Kami's Flare MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Common |
| Type | Instant |
| Released | 2022-02-18 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty |
| Set code | NEO |
| Number | 150 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Tia Masic |
Text of card
Kami's Flare deals 3 damage to target creature or planeswalker. Kami's Flare also deals 2 damage to that permanent's controller if you control a modified creature. (Equipment, Auras you control, and counters are modifications.)
"The flames are a gift from my companion. They won't hurt me. You, on the other hand..."
Cards like Kami's Flare
Kami’s Flare is a significant card in the realm of direct damage spells in MTG. It stands in the same category as Lightning Bolt, an iconic card known for its efficiency in dealing three damage at the low cost of one red mana. Kami’s Flare, however, has an additional upside in that it can deal damage to a creature or a player if you control a modified creature, offering more flexibility. It also allows you to draw a card if the target is a player, thereby providing both removal and card advantage in one.
Comparably, Searing Blaze is another spell that targets both creature and player, but it requires a landfall trigger to achieve its full potential. On the other hand, Searing Blood deals damage to a creature and then to that creature’s controller upon its death. While both spells have similar damage-dealing effects, Kami’s Flare’s card drawing capability gives it an edge in situations where maximizing your resources is key.
Therefore, among the array of direct damage spells in the MTG arsenal, Kami’s Flare holds a unique position. Its dual ability to remove threats and churn through your deck can be a game-changer, solidifying its place in strategies that thrive on both disruption and card flow.
Cards similar to Kami's Flare by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Kami's Flare. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Mono-Red Aggro | Standard | Mono-Red Aggro | The Pizza Box Open: Standard |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: Kami’s Flare provides a significant edge by dealing damage while also offering you the chance to draw a card if you control a modified creature, contributing to maintaining a robust resource lead against your opponent.
Resource Acceleration: While the card itself doesn’t directly generate resources, it clears the path for your creatures to attack and allows your strategy to advance unimpeded. In this way, it can indirectly result in a form of acceleration by reducing your opponent’s defensive options.
Instant Speed: The versatility of Kami’s Flare is enhanced by its instant speed, which permits reactive play during your opponent’s turn. This means you can surprise an attacker or defend your life total unexpectedly, making it a flexible tool in many situations.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Kami’s Flare necessitates the discarding of a spirit card from your hand. Depending on the situation, this could hinder your game plan, especially if your hand is already devoid of useful spirits to sacrifice.
Specific Mana Cost: This spell’s effectiveness is hinged on having both red and white mana available. Decks not aligned with these colors will find Kami’s Flare incompatible, reducing its flexibility across various deck types.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: The card’s casting cost requires a relatively hefty investment of mana for its damage-dealing effect. For a similar cost, alternative spells might provide immediate and potentially more impacting outcomes on the battlefield.
Reasons to Include Kami’s Flare in Your Collection
Versatility: Kami’s Flare is a card that easily slots into a variety of red-based decks, particularly those that capitalize on instant speed interaction. Its ability to deal direct damage while potentially drawing you a card makes it a flexible choice for both offense and defense.
Combo Potential: This card shines in decks that have a strong spirit or arcane subtheme. Its synergy with spirit creatures not only amplifies damage but also provides card draw, potentially setting up powerful combinations to outpace your opponent.
Meta-Relevance: In a meta where small creatures and planeswalkers are prevalent, Kami’s Flare can be a crucial answer. It allows you to stay on tempo while keeping the board clear of threats or finish off a weakened opponent, solidifying its place in the current competitive scene.
How to beat Kami’s Flare
Kami’s Flare is a prominent card that often turns the tides in Magic: The Gathering matchups. As a spell that inflicts damage and potentially offers card advantage when used effectively, overcoming it requires smart play and a deep understanding of timing. One approach is to minimize the number of Spirits or Arcane spells you have on the battlefield, as Kami’s Flare increases in power with these elements present.
Maintaining a suite of instant-speed removal or counter spells to neutralize the target or the Flare itself can be instrumental in stifling its impact. Moreover, strategically managing your life total and holding onto creature buffs that can be cast in response can effectively counteract the damage dealt by this spell. Lastly, always be wary of your opponent’s untapped mana and potential to cast Kami’s Flare, adjusting your play to prioritize threats and minimize the spell’s damage.
Ultimately, knowing when to hold back and when to apply pressure will help in mitigating the dangers posed by Kami’s Flare. Keeping a watchful eye on both players’ graveyards and deliberately playing around this powerful card can make all the difference in securing victory on the battlefield.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Kami's Flare MTG card by a specific set like Kamigawa: Neon Dynasty, 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 Kami's Flare 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 Kami's Flare has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Standard | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Legacy | Legal |
| Paupercommander | Legal |
| Oathbreaker | Legal |
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Pioneer | Legal |
| Commander | Legal |
| Modern | Legal |
| Pauper | Legal |
| Future | Legal |
| Vintage | Legal |
| Duel | Legal |
| Explorer | Legal |
| Brawl | Legal |
| Penny | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |
Rules and information
The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Kami's Flare card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.
| Date | Text |
|---|---|
| 2022-02-18 | A creature that is equipped is considered modified no matter who controls the Equipment that's attached to it. |
| 2022-02-18 | A creature with a counter on it is considered modified no matter what kind of counter it is or which player put it on that creature. |
| 2022-02-18 | An Aura controlled by an opponent does not cause a creature you control to be modified. |
| 2022-02-18 | Only creatures can be modified. If a modified creature stops being a creature, it is no longer considered modified. |