Last-Ditch Effort MTG Card


Provides game-ending potential by converting numerous creatures into direct damage to opponents. Can be activated at instant speed, allowing strategic flexibility to disrupt opponents’ plays. Demands consideration for its specific red mana and additional card discard costs.
Last-Ditch Effort - Urza's Legacy
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityUncommon
TypeInstant
Released1999-02-15
Set symbol
Set nameUrza's Legacy
Set codeULG
Number83
Frame1997
LayoutNormal
BorderBlack
Illustred byDan Frazier

Text of card

Sacrifice X creatures. Last-Ditch Effort deals X damage to target creature or player.

"If you're gonna lose, at least make sure they don't win as much." —Jula, goblin raider


Cards like Last-Ditch Effort

Last-Ditch Effort is an intriguing card in Magic: The Gathering that offers a unique spin on creature sacrifice effects. It bears similarities to cards like Goblin Bombardment, which also revolves around sacrificing creatures for direct damage. Last-Ditch Effort distinguishes itself by dealing damage equal to the number of creatures sacrificed across the board, making it potentially powerful in heavy creature-based decks.

When compared to another card, Barter in Blood, which forces each player to sacrifice creatures, Last-Ditch Effort provides the controller a voluntary choice on when to activate its effect, potentially turning a losing battlefield into a surprise victory. It is also comparable to Blasting Station, offering repeated sacrifice utility but Blasting Station works on individual creature sacrifice and doesn’t provide a similar burst damage potential.

In essence, while MTG offers a range of creature sacrifice mechanics, Last-Ditch Effort stands out for its capacity to leverage a wide creature presence at a critical juncture, reiterating its status as a staple in decks looking to make every creature count, sometimes right before an imminent defeat.

Goblin Bombardment - MTG Card versions
Barter in Blood - MTG Card versions
Blasting Station - MTG Card versions
Goblin Bombardment - MTG Card versions
Barter in Blood - MTG Card versions
Blasting Station - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Last-Ditch Effort by color, type and mana cost

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Telim'Tor's Edict - MTG Card versions
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Shower of Sparks - MTG Card versions
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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Last-Ditch Effort gives you the opportunity to turn a losing board state into card advantage. This card can be crucial when you need to make a significant impact without committing more cards from your hand.

Resource Acceleration: This card is particularly powerful when you have many creatures on the field. Sacrificing them can generate a large amount of damage, which can accelerate the game towards your victory.

Instant Speed: The flexibility of being an instant allows you to wait until the most opportune moment to unleash its effect. This can be during your opponent’s turn to disrupt their strategy or in response to an overwhelming threat, putting them in a difficult position.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: It demands that a card be discarded to activate its ability, potentially draining your hand when you might need those cards for other strategic plays.

Specific Mana Cost: This card’s casting conditions require red mana, which might not fit smoothly into decks running on a diverse mana base or those that are not red-centric.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a casting requirement that might be considered steep for its one-time effect, other cards could give you more bang for your buck without such a hefty mana investment.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Last-Ditch Effort is a versatile piece for any collection as it easily slots into decks that require an immediate impact on the board, especially those involving creature strategies.

Combo Potential: This card has significant combo potential in decks that capitalize on sacrificing creatures for powerful effects, making it a must-have for players looking to craft surprising win conditions.

Meta-Relevance: Given its ability to turn a losing position into a win, Last-Ditch Effort can change the tide against decks that overwhelm with creature swarms, ensuring its relevance in diverse metagames.


How to beat Last-Ditch Effort

Last-Ditch Effort is a potent card for those clutch moments in Magic: The Gathering. This red instant allows a player to sacrifice creatures to deal damage equal to the total number of creatures sacrificed to target player. It’s a game finisher in decks swarming with creatures. Controlling the board and keeping creature numbers low is one way to mitigate the threat of Last-Ditch Effort. Cards that cause mass creature removal like “Wrath of God” or “Damnation” are valuable counters.

Another strategy is to employ counterspells to disrupt the opponent’s plans. A well-timed “Counterspell” or “Negate” can prevent the casting of Last-Ditch Effort altogether. Additionally, utilizing instant-speed removal like “Path to Exile” can efficiently take out key creatures before your opponent has the opportunity to sacrifice them. Lastly, life gain tactics can outpace the damage potential of Last-Ditch Effort, so integrating cards such as “Sphinx’s Revelation” can help maintain a life total out of reach.

Overall, it’s about preventing your opponent from reaching a critical mass of creatures or having the means to neutralize their game-ending play. A keen understanding of when and how to disrupt this MTG card’s strategy will help you navigate against decks featuring this explosive final play.


BurnMana Recommendations

Understanding the intricacies and potentials of Last-Ditch Effort can significantly impact your MTG gameplay. Its capacity for game-altering damage makes it a compelling addition to creature-heavy strategies. Whether you’re looking to secure victory from the jaws of defeat or seek the thrill of turning the tables at instant speed, this card offers that potential. Every player’s collection can benefit from a little bit of unpredictability. Sharpen your deck-building skills and edge out your opponents with surprising plays. Interested in strategies that can harness the explosive power of Last-Ditch Effort? Dive deeper with us and to make the most out of every game.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Last-Ditch Effort MTG card by a specific set like Urza's Legacy, 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 Last-Ditch Effort and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Last-Ditch Effort has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Last-Ditch Effort 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 It deals one damage for each creature sacrificed.
2004-10-04 The creatures are chosen and sacrificed on resolution.