Go for the Throat MTG Card
Card sets | Released in 16 setsSee all |
Mana cost | |
Converted mana cost | 2 |
Rarity | Uncommon |
Type | Instant |
Text of card
Destroy target nonartifact creature.
Having flesh is increasingly a liability on Mirrodin.
Cards like Go for the Throat
In the strategic universe of Magic: The Gathering, Go for the Throat stands out as an efficient creature removal spell. Its direct comparison starts with Doom Blade, a hallmark of black removal that also destroys target nonblack creature at instant speed for the same mana cost. Go for the Throat, however, expands on the targets by allowing players to target any nonartifact creature, giving a broader scope for removal tactics against nonblack creatures.
Another relative in the removal category is Murder, a card that spells doom for any creature without exception. Although Murder offers universality, its higher mana cost can be a drawback compared to the more mana-efficient Go for the Throat. A card that bridges the gap between specificity and universality is Cast Down, able to destroy any nonlegendary creature at the same mana cost as Go for the Throat, providing versatility while still restricting certain high-impact targets.
All these cards serve the vital role of controlling the battlefield, but Go for the Throat often emerges as a preferred choice, balancing cost-efficiency and target range adeptly for players seeking to sharpen their removal strategy in Magic: The Gathering.
Cards similar to Go for the Throat by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Go for the Throat. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
# | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
---|---|---|---|---|
4c Legends | Standard | 4c Legends | Standard Preliminary 2024-04-30 | |
Mono-Black Discard | Pioneer | Mono-Black Discard | Pioneer League 2024-05-01 | |
Esper Midrange | Standard | Esper Midrange | Standard Preliminary 2024-05-01 | |
Dimir Control | Standard | Dimir Control | Standard League 2024-05-01 | |
Orzhov Midrange | Standard | Orzhov Midrange | Standard Preliminary 2024-04-30 | |
Rakdos Vampires | Pioneer | Rakdos Vampires | Pioneer Preliminary 2024-04-30 (1) | |
Esper Control | Standard | Esper Control | Standard Preliminary 2024-05-01 | |
Golgari Midrange | Standard | Golgari Midrange | Standard League 2024-05-01 | |
Rakdos Transmogrify | Pioneer | Rakdos Transmogrify | Pioneer League 2024-04-30 | |
Rakdos Midrange | Standard | Rakdos Midrange | Standard Preliminary 2024-04-30 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Eliminating a creature from the battlefield can disrupt your opponent’s strategy and effectively reduce their available resources, often leading to a card advantage for you. This removal not only deals with immediate threats but can also pave the way for your creatures to attack unimpeded.
Resource Acceleration: By removing key creatures at a low cost of only two mana, Go for the Throat allows for efficient use of resources. This enables you to develop your board presence while keeping mana available for other spells and actions within the same turn.
Instant Speed: The ability to cast Go for the Throat at instant speed offers flexibility, allowing you to respond to threats on your opponent’s turn or remove blockers right before combat. This timing can be crucial in gaining the upper hand during pivotal moments in a match.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Go for the Throat does not specifically require a discard, but like any removal spell, using it at the wrong time can mean one less card in hand when facing unforeseen threats later on.
Specific Mana Cost: Go for the Throat’s black mana cost confines it to mono-black or multi-color decks that can produce black mana, possibly restricting its utility compared to more flexible removal spells.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: While two mana is not exorbitant, some players may find faster one-mana alternatives like Fatal Push more appealing in a fast-paced game, where mana efficiency is key.
Reasons to Include Go for the Throat in Your Collection
Versatility: Go for the Throat offers broad removal possibilities as it can target the vast majority of creatures found in opponents’ decks. It’s an instant, therefore, it provides flexibility to deal with threats at any time during the game.
Combo Potential: This card seamlessly integrates with strategies that capitalize on destroying creatures, such as enabling morbid triggers or providing fodder for graveyard-based synergies.
Meta-Relevance: Creature-heavy formats significantly increase the value of efficient removal spells like Go for the Throat. Its ability to disrupt opposing plays and neutralize key threats make it a staple consideration for any competitive deck.
How to beat
In the realm of Magic: The Gathering, coming up against Go for the Throat can be challenging, especially when it disrupts your creature-based strategies. Notably, it eliminates non-artifact creatures with efficiency, but therein lies the path to countering it. To circumnavigate this removal spell, consider building a deck with a robust artifact creature base. As these are immune to Go for the Throat’s targeting restrictions, they provide a solid defense against this form of single-target removal.
Moreover, using cards with hexproof or protection from black can render Go for the Throat ineffective. These attributes prevent targeting by spells of the color black, thereby safeguarding your creatures on the battlefield. It’s also wise to keep instant-speed spells that can regenerate or grant indestructibility to your creatures. This will allow you to respond to Go for the Throat, preserving your key creatures and maintaining your board presence despite your opponent’s attempt to disrupt your strategy.
Understanding the importance of adapting to removal spells ensures that you stay ahead in the game. Incorporating these tactics against Go for the Throat ensures resilience in your MTG matches, enabling your creatures to withstand this specific threat while you advance your game plan.
BurnMana Recommendations
Strategizing in MTG encompasses more than just the cards in your deck; it’s about understanding their potential and synergies. Go for the Throat epitomizes efficient creature removal, tirelessly working to declutter the battlefield in your favor. Its inclusion in your strategic arsenal is undeniable, especially when you’re devising plans to outmaneuver opponents with creature-heavy decks. With its precision and mana efficiency, this card can often be the difference-maker in a tight match. It’s not only a testament to your tactical acumen but also an enhancement to your collection. Curious to delve deeper and weave this card into your winning formula? We can show you how – learn more and fortify your deck-building skills with us.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Go for the Throat MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Friday Night Magic 2011, 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 Go for the Throat 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 Go for the Throat Magic the Gathering card was released in 14 different sets between 2011-02-04 and 2024-08-03. Illustrated by 6 different artists.
Show/hide all sets# | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 42878 | 2003 | Normal | Black | David Rapoza | ||
2 | Friday Night Magic 2011 | F11 | 11 | 2003 | Normal | Black | David Rapoza | ||
3 | 2011-02-04 | Mirrodin Besieged | MBS | 43 | 2003 | Normal | Black | David Rapoza | |
4 | 2017-08-25 | Commander 2017 | C17 | 114 | 2015 | Normal | Black | David Rapoza | |
5 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 670 | 2015 | Normal | Black | David Rapoza | |
6 | The List | PLST | C17-114 | 2015 | Normal | Black | David Rapoza | ||
7 | 2021-09-24 | Midnight Hunt Commander | MIC | 119 | 2015 | Normal | Black | David Rapoza | |
8 | 2022-07-08 | Double Masters 2022 | 2X2 | 76 | 2015 | Normal | Black | David Rapoza | |
9 | 2022-10-07 | Warhammer 40,000 Commander | 40K | 201★ | 2015 | Normal | Black | Nikola Matkovic | |
10 | 2022-10-07 | Warhammer 40,000 Commander | 40K | 201 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Nikola Matkovic | |
11 | 2022-11-18 | The Brothers' War | BRO | 102 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Kristina Carroll | |
12 | 2023-04-21 | March of the Machine Commander | MOC | 250 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Kristina Carroll | |
13 | 2023-06-23 | Tales of Middle-earth Commander | LTC | 201 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Caroline Gariba | |
14 | 2024-07-05 | Assassin's Creed | ACR | 91 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Torgeir Fjereide | |
15 | 2024-07-05 | Assassin's Creed | ACR | 205 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Torgeir Fjereide | |
16 | 2024-08-03 | Cowboy Bebop | PCBB | 3 | 2015 | Normal | Borderless | Maxilla |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Go for the Throat has restrictions
Format | Legality |
---|---|
Standard | Legal |
Historicbrawl | Legal |
Historic | Legal |
Legacy | Legal |
Paupercommander | Legal |
Oathbreaker | Legal |
Gladiator | Legal |
Alchemy | Legal |
Pioneer | Legal |
Commander | Legal |
Modern | Legal |
Pauper | Legal |
Future | Legal |
Vintage | Legal |
Duel | Legal |
Explorer | Legal |
Predh | Legal |
Brawl | Legal |
Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Go for the Throat card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
Date | Text |
---|---|
2011-06-01 | If the targeted creature is also an artifact when Go for the Throat tries to resolve, it won't resolve. |