Kalamax, the Stormsire MTG Card
2020-04-17 - Number 9
2023-11-17 - Number 13
2020-09-26 - Number C20-9
| Card sets | Released in 3 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 4 |
| Rarity | Mythic |
| Type | Legendary Creature — Elemental Dinosaur |
| Power | 4 |
| Toughness | 4 |
Text of card
Whenever you cast your first instant spell each turn, if Kalamax, the Stormsire is tapped, copy that spell. You may choose new targets for the copy. Whenever you copy an instant spell, put a +1/+1 counter on Kalamax.
Its mood changes with the weather, and vice versa.
Cards like Kalamax, the Stormsire
Kalamax, the Stormsire, brings a unique flair to the commander format of Magic: The Gathering. In the realm of creature cards that center around spell-copying abilities, it’s not without peers. Melek, Izzet Paragon boasts a similar trait that doubles the impact of instants and sorceries, but Kalamax restricts the copies to the first instant spell you cast each turn. What sets Kalamax apart is its potential to grow in power, becoming a force as players cast more instants.
Riku of Two Reflections serves as another analogue, with an ability that can copy creatures and spells, granting players flexibility at the cost of additional mana. Kalamax, however, doesn’t demand extra mana to initiate its copying effect. Lastly, we observe Wort, the Raidmother, who can conspire to duplicate spells by tapping two creatures. Unlike Kalamax, Wort’s capacity is not inherently limited to instants nor does it become more formidable with each copy created.
After comparing Kalamax, the Stormsire with peers in its category, it becomes clear that this legendary creature offers a balance of spell-copying utility and combat potential – a combination that earns its spot in many MTG decks that aim to harness the power of instants and grow a commanding board presence.
Cards similar to Kalamax, the Stormsire by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Kalamax the Stormsire thrives on casting instants, leading to a cascade of card draws when played with the right supporting spells. With each copy triggered, you propel further into your deck, potentially unveiling more combos or control options to steer the game in your favor.
Resource Acceleration: By doubling the effects of mana-generating instants, Kalamax offers a powerful avenue for resource acceleration. This not only ramps your mana pool but also efficiently positions you to cast high-impact spells earlier than usual, giving you a significant edge on the battlefield.
Instant Speed: Kalamax’s capacity to copy the first instant spell you cast each turn encourages a playstyle that maximizes instant speed interactions. This ensures you remain reactive to threats or opportunities, maintaining control over the game’s flow as you advance your board state under the guise of unpredictability.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: When incorporating Kalamax, the Stormsire into your deck, be ready to potentially discard cards to access its maximal potential. This can be challenging during gameplay, especially when your hand is running low on cards, and you’re forced to make tough choices on what to keep or discard.
Specific Mana Cost: Kalamax requires a mix of colored mana for casting, demanding green, blue, and red mana sources. This specific combination means it might not seamlessly fit into every deck archetype without significant mana base adjustments, making it less flexible for players who don’t run a Temur-colored deck.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The casting cost is set at four mana, which can be steep early in the game, potentially delaying your board presence. While Kalamax holds tremendous value for late-game strategies, other commanders or creatures might provide a stronger or quicker impact on the game with a lower mana investment.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Kalamax the Stormsire shines as a dynamic commander in commander decks, adept at adapting to a multitude of playstyles. Its innate ability to copy instant spells gives it flexibility to be a powerhouse in a variety of deck builds, from control-oriented to a more combo-centric approach.
Combo Potential: With the unrivaled capability to double the effects of instants, Kalamax opens the door for game-winning combinations. Its ability is not only a force multiplier for spell-based strategies, but also harmonizes with synergistic pieces that escalate in power with spell casting and copying.
Meta-Relevance: In current gameplay situations where spell-slinging and instant speed interactions are pivotal, Kalamax the Stormsire provides an edge that can tip scales in your favor. It’s a card that can often be underestimated but has the potential to dictate the flow of the game when properly utilized.
How to beat
Kalamax the Stormsire presents a unique challenge on the battlefield, making it a formidable commander in MTG. A crucial strategy for overcoming this card involves disrupting the synergy it fosters. As Kalamax thrives on casting instant spells during your opponent’s turn, a focus on disruption is key. Countermeasures such as instant-speed removal, which can eliminate Kalamax before it can be exploited, are particularly effective. Denying your opponent the trigger from Kalamax by keeping their board clear prevents them from capitalizing on spells that would benefit from the copy effect.
Another method is to utilize cards that limit the number of spells an opponent can cast each turn or that increase the cost of instants and sorceries. This not only hinders the deck’s operational efficiency but also mitigates the recursive value that Kalamax adds to your opponent’s strategy. Employing preventative measures like these can ensure that you maintain control over the game and ultimately pave the way to victory against a Kalamax the Stormsire-led deck.
BurnMana Recommendations
Embracing Kalamax the Stormsire means leveraging its strengths in card advantage, resource acceleration, and instant speed tactics while navigating its deck requirements and higher mana cost. Whether you’re looking to dominate by doubling instant spells or simply seeking a fun and challenging addition to your collection, Kalamax offers a dynamic and game-altering presence. Consider how its unique properties might fit into your commander strategy and propel your gameplay to new heights. For a deeper understanding of how to harness the power of Kalamax or to find ways to counter it in the meta, we invite you to continue this journey with us. Deepen your MTG expertise and see how Kalamax can revolutionize your play experience.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Kalamax, the Stormsire MTG card by a specific set like Commander 2020 and The List, 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 Kalamax, the Stormsire and other MTG cards:
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Printings
The Kalamax, the Stormsire Magic the Gathering card was released in 3 different sets between 2020-04-17 and 2023-11-17. Illustrated by 2 different artists.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2020-04-17 | Commander 2020 | C20 | 9 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Nicholas Gregory | |
| 2 | The List | PLST | C20-9 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Nicholas Gregory | ||
| 3 | 2023-11-17 | Special Guests | SPG | 13 | 2015 | Normal | Borderless | Sam Burley |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Kalamax, the Stormsire has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Kalamax, the Stormsire card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2020-04-17 | A copy is created even if the spell that caused Kalamax’s ability to trigger has been countered by the time that ability resolves. The copy resolves before the original spell. |
| 2020-04-17 | An ability that triggers when a player copies a spell resolves before the copy. It resolves even if that spell is countered. |
| 2020-04-17 | If Kalamax becomes tapped as a cost to cast your first instant spell in a turn, its first ability triggers. |
| 2020-04-17 | If an effect copies a card rather than a spell (such as that of God-Eternal Kefnet), this doesn’t cause Kalamax’s last ability to trigger. |
| 2020-04-17 | If an effect copies an instant spell multiple times, Kalamax’s last ability triggers that many times. |
| 2020-04-17 | If the spell that’s copied has damage divided as it was cast, the division can’t be changed, although the targets receiving that damage still can. The same is true of spells that distribute counters. |
| 2020-04-17 | If the spell that’s copied is modal (that is, it says “Choose one —” or the like), the copy created by Kalamax’s first ability will have the same mode or modes. You can’t choose different ones. |
| 2020-04-17 | Kalamax’s first ability considers the entire turn. If you cast an instant spell before Kalamax becomes tapped, its first ability won’t trigger when you cast your second. |
| 2020-04-17 | The copies that Kalamax’s first ability creates are created on the stack, so they’re not “cast.” Abilities that trigger when a player casts a spell won’t trigger. |
| 2020-04-17 | You can’t choose to pay any additional costs for the copy created by Kalamax’s first ability. However, effects based on any additional costs that were paid for the original spell are copied as though those same costs were paid for the copy too. |