Fight to the Death MTG Card


Grants card advantage by forcing opponent creatures into unfavorable blocks, potentially creating a cleared battlefield. Instant speed allows for dynamic play, turning the tide of battle when timing aligns with strategic needs. Has a demanding mana cost and deck-building restrictions, requiring careful consideration when including in a deck.
Fight to the Death - Alara Reborn
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityRare
TypeInstant
Released2009-04-30
Set symbol
Set nameAlara Reborn
Set codeARB
Number97
Frame2003
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byMichael Komarck

Text of card

Destroy all blocking creatures and all blocked creatures.

When a battlefield falls silent, it's rarely due to a cease-fire.


Cards like Fight to the Death

Fight to the Death is an intriguing addition to the suite of removal spells in Magic the Gathering. It can be likened to cards such as “Double Strike” that offer a mode of direct confrontational resolution between creatures. However, Fight to the Death requires two creatures from opposing sides to battle, leading to a definitive victor, setting it apart from the equal trade Double Strike initiates.

In the same category, “Settle the Wreckage” is another card that alters the battlefield dramatically. While not forcing a direct fight, it exiles attacking creatures, providing a different kind of removal. Though costing one mana more, Settle the Wreckage affects multiple creatures and can swing the game in your favor. Then there’s “Winds of Abandon,” which can also exile, but it offers flexibility as a single target or a sweeping effect, depending on the mana invested.

In reviewing these strategies, Fight to the Death offers a unique approach with its mandatory duel scenario. In the realm of creature control, each card has its advantages, but Fight to the Death stands out for its ability to turn a game by forcing an unfavorable trade for your opponent.

Settle the Wreckage - MTG Card versions
Winds of Abandon - MTG Card versions
Settle the Wreckage - MTG Card versions
Winds of Abandon - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Fight to the Death by color, type and mana cost

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Inventory Management - MTG Card versions
Captain's Maneuver - MTG Card versions
Lightning Helix - MTG Card versions
Flamescroll Celebrant // Revel in Silence - MTG Card versions
Lantern Flare - MTG Card versions
Boros Charm - MTG Card versions
Double Cleave - MTG Card versions
Burning Oil - MTG Card versions
Shattering Blow - MTG Card versions
Aurelia's Fury - MTG Card versions
Martial Glory - MTG Card versions
Ride Down - MTG Card versions
Deflecting Palm - MTG Card versions
Justice Strike - MTG Card versions
Sacred Fire - MTG Card versions
Heartflame Duelist // Heartflame Slash - MTG Card versions
Inventory Management - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: When engaging in a contest of strategy and skill, Fight to the Death provides a pivotal moment where the scales can be tipped in your favor. By forcing each creature your opponent controls to block if able, you can often ensure that your strategically planned attacks lead to advantageous trades, potentially clearing your opponent’s board and leaving you with a solid card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: Not directly linked to resource acceleration, Fight to the Death can, however, contribute to it tangentially. By removing potential blockers or threats, it paves the way for your creatures to connect more reliably, possibly triggering abilities or effects that result in additional resources for your side of the battlefield.

Instant Speed: The flexibility of casting Fight to the Death at instant speed cannot be understated. This allows savvy players to navigate complex battlefields, waiting for the most opportune moment to disrupt enemy lines. Whether it’s right before your attack, or in response to an opponent’s aggression, the timing of this card can dramatically shift the momentum of the game in your favor.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: For a strategic duel where every card counts, the requirement to discard as part of the casting process can be a hefty price. Unfortunately, ‘Fight to the Death’ exacts such a toll on players, compelling the sacrifice of crucial hand components to initiate its effect.

Specific Mana Cost: ‘Fight to the Death’ demands a precise mana combination to be played, specifically consisting of white mana. This rigid cost can be a significant limitation for decks that aren’t primarily white or have a diversified mana base. As a result, its inclusion can be less flexible compared to more neutrally-costed options.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana requirement that’s on the higher end for its type of effect, ‘Fight to the Death’ may not always be the most economical choice compared to other cards. While potent, its cost efficiency is a critical aspect to consider, especially when planning a deck where each mana point should be optimally allocated.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Fight to the Death is a powerful inclusion in decks that focus on creature control. Its ability to force a combat where your opponent may be reluctant to engage is a strategic asset in various play styles.

Combo Potential: When combined with cards that grant indestructibility or protection to your creatures, Fight to the Death ensures that your side remains unscathed while your opponents lose their key creatures, shifting the game in your favor.

Meta-Relevance: Given its unique combat mechanic, Fight to the Death thrives in a meta filled with creature-heavy decks. Clearing opposing threats while maintaining your own board can be a pivotal move in competitive play.


How to beat

Fight to the Death is an intriguing removal spell that clears a path through tightly locked board states. This card can instantly turn the tide of battle by eliminating unwanted creatures that stand in your way. While this may seem daunting, there are strategies to outmaneuver its effects. One method is to maintain a diverse range of creatures with different power levels. Having a mix of high and low power creatures can dilute the impact of Fight to the Death, making it less likely that you’ll lose all your impactful creatures in one sweep.

Taking advantage of instant-speed spells that can remove or protect your key creatures is another way to counteract. You can use cards like Gods Willing to give your creature protection from a color of your choice, effectively dodging Fight to the Death’s consequences. Additionally, relying on creature types that have indestructible or regenerate abilities can also render Fight to the Death less effective. By preparing for its appearance with these strategic moves, you can ensure your forces remain resilient against even the most destructive spells.

Understanding a card’s strengths and weaknesses is essential for MTG players. By adapting to the meta and equipping your deck with the right answers, you can overcome potent removal cards like Fight to the Death and place yourself in a winning position.


BurnMana Recommendations

Unleashing the full potential of Fight to the Death in your MTG arsenal requires a deep dive into the intricacies of combat strategies. Whether you aim to dominate creature-heavy metas or simply wish to outwit opponents with unmatched board control, this card’s ability to turn the tides of battle is unmatched. Integrating Fight to the Death with synergistic cards like indestructibility effects can create unstoppable combinations. Dive into our expert insights and learn how to forge a deck that not only survives the battlefield but dictates it. Elevate your strategy and collection with us and wield the power of decisive victory.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Fight to the Death MTG card by a specific set like Alara Reborn, 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 Fight to the Death and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Fight to the Death has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Fight to the Death card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2009-05-01 A “blocked creature” is an attacking creature that has been blocked by a creature this combat, or has become blocked as the result of a spell or ability this combat. Unless the attacking creature leaves combat, it continues to be a blocked creature through the end of combat step, even if the creature or creatures that blocked it are no longer on the battlefield or have otherwise left combat by then.
2009-05-01 A “blocking creature” is one that has been declared as a blocker this combat, or one that was put onto the battlefield blocking this combat. Unless that creature leaves combat, it continues to be a blocking creature through the end of combat step, even if the creature or creatures that it was blocking are no longer on the battlefield or have otherwise left combat by then.
2009-05-01 Attacking creatures that haven’t been blocked are unaffected by Fight to the Death.
2009-05-01 If Fight to the Death is cast before blockers are declared or after combat ends, it won’t do anything.