Kamahl, Pit Fighter MTG Card
2001-10-01 - Number 198
2005-08-22 - Number I1
2007-07-13 - Number 214
2007-07-13 - Number 214★
2010-06-04 - Number 49
2013-09-06 - Number 16
2017-03-31 - Number 39
2002-06-24 - Number 36088
| Card sets | Released in 8 setsSee all |
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 6 |
| Rarity | Rare |
| Type | Legendary Creature — Human Barbarian |
| Abilities | Haste |
| Power | 6 |
| Toughness | 1 |
Text of card
Haste oc T: Kamahl, Pit Fighter deals 3 damage to target creature or player.
"I didn't come to play. I came to win."
Cards like Kamahl, Pit Fighter
Kamahl, Pit Fighter is a unique figure in the Magic: The Gathering universe, being a legendary Human Barbarian with the rare talent of instant-speed direct damage. When eyeing cards with parallels, Inferno Titan emerges as a noteworthy comparison. This flaming giant, much like Kamahl, dishes out damage upon entering the battlefield or attacking. However, while Inferno Titan’s damage is divided as you choose among one, two, or three targets, Kamahl targets only one.
Another card worthy of comparison is Urabrask the Hidden, a legendary creature that also shares a red color identity with Kamahl. Although Urabrask doesn’t provide direct damage, it offers a different array of strategic advantages, such as haste to your creatures and slowing down your opponents. The versatility and aggressive play that Kamahl brings to the table can sometimes parallel with Urabrask’s ability to control the pace of the game.
Comparing these mighty creatures highlights Kamahl, Pit Fighter’s uniqueness among Magic: The Gathering’s roster of creatures. Its blend of lightning-speed abilities and the potential to pack a punch directly to the opponent sets it apart in decks favoring red, direct damage strategies.
Cards similar to Kamahl, Pit Fighter by color, type and mana cost
Card Pros
Card Advantage: With the ability to deal 3 damage to any target when it taps, Kamahl, Pit Fighter offers direct removal of key threats. This action can disrupt your opponent’s strategy while maintaining your own board presence.
Resource Acceleration: As a 6/1 creature, Kamahl threatens substantial damage early on, forcing your opponent to deal with it immediately. This aggressive nature can lead to a rapid shift in the game’s pace, making it easier for you to capitalize on your opponent’s vulnerabilities.
Instant Speed: Kamahl’s activated ability can be used at instant speed, providing flexibility during gameplay. You’re able to react swiftly to changes on the battlefield and can strategically choose your targets during either player’s turn, keeping opponents on their toes.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Kamahl, Pit Fighter doesn’t impose a discard condition; however, in an aggressive strategy, his late-game arrival might leave you with few cards in hand, making him a potential dead draw when you’re in need of immediate impact.
Specific Mana Cost: With a casting cost demanding three red mana, Kamahl can be hard to deploy outside of dedicated red or two-color decks, limiting his versatility across the multiverse of different deck archetypes.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Six mana for a creature is a significant investment, especially in formats where the game can be decided by quicker, more cost-efficient spells and creatures. This may make Kamahl less appealing when building a lean and fast deck.
Reasons to Include Kamahl, Pit Fighter in Your Collection
Versatility: Kamahl, Pit Fighter brings dynamic gameplay to the table, capable of fitting into various red decks thanks to his direct damage ability. He can serve as an aggressive creature in creature-based decks or a control finisher in decks looking to manage the board before deploying a powerful threat.
Combo Potential: With Kamahl’s tap ability, he offers synergy with strategies that untap creatures, allowing him to potentially deal damage multiple times in a single turn. This can be particularly devastating in conjunction with cards that facilitate untapping.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta with an abundance of creature-based strategies, Kamahl’s ability to deal damage directly to creatures can be a significant advantage. His presence on the board can deter opponents from deploying smaller creatures and give you the upper hand in creature matchups.
How to beat
Kamahl, Pit Fighter is a formidable card in the world of MTG, renowned for its direct damage ability and significant power. As a legendary creature with the capabilities of dealing 3 damage to any target when you tap it, overcoming this challenge requires a strategic approach. Facing Kamahl on the battlefield, players must think carefully about removal options as the card can quickly eliminate key creatures or pressure a player’s life total.
Control strategies that utilize counterspells or instant-speed removal can effectively handle Kamahl before he becomes an active threat. Cards like Path to Exile or Murderous Rider can dispatch him efficiently, bypassing his lightning-fast jabs. Since Kamahl enters the fray with summoning sickness, swift removal before your opponent’s next turn is essential. Moreover, including enchantments that disable activated abilities, such as Imprisoned in the Moon, can neutralize this fiery fighter without triggering any potentially damaging effects when he hits the battlefield.
Ultimately, by prioritizing the containment or prompt elimination of Kamahl, Pit Fighter, you guard against an onslaught of targeted damage that could otherwise disrupt your gameplay and pave the way for your opponent’s victory.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Kamahl, Pit Fighter MTG card by a specific set like Odyssey and Magic Online Promos, 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 Kamahl, Pit Fighter 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 Kamahl, Pit Fighter Magic the Gathering card was released in 7 different sets between 2001-10-01 and 2017-03-31. Illustrated by Kev Walker.
| # | Released | Name | Code | Symbol | Number | Frame | Layout | Border | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2001-10-01 | Odyssey | ODY | 198 | 1997 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 2 | Magic Online Promos | PRM | 36088 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | ||
| 3 | 2005-08-22 | Salvat 2005 | PSAL | I1 | 2003 | Normal | White | Kev Walker | |
| 4 | 2007-07-13 | Tenth Edition | 10E | 214 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 5 | 2007-07-13 | Tenth Edition | 10E | 214★ | 2003 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 6 | 2010-06-04 | Duels of the Planeswalkers | DPA | 49 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 7 | 2013-09-06 | Duel Decks: Heroes vs. Monsters | DDL | 16 | 2003 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker | |
| 8 | 2017-03-31 | Duel Decks: Mind vs. Might | DDS | 39 | 2015 | Normal | Black | Kev Walker |
Legalities
Magic the Gathering formats where Kamahl, Pit Fighter has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Commander | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Premodern | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Predh | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Kamahl, Pit Fighter card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2004-10-04 | The Legend rule only applies to two legendary permanents with identical names. If the names are different, even if they depict the same character, the rule does not apply. |