Hearth Kami MTG Card

Hearth Kami’s instant-speed ability disrupts opponents while maintaining tempo and card parity. Efficient mana cost allows players to use resources wisely, setting up for powerful late-game moves. Requires mindful card discarding and specific mana to activate, possibly limiting its use in some decks.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Common
Type	Creature — Spirit
Released	2004-10-01
Set symbol
Set name	Champions of Kamigawa
Set code	CHK
Power	2
Toughness	1
Number	171
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Luca Zontini

Text of card

, Sacrifice Hearth Kami: Destroy target artifact with converted mana cost X.

"Every treachery, great or small, begets a spirit that rages at the injustice. Given the opportunity, each will return that treachery to its owner tenfold." —Sensei Hisoka

Cards like Hearth Kami

Hearth Kami is an interesting creature choice for players looking to manage artifacts on the battlefield in Magic: The Gathering. Its closest counterpart arguably is Manic Vandal, as both creatures serve the purpose of artifact removal upon entering the battlefield. Hearth Kami’s key distinction lies in its flexibility, thanks to its ability to be sacrificed for the removal effect. This allows players to choose the timing of the artifact destruction, unlike Manic Vandal’s immediate and mandatory effect upon entry.

Looking at another rival, we examine Ingot Chewer. This creature persists as a popular choice for its evoke cost, offering a similar artifact destruction utility for a lower mana investment. However, it lacks Hearth Kami’s potential to stay on the field as a threat or blocker. Then, there’s Oxidda Scrapmelter – a larger creature that also dismantles artifacts on entry. While it boasts a more formidable presence on the board, it comes with a heftier mana cost.

When examining utility and strategic options, Hearth Kami remains a versatile pick in decks focusing on artifact control in Magic: The Gathering, balancing between immediate impact and flexible use scenarios.

Cards similar to Hearth Kami by color, type and mana cost

Goblin Elite Infantry - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Hearth Kami provides a strategic edge by letting players effectively manage their hand. This creature’s ability to handle artifacts, a common aspect of many MTG decks, can disrupt an opponent’s plan while maintaining card parity.

Resource Acceleration: Although Hearth Kami itself doesn’t directly accelerate resources, its low casting cost offers an efficient use of mana. This efficiency aids in keeping mana available for more significant plays in later turns, positioning players to capitalize on board state.

Instant Speed: Hearth Kami’s activated ability can be used at instant speed, providing players with the flexibility to react to threats or opportunities on the fly. This can be particularly potent during an opponent’s turn, affecting the game’s dynamics without sacrificing the tempo.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Hearth Kami necessitates the player to discard a card in order to fully harness its ability. This could potentially deplete your hand, leaving fewer options for future turns.

Specific Mana Cost: The activation of this card’s effect requires a particular combination of mana, which may not seamlessly integrate with all deck types, especially those that are not geared around its color scheme.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its mana cost demanding a substantial investment early in the game, Hearth Kami may be sidelined for other cards that offer similar or better effects at a lower cost, enhancing your deck’s efficiency.

Reasons to Include Hearth Kami in Your Collection

Versatility: Hearth Kami offers a unique flexibility within red decks, acting as a useful tool for board control. Able to destroy artifacts, it can be effectively slotted into various strategies where artifact removal is vital.

Combo Potential: This card’s ability to sacrifice itself for the greater good means it slots well into decks centered around sacrifice for profit mechanics. It can be a key component in sparking off a chain of powerful, game-winning combos.

Meta-Relevance: Considering its artifact destruction capabilities, Hearth Kami gains importance in metas where artifact-heavy decks are prevalent. It provides a practical response to artifact strategies, positioning it as a timely addition to your arsenal.

How to beat

Hearth Kami is a unique creature card in Magic: The Gathering that can potentially shift the dynamic of a game with its artifact removal ability. To counter this card effectively, the key is to limit its targets. This means playing fewer artifacts or ones that are not vital to your strategy when you suspect your opponent might be wielding Hearth Kami. Another approach is to manage the board with creature removal spells such as Path to Exile or Fatal Push before Hearth Kami can use its ability.

Maintaining a versatile removal suite in your deck can also mitigate the impact of Hearth Kami. Cards like Abrupt Decay, which can’t be countered, or instant-speed interaction such as Counterspell, give you the upper hand against Hearth Kami’s ability activation. Remember that Hearth Kami requires a sacrifice to perform its ability, so strategic timing and controlling the board state are crucial when facing this card.

Ultimately, understanding your opponent’s strategy and preparing your deck with answers to potential threats like Hearth Kami is a solid game plan. Keeping a keen eye on the flow of the match and being ready to react can ensure Hearth Kami does not become a disruptive force against you.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Hearth Kami MTG card by a specific set like Champions of Kamigawa, 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 Hearth Kami and other MTG cards:

BUY NOW
BurnMana is an official partner of TCGPlayer

Continue exploring other sealed products in Amazon
See MTG Products

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Hearth Kami has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Modern	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal