Incinerate MTG Card
1995-06-03 - Number 194
1996-05-02 - Number et194
1996-05-02 - Number mj194
1996-07-01 - Number 2
1996-10-08 - Number 184
1997-03-24 - Number 242
1997-08-13 - Number jk242
1997-08-13 - Number js242
1997-08-13 - Number pm242
1998-08-12 - Number br184
2001-12-01 - Number 14★
2001-12-01 - Number 14
2006-07-21 - Number 194
2007-07-13 - Number 213
2008-09-22 - Number 131
2008-11-07 - Number 51
2010-06-04 - Number 48
2011-07-15 - Number 146
2014-12-05 - Number 51
2002-06-24 - Number 31419
2008-01-01 - Number 3
| Card sets | Released in 21 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
Text of card
Incinerate deals 3 damage to target creature or player. No creature damaged by Incinerate can regenerate this turn.
"Yes, I think 'toast' is an appropriate description." —Jaya Ballard, Task Mage
Cards like Incinerate
When delving into the realm of damage-dealing spells in Magic: The Gathering, Incinerate carves out a solid position. It stands alongside Lightning Bolt, a staple in the game’s history, recognized for its low cost and high damage output. While Incinerate deals a formidable three points of damage and prevents regeneration, Lightning Bolt offers the same damage without the additional effect, at a lower cost.
Chain Lightning is another comparable spell, offering a similar damage pattern to Incinerate. It brings an intriguing twist to the table, allowing opponents to potentially redirect the effect, which can lead to unexpected outcomes during a match. Moving towards the modern era, we see Skewer the Critics. It allows the same damage as Incinerate but carries the Spectacle cost condition for reduction, giving it an edge in decks that can consistently trigger this.
Comparing these alternatives brings to light Incinerate’s balanced structure among direct damage spells. It offers a middle ground in terms of cost and effect – efficient damage with the extra layer of hindering creature regeneration, which in some scenarios, could be pivotal in maintaining control of the game.
Cards similar to Incinerate by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Incinerate. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Burn | Pauper | Burn | Pauper League 2024-03-09 |
 | Izzet Control | Legacy | Charlotte Legacy League Season 2 Week 1 | |
 | Grixis | Free form | Canadian Highlander for Duals - Underground Sea Guaranteed - Proxies Allowed | |
 | Sligh | Premodern | Eternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent | |
| Mono-Red Burn | Premodern | Eternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent | |
 | Jund Control | Legacy | Charlotte Legacy League Season 1 Week 2 | |
 | Decklist | Free form | Middle School World Championships | |
 | Burning Oath | Free form | Middle School World Championships | |
 | Gruul Aggro | Premodern | Eternal Weekend Europe 2023 Premodern Mainevent |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Incinerate provides the strategic benefit of eliminating a threat on the battlefield, effectively reducing your opponent’s card resources while maintaining your own card count.
Resource Acceleration: While Incinerate itself doesn’t accelerate resources directly, removing an opponent’s mana dork or a creature with an ability to ramp can slow down their game plan, indirectly benefiting your mana curve and resource management.
Instant Speed: Incinerate’s capability to be played at instant speed offers the flexibility to disrupt your opponent’s strategy during their turn. This allows for more optimal use of mana and can prevent the opponent from gaining the upper hand by removing a key creature before it can be utilized or by responding immediately to threats as they arise.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Incinerate doesn’t necessitate discarding a card, thus this characteristic doesn’t apply. Players preferring cards with an additional discard feature for synergistic or strategic reasons may overlook Incinerate.
Specific Mana Cost: Incinerate’s mana cost requires exclusively red mana which might not fit easily into a multi-colored deck’s mana base. This limitation often relegates Incinerate to mono-red or decks that can heavily support red mana.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Costing two mana might seem fair, but in a game where efficiency is key, some players might opt for alternatives. Spells like Lightning Bolt provide similar functionality for less mana, which can be crucial in fast-paced games where every mana point counts.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Incinerate offers a flexible removal option, capable of addressing a wide array of threats. This instant spell can target creatures, dealing damage sufficient to take out many of the game’s common threats, as well as being a direct way to whittle down an opponent’s life total.
Combo Potential: Not just a standalone card, Incinerate can play a critical role in decks that capitalize on spell synergy. It can be used with cards that trigger off spell casting or damaging effects, setting off a powerful chain reaction in the right deck.
Meta-Relevance: Given its ability to quickly eliminate key creatures, Incinerate remains relevant in various MTG metagames, particularly those dominated by creature-based strategies. It’s a staple for any collection, providing utility in numerous game scenarios and formats where fast, efficient removal is paramount.
How to beat
In the realm of MTG, Incinerate is a spell most known for its direct damage capabilities, allowing players to deal three damage to any target. Recognized as a reliable removal card, it comes with the added edge of negating damage prevention effects on the targeted creature. This attribute ensures that creatures hit by Incinerate cannot be saved by effects that would normally prevent damage.
To effectively counteract Incinerate, consider using cards that offer protection to your creatures, like spells with the “Indestructible” keyword or abilities that allow you to regenerate your creatures. You might also include counterspells in your deck to negate Incinerate before it takes effect, ensuring your key creatures remain on the battlefield. A strategic approach to maintaining a diverse suite of creatures and protectants can often stifle your opponent’s ability to use Incinerate to its full potential.
Understanding the nuances and limitations of cards like Incinerate can significantly impact your gameplay. By preparing your deck with the right counters and protective measures, you can turn the tide of battle and maintain a strong presence on the board despite attempts by opponents to burn away your forces.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Incinerate MTG card by a specific set like Ice Age and Pro Tour Collector Set, 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 Incinerate 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
Printings
The Incinerate Magic the Gathering card was released in 17 different sets between 1995-06-03 and 2014-12-05. Illustrated by 11 different artists.
Show/hide all sets| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1995-06-03 | Ice Age | ICE | 194 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Mark Poole | |
| 2 | 1996-05-02 | Pro Tour Collector Set | PTC | et194 | 1993 | Normal | Gold | Mark Poole | |
| 3 | 1996-05-02 | Pro Tour Collector Set | PTC | mj194 | 1993 | Normal | Gold | Mark Poole | |
| 4 | 1996-07-01 | DCI Legend Membership | PLGM | 2 | 1993 | Normal | Black | Jock | |
| 5 | 1996-10-08 | Mirage | MIR | 184 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Brian Snõddy | |
| 6 | 1997-03-24 | Fifth Edition | 5ED | 242 | 1997 | Normal | White | Scott M. Fischer | |
| 7 | 1997-08-13 | World Championship Decks 1997 | WC97 | jk242 | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Scott M. Fischer | |
| 8 | 1997-08-13 | World Championship Decks 1997 | WC97 | js242 | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Scott M. Fischer | |
| 9 | 1997-08-13 | World Championship Decks 1997 | WC97 | pm242 | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Scott M. Fischer | |
| 10 | 1998-08-12 | World Championship Decks 1998 | WC98 | br184 | 1997 | Normal | Gold | Brian Snõddy | |
| 11 | 2001-12-01 | Deckmasters | DKM | 14★ | 1997 | Normal | Black | Mark Poole | |
| 12 | 2001-12-01 | Deckmasters | DKM | 14 | 1997 | Normal | White | Mark Poole | |
| 13 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 31419 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Zoltan Boros & Gabor Szikszai | ||
| 14 | 2006-07-21 | Coldsnap Theme Decks | CST | 194 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Mark Poole | |
| 15 | 2007-07-13 | Tenth Edition | 10E | 213 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Zoltan Boros & Gabor Szikszai | |
| 16 | Magic Player Rewards 2008 | P08 | 3 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Zoltan Boros & Gabor Szikszai | ||
| 17 | 2008-09-22 | Masters Edition II | ME2 | 131 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Mark Poole | |
| 18 | 2008-11-07 | Duel Decks: Jace vs. Chandra | DD2 | 51 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Steve Prescott | |
| 19 | 2010-06-04 | Duels of the Planeswalkers | DPA | 48 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Zoltan Boros & Gabor Szikszai | |
| 20 | 2011-07-15 | Magic 2012 | M12 | 146 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Zoltan Boros & Gabor Szikszai | |
| 21 | 2014-12-05 | Duel Decks Anthology: Jace vs. Chandra | JVC | 51 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Steve Prescott |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Incinerate has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Incinerate card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2007-07-15 | Regeneration abilities that would affect that creature can still be activated; they just won’t do anything. The creature can’t be regenerated for any reason, even if an effect other than Incinerate would deal lethal damage to it or otherwise destroy it. |