Granite Shard MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 3 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Artifact |
| Released | 2003-10-02 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Mirrodin |
| Set code | MRD |
| Number | 182 |
| Frame | 2003 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Doug Chaffee |
Text of card
, or , : Granite Shard deals 1 damage to target creature or player.
It's a piece of a world the goblins have never seen but would dearly like to blow up.
Cards like Granite Shard
Exploring the realms of mana flexibility and direct damage in MTG, Granite Shard presents itself as a versatile weapon. Analogous to cards like Pyrite Spellbomb, Granite Shard offers the capacity to deal damage directly to creatures or players. While the Spellbomb can be a one-time cost-efficient removal tool or a cantrip card, Granite Shard stands out with its repeatability, enabling ongoing tactical plays throughout the match.
Meanwhile, we look towards Fireball, an iconic card known for its scalability in dealing damage. Fireball can potentially target multiple creatures or players, yet it’s a single-use spell contrasting with the reusable nature of Granite Shard. Though Fireball has the potential for a more impactful one-off event, Granite Shard provides consistent pressure turn over turn. Another relative card is Rocket Launcher, which, like Granite Shard, has the utility to be used multiple times; however, upon its final use, it self-destructs, making it a finite resource compared to the enduring presence of Granite Shard on the battlefield.
To recap, Granite Shard’s persistent threat establishes it as a fixture in games where maintaining board control and chipping away at an opponent’s life total are essential strategies, particularly shining in long, drawn-out matches of MTG.
Cards similar to Granite Shard by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Granite Shard card can offer a strategic upper hand in a game, particularly in long-drawn-out matches. It can force a reaction from your opponent or whittle down their defenses turn after turn, effectively giving you a subtle yet continuous edge as the game progresses.
Resource Acceleration: Having Granite Shard on the battlefield can be a game-changer in tight situations. It provides you with the ability to tap for a colorless mana, which can be critical for casting spells a turn earlier or enabling costly abilities when you need them the most.
Instant Speed: One of the key advantages of Granite Shard is its ability to be activated at instant speed. This means it can be effectively used to disrupt your opponent’s strategy during their turn. Having the flexibility to inflict damage at the end of your opponent’s turn or after they have committed to an attack can be the difference between victory and defeat.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Although Granite Shard offers flexibility in dealing damage, it does require discarding a card to activate its ability. This could prove costly for players who need to maintain card advantage, particularly in the late game where every card in hand can be crucial.
Specific Mana Cost: Granite Shard’s activation cost demands one red mana, thus tethering it closely to red-oriented or multicolored decks. Players running decks without red mana sources will find this artifact inaccessible, limiting its overall versatility across diverse deck archetypes.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting cost of three mana and an additional cost to activate its damage-dealing ability, Granite Shard has a relatively high investment for its return. In the ever-evolving MTG landscape, there are alternatives that can deal damage or provide utility at a more efficient mana-to-effect ratio, potentially making Granite Shard a suboptimal choice for players looking to optimize their mana spend.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Granite Shard offers a seamless fit into a variety of deck builds. Whether you’re running a control deck seeking consistent damage or a combo deck that needs a reliable mana sink, this card can serve multiple purposes.
Combo Potential: This artifact has inherent synergy with strategies that capitalize on artifacts or damage-dealing abilities. For those looking to craft intricate interactions, its ability to ping opponents or creatures regularly can be a game-changer.
Meta-Relevance: Its role in the current game environment should not be underestimated. As it provides a continuous source of damage, Granite Shard remains a practical option against decks that rely on creature strategies or in metas where long games are prevalent.
How to beat
The Granite Shard is a unique artifact in the landscape of Magic: The Gathering, providing players with a source of incremental damage. Understanding its strengths can be key to formulating a strategy against it. At its core, the card has the potential to slowly chip away at an opponent’s life total or control the battlefield by picking off smaller creatures.
To effectively neutralize the threat of Granite Shard, you’ll want to consider artifact removal spells. These can range from straightforward destruction, like with Naturalize or Release to the Wind, to more versatile options such as Disenchant, which also targets enchantments. Additionally, since Granite Shard requires mana to activate, land destruction or mana disruption strategies can stifle its effectiveness. Denying your opponent the resources to utilize their artifacts can tilt the odds in your favor.
Remember, while the Granite Shard may not present an immediate, overwhelming threat, it’s the persistent damage over time that can lead to your downfall. Prioritizing its removal or disrupting your opponent’s mana base can prevent the Shard from shaping the battlefield to your opponent’s advantage. Always weigh the benefits of neutralizing this steady threat against what you might be leaving on the board unchallenged.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Granite Shard MTG card by a specific set like Mirrodin, 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 Granite Shard and other MTG cards:
BUY NOW BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer
- 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 Granite Shard has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Granite Shard card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | You can pay either of the two costs (but not both at the same time) to activate the ability. |