Chain of Plasma MTG Card

Mana cost
Converted mana cost	2
Rarity	Uncommon
Type	Instant
Released	2002-10-07
Set symbol
Set name	Onslaught
Set code	ONS
Number	193
Frame	1997
Layout	Normal
Border	Black
Illustred by	Gary Ruddell

Key Takeaways

Chain of Plasma maximizes card draw power and maintains game momentum through its copy ability.
At instant speed, it offers strategic flexibility to respond to threats swiftly during any turn.
While potent, the discard requirement and specific mana cost may limit its applicability in certain decks.

Text of card

Chain of Plasma deals 3 damage to target creature or player. Then that player or that creature's controller may discard a card from his or her hand. If the player does, he or she may copy this spell and may choose a new target for that copy.

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Chain of Plasma grants the ability to potentially draw multiple cards through its unique copy ability. By discarding a card, a fresh one can be added to your hand, offering a strategic edge and maintaining momentum.

Resource Acceleration: The flexibility of Chain of Plasma can indirectly lead to resource acceleration. Players can synergize its effect with cards that benefit from discarding or instants and sorceries being cast, such as spells with the Storm mechanic, enhancing their board position at a remarkable pace.

Instant Speed: Operating at instant speed, Chain of Plasma offers reactive play potential, permitting you to adapt to threats or opportunities as they arise during any player’s turn. This flexibility ensures you’re able to participate with strategic responses without committing mana during your own turn.

Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Chain of Plasma necessitates that you discard a card, which may lead to a shortage in your hand. This condition can be particularly detrimental if your strategy relies on maintaining a variety of options or if you’re already contending with hand disruption from your opponent.

Specific Mana Cost: The requirement for one red and two generic mana restricts the card’s inclusion to decks that can reliably produce red mana. Players running multicolor decks without a strong red mana base may find it challenging to cast the spell when needed.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: Although the effect can be powerful, the casting cost of three mana may be steep when considering alternatives. In many situations, other spells provide similar or better effects for less mana, which could lead to a more efficient and flexible game plan.

Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Chain of Plasma offers an adaptable solution for many deck strategies, as it can act both as a direct damage source to clear smaller creatures or, if carefully managed, it could target a player, allowing you to discard cards potentially triggering madness or other discard benefits.

Combo Potential: This card has a place in combos, particularly in decks that harness spells that can be copied, or in synergy with cards designed to capitalize on casting multiple instants and sorceries in a single turn.

Meta-Relevance: In a meta where creature-based strategies are prevalent, Chain of Plasma’s ability to potentially remove multiple threats can give you a significant edge. It’s also a useful tool for disrupting opponents by dealing unexpected damage or forcing discards at critical moments.

How to beat

The Chain of Plasma is an intriguing card that can be both a liability and an asset in Magic: The Gathering. This card allows players to copy the spell for the mere cost of discarding a card, potentially leading to an escalating chain of damage. Understanding the risks and rewards is crucial for either side of the ledger.

To effectively counteract Chain of Plasma, it’s essential to employ strategic deck building and in-game decisions. One method is to incorporate cards that limit the number of spells each player can cast per turn, such as Rule of Law or Deafening Silence. These will halt the chain reaction before it unfolds. Another approach is to use cards with canceling abilities, such as counterspells like Counterspell or Negate, to prevent Chain of Plasma from hitting its target in the first place beyond its initial cast.

Moreover, emphasizing card advantage can bolster your position against such tactics. Utilize cards that permit you to draw while restricting your opponent’s hand, thereby reducing their ability to perpetuate the chain. Ultimately, disrupting the Chain of Plasma requires precise timing, calculated card choices, and a consistent effort to maintain hand superiority throughout the match.

Cards like Chain of Plasma

Chain of Plasma offers MTG enthusiasts a unique spin on the spell copying dynamic. When positioned against similar cards, its individuality is even more pronounced. Take the classic spell Fork, for instance, which is also known to create copies of instants and sorceries. What makes Chain of Plasma special is its potential for repeated copying if players are willing to discard cards, a feature Fork lacks.

Then there’s the Twist Allegiance, sharing the theme of redirection and control, yet it is limited to creatures and lacks the repeatability that comes with Chain of Plasma. Moreover, Reiterate stands out for its buyback ability but again falls short of Chain of Plasma’s chain reaction capability. In terms of mana cost, Chain of Plasma sits comfortably at an accessible three mana, a sweet spot for its repeatable effect.

In the landscape of red spells that alter the course of the game by duplicating or commandeering spells and effects, Chain of Plasma emerges as an interesting choice for players who seek a mixture of control and chaos, all hinging on the strategic discarding of cards.

Cards similar to Chain of Plasma by color, type and mana cost

Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Chain of Plasma MTG card by a specific set like Onslaught, 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 Chain of Plasma and other MTG cards: