Geistflame MTG Card
2011-09-30 - Number 144
2013-03-15 - Number 61
| Card sets | Released in 2 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
| Abilities | Flashback |
Text of card
Geistflame deals 1 damage to target creature or player. Flashback (You may cast this card from your graveyard for its flashback cost. Then exile it.)
Innistrad pyromancers find their best raw materials in the fury of the dead.
Cards like Geistflame
Geistflame is an intriguing instant for any Magic: The Gathering player’s red deck arsenal, offering both flexibility and damage. It can be likened to Shock, another staple red spell that delivers 2 damage to any target instantly. Geistflame, on the other hand, provides an additional option with its flashback ability, allowing a second use from the graveyard albeit at a higher mana cost, which Shock lacks.
Comparing further, we see that Incinerate is close kin to our featured card. With the ability to prevent creatures from regenerating, Incinerate stands out, while Geistflame’s straightforward damage dealing is more versatile since it can target players or planeswalkers too. Moreover, Flame Slash is noteworthy for its ability to deal 4 damage to a creature at the cost of one red mana, although it’s limited to sorcery speed and doesn’t have the replayability feature of Geistflame’s flashback.
In the realm of red burn spells in Magic: The Gathering, Geistflame holds its own for players valuing reusability and flexibility in their strategy, making it a viable alternative amidst a variety of similar cards.
Cards similar to Geistflame by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Geistflame offers strategic flexibility by allowing you to deal with pesky creatures and chip away at your opponent’s life total over time. While it may not draw you cards directly, the flashback ability it possesses can effectively count as accessing an additional card from the graveyard. This dual utility ensures you’re squeezing out as much value as possible from a single card.
Resource Acceleration: In fast-paced decks, every mana counts. Geistflame’s low initial casting cost can play a crucial role in keeping your resource curve efficient. The ability to cast it from the graveyard later also means you’re not spending resources from your hand, which enables you to deploy other threats or answers without losing tempo.
Instant Speed: Versatility is a key asset in any MTG game, and Geistflame’s instant speed allows keen players to adapt to the flow of the match. This card can be a game-changer by disrupting your opponent’s strategy at a critical moment or even in response to their actions during their turn, ensuring you retain the upper hand.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Geistflame does not have a discard requirement, but this characteristic typically hampers a player’s hand by reducing options for future plays.
Specific Mana Cost: Geistflame’s cost is exclusively red, necessitating a mono-red deck or one that effectively balances multiple colors, to optimize its use.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: For one damage, Geistflame’s initial casting cost can be seen as inefficient when compared to other low-cost burn spells, and the flashback cost might not justify the damage output in fast-paced games.
Reasons to Include Geistflame in Your Collection
Versatility: Geistflame is a flexible card that can be slotted into various decks. Its ability to deal damage directly to creatures or players makes it useful for controlling the board or finishing off an opponent. Its flashback feature ensures you can capitalize on its effects twice, making it a handy tool in longer matches.
Combo Potential: Geistflame can become a linchpin in strategies looking to capitalize on spells being cast from the graveyard. Decks that focus on spell-slinging for combo finishes can utilize Geistflame as a recurring source of damage, chaining with other spells for increased impact.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state where small creatures and utility creatures are common, Geistflame stands out for its ability to pick them off efficiently. Its presence in your hand also adds an element of control, forcing opponents to consider the possibility of instant-speed removal before committing key creatures to the board.
How to beat
Geistflame is a versatile instant card in Magic: The Gathering, adept at handling early threats or finishing off weakened creatures. Its distinct feature is the flashback ability, which provides players a second cast from the graveyard. This flexibility is advantageous; however, the card’s modest damage output offers room for counterplay.
To effectively counter Geistflame, consider creatures with high toughness—they can sustain the initial hit and survive the flashback. Cards with hexproof also present a formidable challenge, as Geistflame cannot target them. Additionally, utilizing spells that give your creatures indestructible for the turn can negate the damage from Geistflame entirely. Timing is another factor. Since Geistflame does only one damage, casting creatures after it’s been used or employing instant-speed spells to bolster creature toughness in response to Geistflame can ensure your key players remain on the battlefield.
Ultimately, while Geistflame’s adaptability shouldn’t be underestimated, its limited damage potential means that prepared players can maintain board presence and advance their game state despite this fiery threat. Incorporating resilience and strategic timing defuses the Geistflame and maintains one’s path to victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Geistflame MTG card by a specific set like Innistrad and Duel Decks: Sorin vs. Tibalt, 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 Geistflame 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 Geistflame Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2011-09-30 and 2013-03-15. Illustrated by Scott Chou.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2011-09-30 | Innistrad | ISD | 144 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Scott Chou | |
| 2 | 2013-03-15 | Duel Decks: Sorin vs. Tibalt | DDK | 61 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Scott Chou |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Geistflame has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |