Magma Burst MTG Card

Magma Burst provides board control by potentially eliminating two threats, gaining card advantage. Its high cost and specific mana requirements can limit deck inclusion, demanding careful planning. Despite these challenges, its versatility makes Magma Burst a valuable asset in direct damage strategies.

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	4
Rarity	Common
Type	Instant
Abilities	Kicker
Released	2001-02-05
Set symbol
Set name	Planeshift
Set code	PLS
Number	66
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Bradley Williams

Text of card

Kicker— Sacrifice two lands. (You may sacrifice two lands in addition to any other costs as you play this spell.) Magma Burst deals 3 damage to target creature or player. If you paid the kicker cost, Magma Burst deals 3 damage to another target creature or player.

Cards like Magma Burst

Magma Burst is an intriguing option within the red damage spell lineup in Magic: The Gathering. It bears resemblance to damage spells like Doublecast, which allows copying of another instant or sorcery spell for the same mana cost. Magma Burst, however, differentiates itself by directly dealing the damage without requiring an additional spell.

When comparing to a card like Fireball, which also can deal damage divided as you choose among any number of targets, Magma Burst is unique with its kicker cost permitting additional damage at the cost of two lands. This can be a game-changer but also a higher resource cost. Pyroclasm offers a flat two damage to all creatures for a lower mana cost, yet it lacks the target flexibility of Magma Burst.

Assessing the competing options, Magma Burst stands out for its ability to tailor damage among multiple targets and its potential for a significant impact when the kicker is paid. While it may come with a higher resource sacrifice than some alternatives, its tactical versatility in gameplay cannot be undervalued when considering red spell selections in Magic: The Gathering.

Cards similar to Magma Burst by color, type and mana cost

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Card Pros

Card Advantage: Magma Burst is particularly potent in scenarios where you’re looking to manage multiple threats on the board. Its ability to target two creatures or planeswalkers means you can potentially remove two of your opponent’s key players in one fell swoop, maintaining pressure and card advantage.

Resource Acceleration: While not directly contributing to resource acceleration, Magma Burst can be an integral part of a strategy focused on preserving your resources. By eliminating threats efficiently, it allows you to continue developing your board without having to commit additional cards for defense.

Instant Speed: As a sorcery, Magma Burst does not benefit from the versatility of instant speed. However, it compensates with raw power and the potential for two-for-one trades, which is crucial for keeping up momentum and advancing your position on the battlefield.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Magma Burst comes with an additional cost that may not always be favorable. To cast it, you have to forgo another precious card from your hand. This cost is particularly steep when your hand is already running low on cards.

Specific Mana Cost: To utilize Magma Burst effectively in your game, you need a specific combination of mana. It’s not just about having enough resources; two red mana sources are essential to cast this spell. This requirement restricts flexibility and can be a stumbling block in multicolored decks that can’t always guarantee the needed red mana.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Sitting at a total of five mana, Magma Burst may seem steep in cost compared to other spells in your collection. While it does offer the potential for impactful removal, savvy players might find that other options in their repertoire provide similar benefits without such heavy demands on their mana pool.

Reasons to Include Magma Burst in Your Collection

Versatility: Magma Burst offers a flexible slot in various deck builds. It’s particularly adept in formats that favor direct damage spells. With the ability to potentially take out two targets at once, it allows for strategic removal of creatures or finishing off an opponent.

Combo Potential: This card shines when combined with other spells that put cards back into your hand or graveyard, giving you the chance to reuse its powerful effect. It fits into decks revolving around spellslinger strategies or graveyard synergies, providing a recurring threat your opponents must beware of.

Meta-Relevance: As the competitive scene shifts, the need for effective board control is constant. In a meta heavy with creature-based strategies, Magma Burst can clear the way for your attacks or disrupt your opponent’s momentum, making it a practical choice regardless of the ebb and flow of deck trends.

How to beat

Magma Burst enters the battlefield with the promise of significant direct damage, often turning the tide of a game in Magic: The Gathering. This potent red spell can target creatures or players, enabling you to remove key threats or close out a match. However, savvy players have strategies to mitigate its impact.

Counterspells are the first line of defense, with options like Mana Leak or Negate at the ready to stop Magma Burst in its tracks. Alternatively, creatures with hexproof or shroud protect themselves from becoming targets, ensuring your board presence remains unaffected. Other strategies involve life gain to buffer against potential damage or using instant-speed creature protection spells to safeguard your valuable assets. As Magma Burst requires the sacrifice of two lands, timing is crucial. Deploying your strategy after an opponent has invested in this costly spell can leave them at a resource disadvantage, creating opportunities for you to seize control. Understanding the intricacies of this explosive card and preparing for it can be the key to securing victory over its fiery onslaught.

Whether countering it directly, protecting your creatures, or simply outpacing the opponent who falls behind after casting it, there are multiple avenues to successfully navigate the challenges posed by Magma Burst.

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Magma Burst MTG card by a specific set like Planeshift, 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 Magma Burst and other MTG cards:

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Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Magma Burst has restrictions

Format	Legality
Commander	Legal
Legacy	Legal
Paupercommander	Legal
Oathbreaker	Legal
Pauper	Legal
Premodern	Legal
Vintage	Legal
Duel	Legal
Predh	Legal
Penny	Legal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Magma Burst 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 second target must be different from the first one.
2004-10-04	You choose a second target only if you choose to pay the Kicker cost.