Friendly Fire MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Instant |
| Released | 2015-01-23 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Fate Reforged |
| Set code | FRF |
| Number | 101 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Anthony Palumbo |
Text of card
Target creature's controller reveals a card at random from his or her hand. Friendly Fire deals damage to that creature and that player equal to the revealed card's converted mana cost.
"Never tell goblins to 'fire at will.'" —Urut Barzeel, Mardu hordechief
Cards like Friendly Fire
Entering the ring of Instant damage spells in Magic: The Gathering, Friendly Fire offers a unique twist on the targeted damage strategy. Its closest relatives could be cards like Searing Spear and Lightning Strike, both of which deal a set amount of damage to any target at a low cost. However, what sets Friendly Fire apart from these two is its randomized element, dealing damage equal to the revealed card’s mana cost – a game of chance that can yield high rewards especially in decks with a high average mana cost.
Considering the control aspect, we see cards such as Magma Jet that also serve in the Instant damage category. Like Friendly Fire, Magma Jet provides additional value through its Scry 2 ability, allowing for better board control and draw manipulation. The trade-off here is known versus potential damage, where Friendly Fire can potentially deal more substantial damage but without the guarantee. Weighing these options is critical for deck builders who favor either reliability or a higher damage ceiling.
Comparing these cards shows that while Friendly Fire may not always be the consistent pick, it carves a niche within the red spells by adding an element of unpredictability that could turn the tides of a game, particularly in decks designed to exploit the higher-end of the mana curve.
Cards similar to Friendly Fire by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Friendly Fire probes an opponent’s hand and potentially reveals crucial information while also dealing damage based on the revealed card’s mana cost. This dual capability in one card can shift the momentum by disrupting the opponent’s strategy and simultaneously trimming their life total.
Resource Acceleration: While the card itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, understanding what your opponent holds allows for more strategic plays and more efficient use of your own resources. Knowledge is power in MTG, and Friendly Fire hands you that power on a cast-iron platter.
Instant Speed: Its instant speed nature means you can catch an opponent off guard during their end step or disrupt their big plays during their turn. The flexibility of Friendly Fire’s casting velocity gives you a leg up, letting you keep mana available for other spells or responses while still holding a threat they have to consider.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Employing Friendly Fire necessitates the discard of a card, making it less appealing when your hand size is already diminished.
Specific Mana Cost: Friendly Fire’s casting cost includes red mana, restricting it to decks that can produce or accommodate this color, which could impede deck-building versatility.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The card commands a moderately hefty mana investment for its potential damage output, which may not align with the efficient resource management desired in optimal gameplay scenarios.
Reasons to Include Friendly Fire in Your Collection
Versatility: Friendly Fire is a flexible card that can be slotted into a variety of red decks. It’s a great choice for players who need a card that deals damage while also providing information about the opponent’s hand.
Combo Potential: This card complements strategies involving damage multipliers or effects that trigger upon dealing damage. It can be a key piece in turning up the heat on your opponents quickly.
Meta-Relevance: In a game environment where knowing an opponent’s hand can be as valuable as dealing damage, Friendly Fire offers a unique advantage. Its ability to potentially disrupt hand-based strategies could give it a place in certain meta choices.
How to Beat
Friendly Fire is a unique card in MTG that introduces an element of chance into gameplay, potentially dealing a significant amount of damage based on the top card of the targeted opponent’s library. To counter this, several strategies can be effective. First, deck manipulation cards can minimize the power of Friendly Fire by controlling the top card of your own library. Playing cards like Brainstorm or Sensei’s Divining Top can help ensure a low-cost card is on top when Friendly Fire is played.
Secondly, reactive spells such as counterspells can thwart Friendly Fire before it has a chance to hit, making cards like Counterspell or Negate both timely and effective. Alternatively, hexproof can be granted to yourself with cards like Leyline of Sanctity to protect against targeted spells. Lastly, since Friendly Fire relies on the luck of the draw, maintaining a low curve in your deck ensures that if Friendly Fire does resolve, the damage inflicted will be minimal because of the lower mana cost cards in play.
In essence, effective counterplay against Friendly Fire involves anticipation and protective measures, either by manipulating your deck, countering the spell, or reducing its potential damage through strategic deck building. These steps can help neutralize its potentially game-changing effect.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Friendly Fire MTG card by a specific set like Fate Reforged, 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 Friendly Fire 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
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Friendly Fire has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Friendly Fire card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2014-11-24 | Cards that don’t have mana costs, such as land cards, have a converted mana cost of 0. |
| 2014-11-24 | If the card has in its mana cost, X is 0. |