Incendiary MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Enchantment — Aura |
| Abilities | Enchant |
| Released | 1999-06-07 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Urza's Destiny |
| Set code | UDS |
| Number | 89 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Jeff Laubenstein |
Text of card
At the beginning of your upkeep, you may put a fuse counter on Incendiary. When enchanted creature is put into a graveyard, Incendiary deals X damage to target creature or player, where X is the number of fuse counters on Incendiary.
Cards like Incendiary
The Incendiary card has a unique place in the spectrum of red spells in Magic: The Gathering. Its effect can be likened to similar cards known for dealing damage to creatures or opponents. A parallel piece is Lightning Bolt, famed for its direct, cost-efficient damage. Although both Incendiary and Lightning Bolt have the instant speed benefit, Incendiary often requires a specific condition or additional cost to maximize its potential impact.
Another comparable card is Shock, which also delivers an immediate effect to harm creatures or players. However, Shock is more limited in damage output compared to the scaling nature of Incendiary, which under the right circumstances, can affect multiple targets. We can’t overlook Flame Slash as well. This card offers more damage but is restricted to sorcery speed and creatures as its only targets, contrasting with Incendiary’s flexibility in reaching the opponent directly at instant speed.
Considering the damage potential and versatility, Incendiary holds a strategic position amongst red spells. It offers players a dynamic option for control and direct damage, which often turns the tides in MTG matches when smartly integrated into a deck with the right synergies.
Cards similar to Incendiary by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: The Incendiary card delivers a significant edge in the card advantage game. When played wisely, it can decimate your opponent’s board while refilling your hand, keeping your options open and your threats constant.
Resource Acceleration: By causing destruction, this card often triggers landfall or other resource-related abilities. It can work as a catalyst to supercharge your mana resources, ensuring you’re ahead in the race to deploy high-impact spells.
Instant Speed: The instant speed nature of the Incendiary card is a key strategic advantage. It allows you to maneuver at a moment’s notice, whether that’s interrupting an opponent’s crucial play or maximizing the value of your card during an end step. The flexibility this speed offers cannot be overstated, keeping opponents on their toes and often giving you the upper hand in the exchange.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: In the heat of the game, the Incendiary card demands the sacrifice of another card from your hand. This can put you in a tough spot, especially when your hand is your last line of defense. Carefully weigh the consequence; stripping your hand can leave you vulnerable to future plays, which may not always be worth the immediate blaze of glory.
Specific Mana Cost: To invoke the fiery power of Incendiary, you must tap into a precise combination of mana sources. This can cause some deck-building dilemmas, as you might find yourself juggling resources to meet its rigorous red mana demand. If your deck’s mana base is not reliably inclined towards red, you might end up with an uncastable card at crucial moments.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Though Incendiary’s spectacle can turn the tide of battle, its hunger for a significant chunk of mana can be a deterrent. When considering the cost-to-impact ratio, it’s crucial to ponder whether the mana invested in this card could be more effectively allocated. In decks where speed and efficiency are paramount, this card’s comparative mana extravagance may just be too hot to handle.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Incendiary can be a key asset in decks that thrive on dealing direct damage. Its ability to potentially damage multiple targets makes it a flexible choice for various strategies.
Combo Potential: When paired with cards that benefit from spell casting or damage triggers, Incendiary can be the lynchpin of a powerful and synergistic combo, enabling explosive turns that can swing the game in your favor.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state that favors aggressive or burn-oriented tactics, Incendiary can serve as an effective tool to quickly diminish opponents’ life totals or clear the way for your attackers by removing blocking creatures.
How to beat
The Incendiary card in the world of Magic: The Gathering introduces a unique dynamic to the playing field. Like spells that deal direct damage to creatures or players, Incendiary can be quite a game-changer. The right strategy can turn the tide in your favor, offering creative ways to mitigate its impact.
One basic tactic to tackle Incendiary is to hold onto cards that can counteract burn spells. Instants such as Counterspell or Negate allow you to disrupt the spell before it wreaks havoc. Similarly, cards offering protection from red or specific damage prevention can be invaluable. Think of cards like Auriok Champion or Circle of Protection: Red which offer sustainable defenses against such aggressive strategies.
The elegance of Magic: The Gathering lies in the diversity of decks and responses. While Incendiary can catch players off guard, it’s never without a counter. Plan your strategies with care, arm yourself with the right defenses, and Incendiary’s flames can be extinguished with a well-timed play. Hence, understanding your opponent’s deployments and maintaining a hand capable of countering threats are paramount to overcoming obstacles like the Incendiary card.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Incendiary MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Destiny, 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 Incendiary 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
See MTG Products
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Incendiary has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Incendiary 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 | Putting on a counter is optional. If you forget, you can’t go back later even if it is something you usually do. |