Infectious Bite MTG Card


Drawing cards while dealing damage streamlines plays, allowing for a faster, more efficient game strategy. Instant speed gives flexibility, using the right moment for optimal play and surprising opponents. Requires careful mana management, but adds distinct advantages in -1/-1 counter and life gain tactics.
Infectious Bite - Phyrexia: All Will Be One
Mana cost
Converted mana cost2
RarityUncommon
TypeInstant
Released2023-02-03
Set symbol
Set namePhyrexia: All Will Be One
Set codeONE
Number172
Frame2015
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byCampbell White

Text of card

Target creature you control deals damage equal to its power to target creature you don't control. Each opponent gets a poison counter.

"Let me tell you why you must never close your eyes when on watch. Not even for a second." —Jor Kadeen


Cards like Infectious Bite

Infectious Bite carves out its own niche in Magic: The Gathering as a notable inclusion in decks focusing on dealing damage and benefiting from it simultaneously. It mirrors some aspects of cards like Grasp of Darkness by offering the ability to debilitate an opponent’s creature. However, Infectious Bite also allows the player to gain life equal to the damage dealt, which is not a feature of Grasp of Darkness. This difference provides an added strategic advantage, morphing it into both a removal spell and a life gain tool.

Considering Vampire’s Bite, we have another card that involves a life-change dynamic. It may not deal damage directly, but it does enhance a creature’s power and gives the potential for greater life gain with its kicker cost. Infectious Bite, though, is more straightforward and can be used defensively or offensively without the need for a strong creature on the board.

Gleaning from the various traits each card brings to the table, Infectious Bite positions itself as a versatile spell. Its dual capability to dispatch creatures and improve a player’s life total helps it stand out among similar MTG cards that either focus on removal or life gain, but not typically both.

Grasp of Darkness - MTG Card versions
Vampire's Bite - MTG Card versions
Grasp of Darkness - MTG Card versions
Vampire's Bite - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Infectious Bite by color, type and mana cost

Tranquil Domain - MTG Card versions
Resuscitate - MTG Card versions
Heavy Fog - MTG Card versions
Aggressive Urge - MTG Card versions
Tangle - MTG Card versions
Krosan Reclamation - MTG Card versions
Seedtime - MTG Card versions
Inscription of Abundance - MTG Card versions
Nourish - MTG Card versions
Wear Away - MTG Card versions
Vital Surge - MTG Card versions
Predator's Strike - MTG Card versions
Might of the Nephilim - MTG Card versions
Resize - MTG Card versions
Squall Line - MTG Card versions
Spring Cleaning - MTG Card versions
Regenerate - MTG Card versions
Naturalize - MTG Card versions
Strength of the Tajuru - MTG Card versions
Back to Nature - MTG Card versions
Tranquil Domain - MTG Card versions
Resuscitate - MTG Card versions
Heavy Fog - MTG Card versions
Aggressive Urge - MTG Card versions
Tangle - MTG Card versions
Krosan Reclamation - MTG Card versions
Seedtime - MTG Card versions
Inscription of Abundance - MTG Card versions
Nourish - MTG Card versions
Wear Away - MTG Card versions
Vital Surge - MTG Card versions
Predator's Strike - MTG Card versions
Might of the Nephilim - MTG Card versions
Resize - MTG Card versions
Squall Line - MTG Card versions
Spring Cleaning - MTG Card versions
Regenerate - MTG Card versions
Naturalize - MTG Card versions
Strength of the Tajuru - MTG Card versions
Back to Nature - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Infectious Bite. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Selesnya PoisonSelesnya Poison StandardSelesnya PoisonStandard Challenge 64 2024-03-03
Golgari ToxicGolgari Toxic PioneerGolgari MidrangeSouth America Magic Series - Regional Championship (Final Regional NOV 2023)
Bant ToxicBant Toxic StandardBant PoisonDEN24 Sun 10:00 - Standard $5k Open 8-slot RCQ
WUGWUG StandardTraditional Standard Ranked Decklists: February 19, 2024
Bant PoisonBant Poison StandardBant PoisonStandard League 2024-02-17

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Infectious Bite not only deals damage but also allows you to draw a card if a creature an opponent controls was dealt damage this way. This keeps your hand replenished while applying pressure on your opponent.

Resource Acceleration: While Infectious Bite doesn’t create mana or tokens, it does boost mana efficiency by packing multiple effects into a single card. This helps streamline your plays, allowing for a faster-paced strategy and the ability to deploy other threats or responses with ease.

Instant Speed: Infectious Bite’s instant speed flexibility lets you adapt reactively during the game. Choose the perfect moment to strike, catch an opponent off-guard during their turn, or simply save it for when the opportunity for maximum impact arises.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Infectious Bite forces players to sacrifice a creature if they can’t pay the additional cost, often leading to a significant loss of board presence and momentum in the game.

Specific Mana Cost: Infectious Bite carries a specific mana demand, necessitating both green and black mana for casting. This can restrict the card’s inclusion to only those decks that can reliably produce both types of mana, potentially reducing its versatility.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: The cost to cast Infectious Bite may be considered steep given its effect. Players might find that, at this mana range, there are alternative cards that could provide more immediate board impact or longer-term value.


Reasons to Include Infectious Bite in Your Collection

Versatility: Infectious Bite is a unique card that can be slotted into various deck types. It can augment strategies focused on -1/-1 counters, direct damage to creatures, or even life gain depending on how the card synergizes with the rest of your deck.

Combo Potential: This card can function as an engine in combo decks, especially ones that exploit -1/-1 counters or creature destruction mechanics. Its ability to target creatures opens up interactions with proliferate mechanics or any strategy aimed at manipulating counter placements for benefit.

Meta-Relevance: Given that Infectious Bite can disrupt opponent creatures and modify the board state, it has the potential to be relevant in metas crowded with creature-based strategies. Its use as a tactical tool against key creatures can be pivotal in tipping the scales of a match.


How to beat

Infectious Bite is quite the card to handle in your MTG matchup, its ability to bestow poison counters can quickly turn the tide of a duel if not addressed promptly. Dealing with this menace effectively requires a mix of vigilant creature control and timely intervention. Employing instant-speed removal spells such as Path to Exile or Fatal Push can thwart the plans of an Infectious Bite user. These spells effectively remove the targeted creature before the poison counters arise, which can prevent the incremental damage that might otherwise become overwhelming.

Furthermore, utilizing counterspells to prevent Infectious Bite from hitting the battlefield in the first place can be a sound strategy. Cards like Mana Leak or Cancel are pivotal in a control player’s arsenal, giving them the power to stop threats before they manifest. Additionally, by maintaining a robust sideboard equipped with efficient removal and versatile counters, you can adapt to an Infectious Bite strategy between games, enhancing your resilience against this potentially game-swapping card. Thus, by preparing and responding aptly, you can overcome the challenge posed by Infectious Bite and secure your triumph in the MTG arena.


BurnMana Recommendations

Diving into MTG card mechanics and strategic value offers a path to victory, and Infectious Bite is a prime example of such potential. With the ability to draw a card while dealing damage, this card can be a formidable tool in any MTG player’s arsenal. If you’re looking to optimize your deck or understand the intricacies of combining card advantages with strategic gameplay, there’s much more to learn and implement. We recommend exploring further insights and strategies to truly harness the power of cards like Infectious Bite. Want to elevate your game and master the art of strategic MTG play? Discover more with us.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Infectious Bite MTG card by a specific set like Phyrexia: All Will Be One, 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 Infectious Bite and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Infectious Bite has restrictions

FormatLegality
StandardLegal
HistoricbrawlLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
GladiatorLegal
AlchemyLegal
PioneerLegal
CommanderLegal
ModernLegal
FutureLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
BrawlLegal
TimelessLegal