clear, Fatal Blow can still target and destroy it. |