Hidetsugu's Second Rite MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 3 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityRare
TypeInstant

Key Takeaways

  1. Hidetsugu’s Second Rite is a unique instant with a win condition based on an opponent’s exact life total.
  2. This card fits well in direct damage decks, synergizing with spells that adjust opponents’ life to 10.
  3. Understanding card interactions and timing is crucial when incorporating this spell into your strategic deck building.

Text of card

If target player has exactly 10 life, Hidetsugu's Second Rite deals 10 damage to that player.

Hidetsugu never relinquished a grudge. He let it burn within him, gathering ever greater intensity until the final moment of vengeance.


The essence of the game is strategy and the surprise factor, and Hidetsugu’s Second Rite well encapsulates these qualities with its very specific conditional effect. Make sure you study well your opponent’s play, because if they indeed have exactly 10 life, this card could mean the sudden and unexpected end of the game in your favor.

Hidetsugu’s Second Rite reflects the ruthlessness of the world of Kamigawa where it originates, and its deep-rooted, unfulfilled desire presents an element of mystery. This makes it not just an advantageous card to play, but also a fascinating piece of MTG lore.


Pros of Hidetsugu’s Second Rite

Card Advantage: Hidetsugu’s Second Rite can serve as a powerful tool in maintaining card superiority when played correctly. While it doesn’t grant extra card draw, it delivers more bang for your buck as it can immediately reduce your opponent’s life to half, shifting the game’s balance in your favor.

Resource Acceleration: With a relatively low casting cost of just four mana, it rapidly advances your gameplay. Quick manifestation of damages saves you resources, giving you a speed boost in mana utilization for subsequent turns.

Instant Speed: Hidetsugu’s Second Rite is sorcery, not instant, but its speed advantage lies in its immediate impact upon casting. You don’t have to wait for several turns to see the results; it’s a swift strike that simultaneously puts pressure on your opponent and leaves the battlefield open for follow-up plays.


Observing the Hurdles of Hidetsugu’s Second Rite

Discard Requirement: Fortunately, this isn’t a drawback on this card. Hidetsugu’s Second Rite doesn’t require you to discard any card from your hand, making it resource-friendly. This permits you to save your cards for other strategic moves.

Specific Mana Cost: The spell has a precise mana cost demanding one generic and three red mana which might restrict its deployment in decks that aren’t heavily based on red mana. This decreases the flexibility of the card and could create situations where this powerful spell becomes a dead card in your hand.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The four-mana cost, regardless of the devastating effect it could have for your opponent, is quite steep. Some might find it a little high for a conditional spell like Hidetsugu’s Second Rite, considering that there are other spells that can deal damage or affect the game state with less mana cost. The specific condition needed for Hidetsugu’s Second Rite to be effective—your opponent needs exactly 10 life—can also be a drawback as timing this card correctly may prove a challenge.


Reasons to Include Hidetsugu’s Second Rite in Your Collection

Versatility: The strength of Hidetsugu’s Second Rite lies in its ability to fit into a variety of deck types. This instant spell can deal massive damage regardless of the deck it’s used in, yielding high value in virtually any game scenario.

Combo Potential: The potential combinations with this card are countless. When paired with effects that modify the opponent’s life total, Hidetsugu’s Second Rite can deliver a sudden, unexpected victory. The Second Rite becomes even more potent in decks with lifelink or that boost your opponent’s life, ensuring the optimal scenario to trigger its effect.

Meta-Relevance: As the metagame shifts, the relevance of Hidetsugu’s Second Rite continues to persist. In a world where life-modifying strategies or high-life total commanders prevail, this card is ready to flip the match in your favor, making it must-have asset in your collection.


Similar Cards

When discussing cards that share some unique properties with Hidetsugu’s Second Rite from MTG, we must consider choices like Sorin’s Vengeance and Char. Both cards inflict a specific amount of damage but are different in terms of their mana costs and the circumstances under which they operate. Sorin’s Vengeance, for instance, causes 10 damage to a specific player, providing a life gain equal to the damage done. Though it requires more mana, the life restoration offsets the higher cost.

Char, meanwhile, deals 4 damage to any target but rebounds to harm the caster as well. Despite coming at a lower cost, his repercussion can make Char a risky play, particularly in games where life points are running low. However, the versatility of Char, being able to target any creature or player makes it a dynamic card in any deck.

In essence, while Hidetsugu’s Second Rite has its unique place in MTG for dealing precise damage when the opponent’s life is exactly 10, Sorin’s Vengeance and Char offer interesting alternatives, giving players the strategy of managing costs, damages and sometimes, self-inflicted wounds.


How to Beat Hidetsugu’s Second Rite

Hidetsugu’s Second Rite is a unique instant spell in the MTG universe that can baffles even the most seasoned players. With the ability to inflict 10 damage when your opponent has exactly 10 life left, it’s a card that can swiftly turn the tables in your favor. However, countering this card can be quite simple when properly prepared.

Gaining life is the most basic method to counter Hidetsugu’s Second Rite. By ensuring you have more than 10 life, the card’s effect can’t trigger. Alternatively, having life-saving cards at the ready can be a game-changer. Cards like Rest for the Weary or Nourishing Shoal can offer you a life cushion and negate the effects of the Rite. Another technique would be to have counter-spells, such as Cancel or Negate, in your deck. Casting these can nullify the Second Rite before it gets off the ground.

Lastly, the strategy of keeping an opponent’s life total off the exact 10 is just as viable. Playing burn spells or other life-draining mechanics to alter their life total can negate the potential of Hidetsugu’s Second Rite. A well-rounded strategy should include a combination of these methods, ensuring that you are prepared for this card’s entry into the battlefield.


The Strategic Mastery of Hidetsugu’s Second Rite in MTG

In the magical realms of Magic: The Gathering (MTG), each card has the potential to either orchestrate a stunning victory or become a lesson on the battlefield. One such spell that has captivated players with its decisive, often game-ending potential is Hidetsugu’s Second Rite. This intriguing card offers a unique and niche strategy that, when executed perfectly, can secure victory with a single, well-timed move.

Hidetsugu’s Second Rite is a red instant from the Kamigawa block that deals direct damage. It reads, “If target player has exactly 10 life, Hidetsugu’s Second Rite deals 10 damage to that player.” This card is a perfect example of cards that create opportunities for surprising turnarounds in MTG, especially when combined with a comprehensive understanding of the game’s mechanics and the ability to predict an opponent’s life total.

The key to mastering this card lies in an effective and unanticipated approach. Smartly combining Hidetsugu’s Second Rite with your deck’s overall strategy can be the linchpin in executing a shocking defeat against an unsuspecting opponent. However, due to its very specific activation condition, utilizing this card successfully requires finesse and timing. Prospective mages will need to weave this card into a broader strategy that focuses on manipulating life totals or catch an opponent off-guard when they unwittingly reach the pivotal life threshold.

Deck building with Hidetsugu’s Second Rite in mind means looking for cards that can alter life totals in increments, keeping the opponent within striking range of its instant effect. Burn spells, life payment cards, and even certain creatures can synergize well to ensure your opponent’s life total lands exactly on ten. It’s a gambit that requires patience and control but can be incredibly satisfying when it comes to fruition.

The MTG community, filled with strategic thinkers and creative deck builders, continually uncovers new ways to integrate such unique cards into varied deck types. Discussions around Hidetsugu’s Second Rite often revolve around its potential in casual play where the unexpected reigns and the stakes are just as high as the excitement level. For those who enjoy the art of fine-tuning their deck to include shock-and-awe tactics, Hidetsugu’s Second Rite can become a favorite tool in their arsenal.

Understanding the broader metagame is also essential when considering this card’s place in your deck. In competitive play, its situational nature might limit its utility, but it can also serve as a secret weapon when most needed. Knowing the most prevalent deck types and the average life total fluctuation within those games can inform when to best wield this powerful spell.

As with any card that carries such a potent but situational effect, maximizing its potential comes with experience and knowledge not just of the card itself but in reading the game and your opponent. For those who revel in pulling off the unexpected and mastering the art of surprise in their gameplay, Hidetsugu’s Second Rite is a card that encapsulates the thrill of a well-played, game-ending move.

Remember, the world of MTG is vast, with a legion of spells, creatures, and enchantments—all waiting to be wielded by the savvy tactician. Part of the joy and challenge lies in discovering how even the most niche cards can turn the tides of battle. Perhaps your next deck could be the one that breathes new life into Hidetsugu’s Second Rite, subverting expectations and securing your spot as a master of strategy.

In conclusion, navigating the rich landscapes of Magic the Gathering requires strategy, insight, and a bit of adventure. Whether you’re planning your next big win or fine-tuning your deck for maximum impact, there’s always room to elevate your game. As you continue to delve into the MTG universe, remember that it’s not just about the single triumphs but the continuous journey towards mastery. We invite you to keep exploring this fascinating world, discovering new techniques, and unearthing valuable cards to ensure your next match is more than just a game, but a Big Score. Ready to level up your play? Join us to learn more and become the ultimate MTG champion.


