Fire Ambush MTG Card
1999-05-01 - Number 111
2009-09-07 - Number 97
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
Fire Ambush deals 3 damage to any one creature or player.
"With fire he broke the battle at Bowang . . . . Striking fear deep into Cao Cao's soul, thus Kongming scored a coup at his debut."
Cards like Fire Ambush
Fire Ambush serves as a quintessential instant-speed removal in Magic: The Gathering’s vast arsenal of cards designed to neutralize threats. When aligning it with counterparts such as Lightning Bolt, one notices that Fire Ambush provides a pivotal damage output, capable of delivering a swift three points to any target. Although it shares this damage capacity with the noteworthy Lightning Bolt, Fire Ambush requires an additional mana, making timing and resource management crucial during gameplay.
Comparatively, Incinerate stands as a close relative, also delivering three damage to any target but with an added detail of preventing regeneration. This subtle but potent ability offers a strategic advantage over creatures undeterred by conventional means, showcasing how additional effects can create nuanced differences in cards with similar core purposes.
Therefore, in depth analysis of these comparable options shows Fire Ambush possessing a vital role in the realm of direct damage spells in Magic: The Gathering. Its place is solidly rooted in decks requiring that extra mana for a high-precision strike, validating its position among the choices for damage-dealing cards.
Cards similar to Fire Ambush by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: With Fire Ambush, you can swiftly remove a target creature or planeswalker, potentially disrupting your opponent’s strategy and gaining you a tactical upper hand in the match.
Resource Acceleration: Eliminating key pieces of your adversary’s setup can set them back significantly, giving you an edge in tempo and the opportunity to advance your board state unimpeded.
Instant Speed: The versatility of Fire Ambush being an instant allows you to act on your opponent’s turn, keeping them on their toes and unsure of your next move. This flexibility means you can wait for the most opportune moment to strike, such as in response to a critical spell or after an opponent’s attacker has been declared.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Fire Ambush necessitates the discard of a card, which can set back your hand advantage and be particularly detrimental during the late game when each card’s value is magnified.
Specific Mana Cost: With a requirement for a specific combination of mana types, this card is often restricted to decks with a strong red mana base, potentially limiting its versatility across various deck archetypes.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Demanding a considerable amount of mana to cast, Fire Ambush can prove less efficient compared to other removal options available at a lower cost, especially when tempo is a critical factor.
Reasons to Include Fire Ambush in Your Collection
Versatility: Fire Ambush is a dynamic card that can be slotted into a variety of red-centric decks. Its ability to deal direct damage makes it a flexible choice for controlling the board or finishing off opponents.
Combo Potential: This spell not only deals damage but can also work synergistically with cards that trigger upon casting an instant or sorcery, or those that capitalize on dealing noncombat damage to a player.
Meta-Relevance: Given its potential to disrupt creature-heavy strategies, Fire Ambush aligns well with a meta that’s populated with aggro or creature-based decks, thereby keeping the pressure on your adversaries.
How to beat
Fire Ambush is a relentless burst of damage that sears through the defenses of many Magic: The Gathering players. As a direct damage spell, Fire Ambush can catch opponents off-guard, quickly diminishing life totals or removing key creatures from the board. Standing against this card requires a strategic approach, emphasizing protection and preemptive measures.
To tilt the odds in your favor, consider incorporating cards that grant you and your creatures hexproof, making them immune to such targeted spells. Diving into blue’s territory of counterspells can also be a game-changer, as countering Fire Ambush before its impact resonates could staunch its fiery assault. Additionally, cards with lifelink or damage prevention effects can mitigate the impact of Fire Ambush, cushioning its effect and allowing you to maintain a stable board presence.
Mastering the art of timing is crucial; knowing when to deploy your defenses or when to bait out Fire Ambush could save you from a precarious position. By understanding the nature of this heated threat and preparing your deck accordingly, you stand a much better chance at quelling the flames and maintaining control of the game.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Fire Ambush MTG card by a specific set like Portal Three Kingdoms and Masters Edition III, 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 Fire Ambush 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 Fire Ambush Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 1999-05-01 and 2009-09-07. Illustrated by Tang Xiaogu.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1999-05-01 | Portal Three Kingdoms | PTK | 111 | 1997 | Normal | White | Tang Xiaogu | |
| 2 | 2009-09-07 | Masters Edition III | ME3 | 97 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Tang Xiaogu |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Fire Ambush has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |