Burst of Strength MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
| Released | 2013-02-01 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Gatecrash |
| Set code | GTC |
| Number | 115 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | normal |
| Border | black |
| Illustred by | Marco Nelor |
Key Takeaways
- Untapping creatures can enable card advantage through additional tap abilities within a single turn.
- A cost-efficient combat trick, it bolsters creatures instantaneously and can alter combat outcomes.
- Limited by single-use and specific mana requirements, it may clash with broader strategic needs.
Text of card
Put a +1/+1 counter on target creature and untap it.
"Our fight is not about territory or revenge. It is about freedom, plain and simple." —Ruric Thar, Ghor-Clan chieftain
Card Pros
Card Advantage: While Burst of Strength itself doesn’t directly allow you to draw cards, its ability to untap a creature can be pivotal in enabling that creature’s tap abilities more than once in a turn cycle. This can translate into card advantage if the creature has a card-draw ability, giving you an edge over your opponent.
Resource Acceleration: Burst of Strength grants a +1/+1 counter in addition to its untapping effect, potentially accelerating your resource advantages by bolstering your creature without the need for a separate spell or ability. This efficient use of resources can help maintain or further your lead on the battlefield.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Burst of Strength at instant speed gives you flexibility during gameplay. Whether surprising an opponent during combat or responding to an action at the end of their turn, the instant speed of this card allows for reactive play that can make a significant impact on the game’s flow without sacrificing your turn structure.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Being a single-use spell, Burst of Strength requires a slot in your hand that could instead hold a recurring source of utility, potentially leading to a disadvantage over time if you’re sacrificing long-term gains for a one-time effect.
Specific Mana Cost: Burst of Strength’s mana requirement is exclusively green. This can restrict its integration into multicolor decks that may need a flexible mana base to accommodate a wider array of strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although costing only one green mana, there can be an opportunity cost when considering Burst of Strength’s place in a deck. There are alternative cards with similar or better effects that may offer additional value or versatility for the same or lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Burst of Strength has a place in a variety of green decks, especially those looking to exploit +1/+1 counters or defend against sudden threats with its ability to untap creatures.
Combo Potential: This card pairs seamlessly with strategies that rely on counter multiplication or tapping and untapping creatures for profit, enabling intricate combos.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where instant-speed interaction is key, Burst of Strength can provide a surprise buff or re-enable a creature for defense, making it a tactically sound choice.
How to beat
Burst of Strength plays a unique role in MTG, offering a timely boost by untapping a creature and placing a +1/+1 counter on it all for the cost of a single green mana. These momentary bursts can often catch an opponent by surprise and swing the momentum in favor of the player using the card. But no card is unbeatable. When playing against Burst of Strength, there are several strategies to keep in your arsenal.
Removal spells that can target creatures at instant speed, such as Path to Exile or Doom Blade, can disrupt an opponent’s plan by eliminating the creature before the buff takes effect. Counterspells are also effective here, being able to stop Burst of Strength before it even has a chance to resolve. Moreover, keeping a watchful eye on the board and being cautious not to overcommit on an attack when the opponent has green mana available can minimize the surprise factor of this trick card.
The crux of overpowering Burst of Strength lies in anticipating your opponent’s moves and retaining the resources for a timely response. With a bit of foresight and clever play, this burst of power can be handled efficiently, keeping you one step ahead in the game.
Cards like Burst of Strength
Burst of Strength stands out in the roster of quick buff spells in MTG. It’s akin to giant growth, which also offers a potent temporary boost to a creature’s power and toughness. However, Burst of Strength provides an additional upside by untapping the targeted creature, allowing for surprise blocks or second attacks in one turn. Giant Growth lacks this flexibility, focusing solely on the power/toughness increase.
Comparable too is Vines of Vastwood, which can grant a creature not only a similar buff but also can serve as a protective measure by prohibiting other spells from targeting it for the turn. Vines of Vastwood’s modal nature means it can be played as a larger boost with kicker or as a cheaper, protective spell without. Meanwhile, Burst of Strength’s consistent cost and effect offer straightforward utility without the need for additional mana investment.
When evaluating utility and strategic advantages, Burst of Strength has a unique position amongst its peers. Its untap feature combined with the power and toughness enhancement can be pivotal in many situations, making it a card worth considering for decks needing to maximize creature performance during all phases of play.
Cards similar to Burst of Strength by color, type and mana cost
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Burst of Strength MTG card by a specific set like Gatecrash, 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 Burst of Strength and other MTG cards:
- eBay
- TCG Player
- 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 Magic products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Burst of Strength has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Burst of Strength card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2013-01-24 | Burst of Strength can target and put a +1/+1 counter on a creature that’s already untapped. |
