Kaervek's Torch MTG Card
1996-10-08 - Number 185
2014-06-16 - Number 175
2019-11-07 - Number 986
2020-09-26 - Number MIR-185
| Card sets | Released in 4 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 1 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Sorcery |
Text of card
Interrupts that target Kaervek's Torch each cost an additional to play. Kaervek's Torch deals X damage to target creature or player.
The pulsing heat of the midday Sun burns in the Lion's eye. —Stone inscription, source unknown
Cards like Kaervek's Torch
Kaervek’s Torch is a seasoned contender in the realm of burn spells in Magic: The Gathering. It shares its space with iconic fire-flinging cards like Fireball, which also allows players to scale damage based on the mana they pour into it. Nevertheless, Kaervek’s Torch gains an edge with its mana taxing ability, making it harder for opponents to counter, a trait Fireball lacks.
Moving along the same scorching path, we encounter Rolling Thunder, another spell that distributes damage among multiple targets. Kaervek’s Torch, however, stands out for being uncounterable unless the adversary pays more, and it carries the potential for a more cost-effective late-game impact due to its fixed additional mana cost.
Lastly, we can draw parallels with Flame Rift, known for dealing a flat amount of damage to each player. Flame Rift comes with a leaner casting cost but lacks the flexibility and focused impact of Kaervek’s Torch. Moreover, the Torch’s ability to be less vulnerable to counter spells is undeniably valuable in matches against blue control decks.
When delving deep into the arsenal of MTG burn spells, Kaervek’s Torch outshines many with its combination of strategic uncounterability and flexible damage output, potentially turning up the heat in the late game.
Cards similar to Kaervek's Torch by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Kaervek's Torch. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | MonoRed TRONO | Pauper | Tron | Tappa LP Comense Pauperissima "Road to Pisa" @Magic Akiba |
 | Monster Tron | Pauper | Tron | Monthly Tournament #33 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Kaervek’s Torch is more than just a damage-dealer; it also acts as a deterrent to blue-based control decks. Its ability to be uncounterable when mana is spent wisely, ensures that your strategic spell can’t be easily negated, ultimately preserving the cards and efforts you’ve invested into your game plan.
Resource Acceleration: This card fits perfectly in decks that ramp up their mana. By the time you have enough mana to cast Kaervek’s Torch, it’s possible to allocate excess resources to make it uncounterable, while still maintaining the pressure on your opponent or even closing out the game.
Instant Speed: Although Kaervek’s Torch is played at sorcery speed, its uncounterable nature when conditions are met gives it a pseudo-instant quality. This puts your opponent in a tight spot, forcing them to preemptively act or risk the consequences of an unstoppable burn that could swiftly tilt the match in your favor.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: While Kaervek’s Torch does not require a discard, it has a specific mana investment that may impact your resources similarly. Balancing your hand around its casting cost is crucial, as it might dictate your plays a few turns in advance.
Specific Mana Cost: Kaervek’s Torch demands a hefty sum of red mana. With three red in its cost, it fits primarily in mono-red or heavily red-influenced decks, thus restricting its versatility in multicolored deck strategies.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a total cost of {6}{R}, Kaervek’s Torch is a hefty investment, and in the fast-paced environment of modern MTG, there are instances where more mana-flexible options might outclass it. Decks aiming for early-game pressure may find its cost prohibitive.
Reasons to Include Kaervek’s Torch in Your Collection
Versatility: Kaervek’s Torch serves multiple purposes in various decks. With its ability to deal direct damage, it can be used either as a way to finish off an opponent or remove pesky creatures from the board. Its flexibility makes it a handy card in many red-based strategies.
Combo Potential: This card becomes a tool for players who love to dabble in combo decks. Its mana scaling damage can be devastatingly combined with spell-copying effects or cost-reducing abilities to create game-ending plays or to significantly alter the board state.
Meta-Relevance: Given the constant shifts in the MTG landscape, Kaervek’s Torch remains relevant, especially in formats where direct damage and the ability to target multiple things are crucial. It can be a powerful sideboard card against decks that rely heavily on creature strategies or as a main deck option in metas where grinding out victories is common.
How to beat
Kaervek’s Torch, as an iconic spell in MTG’s history, is both powerful and a direct threat with its potential to end games. This card sets itself apart by its ability to target both players and creatures while being difficult to counter due to the mana that must be paid if anyone attempts to. Its scalability in terms of mana investment makes it a formidable finisher in many decks.
In facing this potent spell, disruption is key. Instant-speed countermagic that doesn’t target, such as “Disallow” or “Nimble Obstructionist” can circumvent the additional cost associated with targeting the Torch. Alternatively, redirecting the Torch’s damage with effects from cards like “Shunt” or “Wild Ricochet” can turn the tables on the caster. Not to forget, proactive measures include applying pressure to force the torch’s usage defensively or depleting the opponent’s mana resources to make casting it unfeasible.
Understanding the strengths and flexibilities of Kaervek’s Torch aids in crafting the strategy to counteract its impact. Whether through counters, redirects, or strategic play, there’s a window of opportunity to extinguish Kaervek’s fiery threat before its flame reaches its target.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Kaervek's Torch MTG card by a specific set like Mirage and Vintage Masters, 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 Torch 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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Printings
The Kaervek's Torch Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 1996-10-08 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by John Coulthart.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1996-10-08 | Mirage | MIR | 185 | 1997 | Normal | Black | John Coulthart | |
| 2 | 2014-06-16 | Vintage Masters | VMA | 175 | 2015 | Normal | Black | John Coulthart | |
| 3 | 2019-11-07 | Mystery Booster | MB1 | 986 | 1997 | Normal | Black | John Coulthart | |
| 4 | The List | PLST | MIR-185 | 1997 | Normal | Black | John Coulthart |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Kaervek's Torch has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |