Kaervek's Hex MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Sorcery |
| Released | 1996-10-08 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Mirage |
| Set code | MIR |
| Number | 130 |
| Frame | 1997 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Ian Miller |
Text of card
Kaervek's Hex deals 1 damage to each nonblack creature and an additional 1 damage to each green creature.
"If the curse does not strike you dead, question your soul." —Kaervek
Cards like Kaervek's Hex
Kaervek’s Hex finds its place in the pantheon of damage dealing spells within the MTG universe. It has some resemblance to spells like Flames of the Raze-Boar, which also inflicts damage to multiple targets. Kaervek’s Hex, however, is unique in its ability to hit each opponent and all creatures they control, setting it apart from Flames of the Raze-Boar’s condition-based damage output that depends on having a high power creature on the battlefield.
Analogous to Kaervek’s Hex in terms of universal damage is Inferno. This card deals damage to all creatures and players, which mirrors Kaervek’s Hex’s wide-reaching effect. However, Inferno affects every player and creature on the field, not discriminating between friend or foe, unlike the more strategic targeting of Kaervek’s Hex. Then there is Pyroclasm, a spell with a smaller damage scope but at a cheaper cost. Pyroclasm can affect the early game board presence significantly, but lacks the direct player damage that Kaervek’s Hex provides.
Assessing various damage spells, Kaervek’s Hex stands out for players who prefer strategic placement of area-of-effect damage, making it a noteworthy choice among MTG direct damage options.
Cards similar to Kaervek's Hex by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Kaervek’s Hex shines in scenarios where board control and maintaining card superiority are essential. It has the potential to decimate multiple threats at once, effectively granting you a multi-card exchange in your favor. These kinds of exchanges are critical in outpacing your opponents, making it a strategically powerful addition to your deck.
Resource Acceleration: Although Kaervek’s Hex does not directly accelerate your resources in terms of mana, it effectively serves as resource acceleration by eliminating several of your opponent’s resources in one fell swoop. This indirect form of acceleration can set your opponent back while leaving you in a more advantageous position for future turns.
Instant Speed: The fact that Kaervek’s Hex can be cast at instant speed adds a layer of flexibility and surprise to your game plan. You can choose the most opportune moment—such as in response to your opponent’s attacks or end-of-turn—to maximize its impact, disrupting their strategy and preserving your standing during critical phases of the game.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Playing Kaervek’s Hex requires you to pitch another card from your hand, which can put you at a card disadvantage, especially if your hand is already running low.
Specific Mana Cost: Kaervek’s Hex comes with a specific casting cost that includes both black and red mana, making it less adaptable and potentially harder to cast in multi-colored decks that might not prioritize these colors.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With its casting cost of three black and one red mana, Kaervek’s Hex can be a costly play in terms of mana economy. Considering the effect, there might be more mana-efficient spells available to control the board or handle threats.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Kaervek’s Hex can serve multiple roles in various deck builds, particularly those that need to control the board while committing to their own tactics.
Combo Potential: This card has synergy with strategies that revolve around damage increments and can be a key piece in decks that aim to dominate with direct damage.
Meta-Relevance: In a game state where creature-based strategies dominate, it can serve as a potent tool to level the playing field against swarming opponents.
How to beat
Kaervek’s Hex is one of those quirky cards that can throw a wrench in your carefully laid plans in MTG. Often seen in casual decks, this enchantment can make players pause and reconsider their strategies when it hits the battlefield. The card brings a layer of danger to playing creatures with high toughness, as it can deal damage equivalent to the toughness to the creature’s controller when a creature blocks.
Overcoming Kaervek’s Hex requires a shift in tactics. Prioritize using creatures with lower toughness to minimize the potential damage you might face, or employ creatures with abilities like hexproof or shroud to sidestep the Hex’s effect entirely. Artifact creatures can also be a strong alternative as they tend to have lower toughness. Moreover, incorporating removal spells in your deck that can target enchantments directly, like Disenchant or Naturalize, offers a clear pathway to eliminating the threat swiftly before it can do substantial harm to your life total.
In essence, when playing against Kaervek’s Hex, adjusting your deck composition and being judicious with your creature choices is key. Stay aware of the potential for self-inflicted damage and always be ready to address this enchantment with a quick removal solution.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Kaervek's Hex MTG card by a specific set like Mirage, 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 Kaervek's Hex 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
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Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Kaervek's Hex 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 Kaervek's Hex 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 | If a creature is both black and green, Kaervek’s Hex will deal 1 damage to that creature. |