Infernal Plunge MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	1
Rarity	Common
Type	Sorcery
Released	2011-09-30
Set symbol
Set name	Innistrad
Set code	ISD
Number	148
Frame	2003
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Daarken

Key Takeaways

It provides a quick mana boost, setting up for powerful plays by advancing your mana curve.
The necessity of sacrificing a creature can be strategically disadvantageous in some scenarios.
Infernal Plunge shines in combo decks, enabling early, possibly game-winning turns.

Text of card

As an additional cost to cast Infernal Plunge, sacrifice a creature. Add to your mana pool.

"Oh mighty Griselbrand, Scourge of the Heedless World, gladly I consume myself for thee!"

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Although Infernal Plunge does not directly let you draw cards, the mana burst it provides can lead to casting powerful spells sooner, which in turn can result in significant card advantage over your opponents.

Resource Acceleration: With Infernal Plunge, you immediately gain three red mana at the cost of sacrificing a creature. This effectively speeds up your mana curve, allowing you to deploy high-impact spells earlier in the game.

Instant Speed: As a sorcery, Infernal Plunge isn’t cast at instant speed, but its one-time, explosive mana gain is designed for setting up game-changing plays in your main phases, complementing your strategy by executing high-mana combos or summoning formidable creatures ahead of schedule.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Infernal Plunge necessitates the sacrifice of one of your creatures to cast it. This action can set you back, especially if you’re sacrificing a critical part of your board presence or potential defense for a burst of mana that might not yield an immediate payoff.

Specific Mana Cost: This card is locked into a single red mana cost. While this is perfect for red-themed decks, it restricts its versatility across other deck types that might not run red mana or have enough of it readily available when needed.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Despite providing three red mana, the requirement of sacrificing a creature makes the actual cost of this card higher compared to other spells in the game that provide mana without such a significant trade-off. Players might find alternative ramp options that achieve similar goals without the heavy upfront sacrifice.

Reasons to Include Infernal Plunge in Your Collection

Versatility: Infernal Plunge offers a quick burst of mana at the cost of sacrificing a creature. This can be particularly useful in decks that are filled with low-cost creatures or those that benefit from casting high-impact spells ahead of curve.

Combo Potential: This card is a key component in multiple combo decks, enabling explosive turns that can often lead to an early game advantage or even a win. Its ability to generate three red mana can be pivotal for initiating or continuing powerful combinations.

Meta-Relevance: In environments where fast-paced or storm decks are prevalent, Infernal Plunge provides the necessary speed to keep up with or outpace the competition. As the game’s pace continues to accelerate, having access to swift mana acceleration can be crucial for maintaining tempo.

How to beat

Infernal Plunge is a potent card in MTG, known for its ability to provide a sudden burst of mana by sacrificing a creature. This card can be a key component in decks that aim to unleash powerful spells earlier than usual. However, overcoming this strategy requires a mix of timing and disruption. Cards such as Counterspell can negate Infernal Plunge before it resolves, while creature removal spells like Path to Exile can eliminate potential sacrifices for your opponent. Strategic use of instant-speed interaction can disrupt the mana acceleration that Infernal Plunge tries to achieve, effectively dampening the boost it offers and keeping the pace of the game under control. Be vigilant with mana availability and ready to act when opponents attempt to cast it, and you’ll stand a strong chance of rendering their Infernal Plunge less threatening.

BurnMana Recommendations

Mastering the art of MTG involves not only assembling the most powerful spells but also understanding the intricate synergies between them. Infernal Plunge presents itself as a potent tool for those looking to turbo-charge their mana resources and unleash formidable spells ahead of time. Whether your strategy is to storm the battlefield or you thrive on intricate combos, incorporating this card into your deck could be the spark your game needs. If the concept of sacrifice for greater power intrigues you, dive deeper into our insights to optimize your deck’s performance. Let your journey to mastery continue as you explore the depths of MTG’s strategic potential with us.

Cards like Infernal Plunge

Infernal Plunge is an intriguing role player within the vast array of mana acceleration spells in Magic the Gathering. It shows certain parallels with other cards like Desperate Ritual and Pyretic Ritual, where a burst of red mana is the order of the day. Desperate Ritual and Pyretic Ritual both provide a quick +2 red mana for a single red card, exhibiting the same instant speed as Infernal Plunge. However, where Infernal Plunge distinguishes itself is in its sacrifice requirement, offering a more substantial +3 red mana boost.

Focusing further on the sacrifice aspect of mana generation, cards like Culling the Weak also come to mind. Culling the Weak is yet another spell that demands a creature sacrifice but in turn provides an impressive four black mana, albeit in a different color, potentially fueling powerful spells much early in the game.

When compared, Infernal Plunge provides a niche advantage in decks that can utilize creature sacrifice for strategic benefits, positioning it uniquely among the pantheon of quick mana acceleration spells in Magic the Gathering.

Cards similar to Infernal Plunge by color, type and mana cost

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Infernal Plunge MTG card by a specific set like Innistrad, 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 Infernal Plunge and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Infernal Plunge has restrictions

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

Rules and information

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

Date	Text
2013-04-15	Players can only respond once this spell has been cast and all its costs have been paid. No one can try to destroy the creature you sacrificed to prevent you from casting this spell.
2013-04-15	You must sacrifice exactly one creature to cast this spell; you cannot cast it without sacrificing a creature, and you cannot sacrifice additional creatures.