Fists of the Anvil MTG Card
2003-10-02 - Number 91
2007-07-13 - Number 201
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Target creature gets +4/+0 until end of turn.
Gron's mind reeled with possibilities, most of which are best left unmentioned.
Cards like Fists of the Anvil
Fists of the Anvil is a unique instant spell in Magic: The Gathering that powers up creatures for a crucial turn. This card is often compared to other instant buffs such as Brute Force, which also provides a significant power boost with an additional toughness increase. However, Fists of the Anvil shines in mono-red decks that center on swift, game-ending attacks due to its larger power increase.
When considering Temur Battle Rage, another instant that amplifies a creature’s combat potential, Fists of the Anvil lacks the potential for double strike. Yet it compensates with a more substantial boost in power for a single creature, ideally setting up a one-shot victory. Additionally, Sure Strike is a more cost-effective choice, giving a smaller power bonus but including first strike, which could be pivotal during combat scenarios.
To summarize, while each enhancement spell has its unique advantages, Fists of the Anvil holds its place in Magic: The Gathering for players focusing on quick and heavy single blows, making it a formidable card in the right situation.
Cards similar to Fists of the Anvil by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Fists of the Anvil doesn’t directly add to your card count, it can be a decisive card by turning an unassuming creature into a significant threat. This unexpected burst of damage can help take down an opponent or trade favorably, potentially disrupting their strategy and board presence.
Resource Acceleration: Fists of the Anvil shines in decks that capitalize on quick, efficient mana usage. By spending just two mana, one of which is red, you have the potential to accelerate your game plan by dealing a substantial amount of damage in a single turn, which can be a game-changer in aggressive strategies.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Fists of the Anvil at instant speed offers flexibility and surprise, allowing you to wait until the most opportune moment during the combat phase. This can catch an opponent off guard, potentially leading to advantageous board states or even immediate wins if timed correctly.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Fists of the Anvil does not directly require you to discard a card, using it means one less card in hand. This can be disadvantageous in scenarios where maintaining card advantage is critical.
Specific Mana Cost: Fists of the Anvil has a color-intensive mana cost, requiring two red mana. This can be restrictive for decks that are not heavily red or have a manabase tuned for multiple colors.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For an effect that only boosts a creature’s power temporarily, the cost of two and two red mana might be considered steep, especially when compared to other combat tricks in the game which may cost less and provide additional benefits.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Fists of the Anvil is a simple yet effective spell that can slot into a variety of red-based decks. Its potential to dramatically increase the power of a creature makes it a surprising addition that can turn the tides of a duel in a single combat phase.
Combo Potential: This instant has the potential to work wonders in strategies that capitalize on dealing damage. When paired with creatures that have trample or double strike, the sudden boost in power can be leveraged into a powerful, game-ending strike.
Meta-Relevance: In an environment where aggression and quick victories are prevalent, Fists of the Anvil can be especially relevant. It bolsters red decks that thrive on speed and shock-value, fitting neatly into the aggressive slant of certain metagames.
How to beat
Fists of the Anvil is a card familiar to many in the world of Magic: The Gathering for its potential to turn a seemingly innocuous creature into a significant threat. This instant could provide a surprise advantage, packing a punch by adding +4/+0 to one of your creatures until the end of the turn. The key to countering this sudden surge of power lies in timely removal or negation effects.
One strategy involves keeping mana open to cast spells like Shock or Fatal Push, which can dispatch creatures before Fists of the Anvil’s effect comes into play. For blue deck users, countering it with a spell like Negate or Essence Scatter cements a safer playing field. One should also consider the presence of instant-speed removal or bounce spells that can reset the situation, such as Unsummon or Path to Exile.
By staying ahead of your opponent’s potential instants, maintaining a vigilant defense, and being prepared to disrupt their combat phase, you effectively dilute the impact of Fists of the Anvil. Understanding the card’s potential and timing your responses well could easily mean the difference between victory and defeat on the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Fists of the Anvil MTG card by a specific set like Mirrodin and Tenth 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 Fists of the Anvil 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 Fists of the Anvil Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2003-10-02 and 2007-07-13. Illustrated by Pete Venters.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2003-10-02 | Mirrodin | MRD | 91 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Pete Venters | |
| 2 | 2007-07-13 | Tenth Edition | 10E | 201 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Pete Venters |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Fists of the Anvil has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |