Fiendish Duo MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost6
RarityMythic
TypeCreature — Devil
Abilities First strike
Power 5
Toughness 5

Key Takeaways

  1. Fiendish Duo can swing games by doubling damage, adding a strategic edge to red decks.
  2. Its high mana cost and color specificity may limit versatility but promise high rewards.
  3. Effective counterplay includes timely removal and strategy adaptation against its threat.

Text of card

First strike If a source would deal damage to an opponent, it deals double that damage to that player instead.

Half the size, double the mayhem.


Card Pros

Card Advantage: When Fiendish Duo enters the battlefield, its formidable presence can immediately impact the board state, potentially providing an advantage as your opponents will have to deal with a new threat.

Resource Acceleration: While this card itself doesn’t accelerate resources directly, its ability to double the damage dealt to your opponents can accelerate the pace of the game, putting you closer to victory much quicker and pressuring your opponents to spend resources to handle the threat.

Instant Speed: Although Fiendish Duo is not an instant, its effects can synergize well with instant-speed spells and abilities. Using it in decks that operate on the opponent’s turn, Fiendish Duo can capitalize on the damage dealt during those interactions, adding a layer of strategy to the timing of your actions.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Fiendish Duo demands a certain deck structure that can reliably manage the discard mechanic. For some, having to possibly discard valuable cards to fuel its abilities or enhance synergy could prove detrimental, particularly if the game drags on and resources become scarce.

Specific Mana Cost: Deploying Fiendish Duo requires a specific mana alignment, which is heavy on red. This specificity could restrict deck-building options and its integration into multi-colored decks that may struggle with the necessary red mana accessibility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Consuming a total of six mana, with a considerable emphasis on red, places Fiendish Duo on the higher end of the mana spectrum. For its cost, players might find the initial investment steep, potentially considering alternative creatures or spells that offer more immediate board impact or versatility.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Fiendish Duo can be a game-changer in any red deck that emphasizes aggressive strategies. Its ability to double the damage dealt to opponents while ignoring damage dealt to you makes it a universal threat across various playstyles.

Combo Potential: This card is perfect for synergizing with other damage amplifiers or effects that trigger upon damage dealing. Integrating Fiendish Duo into a combo can exponentially increase the damage output, potentially clinching the game in one fell swoop.

Meta-Relevance: In a competitive environment where games can end quickly, Fiendish Duo’s impact on the board can be pivotal. Its presence forces opponents to adapt their strategies or accelerate their plans before they’re overwhelmed by the doubled damage output.


How to beat

The Fiendish Duo card in MTG poses a unique challenge with its ability to double the damage dealt to opponents. To successfully counter it, consider adjusting your strategy to prioritize removal spells that can target and eliminate this threat quickly. Instant speed removals such as Path to Exile or Assassin’s Trophy offer an effective solution by providing a way to dispatch the Fiendish Duo before it can impact the game significantly.

Another angle of approach is to employ counterspells to prevent the Fiendish Duo from ever hitting the battlefield. Spells like Negate or Dovin’s Veto can be invaluable in maintaining control. Additionally, utilizing creatures with lifelink or damage prevention abilities can mitigate the double damage effect, ensuring your life total remains at a healthy number. Board wipes, such as Wrath of God or Damnation, can be equally effective, clearing the board of the Fiendish Duo alongside any other threats present.

When tackling this powerful entity, it’s imperative to stay ahead and respond swiftly. Managing your resources efficiently to maintain answers for the Fiendish Duo in your hand is key to turning the tables against an opponent leveraging the card’s formidable power.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the ebb and flow of MTG is crucial when unleashing cards like Fiendish Duo. Its power to sway the battlefield is undeniable, and its potential is vast in the right deck. If you’re captivated by the strategies behind such a card, we encourage you to push your deck-building boundaries and explore synergies that magnify your firepower. Seeking more insights on deck construction, synergy exploitation, and strategic advancement? Delve deeper with us. Together we’ll navigate the endless possibilities MTG offers, turning each duel into a demonstration of skill and cunning. Step into the arena armed with knowledge—and perhaps Fiendish Duo as your ally.


Cards like Fiendish Duo

Fiendish Duo is a unique creature card that doubles the damage your opponents take, an effect that echoes the ability of cards such as Furnace of Rath. While Furnace of Rath impacts all players’ damage, Fiendish Duo skews this to your opponents only, providing a strategic advantage. Another notable peer is Dictate of the Twin Gods, which shares a similar damage amplification but unlike Fiendish Duo, it does so under flash conditions enabling surprise plays.

Gisela, Blade of Goldnight stands as another counterpart; however, she asymmetrically doubles damage to opponents while halving the damage you receive, offering an additional layer of defense. Angrath’s Marauders is worth mentioning too for its ability to double the damage your opponents take from your sources, but it lacks the same defensive benefits Gisela provides. Each card carries its own strategic benefit depending on your game plan.

Ultimately, Fiendish Duo carves out a distinct identity among MTG damage amplifiers. It’s tailored for players seeking to aggressively focus on damaging their opponents without increasing their own vulnerability—ideal for turning up the heat in multiplayer battles.

Furnace of Rath - Tempest (TMP)
Dictate of the Twin Gods - Journey into Nyx Promos (PJOU)
Gisela, Blade of Goldnight - Open the Helvault (PHEL)
Angrath's Marauders - Ixalan (XLN)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Fiendish Duo MTG card by a specific set like Game Night 2019 and Kaldheim Promos, 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 Fiendish Duo and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Fiendish Duo Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2019-11-15 and 2024-02-09. Illustrated by Lucas Graciano.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12019-11-15Game Night 2019GN2 42015normalblackLucas Graciano
22021-02-06Kaldheim PromosPKHM 12015normalblackLucas Graciano
32024-02-09Murders at Karlov Manor CommanderMKC 1532015normalblackLucas Graciano

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Fiendish Duo has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal

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