Kaervek's Torch MTG Card


Card setsReleased in 4 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost1
RarityCommon
TypeSorcery

Key Takeaways

  1. Uncounterable by paying extra mana makes it a reliable game finisher against control strategies.
  2. Fits in ramp decks, allowing use of excess mana for an uncounterable casting method.
  3. Requires strategic mana management to balance its high casting cost for optimal play.

Text of card

Interrupts that target Kaervek's Torch each cost an additional to play. Kaervek's Torch deals X damage to target creature or player.

The pulsing heat of the midday Sun burns in the Lion's eye. —Stone inscription, source unknown


Card Pros

Card Advantage: Kaervek’s Torch is more than just a damage-dealer; it also acts as a deterrent to blue-based control decks. Its ability to be uncounterable when mana is spent wisely, ensures that your strategic spell can’t be easily negated, ultimately preserving the cards and efforts you’ve invested into your game plan.

Resource Acceleration: This card fits perfectly in decks that ramp up their mana. By the time you have enough mana to cast Kaervek’s Torch, it’s possible to allocate excess resources to make it uncounterable, while still maintaining the pressure on your opponent or even closing out the game.

Instant Speed: Although Kaervek’s Torch is played at sorcery speed, its uncounterable nature when conditions are met gives it a pseudo-instant quality. This puts your opponent in a tight spot, forcing them to preemptively act or risk the consequences of an unstoppable burn that could swiftly tilt the match in your favor.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: While Kaervek’s Torch does not require a discard, it has a specific mana investment that may impact your resources similarly. Balancing your hand around its casting cost is crucial, as it might dictate your plays a few turns in advance.

Specific Mana Cost: Kaervek’s Torch demands a hefty sum of red mana. With three red in its cost, it fits primarily in mono-red or heavily red-influenced decks, thus restricting its versatility in multicolored deck strategies.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a total cost of {6}{R}, Kaervek’s Torch is a hefty investment, and in the fast-paced environment of modern MTG, there are instances where more mana-flexible options might outclass it. Decks aiming for early-game pressure may find its cost prohibitive.


Reasons to Include Kaervek’s Torch in Your Collection

Versatility: Kaervek’s Torch serves multiple purposes in various decks. With its ability to deal direct damage, it can be used either as a way to finish off an opponent or remove pesky creatures from the board. Its flexibility makes it a handy card in many red-based strategies.

Combo Potential: This card becomes a tool for players who love to dabble in combo decks. Its mana scaling damage can be devastatingly combined with spell-copying effects or cost-reducing abilities to create game-ending plays or to significantly alter the board state.

Meta-Relevance: Given the constant shifts in the MTG landscape, Kaervek’s Torch remains relevant, especially in formats where direct damage and the ability to target multiple things are crucial. It can be a powerful sideboard card against decks that rely heavily on creature strategies or as a main deck option in metas where grinding out victories is common.


How to beat

Kaervek’s Torch, as an iconic spell in MTG’s history, is both powerful and a direct threat with its potential to end games. This card sets itself apart by its ability to target both players and creatures while being difficult to counter due to the mana that must be paid if anyone attempts to. Its scalability in terms of mana investment makes it a formidable finisher in many decks.

In facing this potent spell, disruption is key. Instant-speed countermagic that doesn’t target, such as “Disallow” or “Nimble Obstructionist” can circumvent the additional cost associated with targeting the Torch. Alternatively, redirecting the Torch’s damage with effects from cards like “Shunt” or “Wild Ricochet” can turn the tables on the caster. Not to forget, proactive measures include applying pressure to force the torch’s usage defensively or depleting the opponent’s mana resources to make casting it unfeasible.

Understanding the strengths and flexibilities of Kaervek’s Torch aids in crafting the strategy to counteract its impact. Whether through counters, redirects, or strategic play, there’s a window of opportunity to extinguish Kaervek’s fiery threat before its flame reaches its target.


Cards like Kaervek's Torch

Kaervek’s Torch is a seasoned contender in the realm of burn spells in Magic: The Gathering. It shares its space with iconic fire-flinging cards like Fireball, which also allows players to scale damage based on the mana they pour into it. Nevertheless, Kaervek’s Torch gains an edge with its mana taxing ability, making it harder for opponents to counter, a trait Fireball lacks.

Moving along the same scorching path, we encounter Rolling Thunder, another spell that distributes damage among multiple targets. Kaervek’s Torch, however, stands out for being uncounterable unless the adversary pays more, and it carries the potential for a more cost-effective late-game impact due to its fixed additional mana cost.

Lastly, we can draw parallels with Flame Rift, known for dealing a flat amount of damage to each player. Flame Rift comes with a leaner casting cost but lacks the flexibility and focused impact of Kaervek’s Torch. Moreover, the Torch’s ability to be less vulnerable to counter spells is undeniably valuable in matches against blue control decks.

When delving deep into the arsenal of MTG burn spells, Kaervek’s Torch outshines many with its combination of strategic uncounterability and flexible damage output, potentially turning up the heat in the late game.

Fireball - MTG Card versions
Rolling Thunder - MTG Card versions
Flame Rift - MTG Card versions
Fireball - Limited Edition Alpha (LEA)
Rolling Thunder - Tempest (TMP)
Flame Rift - Nemesis (NEM)

Cards similar to Kaervek's Torch by color, type and mana cost

Disintegrate - MTG Card versions
Fireball - MTG Card versions
Earthquake - MTG Card versions
Mana Clash - MTG Card versions
Detonate - MTG Card versions
Winds of Change - MTG Card versions
Gamble - MTG Card versions
Meltdown - MTG Card versions
Goblin Grenade - MTG Card versions
Tremor - MTG Card versions
Ghitu Fire - MTG Card versions
Tahngarth's Glare - MTG Card versions
Lava Burst - MTG Card versions
Overmaster - MTG Card versions
Devil's Play - MTG Card versions
Firebolt - MTG Card versions
Blaze - MTG Card versions
Crack the Earth - MTG Card versions
Meteor Shower - MTG Card versions
Burning Inquiry - MTG Card versions
Disintegrate - Fifth Edition (5ED)
Fireball - The List (PLST)
Earthquake - Tales of Middle-earth Commander (LTC)
Mana Clash - Ninth Edition (9ED)
Detonate - Introductory Two-Player Set (ITP)
Winds of Change - Masters Edition (ME1)
Gamble - Dominaria Remastered (DMR)
Meltdown - Urza's Saga (USG)
Goblin Grenade - Arena New Player Experience Extras (XANA)
Tremor - Eighth Edition (8ED)
Ghitu Fire - Invasion (INV)
Tahngarth's Glare - Apocalypse (APC)
Lava Burst - Deckmasters (DKM)
Overmaster - Dominaria Remastered (DMR)
Devil's Play - Shadows of the Past (SIS)
Firebolt - Mystery Booster (MB1)
Blaze - Duels of the Planeswalkers (DPA)
Crack the Earth - Betrayers of Kamigawa (BOK)
Meteor Shower - Masters Edition II (ME2)
Burning Inquiry - Magic 2010 (M10)

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Kaervek's Torch MTG card by a specific set like Mirage and Vintage Masters, 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 Kaervek's Torch and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Kaervek's Torch Magic the Gathering card was released in 4 different sets between 1996-10-08 and 2019-11-07. Illustrated by John Coulthart.

#ReleaseNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
11996-10-08MirageMIR 1851997normalblackJohn Coulthart
22014-06-16Vintage MastersVMA 1752015normalblackJohn Coulthart
32019-11-07Mystery BoosterMB1 9861997normalblackJohn Coulthart
42020-09-26The ListPLST MIR-1851997normalblackJohn Coulthart

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Kaervek's Torch has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
PaupercommanderLegal
OathbreakerLegal
PauperLegal
PremodernLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

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