Cards like Hidetsugu's Second Rite

When discussing cards that share some unique properties with Hidetsugu’s Second Rite from MTG, we must consider choices like Sorin’s Vengeance and Char. Both cards inflict a specific amount of damage but are different in terms of their mana costs and the circumstances under which they operate. Sorin’s Vengeance, for instance, causes 10 damage to a specific player, providing a life gain equal to the damage done. Though it requires more mana, the life restoration offsets the higher cost.

Char, meanwhile, deals 4 damage to any target but rebounds to harm the caster as well. Despite coming at a lower cost, his repercussion can make Char a risky play, particularly in games where life points are running low. However, the versatility of Char, being able to target any creature or player makes it a dynamic card in any deck.

In essence, while Hidetsugu’s Second Rite has its unique place in MTG for dealing precise damage when the opponent’s life is exactly 10, Sorin’s Vengeance and Char offer interesting alternatives, giving players the strategy of managing costs, damages and sometimes, self-inflicted wounds.

Sorin's Vengeance - MTG Card versions
Char - MTG Card versions
Sorin's Vengeance - Magic 2012 (M12)
Char - Ravnica: City of Guilds (RAV)

Cards similar to Hidetsugu's Second Rite by color, type and mana cost

Blind Fury - MTG Card versions
Lightning Blast - MTG Card versions
Boil - MTG Card versions
Blood Oath - MTG Card versions
Magma Burst - MTG Card versions
Sudden Impact - MTG Card versions
Stoke the Flames - MTG Card versions
Fated Conflagration - MTG Card versions
Solar Blast - MTG Card versions
Grab the Reins - MTG Card versions
Tears of Rage - MTG Card versions
Blind with Anger - MTG Card versions
Ire of Kaminari - MTG Card versions
Torrent of Stone - MTG Card versions
Gaze of Adamaro - MTG Card versions
Dogpile - MTG Card versions
Parallectric Feedback - MTG Card versions
Cackling Flames - MTG Card versions
Sulfurous Blast - MTG Card versions
Dead // Gone - MTG Card versions
Blind Fury - Mirage (MIR)
Lightning Blast - Tempest Remastered (TPR)
Boil - Eighth Edition (8ED)
Blood Oath - Mercadian Masques (MMQ)
Magma Burst - Planeshift (PLS)
Sudden Impact - Premium Deck Series: Fire and Lightning (PD2)
Stoke the Flames - March of the Machine (MOM)
Fated Conflagration - Magic Online Promos (PRM)
Solar Blast - Dominaria Remastered (DMR)
Grab the Reins - Mirrodin (MRD)
Tears of Rage - Salvat 2005 (PSAL)
Blind with Anger - Champions of Kamigawa (CHK)
Ire of Kaminari - Betrayers of Kamigawa (BOK)
Torrent of Stone - Modern Masters (MMA)
Gaze of Adamaro - Saviors of Kamigawa (SOK)
Dogpile - Ravnica Remastered (RVR)
Parallectric Feedback - Guildpact (GPT)
Cackling Flames - Dissension (DIS)
Sulfurous Blast - Mystery Booster (MB1)
Dead // Gone - Time Spiral Remastered (TSR)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Hidetsugu's Second Rite MTG card by a specific set like Saviors of Kamigawa and Historic Anthology 1, 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 Hidetsugu's Second Rite and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Hidetsugu's Second Rite Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2005-06-03 and 2019-11-21. Illustrated by Jeff Miracola.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12005-06-03Saviors of KamigawaSOK 1022003normalblackJeff Miracola
22019-11-21Historic Anthology 1HA1 122015normalblackJeff Miracola
32020-09-26The ListPLST SOK-1022003normalblackJeff Miracola

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Hidetsugu's Second Rite has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
GladiatorLegal
BrawlLegal
PennyLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Hidetsugu's Second Rite card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

DateText
2005-06-01 Since the player’s life total is checked only as the spell resolves, you can cast Hidetsugu’s Second Rite targeting any player, regardless of life total. If the player isn’t at 10 life as Hidetsugu’s Second Rite begins resolving, it does nothing and finishes resolving. Note that since having 10 life is not a targeting restriction, the spell won’t actually be countered for having an illegal target; it just won’t do anything.

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