Flametongue Kavu MTG Card
2001-02-05 - Number 60
2001-08-08 - Number tvdl60sb
2001-08-08 - Number jt60
2001-08-08 - Number tvdl60
2002-08-14 - Number shh60
2002-08-14 - Number bk60
2002-08-14 - Number shh60sb
2008-11-07 - Number 42
2009-09-04 - Number 54
2010-11-08 - Number A57
2011-06-17 - Number 123
2014-06-16 - Number 160
2014-11-07 - Number 176
2014-12-05 - Number 42
2015-11-18 - Number 61
2017-06-16 - Number 48
2018-06-08 - Number 99
2019-11-07 - Number 932
2020-07-17 - Number 319
2022-10-14 - Number 78
2023-01-13 - Number 120
2023-01-13 - Number 432
2023-01-13 - Number 320
2002-06-24 - Number 31459
2020-09-26 - Number E01-48
| Card sets | Released in 25 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Creature — Kavu |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 2 |
Text of card
When Flametongue Kavu comes into play, it deals 4 damage to target creature.
"For dim-witted, thick-skulled genetic mutants, they have pretty good aim." —Sisay
Cards like Flametongue Kavu
Flametongue Kavu is a stand-out creature in Magic: The Gathering that has made a name for itself by offering immediate impact upon entering the battlefield. Comparable to its fiery entrance is the Ravenous Chupacabra, which also delivers a creature removal ability without any additional cost. However, the key difference lies in the Kavu’s higher power which not only helps in board control but also provides a more threatening presence.
Another similar card worth noting is the Shriekmaw. It brings to the table a creature destruction effect coupled with evasion in the form of flying. However, its evocation ability is a double-edged sword, presenting a temporary solution unlike the permanent stay of Flametongue Kavu. Additionally, the Inferno Titan can be considered a scaled-up variant, capable of distributing multiple points of damage upon entry and during each attack, but with a higher mana investment.
Putting it all together, Flametongue Kavu holds a solid place among creature removal cards. Its blend of a respectable body with a powerful enter-the-battlefield effect provides players with a dual advantage which is a scarce find, making it a valued inclusion in many MTG decks.
Cards similar to Flametongue Kavu by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Flametongue Kavu. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Jund Control | Legacy | Charlotte Legacy League Season 1 Week 3 | |
 | Decklist | Free form | 80#CS | |
 | RG | Canadian Highlander for Duals - Tundra Guaranteed - Proxies Allowed |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Flametongue Kavu provides immediate impact upon entering the battlefield by allowing you to remove a creature. This potentially disrupts your opponent’s board presence, giving you a numeric advantage in terms of creatures and maintaining pressure on your adversary.
Resource Acceleration: While Flametongue Kavu doesn’t directly accelerate resources in the traditional sense of mana generation, it effectively saves resources you might otherwise spend on removal spells. This indirect resource conservation can accelerate your game plan by allowing more mana to be allocated to developing your board further.
Instant Speed: Although Flametongue Kavu itself does not operate at instant speed, its enter-the-battlefield ability has a similar effect by providing an immediate answer to threats. This allows for strategic timing during your main phases to best disrupt the opponent’s strategy, mimicking the flexibility often associated with instant speed interactions.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Flametongue Kavu doesn’t ask you to discard cards directly, the compulsion to play additional creatures to maximize its enter-the-battlefield ability can deplete your hand, echoing a discard effect when you’re forced to play our creatures preemptively.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost is locked into red mana, allocated as 2RR. This requirement may not sync with decks of varied colors, making this card optimal primarily within mono-red or dual-colored decks that can consistently produce the necessary red mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of four mana, Flametongue Kavu’s effectiveness is debated especially when compared to lower-cost removal options. In fast-paced games, the mana investment could hinder your capacity to respond to an evolving board state.
Reasons to Include Flametongue Kavu in Your Collection
Versatility: Flametongue Kavu has a broad appeal due to its ability to slot into multiple deck archetypes. As a creature that doubles as removal upon entry, it can shift the board state in your favor regardless of the format.
Combo Potential: With its enter the battlefield effect that deals 4 damage to a target creature, Flametongue Kavu effortlessly synergizes with strategies that manipulate or reuse creature abilities. This enables it to become a recurring threat in the right setup.
Meta-Relevance: Considering how creature-centric most meta games tend to be, Flametongue Kavu holds its value as it can remove key threats upon entering the battlefield. Its presence can disrupt opponent strategies and help you maintain board control.
How to Beat Flametongue Kavu
Flametongue Kavu has been a known powerhouse in the world of Magic: The Gathering for its ability to offer both a solid creature and an immediate impact on the board state. As a 4/2 creature that can take out most midrange creatures with its enter-the-battlefield effect dealing 4 damage to a target creature, it can be a hurdle to overcome. To strategically counteract Flametongue Kavu, it’s essential to minimize its impact.
One effective tactic is to limit the number of viable targets for its ability. This can be achieved through the use of hexproof or indestructible creatures that withstand the initial damage. Utilizing instant-speed removal spells or effects that can either bounce Flametongue Kavu back to its owner’s hand or sacrifice it before the ability resolves also erodes its value. Lastly, playing around the Kavu requires careful mana-management and keeping up the right spells to react to its cast.
Each game with a Flametongue Kavu on the other side of the table is a lesson in resource management and strategic planning, showcasing the depths of gameplay and decision-making available to players of Magic: The Gathering.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Flametongue Kavu MTG card by a specific set like Planeshift and World Championship Decks 2001, 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 Flametongue Kavu 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 Flametongue Kavu Magic the Gathering card was released in 19 different sets between 2001-02-05 and 2023-01-13. Illustrated by 3 different artists.
Show/hide all sets| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2001-02-05 | Planeshift | PLS | 60 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Pete Venters | |
| 2 | 2001-08-08 | World Championship Decks 2001 | WC01 | tvdl60sb | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Pete Venters | |
| 3 | 2001-08-08 | World Championship Decks 2001 | WC01 | jt60 | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Pete Venters | |
| 4 | 2001-08-08 | World Championship Decks 2001 | WC01 | tvdl60 | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Pete Venters | |
| 5 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 31459 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Pete Venters | ||
| 6 | 2002-08-14 | World Championship Decks 2002 | WC02 | shh60 | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Pete Venters | |
| 7 | 2002-08-14 | World Championship Decks 2002 | WC02 | bk60 | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Pete Venters | |
| 8 | 2002-08-14 | World Championship Decks 2002 | WC02 | shh60sb | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Pete Venters | |
| 9 | 2008-11-07 | Duel Decks: Jace vs. Chandra | DD2 | 42 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Pete Venters | |
| 10 | 2009-09-04 | Planechase | HOP | 54 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Pete Venters | |
| 11 | 2010-11-08 | Magic Online Theme Decks | TD0 | A57 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Pete Venters | |
| 12 | 2011-06-17 | Commander 2011 | CMD | 123 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Slawomir Maniak | |
| 13 | 2014-06-16 | Vintage Masters | VMA | 160 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Slawomir Maniak | |
| 14 | 2014-11-07 | Commander 2014 | C14 | 176 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Slawomir Maniak | |
| 15 | 2014-12-05 | Duel Decks Anthology: Jace vs. Chandra | JVC | 42 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Pete Venters | |
| 16 | 2015-11-18 | Legendary Cube Prize Pack | PZ1 | 61 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Slawomir Maniak | |
| 17 | 2017-06-16 | Archenemy: Nicol Bolas | E01 | 48 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Slawomir Maniak | |
| 18 | 2018-06-08 | Commander Anthology Volume II | CM2 | 99 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Slawomir Maniak | |
| 19 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 932 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Slawomir Maniak | |
| 20 | 2020-07-17 | Jumpstart | JMP | 319 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Slawomir Maniak | |
| 21 | The List | PLST | E01-48 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Slawomir Maniak | ||
| 22 | 2022-10-14 | Game Night: Free-for-All | GN3 | 78 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Slawomir Maniak | |
| 23 | 2023-01-13 | Dominaria Remastered | DMR | 120 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Slawomir Maniak | |
| 24 | 2023-01-13 | Dominaria Remastered | DMR | 432 | 2015 | Normal | Borderless | Ron Spencer | |
| 25 | 2023-01-13 | Dominaria Remastered | DMR | 320 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Slawomir Maniak |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Flametongue Kavu has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Restricted |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Flametongue Kavu card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2022-12-08 | Flametongue Kavu’s ability can target itself. If it’s the only creature on the battlefield as its ability triggers, its ability must target itself. |