Mephit's Enthusiasm MTG Card
| Mana cost | |
| Converted mana cost | 2 |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Type | Sorcery |
| Released | 2022-07-07 |
| Set symbol | |
| Set name | Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate |
| Set code | HBG |
| Number | 60 |
| Frame | 2015 |
| Layout | Normal |
| Border | Black |
| Illustred by | Kim Sokol |
Text of card
Mephit's Enthusiasm deals 4 damage to target creature or planeswalker. If excess damage was dealt this way, note that excess damage, then you get a boon with "When you cast your next creature spell, it perpetually gets +X/+0, where X is the noted number."
Cards like Mephit's Enthusiasm
Mephit’s Enthusiasm finds its niche in the realm of red direct damage spells in Magic: The Gathering. It’s a close relative to cards like Shock, which also delivers two points of direct damage to any target. Where Mephit’s Enthusiasm takes a unique turn is in its ability to grant a player additional attack power during combat, something Shock does not offer.
When comparing Mephit’s Enthusiasm to Searing Spear, another staple in direct damage, the latter deals three damage instead of two. However, Searing Spear doesn’t provide the combat trick of boosting a creature’s power. This is where Mephit’s Enthusiasm can shine, especially in aggressive decks looking to close out games swiftly. Flame Slash also enters the fray, dealing four damage to a creature at sorcery speed for just one mana, but it lacks the versatility of hitting players directly.
Decisively, as an addition to Magic: The Gathering’s red spell repertoire, Mephit’s Enthusiasm offers a unique blend of direct damage and combat enhancement, setting it apart in both strategy and utility from its counterparts.
Cards similar to Mephit's Enthusiasm by color, type and mana cost
Decks using this card
MTG decks using Mephit's Enthusiasm. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.
| # | Name | Format | Archetype | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Boros Aggro | Gladiator | Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 13 2024 | |
 | Temur Midrange | Gladiator | Sword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 14 2024 | |
 | Jeskai Tempo | Gladiator | Sword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 13 2024 | |
 | Mono-Red Aggro | Gladiator | Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 13 2024 | |
| Gruul Aggro | Gladiator | Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 14 2024 | |
 | Gruul Stompy | Gladiator | Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 14 2024 | |
| Gruul Control | Gladiator | Sword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 14 2024 | |
| Temur Tempo | Gladiator | Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 12 2024 | |
 | Jeskai Aggro | Gladiator | Gladiator Proving Grounds: Week 13 2024 | |
 | Naya Feather | Gladiator | Sword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 13 2024 |
Card Pros
Card Advantage: In the ever-evolving game of MTG, maintaining a stronger hand than your opponent can be crucial. Mephit’s Enthusiasm provides a strategic edge by fortifying your hand, allowing for better options and responses in upcoming turns.
Resource Acceleration: Mana is the lifeblood of MTG gameplay, and fast-tracking your mana resources can be a pivotal move. Mephit’s Enthusiasm accelerates your resource pool, enabling advanced plays or multicolored deck strategies more swiftly.
Instant Speed: Timing is everything. The ability to cast Mephit’s Enthusiasm at instant speed offers strategic flexibility, keeping opponents guessing while you adapt to the flow of the battle effortlessly.
Card Cons
Discard Requirement: Mephit’s Enthusiasm demands that you pitch another card from your hand into the graveyard to play it. For players who cling to every card for strategical gain, this ask can feel steep and can leave you at a disadvantage, especially if your hand is already running thin on options.
Specific Mana Cost: The casting cost of this spell is locked into a very specific mana combination, requiring both black and red mana. This can pigeonhole it into strictly Rakdos decks or multicolor decks that can reliably generate both types of mana, potentially limiting its versatility in your overall deck strategy.
Comparatively High Mana Cost: Given that Mephit’s Enthusiasm sits at a higher mana rung on the ladder compared to other instants and sorceries offering similar effects, some players might balk at its inclusion. While the potential benefits could swing a game, the question remains if its cost is worth the slot in your deck considering the alternate spells available with a lesser demand for mana.
Reasons to Include in Your Collection
Versatility: Mephit’s Enthusiasm can seamlessly transition into multiple deck archetypes, given its capability to provide a quick boost in both creature power and overall game tempo.
Combo Potential: This card excels in synergistic plays, amplifying the effects of damage-based strategies or enablers that thrive on increased creature statistics.
Meta-Relevance: In a gameplay environment that favors swift, aggressive tactics, Mephit’s Enthusiasm can be a game changer by enabling crucial turns that outpace opponents’ defenses.
How to beat
Mephit’s Enthusiasm is a card that can create a sudden swing in momentum with its ability to deliver direct damage while powering up creatures. To outmaneuver this card, players need to focus on prevention and control. Strategically, removing targets with removal spells before the caster can take advantage of the power boost can neutralize the threat.
Counterplay also involves controlling the stack; holding up counterspells specifically for Mephit’s Enthusiasm can be a game-changer. Additionally, prioritizing the removal of creatures with prowess or ones that benefit from noncreature spells can leave the opponent with a less impactful play.
It is also wise to manage your life total prudently since Mephit’s Enthusiasm can serve as a finisher in tight matches. Employing life gain strategies can often outpace the damage dealt by such cards. Players must therefore balance between advancing their board state and maintaining a cushion against direct damage strategies.
Where to buy
If you're looking to purchase Mephit's Enthusiasm MTG card by a specific set like Alchemy Horizons: Baldur's Gate, 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 Mephit's Enthusiasm 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 Mephit's Enthusiasm has restrictions
| Format | Legality |
|---|---|
| Gladiator | Legal |
| Historicbrawl | Legal |
| Historic | Legal |
| Timeless | Legal |